Head of Financial Planning and Analysis

Bath Spa University is seeking an experienced and highly analytical finance leader to join us as Head of Financial Planning & Analysis. This is a pivotal senior role, providing authoritative financial insight to support the University’s strategic ambition and long‑term financial sustainability.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis leads the University’s financial planning, forecasting and analytical capability. You will play a central role in shaping the University’s five‑year financial plan, delivering robust budgets, forecasts and scenario modelling that underpin strategic decision‑making at the highest level.

You will oversee tuition fee planning and reforecasting across all areas of activity, including Bath Spa, London Hackney, franchise partners and direct delivery provision, as well as associated expenditure such as franchise fees, marketing and student recruitment commissions. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Data & Insights and the wider University, you will ensure all planning assumptions are robust, evidence‑based and aligned with institutional priorities.

As a senior leader within the Finance Leadership Team, you will promote a culture of analytical excellence, financial rigour and collaboration. You will lead and develop the Financial Analysis team, drive continuous improvement in financial models and systems, and provide high‑quality insight to senior leaders, committees and external regulators. The role also acts as a key deputy to the Director of Finance, representing the Finance function when required.

About You

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with significant experience in financial planning, forecasting and analysis within the higher education sector or a similarly complex environment. You will bring strong leadership experience, a track record of developing long‑term financial plans, and the confidence to provide clear, constructive challenge & advice to senior stakeholders.

Highly analytical and detail‑focused, you will be comfortable working with complex datasets and financial models, translating them into clear, compelling insight for non‑financial audiences. You will have excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling you to support strategic decision‑making and promote a strong culture of financial sustainability across the University.

Strategic, proactive and solution‑focused, you will thrive in a fast‑moving environment with competing priorities, and be committed to continuous improvement, collaboration & professional excellence.

Additional Information

The salary range shows the potential maximum pay progression in addition to any annual inflationary increase to your pay. Please note that our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Staff Benefits

We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including

• Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher's Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post-retirement
• Enhanced paid leave: 41 - 46 days depending on the role (Full-Time) - more details here:
  + https://apphub.bathspa.ac.uk/StaffBenefits
• Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on-site nursery, and a sector-leading enhanced maternity scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on-demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling
• Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work
• Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through and easy-to-use app

For further details about all our staff benefits, have a look at our rewards page:

https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/work-at-bath-spa/rewards-and-benefits/

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.