At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and planning, providing insights for strategic decisions.
- Company: Reputable organisation in the higher education sector with a focus on financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to influence organisational direction.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and drive service improvements in financial management.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies and make a real impact in a complex environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant senior finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A reputable organisation is recruiting a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. 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
- 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
- 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
- Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance audiences
- Support investment appraisal, business cases, and commercial decision-making
- 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
- Represent the finance function at senior internal and external forums
- 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. 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. Experience of business planning and strategic financial management. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders. Experience influencing senior stakeholders and building strategic relationships. Demonstrated ability to drive service improvements and deliver high-quality outcomes. Play a key role in shaping financial direction within a complex organisation.
FP&A Analysis Manager in Hull employer: Hays
Join a leading organisation in the higher education sector that values innovation and excellence in financial management. As an FP&A Analysis Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and offers ample opportunities for career growth. With a commitment to strategic financial insight and robust governance, this role not only allows you to influence key decisions but also positions you within a supportive environment dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Analysis Manager 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 decisions in past roles. We want to see you shine as a strategic advisor!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've motivated a team or improved processes. This is key for a senior role like FP&A Analysis Manager, and we love to see that kind of initiative.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Analysis Manager in Hull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in financial strategy and planning, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can influence decisions and drive improvements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to financial management and governance in previous roles. Let us know how you can shape our financial direction!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like how you improved budgeting processes or enhanced financial reporting. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Financial Strategy
Before the interview, brush up on the latest trends in financial strategy, especially within the higher education sector. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the development and delivery of financial strategies that align with the organisation's goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your experience in budgeting and forecasting. Prepare specific examples where you've successfully led financial planning processes or influenced strategic decisions, showcasing your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll want to see your leadership style. Think about times when you've motivated a finance team or improved financial processes. Be ready to share how you’ve developed high-performing teams and set service standards in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Financial Stakeholders
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked how you would present financial information to non-financial stakeholders, so have a few examples ready that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across different audiences.
