Director - Financial Planning & Analysis

The Director - Financial Planning & Analysis leads the University's enterprise-wide financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, analytical review, and business partnering functions. The role provides strategic financial insights to senior leadership, supports decision-making through accurate and timely management information, and ensures strong financial governance and performance across Schools, Faculties, and Support Departments.

KEY RESULT AREAS / RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Planning & Analysis
. Lead the analytical review of University-wide financial results and conduct comprehensive business performance reviews.
. Analyse profitability of Schools and Support Departments, ensure accuracy and timeliness of reports.
. Provide analysis of financial and non-financial KPIs to identify growth opportunities, risks, and performance trends.
. Prepare business analysis for Senior Management including revenue and expense trends, variance analysis, and performance drivers.
. Consult with key stakeholders through financial insights and management information to support strategic and operational planning.
. Monitor budget vs. actual performance across units and highlight issues for cost efficiency and continuous improvement.

Budgeting
. Lead and enforce strict adherence to the annual budgeting cycle.
. Oversee development of detailed budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic and operational plans.
. Provide analysis on key budget indicators (student numbers, revenue, profit before tax) for budget presentations.Monthly Forecasting
. Oversee monthly and quarterly forecast cycles to ensure projections reflect operational realities.
. Analyse KPIs for Schools and Support Departments to identify key trends and emerging issues.
. Provide commentary on significant events or factors influencing forecasts and business performance.

Business Partnering & Strategic Support
. Advise senior leadership on financial performance, resource planning, and investment decisions.
. Provide guidance on pricing, programme feasibility, cost optimisation, and revenue opportunities.
. Support strategic initiatives with financial modelling, scenario analysis, and feasibility assessments.

Other Responsibilities
. Prepare and advise on financial projections for new programmes, projects, and initiatives.
. Lead, mentor, and develop the FP&A team to strengthen analytical capability.
. Any other responsibilities assigned from time to time.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum Academic / Professional Qualification
. Preferably a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.
. Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CPA, ICAEW) preferred.
. MBA is an added advantage.

Related Experience
. Preferably 10-15 years relevant experience in FP&A, management reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
. Minimum 5 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
. Experience with budgeting/forecasting systems (e.g., TM1, AccPac, BI tools).

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)
. Strong analytical, financial modelling, and forecasting skills.
. Excellent written and spoken English strong presentation and reporting capabilities.
. Proficiency in MS Office and ability to adapt to new systems quickly.
. Strong stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
. Ability to work under tight deadlines in a complex environment

Competencies (Behavioural)
. High level of responsibility, integrity, and reliability.
. Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to exercise sound judgment.
. Effective team leadership and ability to work collaboratively.
. Maintains high standards of excellence and adaptability.
The company reserves the rights to amend or include additional details towards your job description at any point in time in any form of communication.