Accountant / Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

KINGS COLLEGE SCHOOL; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a qualified finance professional for the role of Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. This full-time position involves delivering high-quality financial reporting, managing budgets, and supporting the rollout of a new finance system. The ideal candidate should be a fully qualified accountant with extensive experience in FP&A, especially in an educational or public sector setting. The school offers a collaborative environment committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.

Benefits

Exceptional grounds and facilities

Commitment to safeguarding children

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior FP&A role, ideally within an education or public sector setting.
• Strong technical skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end closure process to ensure accurate and timely management accounts.
• Produce management accounts with detailed variance analysis and commentary.
• Support the Finance Director in consolidating the school-wide budget.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Advanced Excel

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial reporting tools

Job description

We are seeking a qualified and experienced finance professional to join our Finance Department as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A). This is a new and pivotal senior role, responsible for delivering high-quality financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting across the school. The successful candidate will play a key role in embedding a newly implemented finance system and supporting the rollout of enhanced financial reporting and a new purchase order system. This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the month-end closure process to ensure accurate and timely management accounts.
• Prepare monthly payroll cost reconciliations and full-year pay forecasts.
• Produce management accounts with detailed variance analysis and commentary.
• Design and develop reporting packs using modern financial tools and technology.
• Monitor and report on capital projects and large capex spend
• Manage the annual budgeting and forecasting process for designated budget holders.
• Support the Finance Director in consolidating the school-wide budget and long-term financial forecasts.
• Maintain and update cost centre approval workflows to reflect organisational changes.
• Enhance budget holders’ financial understanding through training and ongoing support.
• Act as the primary finance contact for assigned departments, providing financial guidance.
• Undertake financial analysis and reporting for strategic initiatives as required.
• Support the Finance Director and senior leadership team with special projects and requests.

Systems, Technology & Process Improvement

• Demonstrate strong IT skills, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, Power Query, financial modelling).
• Use financial systems and reporting tools to automate and streamline reporting processes.
• Champion the transition to a paperless finance environment.
• Lead the rollout of a new purchase order system, working closely with stakeholders.
• Continuously improve financial processes and reporting capabilities.

Financial Accounting

• Collaborate with other finance department members on financial accounting tasks as needed.
• Assist with year-end processes and preparation of financial statements.
• Respond to audit queries and prepare supporting documentation.

Teamwork & Communication

• Foster a collaborative and service-oriented culture within the Finance Department
• Participating actively in departmental and school wide events and meetings
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support financial decision-making.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a senior FP&A role, ideally within an education or public sector setting.
• Strong technical skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead change and improve financial processes.

Desirable

• Experience with finance system implementations.
• Knowledge of capital project reporting and long-term financial planning.
• Familiarity with governance structures in educational institutions.

King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum. Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

Closing date: Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 9am.

Interview date to be confirmed

To apply for this role, please register your details online via our website(under useful information / career opportunities). Once you have registered your details with us, you can apply for vacancies by logging into the candidate area using your email address and chosen password. You will be asked to fill an online application form.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.