Head of Financial Planning and Analysis

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC); Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to lead its financial planning cycle. This pivotal role involves providing robust forecasting and performance insights to support strategic decision-making. You will ensure that financial plans align with institutional goals while driving transformation towards modern forecasting methods. Collaborating with various departments, you will enhance financial understanding and performance across the organization. If you are passionate about financial strategy and leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted RAC Membership

Generous family leave

Flexible working patterns

Hybrid working solutions

Tailored investment in learning and development

Qualifications

• Professional Accountancy qualification with membership of a UK recognized body.
• Experience in financial planning and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning cycle and provide robust forecasting.
• Develop tools and processes to enhance financial performance.
• Drive transformation to modern FP&A function.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Forecasting

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Collaboration

Education

Professional Accountancy Qualification

Tools

Financial Reporting Tools

Job description

Reference: CFPS/FIN/002/25

Closing date: 1 June 2025

About The Team:

SRUC’s Finance team plays a critical role in enabling the institution to deliver on its mission through sound financial management, strategic insight, and operational support. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the team provides a cohesive service encompassing financial control, planning, analysis, and procurement.

The team ensures the integrity of financial operations, while also working in partnership with academic and professional service colleagues to support effective budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring. Finance and Procurement support decision-making at every level by delivering meaningful insight into financial performance, risks, and opportunities.

The Opportunity:

The Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) will lead SRUC’s financial planning cycle, providing robust forecasting, variance analysis, and performance insights to support strategic decision-making. This role is pivotal in aligning financial plans with institutional goals and equipping decision-makers with clear, timely, and actionable intelligence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership:Provide leadership to a team of Senior Financial Analysts aligned to core business areas.
• Development:Develop tools, reporting frameworks, and processes to enhance financial understanding and performance across SRUC.
• Strategic Alignment:Ensure financial plans are aligned with institutional goals.
• Transformation:Drive the shift from manual, spreadsheet-based forecasting to a modern FP&A function with appropriate systems, rolling forecasts, and enhanced business intelligence.
• Collaboration:Work closely with academic and commercial departments to monitor and report on commercial, research, and teaching performance, considering the complexity and evolving nature of metrics.
• Long-term Planning:Contribute to the development of long-term financial planning aligned with SRUC’s evolving organisational strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

To be considered for this role you should have a Professional Accountancy qualification with membership of a UK recognised accounting professional body such as ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CPFA (SCQF Level 9).

Full details of the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Particulars document.

Eligibility for Sponsorship:

This role is maybe eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances.

Admin ref: CFPS/FIN/002/25

Why work for SRUC?

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

How to Apply:

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

Please read the Job Particulars document before applying.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046