Financial Analyst

Position: Financial Analyst (Contract)
The Financial Analyst will provide high-quality financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting support to academic and professional services areas across the University. The role will support budgeting, management reporting, and financial planning activities, helping stakeholders understand financial performance and inform decision-making during a busy reporting and planning period.

This is a hands-on role, ideal for an analyst with Higher Education experience or strong public-sector financial analysis skills.

Key Responsibilities

Produce timely and accurate management reports, including budget monitoring, variance analysis, and trend analysis.

Support the budgeting and forecasting process, including re-forecasts and scenario modelling.

Analyse income and expenditure across faculties, schools, and professional services areas.

Work closely with budget holders to explain financial performance and support financial decision-making.

Support year-end and period-end processes, ensuring data accuracy and reconciliation.

Assist with data preparation for regulatory and external reporting (e.g. OfS, HESA, TRAC - where applicable).

Develop and maintain financial models to support planning and business cases.

Contribute to improvements in financial reporting, processes, and use of financial systems.

Essential

Proven experience in a Financial Analyst / Management Accountant / FP&A role.

Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability.

Experience producing management reports and budget analysis.

Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.

Strong attention to detail and ability to work to deadlines.

Desirable

Experience with in the Higher Education sector or public sector.

Knowledge of university finance systems (e.g. Unit4/Agresso, Oracle, SAP).

Experience using Power BI or similar reporting tools.

Awareness of HE funding, budgeting structures, or TRAC