Head of Financial Planning and Analysis

• Exciting Senior Level role with globally recognised Russell Group University.
• Responsible for the provision of high quality financial planning and analysis.

About Our Client

The University of Manchester is a truly global institution, with a reputation for education and innovation that resonates across the world as demonstrated by the most recent QS World Rankings, which ranked us 29th. A member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, Manchester is one of the largest single-site universities in the UK, hosting over 40,000 students, and with more than 12,000 staff, we are one of the largest employers in Greater Manchester. We are committed to world-class research, an outstanding learning and student experience, and social responsibility in everything we do.

Job Description

The key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the consolidation and production of monthly Group Finance Reports
• Track performance against key targets (primarily budget, forecast and prior year)
• Ensure that all routine management information is produced in a timely manner
• Lead and coordinate the financial forecasting processes (annual revenue and capital budgets, rolling forecasts, medium term financial forecasts) to support the development of strategic plans and to ensure the robust management of UoM's cash resources
• Lead on the development and production of forecast packs with relevant insight, analysis and commentary.
• Lead on the provision of ad hoc analysis and challenge to enable the Senior Leadership Team to evaluate all aspects of the University's business performance in pursuit of its strategic goals
• Develop a high-quality analytical capability with deep understanding of performance (operating surplus and cash) across the University and key drivers of performance in the relevant business areas
• Pioneer future FP&A reporting solutions, Power BI, or others as identified, to enable the development of rich, on-time data analysis and to enable increased automation
• Support the Senior Leadership Team to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to financial performance and lead on the creation of financial models to automate analysis of current performance against the stated KPIs.
• Perform market research and conduct business studies to support benchmarking of financial performance both within and outside the sector.
• Support the financial aspects of the development of strategic business cases (both revenue and capital), including scenario and sensitivity analysis.
• Perform investment analysis reviews of implemented strategic plans, both revenue and capital.
• Contribute to wider University conversations on student number planning (for example, transparency of assumptions underpinning intake and student census information and income targets)
• Undertake ad hoc analysis as required, including on funding, business planning, monthly reporting and other ad hoc projects to support decision making.
• Assist the CFO in respect of reports and presentations to the Board regarding financial issues and developments.
• Manage a team of finance professionals in financial data analysis and reporting. Providing leadership, organising, motivating and directing the work of the team so that objectives are met and they are operating efficiently and effectively. Managing the staff budget for that team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, building excellent working relationships and insightful business partnering.
• Support the Senior Leadership Team to guide and influence long term and strategic decision making within the broadest scope.
• Perform ad hoc duties and projects as required.

The Successful Applicant

The successful candidates will have:-

• ACA / CIMA qualified Accountant
• Educated to degree standard
• Experience of working within a similar role for a large/ complex business.
• People management experience and a strong leader with the ability motivate and develop the team.
• Experience of managing and improving budgeting and forecast processes within a complex environment along with the ability to understand the strategic business goals of an organisation to 'look beyond the numbers' and understand the wider business context.
• Significant experience of financial modelling using Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills to engage colleagues at all levels, including those without financial expertise
• Adept in converting financial data to usable management information for strategic decision making by nonfinancial colleagues.
• Ability to develop creative solutions to streamline complex business processes and take advantage of new technology to drive forward improvements
• Motivation both to work as a team member, supporting others, and to work under own initiative
• Ability to manage and prioritise different and sometimes conflicting workloads and plan effectively to meet deadlines
• Strong IT skills, particularly in accounting systems, excel and MI/BI tools.
• Have the ability to use discretion with sensitive information and to maintain complete confidentiality at all times
• Possess excellent organisational skills and a willingness to work flexibly

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Candidates who have a good working knowledge of Oracle Financials will be of particular interest (but is not essential)

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. As black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates are currently under-represented at this level in this area, we would particularly welcome applications from BAME applicants. All appointments will be made on merit.

What's on Offer

A competitive salary and benefits package include:

• Pension : All staff are eligible to join the USS pension scheme, which includes other benefits, life insurance etc., details can be found here: USS
• Annual Holiday : 29 days plus all bank holidays and 4 additional close days at Xmas, between Christmas and New Year

For further information and details of how to apply, please contact Danielle Farrell, Senior Business Manager, Michael Page Finance: daniellefarrell@michaelpage.com/ mobile number: 07917 245 816, who is managing the recruitment exclusively.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.