Head of Financial Planning and Analysis

Brunel University London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 74,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to manage and optimize financial operations. This role involves supporting strategic decision-making, overseeing budgeting, and ensuring financial health. Candidates should be qualified accountants with strong analytical skills and experience in team leadership. The position offers a salary of up to £87,500 and promotes a hybrid working environment. Applications close on 22 January 2026.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Discretionary University closure days

Excellent training and development opportunities

Occupational pension scheme

Health-related support

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with sound academic background and logical career progression.
• Confident and proactive with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Track record of building and leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and analysis for the University.
• Oversee budgeting, planning, and financial reporting.
• Monitor performance against budgets and recommend improvements.

Skills

Qualified accountant

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Financial modelling

Education

Relevant finance/accounting degree

Job description

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and as a key member of the financial leadership team, this role has a broad remit covering the provision of the financial planning and analysis capability within the University. The role is focused on providing high quality financial support at University Leadership, Senior Management, and Governance levels to support effective financial decision making.

Location: Brunel University of London, Uxbridge Campus

Salary (Grade 10): up to £87500 - inclusive of London Weighting and-speaking,/and Market Supplement.

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Permanent

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Brunel University of London({...}) was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits.

For more information please visit https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing the financial operations of the University. Reporting to the CFO, the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis will be responsible for supporting strategic financial decision-making, overseeing reporting financial, and ensuring the University’s financial health and compliance.

The role is responsible for producing analysis and insights on the performance of the University (both forward and backward looking) to drive decision making and support delivery of the University strategic ambitions. The right candidate will lead, coach and manage staff, collaborate with colleagues and innovate and motivate others. You will need to demonstrate excellent analytical and report writing skills, setting要求 clear and concise recommendations, alongside excellent interpersonal skills. The role holder will be required to liaise and build strong financial business partnering relationships across both internal and external stakeholders. A process improvement mindset is critical to succeeding in this role.

The Successful Candidate

The ideal candidate will be confident, and proactive with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. A driven individual who strives to deliver process improvements, has excellent communication skills with attention to detail; able to work flexibly and to deadline.

• Qualified accountant with sound academic background and logical career progression
• Build and lead high-performing FP& A teams to deliver strategic decision support for senior leadership summarizes
• Oversee budgeting, planning, course contribution, cash flow improvement, and investment prioritization
• Design and implement management reporting aligned with the operating model
• Lead annual budgets, forecasts, long-term plans, and capital expenditure programs
• Monitor performance against budgets, identify trends, and recommend improvements
• Define and oversee business case development and provide financial analysis for projects

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.

Closing date for applications: 22 January 2026 (23:59)

Interviews will take place in late January 2026.

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please visit https://careers.brunel.ac.uk

If you have any technical issues, please contact us at [e-mail]

All Applicants should be eligible to live and work in the UK for the duration of any offer of appointment.

Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive klingt workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under- represented in our workforce.