Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)

University of Law; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) to lead financial strategies and support executive decision-making. This full-time, permanent position offers a competitive salary of £85,000 - £90,000 and requires a qualified accountant with significant experience in FP&A functions. Join a diverse community committed to innovation and inclusion in higher education. This role operates on a hybrid basis with both remote and on-site responsibilities.

Benefits

Private Medical Scheme

Life Assurance

Contributory Pension Scheme

Training and Qualifications

Season Ticket Loans

Student Discounts

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of investment appraisal.
• Resilient and adaptable to ambiguity.
• Energized by complexity.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of budgeting and forecasting cycles.
• Oversee management reporting and performance conversations.
• Own and refine financial planning models.
• Lead and develop a high-performing FP&A team.
• Act as Finance Business Partner to key executive stakeholders.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Proven leadership in FP&A

Supporting Executive-level decision-making

Strategic financial management

Attention to detail

Education

Significant PQE

Job description

Overview

Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) to join our Finance department. This is a full-time, permanent position, working on a hybrid basis (1 day per week in Woking or London office).

As our Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), you will be one of our senior finance leaders, accountable for delivering high-impact financial insight, planning rigour and strategic modelling across the University. The role combines strong technical expertise, strategic foresight, and team leadership to drive effective decision-making at Executive level.

The ideal candidate will be able to lead the FP&A function in shaping and delivering financial strategies aligned to institutional goals. You will be responsible for the University\'s core planning, forecasting, and evaluation cycles, provide high-quality financial insight to support the CFO and VC&CEO, and ensure robust stewardship of resource allocation and investment decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of the University\'s budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning cycles, ensuring alignment with strategic and operational priorities
• Oversee delivery of timely, accurate, and insightful management reporting, driving performance conversations at Executive and leadership level
• Own and continuously refine the University\'s financial planning models and scenario tools, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose, transparent, and aligned to the five-year business plan
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing FP&A team, ensuring excellence in business partnering, modelling, analysis, and communication
• Act as lead Finance Business Partner to key executive stakeholders, delivering insight and support to the Vice-Chancellor & CEO, the CFO, and their senior teams

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with significant PQE
• Proven leadership of an FP&A or strategic finance function in a complex organisation
• Experience supporting Executive-level strategic decision-making
• Strong understanding of strategic financial management and investment appraisal
• Strategic and forward-thinking professional with strong attention to detail and judgement
• Resilient, adaptable and energised by ambiguity and complexity

Please note: applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Commercial terms

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 23rd September 2025 (midnight)

Why join us?

On top of a competitive salary £85,000 - £90,000, we provide a generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days (+ bank holidays), and there\'s a rewards package that includes:

• Private Medical Scheme and Life Assurance
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Training and Qualifications (including Course Sponsorship/Fee Discount)
• Season Ticket Loans and Student Discounts

At The University of Law, you will work alongside other like-minded professionals who are passionate about driving innovation in higher education and delivering successful outcomes for our students.

Be part of a diverse and inclusive community

We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population. We actively seek to increase representation across all backgrounds and identities, and we provide support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For more information, please contact [e-mail].

Please note: For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers\' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.

Some posts within the University are subject to a DBS check - you will be notified of this during the application process.