Deputy Director – Financial Planning and Analysis and Commercial Strategy

This is a full-time, permanent role.
Closing date: 23:59 on 17th December 2025.
Interview date: Wednesday, 7th and Monday, 12th January 2026.

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

This is an exciting time to join the University of Reading as we embark on a Professional Services Programme that will fundamentally change and improve the way we work.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Deputy Director of Finance (FP&A and Commercial Strategy) will lead and develop a large team, including qualified accountants, and will be responsible for leading and developing the financial planning and analysis for the University Group and providing a comprehensive financial reporting framework that will drive high quality financial insight. The role will provide commercial support for new opportunities and will help to drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

You will have:

• An accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA).
• Proven experience of working at a senior level in a large and complex organisation.
• Strong budgeting, financial planning and reporting skills in a large, complex organization.
• Strong commercial acumen evidenced through improved bottom line performance.
• Experience of delivering process and systems improvements, including automation, and delivery and managing change.

The postholder will receive 32 days annual leave plus public holidays and a generous pension provision and we will support flexible working.

Contact Name: Emma Ashley
Contact Job Title: Director of Finance
Contact Email address: e.ashley@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Vin Wijeratne
Alternative Contact Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Alternative Contact Email address: v.wijeratne@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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