Job Title: Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
Location: Highbury Campus, City of Portsmouth College, Tudor Avenue, Cosham, Portsmouth
Salary: £63,111 per annum
Hours of work: 37 Hours per week, 52 Weeks per year, Full-Time, Permanent
About us:
At City of Portsmouth College, we aspire to be the employer of choice in the Portsmouth area, with a progressive, supportive, and rewarding workplace culture and one that offers competitive benefits for its staff. By joining us, you will personally be part of the change we are driving and will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of our brilliant students, turning them into future leaders and innovators. Everyone at the College is part of the bigger picture and together, each role makes an impact and in turn a difference to our students learning journey.
We have an unrivalled curriculum of courses on offer for students of all ages and stages covering A-levels, Apprenticeships, Vocational & Technical courses. We also offer Higher Education, Online learning and Community courses that appeal to the needs of the local community.
About the role:
Join a dynamic finance team at the heart of a fast-paced and ambitious Further Education College. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of FP&A will lead financial planning, performance management, forecasting and business partnering activities, ensuring resources are aligned to support the College's strategic priorities.
Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, curriculum leaders and budget holders, you will provide insightful financial analysis, challenge and support to drive informed decision-making, financial sustainability and value for money.
The role will lead the annual budget process, rolling forecasts, medium-term financial planning, funding and income modelling, management reporting and scenario analysis. You will play a key role in evaluating curriculum, staffing, capital and commercial proposals, helping shape the College's future through robust financial leadership and strategic insight.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the annual budget-setting process, rolling forecasts and medium-term financial planning, ensuring alignment with the College's strategic objectives.
- Provide insightful financial performance analysis, identifying trends, risks, opportunities and corrective actions to support informed decision-making.
- Partner with curriculum and departmental leaders, offering financial challenge, support and guidance to improve performance and accountability.
- Develop financial models to assess funding changes, curriculum viability, student growth, staffing structures, capital investments and commercial opportunities.
- Produce high-quality management information, financial reports and performance dashboards for senior leaders, the Board and key committees.
- Deliver scenario planning, sensitivity analysis and evidence-based financial advice to support strategic planning, sustainability and value for money.
- Lead continuous improvement in financial planning, reporting and analysis processes while providing professional leadership and development within the finance function.
To be successful in this role, below is what we would need from you:
- Fully qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent, with relevant and in-depth post-qualification experience
- Evidence of commitment to professional development
- Adaptable approach
- A good standard of Maths and English
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Background in Finance
Please refer to attached Job Description and Person Specification for the full details.
What we offer:
- Annual Leave: 32 days total and closure for winter shutdown period in line with Hampshire County Council school holidays & statutory bank holidays
- Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme. Further information can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-service/pensions/local-government
- Learning & Development: Programmes by The Community Adult Education Department
- Staff Development: Access to the College staff development programmes and CPD
- Onsite Discounts: City of Portsmouth College Hair Salon & 50% off at the City of Portsmouth College Sports Centre
- Online Discounts: Unidays, Student Beans, and Totum with a City of Portsmouth College email address
- Parking: Free car parking across all campus sites (apart from Arundel)
- Blue Light Card: providing several discounts for clothing, electrical goods, food and days out, even concert tickets!
Diversity and Inclusion:
Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to the work of City of Portsmouth College. This underpins the vision of the College to transform lives through providing exceptional education and training.
The College’s commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is reflected in the continued successful promotion of these strands through the curriculum, enrichment activities, and the range of direct and indirect student support services.
Pre-Employment Checks:
The City of Portsmouth College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our college. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and two references.
We reserve the right to close the job advert when we have had successful applications, and it may not run for the full duration of the advert. We do not accept CVs from agencies for these roles.
