At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and planning in a dynamic higher education environment.
- Company: Join a large, complex organisation making a real impact in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Drive meaningful change and continuous improvement in a values-driven environment.
- Why this job: Shape financial direction and influence strategic decisions at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant senior finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially astute finance professional to join a large, complex organisation operating within the higher education sector. This is a senior leadership role requiring a qualified finance specialist with significant experience in financial strategy, planning, and operational delivery. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping financial direction, influencing strategic decisions, and ensuring the highest standards of financial management and governance.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will act as a trusted advisor across a broad stakeholder base, providing strategic financial insight and ensuring robust financial planning, control, and reporting. You will lead financial reporting and business partnering activity, supporting long-term sustainability and enabling data-driven decision making across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Finance & Leadership
- Contribute to the development and delivery of financial strategy and long-term planning
- Lead on the production of consolidated financial plans, including five-year budgets and forecasts
- Provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders to support strategic decision-making
- Influence organisational direction through insight, analysis, and commercial evaluation
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes
- Deliver high-quality management information, including variance analysis and financial commentary
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with regulations, and adherence to audit requirements
- Identify financial risks, opportunities, and value-for-money improvements
- Business Partnering
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across diverse operational areas
- Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance audiences
- Support investment appraisal, business cases, and commercial decision-making
- Team Leadership & Service Delivery
- Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing finance team
- Set service standards and continuously improve financial processes and systems
- Ensure delivery of a responsive, customer-focused finance service
- Governance, Collaboration & Representation
- Represent the finance function at senior internal and external forums
- Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment with organisational strategy
- Contribute to policy development, ensuring compliance and best practice
About You
You will be a proactive and influential finance leader with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
Essential Requirements
- Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, CIMA, ACA/ICAEW or equivalent)
- Significant senior finance experience, ideally within higher education or a similarly complex environment
- Proven track record in budgeting, financial planning, and commercial appraisal
- Strong leadership experience with the ability to develop and manage teams
- Experience of business planning and strategic financial management
Key Skills & Attributes
- Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgement
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and building strategic relationships
- Demonstrated ability to drive service improvements and deliver high-quality outcomes
- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple demands
Why Apply?
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Influence strategic decision-making at a senior level
- Play a key role in shaping financial direction within a complex organisation
- Lead meaningful change and continuous improvement
- Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Head of FP&A in Hull employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a leading organisation in the higher education sector that values strategic financial leadership and offers a collaborative, values-driven work culture. As the Head of FP&A, you will have the opportunity to influence key financial decisions, drive meaningful change, and develop a high-performing finance team while enjoying robust employee growth opportunities and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FP&A in Hull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial strategy knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decision-making in past roles. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've developed teams or improved processes. This is key for a senior role like Head of FP&A, so make it count.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of FP&A in Hull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your financial strategy and leadership experience, as these are key for the Head of FP&A role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've influenced strategic decisions and led financial teams in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to analyse complex financial data and communicate it clearly. This is crucial for influencing senior stakeholders and making data-driven decisions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Financial Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the financial strategy of the organisation. Understand their current financial position, recent reports, and any challenges they might be facing. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to shaping their financial direction.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios where you might need to influence senior stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial audiences. This will showcase your ability to build strong relationships and provide strategic insights.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed high-performing finance teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you've motivated your team to achieve service improvements or deliver high-quality outcomes, as this aligns with the role's key responsibilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the organisation's goals and challenges. Inquire about their approach to financial governance and how they measure success in financial management. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as a proactive candidate who is ready to contribute.
