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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for a leading higher education institution.
- Company: Join a mission-driven Scottish university focused on growth and transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 43 days annual leave, hybrid working, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy while driving digital innovation and sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: UK accountancy qualification and experience in FP&A leadership required.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; apply even if you don't meet all requirements.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 74000 £ per year.
iMultiply are working in partnership with a leading Scottish higher education institution to recruit a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis — a key leadership role that will shape the organisation’s financial strategy and performance insight capabilities.
About The Role
This senior finance post is critical to enabling high-quality decision-making across the institution. As Head of FP&A, you’ll lead a team of Senior Financial Analysts and be responsible for:
- Delivering strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting cycles
- Implementing rolling forecasts and modern FP&A tools
- Providing actionable insight to the Executive Leadership Team and Board
- Driving financial modelling for academic initiatives and commercial ventures
- Enhancing performance analytics and KPI frameworks
- Leading systems transformation and enabling data-led planning
You’ll also be at the heart of driving digital innovation, supporting automation, AI integration, and predictive analytics in planning processes.
What You’ll Need
- A recognised UK accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ICAS, ICAEW, CPFA)
- Proven experience leading FP&A in complex organisations
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and business partnering skills
- Advanced analytical and financial modelling expertise
- Experience in higher education or public/third sector finance is desirable but not essential.
What’s on Offer
- Salary: up to £66,148
- Annual Leave: Up to 43 days
- Pension: Generous employer contributions
- Additional Benefits: Cycle to Work Scheme, CPD support, free parking, sponsored education, and more
- Location: Based in Edinburgh with hybrid flexible working 1-2 days per week in office
Be part of a mission-driven organisation undergoing significant growth and transformation. Your expertise will influence future planning and long-term sustainability – including ESG integration and strategic agility.
If you like the look of this vacancy and think you could perform the role, but you don't think you meet all the requirements, please DO APPLY for this opportunity. Data shows that certain groups, mainly women and people from BIPOC communities, are less likely to apply for jobs where they don’t meet 100% of role. iMultiply would encourage you to apply for roles where there is room for development and growth.
iMultiply is committed to diversity and will promote diversity for all employees, workers and applicants. iMultiply will treat everyone equally and will not discriminate on the grounds of an individual’s protected characteristic.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis employer: s1jobs
Contact Detail:
s1jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education finance sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role and the institution. Building these relationships can give you an edge when applying.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest FP&A tools and technologies, especially those related to automation and predictive analytics. Being knowledgeable about these innovations will demonstrate your readiness to drive digital transformation within the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and team development strategies during interviews. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments, as this is crucial for the Head of FP&A role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the institution's current financial strategies and challenges. Understanding their goals and how your expertise can contribute to their success will help you articulate your value during discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning and analysis. Emphasise your leadership roles, particularly in complex organisations, and showcase any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the institution's mission. Discuss how your skills in strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting can contribute to their goals, and mention your experience with digital innovation and data-led planning.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your UK accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, etc.) and any additional certifications or training that may enhance your application. This is crucial for demonstrating your suitability for this senior finance position.
Showcase Leadership and Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, provide examples of your leadership capabilities and stakeholder management experience. Use specific instances where you successfully led teams or influenced decision-making processes to illustrate your fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at s1jobs
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to develop talent and drive performance.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
This role requires advanced analytical and financial modelling expertise. Brush up on your financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. Consider bringing examples of financial models or analyses you've created in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial. Think about how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've built relationships and influenced decision-making at senior levels.
✨Embrace Digital Innovation
The role involves driving digital innovation and supporting automation. Familiarise yourself with modern FP&A tools and technologies. Be ready to discuss how you've integrated technology into financial processes and how you envision leveraging AI and predictive analytics in this role.
