Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

Paragon Skills; Bristol; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of FP&A to lead financial strategies and planning within the education sector. In this pivotal role, you will drive the financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while navigating the unique challenges of the sector. Your expertise will empower decision-making and contribute to long-term growth and success. If you're passionate about shaping financial strategies and making a significant impact in education, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial planning and analysis within education or similar sectors.
• Strong understanding of funding models and financial challenges in the FE sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for the group.
• Provide strategic financial insights to enhance decision-making.
• Monitor cash flow and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Skills

Financial Planning

Budgeting

Forecasting

Strategic Financial Analysis

Stakeholder Management

KPI Analysis

Education

Degree in Finance or related field

Professional finance qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA)

Job description

Salary: £70,000 - 80,000

Location: Remote (UK only)

Knovia are on a journey of expanding their shared services functions and are looking for a Head of FP&A to join their finance department. In this exciting new role, you will make an impact and be responsible for leading the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial analysis across the best-in-class companies within the group, in line with the further education sector’s unique funding models, performance metrics, and financial challenges.

You will champion the delivery of high-quality education, impact, growth and change to our chosen sectors within the group, by providing strategic opportunities to shape the overall financial strategy, enhance decision-making, and contribute to our long-term growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the development of annual budgets, forecasts and long-term financial plans, ensuring alignment with the group’s strategic objectives, adjusting as necessary.
2. Work closely with senior leadership, department heads and executive colleagues to create a comprehensive and sustainable financial plan, balancing educational and sector priorities with financial viability.
3. Ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently across the group to support key initiatives, reviewing and challenging budget assumptions as required to ensure accuracy and consistency.
4. Act as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders, providing financial insights and recommending actions to achieve business objectives.
5. Provide in-depth financial analysis and reports highlighting financial performance, variances, risks, and opportunities.
6. Prepare regular financial forecasts, advising on potential challenges and providing recommendations to address them.
7. Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the FE sector, such as EBITDA and QAR.
8. Monitor and manage cash flow and reporting, ensuring that all financial planning and reporting comply with government regulations, funding requirements (e.g., Ofsted, Education and Skills Funding Agency or DFE), and accounting standards.