At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for Professional Services, providing strategic insights.
- Company: Lancaster University, a supportive and inclusive higher education institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to continuous improvement and equality of opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while supporting a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance partnering experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This senior finance leadership role supports Professional Services and other non-Faculty areas, providing strategic financial insight, robust analysis, and evidence-based advice to senior stakeholders.
About the Role
- Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting for your portfolio.
- Develop and maintain financial models to support multi-year planning and scenario analysis.
- Analyse financial performance to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
- Present clear and insightful financial information to senior decision-makers.
- Lead the University’s TRAC return through to Vice-Chancellor sign-off.
- Line manage and develop members of the Finance team.
- Deputise for the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, as required.
The role requires strong technical financial analysis capability combined with effective stakeholder engagement and leadership skills.
About You
- A fully qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA or equivalent).
- Experienced in senior-level finance partnering within a complex organisation.
- Technically strong in financial modelling and forecasting.
- Confident interpreting and presenting complex financial information.
- A collaborative leader committed to continuous improvement.
Higher Education experience and knowledge of TRAC are desirable but not essential. Lancaster University offers a competitive salary, generous leave entitlement, professional development opportunities, and family-friendly policies. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Senior Strategic Finance Partner in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Finance Partner in Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Lancaster University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising your financial modelling skills. Be ready to showcase how you can analyse trends and present insights clearly, just like you would in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership chops! Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects. This will highlight your collaborative spirit and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lancaster University.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategic Finance Partner in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Strategic Finance Partner role. Highlight your financial modelling and forecasting expertise, as well as any leadership experience you have in finance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've provided strategic financial insight and analysis in previous positions, and don’t forget to mention your collaborative leadership style!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical financial analysis capabilities, be sure to include any relevant qualifications and experiences. Mention your familiarity with TRAC and any complex financial scenarios you've navigated in the past.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Strategic Finance Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your technical financial analysis skills. Brush up on your financial modelling and forecasting techniques. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires effective stakeholder engagement, so think about how you can showcase your experience in this area. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to senior decision-makers and how you’ve built relationships across teams.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be line managing members of the Finance team, so it's important to highlight your leadership experience. Think of instances where you've led a team or project, focusing on how you developed others and drove continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for TRAC Discussions
While knowledge of TRAC isn't essential, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with it. Research how TRAC impacts financial planning in higher education and be prepared to discuss how you would approach leading the University’s TRAC return.