Accountant/Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

King's College School; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in London is seeking a qualified Head of Financial Planning and Analysis to join their Finance Department. The role involves leading financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, while enhancing financial processes. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with extensive experience in a senior FP&A position, excellent Excel skills, and strong stakeholder management. This full-time position offers an opportunity to work in a vibrant educational setting.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Advanced Excel skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Financial systems

Reporting tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Required as soon as possible, 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.

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
• Participate 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. Located 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: 9.00am on Wednesday 3rd December 2025. Interview date to be confirmed.

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.