Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

Research Finance Planning Manager

London/Hybrid

4 months contract

Competitive Day Rate via Umbrella Company

Our commitment is to provide equal opportunity regardless of, for example, your gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or beliefs. We also engage with employers to develop programmes and pathways that embrace diverse talent and promote more inclusive employment worldwide through partnerships and other initiatives. We recognise and celebrate the value of difference and how it makes us faster, smarter and more innovative than our competition.

My client is a leading global centre for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. It brings together expertise in languages, cultures, and societies with a strong focus on addressing contemporary global challenges. With a commitment to diversity, social justice, and academic excellence, it serves as a hub for critical thinking and innovative scholarship that shapes policy and practice worldwide.

They are looking for a finance professional with a strong background in accounting and forecasting, combined with experience in research grant management within higher education. You'll lead on financial planning for research and enterprise projects, ensuring accurate forecasts and strategic insights that support long-term academic goals. The position is based in London, hybrid working being in the office 2-3 days a week. Initially offered on a 4 month contract there is the potential for extension.

About the department

The Finance and Procurement Department is part of the central administration of the University. The department is responsible for leading on the annual finance and planning cycles including supporting staff in financial and student number forecasting and reporting; preparing returns to regulatory bodies; financial analysis to support decision-making, investment appraisal and performance benchmarking; audited statutory accounts; processing and maintenance of the School's financial receipts and payments; compliance with internal financial controls and tax legislation; and procurement. The principal financial software is Agresso Business World (Unit4).

Purpose of the role

The University is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Planning Manager for a 4-month fixed-term position with the potential to extend. The primary responsibility of this role is to develop and maintain accurate financial forecasts for research grants and enterprise projects, covering both current and future years. Serving as a key link between the finance and research departments, this position will provide critical insights to inform strategic planning and support effective resource allocation.

Key responsibilities

• Collaboration:
  Work closely with Post-Award, Pre-Award, and Finance teams to gather accurate data on active grants and pipeline projects.
• Forecasting:
  Develop and maintain detailed financial forecasts for active and upcoming research and enterprise projects, covering the 2025/26 financial year and beyond, utilising data from Work Tribe and Unit 4 systems.
• Reporting:
  Create clear and concise reports summarizing forecast data at level of detail required by academic departments highlighting any potential risks, and opportunities.
• Process Improvement:
  Proactively identify opportunities for enhancing grant management and financial processes, implementing changes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Financial Modelling:
  Assist in developing bottom-up research income targets for financial years up to 2030/31, including analysis of resource capacity requirements to meet these targets.
• Ad-hoc Support:
  Provide ad-hoc data analysis and reporting related to research grants and enterprise projects as requested by senior leadership.

Key Deliverables:

• 2025/26 Forecast Report
  : Produce a comprehensive forecast report for the 2025/26 financial year, including a departmental and project-level breakdown to support current year financial planning.
• 2026/27 Forecast Report
  : Produce a detailed forecast report for the 2026/27 financial year, with a departmental and project-level breakdown to inform draft budget planning.
• Presentations to Academic Heads
  : Present the 2026/27 projections to Academic Heads of Departments, providing a clear explanation of methodology and underlying assumptions.
• Process Review and Recommendations
  : Create a report evaluating the current research accounting and forecasting processes, outlining steps taken to improve these processes and offering recommendations for further system and data enhancements to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Knowledge and experience

• Proven experience in forecasting, financial planning and data analysis within an HE research environment.
• Experience of financial analysis and working with complex data sets.
• Financial systems knowledge
• High level of numeracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Understanding of the research funding landscape and regulations
• Experience with financial modelling and analysis related to research projects
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a team environment, with effective problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced)
• Good levels of written and spoken English
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., Finance/ Accounting).

Candidates must be able to show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered. Evidence of written work will be requested prior to your application being submitted to the business.

Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.