Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

Contract:
Permanent, full time (salary up to £87,500 (incl London allowance)

Working pattern: 2-3days onsite

MLC are delighted to be partnering with a reputable, large UK university to recruit a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to play a critical role within its senior finance leadership team.

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, this role will lead the organisation's FP&A function, providing high-quality financial insight, strategic analysis, and decision support at executive, senior management, and governance levels. The post holder will be responsible for shaping financial strategy, driving performance, and embedding robust planning and analytical capability across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the FP&A function to deliver high-quality budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, and capital investment analysis
• Provide strategic financial insight and decision support to executive leadership and governance forums
• Develop and oversee management reporting, performance analysis, and key financial and non-financial KPIs
• Support the development of organisational financial strategy, funding plans, and investment priorities
• Oversee business and investment case development, including financial appraisal and scenario modelling
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, embedding a business-partnering approach across the organisation
• Lead, develop, and manage a high-performing FP&A team
• Drive the evolution of FP&A systems, tools, and digital decision-support capabilities
• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory, and statutory reporting requirements

Key skillset:

• Degree-educated with a recognised CCAB qualification
• Significant senior-level FP&A experience within a complex organisation, with a strong background in the public sector and exposure to a university setting considered highly beneficial
• Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and performance analysis
• Proven experience of influencing senior stakeholders and supporting strategic decision-making
• Commercially minded with excellent communication and leadership skills
• Experience in large, regulated or multi-stakeholder environments highly advantageous

This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to make a significant strategic impact, shaping and modernising the FP&A function at scale within a complex organisation, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package reflecting the scope and influence of the position.

Please note: Applications are under constant review, and the role may be filled by prior to this ad closing. Please reach out to Briar or Annabelle from MLC Partners to confidentially discuss your search.