Interim Head of FP&A

Position: Interim Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

Location: West London

Contract: 12-months

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Start date: ASAP

Role Overview:

The University is seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to join the Financial Leadership Team. This key role involves leading financial planning, analysis, and reporting processes across the University to support high-level decision-making. As part of a forward-thinking team, you will play a crucial role in shaping financial strategies, guiding senior leadership, and ensuring alignment with the University's overall objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & People Management

• Build and nurture effective business partner relationships across the University.
• Foster a culture of customer-centric service across all finance operations.
• Work closely with the Associate CFO, Finance Business Partners, and other teams to deliver a cohesive service.
• Lead and mentor a team of 4, ensuring professional development and performance.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Lead data collection, consolidation, and scenario analysis during budgeting and forecasting cycles, collaborating closely with the Planning Directorate.
• Deliver clear, accurate, and insightful financial and management reports, supporting decision-making at the University's senior levels.
• Regularly prepare briefing papers for senior stakeholders, including the Finance Committee and Collegiate Council.
• Develop and implement key financial and non-financial KPIs, ensuring effective internal and external reporting.
• Own financial reporting systems and processes, driving improvements where necessary.
• Run a planning tool project to merge data from one ERP system to another.

Strategic Financial Planning & Support

• Lead the University's budgeting process, ensuring alignment with operational goals and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with the CFO to shape the University's financial strategy and long-term funding plans.
• Oversee performance reviews and support the management of financial risks across the institution.
• Lead the development of business and investment cases, ensuring sound financial appraisals and analysis.
• Partner with external consultants to implement a new planning tool, and manage its ongoing administration.

Process & Resource Management

• Assist in managing the Finance & Planning Department and provide senior team cover as needed.
• Ensure process resilience and continuous improvement within the FP&A team.
• Support the wider finance team with mentoring and skills development, helping to raise overall financial literacy across the University.

Additional Duties

• Contribute to the overall success of the Finance Division, collaborating with colleagues on various initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required by the CFO, consistent with the responsibilities and grade of the role.

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Timeliness & Deadline Management: Ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Effective Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Ability to independently analyse complex issues and present solutions.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Comfortable managing competing priorities and shifting demands.
• Networking & Collaboration: Build strong networks within the University and with external stakeholders.
• Leadership & Influence: Strong management capabilities, with the ability to mentor and guide both team members and senior leadership.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Educational Requirements: Degree-level qualification.
• Professional Certification: CCAB-qualified (or equivalent).
• Experience:
• Proven experience in a complex professional service environment.
• Significant experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Business partnering experience, particularly in a higher education sector.
• Strong technical financial skills across risk management, financial accounting, and reporting.
• Ability to lead complex analysis and financial modelling, providing strategic insights.

• Additional Attributes:
• High degree of professionalism, with credibility and influence at senior levels.
• Independent, proactive, and tactful in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

The University's Commitment:

As a member of the University, you will be expected to:

• Adhere to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• Follow University policies on Data Protection, Health & Safety, and Environmental Sustainability.
• Engage in continuous professional development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious finance leader to contribute to the growth and success of a prestigious institution. If you have the expertise to make a significant impact and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you.