Director of Financial Reporting & Analysis

The Organisation

The University of Edinburgh

"A globally top-ranked, research-intensive university shaping the future of education, innovation, and societal impact."

"One of the world's leading universities, combining academic excellence, global reach, and with over £1bn in annual scale."

"A flagship, internationally recognised institution at the forefront of research, education, and global thought leadership."

Job Purpose

The Director of Financial Planning & Analysis provides strategic financial leadership across the University, ensuring that financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis directly supports the University's 2030 Strategy, academic ambitions, and financial sustainability goals.

The role is central to delivering high quality insight, evidence-based decision support, and rigorous financial stewardship across a complex, multi-college research-intensive institution; it drives the strategic, forward looking analytical function for the University.

The postholder will lead the transformation of how the University plans, allocates, and measures the performance of its £1.4bn+ organisation, driving improved transparency, accountability, and value for money.

This role is distinct from the Business Partnering as it does not provide operational support to within budget area decision makers.

Main responsibilities

Strategic Financial Planning

Lead the development of the multi-year rolling financial plan.

Shape the financial modelling that underpins strategic initiatives, academic plans, workforce strategies, research growth and capital investment.

Provide evidence-based advice to the CFO, the Senior Leadership Team, University Executive, and the University Court.

Budgeting & Resource Allocation

Lead the development and approach for the University's annual budget cycle, ensuring clarity of assumptions, drivers, risks, and dependencies, building towards a fully integrated planning model

Ensure budgets are aligned to the University's strategy, risk appetite, and required savings trajectory.

Develop, introduce and maintain a transparent and evidence-based budget area contribution model.

Management Reporting

Financial Analysis & Insight

Strategic Financial Assurance in the delivery of business cases & change projects

Stakeholder Leadership

Team Leadership & Development of Planning & Analysis Team

Problem Solving

Decision Making

The Person

Education, Qualifications & Training

Fully Qualified CCAB accountant with experience commensurate with the seniority of the role

Evidence of continuing professional development in financial reporting, audit or financial controls

Knowledge & Experience

Proven senior level FP&A leadership experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation

Deep experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cost management.

Strong track record of producing high quality financial insight for executive and board-level audiences.

Experience of leading large scale cost reduction or transformation programmes.

Additional Information

The role holder must be eligible for appointment as a director for a University subsidiary company i.e., not precluded under UK Company law. Director's Duties training will be provided

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