Deputy Director - Financial Planning and Analysis and Commercial Strategy

UNIVERSITY OF READING; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in the UK is seeking a Deputy Director of Finance to lead their finance team and enhance financial planning and analysis. This full-time role involves delivering comprehensive reporting and providing commercial support for new opportunities. Candidates should have an accountancy qualification and significant experience in a large organization. Competitive benefits include 32 days of annual leave, pension plans, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

32 days annual leave

Generous pension provision

Support for flexible working

Qualifications

• Senior experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience in delivering process improvements and automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large finance team and develop financial planning and analysis.
• Deliver a comprehensive reporting framework to drive financial insights.
• Provide commercial support for new opportunities and improvements.

Skills

Strong budgeting skills

Financial planning and reporting skills

Commercial acumen

Change management

Education

Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA)

Job description

Overview

This full‑time, permanent role is a key opportunity within the University of Reading’s Professional Services Programme, focused on transforming finance delivery across the Group.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Deputy Director of Finance (FP&A & Commercial Strategy) will lead a large finance team, develop financial planning and analysis for the University Group, and deliver a comprehensive reporting framework to drive high‑quality financial insight. The role also provide commercial support for new opportunities, drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and lead process and system improvements.

Qualifications

• Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA)
• Senior experience in a large, complex organisation
• Strong budgeting, financial planning and reporting skills
• Commercial acumen evidenced through improved bottom line performance
• Experience of delivering process and systems improvements, including automation, and managing change

Benefits

The postholder will receive 32 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension provision, and support for flexible working.

Contact

Emma Ashley – Director of Finance

Email: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact: Vin Wijeratne – Chief Financial Officer

Email: [e-mail]

The University is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, champions LGBT+ equality, and is a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.