Financial Planning Analyst

This review provides an in-depth look at the Financial Planning Analyst role at the University of East London (UEL), designed to help prospective candidates assess its alignment with their career aspirations.

About the University of East London (UEL)

Founded in 1898, the University of East London is a forward-thinking institution dedicated to transforming lives through education. UEL is at the forefront of advancing 'industry 5.0' careers-first education, actively preparing students for the jobs and opportunities of the future. Their commitment extends to fostering diversity within the future talent pipeline, championing inclusivity, and promoting a sustainable, green future. UEL thrives on innovation, curiosity, and the collective passion of its diverse community to drive positive change and challenge the status quo.

The Opportunity: Financial Planning Analyst

This role is a critical component of UEL's Financial Management team, contributing significantly to the university's financial stability, efficiency, and strategic growth in line with its Vision 2028. The Finance Department provides comprehensive support, including budgeting, financial planning, compliance, and advisory services, ensuring the smooth operation of the university. Key responsibilities include the preparation of financial statements, statutory reporting, and regulatory submissions, as well as proactive financial guidance to all university stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities and What to Expect

As a Financial Planning Analyst, you will be instrumental in:

• Supporting Complex Forecasting and Analysis: This includes forecasting income and expenditure, which is vital for informing the university's Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
• Commercial Analysis: You will engage in commercial analysis of new university-wide developments, collaborating with Senior Finance Business Partners.
• Reporting Accuracy and Timeliness: Ensuring monthly income and expenditure reports, budgets, forecasts, and returns are accurate, timely, and robust.
• Regulatory Compliance: Overseeing the accuracy and timeliness of regulatory returns and financial analysis/reviews, ensuring they communicate clear and correct messages.
• Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC): Completing the annual TRAC return and ensuring processes and systems are compliant with published guidance. This involves effective collaboration with non-finance teams for data contribution.
• Statutory and Regulatory Returns: Finalizing agreed schedules for the Annual Financial Return and other crucial financial data submissions.

Advantages for Your Career Path

This position offers significant advantages for ambitious professionals looking to advance their careers:

• Strategic Impact: You'll be involved in shaping the university's financial future, contributing to strategic planning and investment decisions.
• Skill Development: The role demands and will foster expertise in complex financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting, particularly within a dynamic higher education environment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with diverse teams across the university will enhance your networking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the higher education sector and contribute to an institution committed to industry 5.0 education.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: UEL's strong emphasis on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) provides a supportive and welcoming work environment.

Key Considerations for Candidates

To excel in this role, candidates should possess:

• Professional Qualification: CCAB qualified accountant, CIMA qualified, or an equivalent professional qualification is essential.
• Practical Experience: Demonstrated experience in management accounting, business partnering, and financial budgeting and forecasting is required.
• Analytical Prowess: Proven ability to work with complex datasets and produce insightful, functional analysis.
• Communication Skills: The capacity to articulate complex financial information clearly and concisely to a varied audience, including non-finance professionals.
• Influencing and Negotiation Skills: The ability to negotiate effectively and influence peers to ensure deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• People Skills: Strong networking, communication, and interpersonal skills are vital for successful collaboration across different teams.

Benefits and Compensation

UEL offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience (DOE), and a genuine commitment to employee well-being. The university provides a comprehensive benefits package, details of which can be found on their professional services benefits page. They also pride themselves on a competitive salary aligned with market rates, inclusive of London Weighting.

A Note on Application Timing

Given the high interest these opportunities often attract, candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible, as the advert may close earlier than the stated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.