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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis to support strategic decisions.
- Company: Join SRUC, a leader in agricultural and rural research, education, and consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, enhanced pension contributions, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving financial transformation and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Professional Accountancy qualification from a recognised UK body is essential.
- Other info: This role may be eligible for sponsorship based on candidate circumstances.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
About The Team:
SRUC's Finance team plays a critical role in enabling the institution to deliver on its mission through sound financial management, strategic insight, and operational support. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the team provides a cohesive service encompassing financial control, planning, analysis, and procurement. The team ensures the integrity of financial operations, while also working in partnership with academic and professional service colleagues to support effective budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring. Finance and Procurement support decision-making at every level by delivering meaningful insight into financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
The Opportunity:
The Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) will lead SRUC's financial planning cycle, providing robust forecasting, variance analysis, and performance insights to support strategic decision-making. This role is pivotal in aligning financial plans with institutional goals and equipping decision-makers with clear, timely, and actionable intelligence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership: Provide leadership to a team of Senior Financial Analysts aligned to core business areas.
- Development: Develop tools, reporting frameworks, and processes to enhance financial understanding and performance across SRUC.
- Strategic Alignment: Ensure financial plans are aligned with institutional goals.
- Transformation: Drive the shift from manual, spreadsheet-based forecasting to a modern FP&A function with appropriate systems, rolling forecasts, and enhanced business intelligence.
- Collaboration: Work closely with academic and commercial departments to monitor and report on commercial, research, and teaching performance, considering the complexity and evolving nature of metrics.
- Long-term Planning: Contribute to the development of long-term financial planning aligned with SRUC's evolving organisational strategies.
Minimum Qualifications:
To be considered for this role you should have a Professional Accountancy qualification with membership of a UK recognised accounting professional body such as ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CPFA (SCQF Level 9). Full details of the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Particulars document.
Eligibility for Sponsorship: This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances.
Why work for SRUC?
- Generous annual leave
- Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted RAC Membership
- Generous family leave
- Flexible working patterns
- Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
- Tailored investment in individuals' learning and development
How to Apply:
Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”. Please read the Job Particulars document before applying.
SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy. SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.
SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in Edinburgh employer: Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
Contact Detail:
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SRUC's mission and values. Understanding how the finance team supports these goals will help you articulate your vision for the Head of FP&A role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in financial planning and analysis, especially regarding technology and systems that enhance forecasting. Being knowledgeable about modern FP&A practices will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and driven transformation in financial processes. Highlighting your leadership experience and strategic alignment with institutional goals will resonate well with the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis position. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in financial planning, analysis, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to align financial plans with institutional goals and drive transformation in financial processes.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Ensure that your Professional Accountancy qualification is clearly stated in your application. Mention your membership with a recognised UK accounting professional body, as this is a minimum requirement for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Discuss how your vision aligns with SRUC's mission and how you can contribute to their financial management and strategic insight.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
✨Understand the Financial Landscape
Familiarise yourself with SRUC's financial operations and how they align with their mission. Be prepared to discuss how your experience in financial planning and analysis can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As the Head of FP&A, you'll be leading a team. Highlight your leadership experience and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven performance improvements in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you would align financial plans with institutional goals. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to successful financial outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with different departments to enhance financial understanding and performance, particularly in complex environments.
