Interim Director of Financial Planning & Analysis

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 18 months

Shape the financial future of a world‑leading university

Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing. Be part of something bigger — where your work has real impact and your development matters. There are so many reasons to take your next step with us.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We are a large University covering a wide range of activities. In Professional Services, we support the University’s research and teaching, offering many career and role specialisms.

The opportunity:

The University of Edinburgh is seeking an experienced and strategic finance leader to join us as Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. This is a pivotal senior role at the heart of the University, providing insight, challenge and assurance that underpins our academic ambitions and long‑term financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead the University’s strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis across a complex £1.4bn institution. You will shape how we plan, allocate resources and measure performance, ensuring financial decision‑making is transparent, evidence‑based and aligned with our 2030 Strategy.

In this role, you will oversee the development and monitoring of the University’s planning cycle to ensure robust performance, benefits and risk oversight; and play a central role in delivering the University’s cost reduction and financial sustainability programme. Working closely with senior academic and professional services leaders, you’ll provide clarity, challenge and insight on savings targets, delivery timelines, ownership and outcomes.

Key aspects of the role include: 

• Leading & developing the multi‑year rolling financial plan and the annual budget cycle.
• Setting University standards for management reporting and financial insight.
• Delivering high‑quality scenario modelling, stress‑testing and cashflow forecasting.
• Identifying emerging financial risks and sector‑wide trends.
• Leading and inspiring a high‑performing Financial Planning & Analysis team, championing modern tools, automation and analytical excellence.

You’ll work in close partnership with the Director of Financial Management & Business Partnering, ensuring that strategic financial planning, modelling and insight are effectively translated into robust operational financial management and delivery.

We’re looking for a fully qualified CCAB accountant with senior‑level Financial Planning & Analysis experience in a complex organisation. You’ll bring strong strategic judgement, exceptional analytical skills and a proven ability to influence at executive and board level. Experience of leading large‑scale transformation or cost reduction programmes is essential.

In return, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the financial direction of a globally recognised university, work with inspiring colleagues, and make a lasting impact.

This post is full-time; however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

Advert information