Interim Director of Financial Planning & Analysis

Grade UE10: £81,016 - £95,193 per annum pro-rata if part-time

Corporate Services Group/Finance Department

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 18 months

Shape the financial future of a world‑leading university. Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing. Be part of something bigger — where your work has real impact and your development matters.

The University of Edinburgh is seeking an experienced and strategic finance leader to join us as Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. This is a pivotal senior role at the heart of the University, providing insight, challenge and assurance that underpins our academic ambitions and long‑term financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead the University’s strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis across a complex £1.4bn institution. You will shape how we plan, allocate resources and measure performance, ensuring financial decision‑making is transparent, evidence‑based and aligned with our 2030 Strategy.

In this role, you will oversee the development and monitoring of the University’s planning cycle to ensure robust performance, benefits and risk oversight; and play a central role in delivering the University’s cost reduction and financial sustainability programme. Working closely with senior academic and professional services leaders, you’ll provide clarity, challenge and insight on savings targets, delivery timelines, ownership and outcomes.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Leading & developing the multi‑year rolling financial plan and the annual budget cycle.
• Setting University standards for management reporting and financial insight.
• Delivering high‑quality scenario modelling, stress‑testing and cashflow forecasting.
• Identifying emerging financial risks and sector‑wide trends.
• Leading and inspiring a high‑performing Financial Planning & Analysis team, championing modern tools, automation and analytical excellence.

You’ll work in close partnership with the Director of Financial Management & Business Partnering, ensuring that strategic financial planning, modelling and insight are effectively translated into robust operational financial management and delivery.

We’re looking for a fully qualified CCAB accountant with senior‑level Financial Planning & Analysis experience in a complex organisation. You’ll bring strong strategic judgement, exceptional analytical skills and a proven ability to influence at executive and board level. Experience of leading large‑scale transformation or cost reduction programmes is essential.

In return, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the financial direction of a globally recognised university, work with inspiring colleagues, and make a lasting impact.

This post is full-time; however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

How to apply:

Please include the following documents in your application:

• A CV
• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role

People have always been at the heart of our work. Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. We value colleagues with drive, determination and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful flexibility that works for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Responsibility and autonomy
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University
• Excellent benefits & support

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently under-represented in our team at this level.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 4 June 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone. Interview dates to be confirmed.