Assistant Director Financial Planning & Analysis; Grade M1

Final date to receive applications: 15 November 2026

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Edinburgh
- Hybrid

Reporting To: Deputy Director Financial Planning & Analysis

Compensation: Grade M1 £ 66,924 to £78,930. Civil Service Pension with Employer Contribution of 28.97%. Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid Working.

Our ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to learn, educate, research and innovate, so that all of our nation can flourish.

Our purpose is to create and sustain a world-leading system of tertiary education, research and innovation that changes lives for the better, enriches society and supports sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

This role leads the development and delivery of strategic financial planning, analysis and advice, informing decisions at senior management, executive and Board level. Provide effective financial leadership, governance and assurance, supporting the delivery of SFC’s objectives and the proper use of public funds.

Virtual interviews will be held week commencing 23 November 2026 (via Teams).

• Lead the SFC’s financial planning, forecasting, budget management and monitoring arrangements ensuring effective oversight of running costs, financial sustainability and resource allocation.
• Develop and maintain medium-term financial plans and scenario modelling to support strategic planning, resource allocation and long-term financial sustainability, working closely with colleagues across the Finance Directorate and wider organisation.
• Ensure effective implementation of these arrangements across the organisation and supporting the achievement of its financial objectives. Ensure financial systems, processes and reporting frameworks remain fit for purpose and responsive to changing organisational responsibilities, priorities and ways of working.
• Working with the Senior Financial Planning & Reporting Officer, develop SFC’s finance business partnering approach, providing budget holders with the reporting, advice and support needed to manage their responsibilities effectively. Ensure effective oversight and analysis of SFC running costs.
• In delivering your responsibilities, you will take account of the post-16 funding reform programme, which will see responsibilities transfer from SDS to SFC and ensure that financial systems and processes can support this set of new responsibilities.
• Provide appropriate advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Present on financial matters to the Executive, Finance Committee, and Audit and Risk Committee, and engage with senior Scottish Government stakeholders.
• Deputise for the Deputy Director, Financial Planning & Analysis as appropriate.

It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:

Essential

• Professionally qualified accountant, or qualified by experience, with substantial strategic finance and financial management experience.
• Significant experience of leading strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation processes, using financial analysis and modelling to support organisational decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.
• Experience of providing strategic financial advice to senior leaders, using analysis, insight and challenge to support decision-making, resource allocation and the management of financial risks and opportunities.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with a track record of developing effective teams, leading change, implementing improved ways of working and driving continuous improvement in finance services.
• Eff…