Grade UE10: £81,016 - £95,193 per annum pro-rata if part-time
Corporate Services Group/Finance Department
Full-time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: 18 months
Shape the financial future of a world‑ leading university
Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing. Be part of something bigger — where your work has real impact and your development matters. There are so many reasons to take your next step with us.
The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We are a large University covering a wide range of activities. In Professional Services, we support the University’s research and teaching, offering many career and role specialisms.
The Opportunity:
The University of Edinburgh is seeking an experienced and strategic finance leader to join us as Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. This is a pivotal senior role at the heart of the University, providing insight, challenge and assurance that underpins our academic ambitions and long‑term financial sustainability.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead the University’s strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis across a complex £1.4bn institution. You will shape how we plan, allocate resources and measure performance, ensuring financial decision‑making is transparent, evidence‑based and aligned with our 2030 Strategy.
In this role, you will oversee the development and monitoring of the University’s planning cycle to ensure robust performance, benefits and risk oversight; and play a central role in delivering the University’s cost reduction and financial sustainability programme. Working closely with senior academic and professional services leaders, you’ll provide clarity, challenge and insight on savings targets, delivery timelines, ownership and outcomes.
Key aspects of the role include:
You’ll work in close partnership with the Director of Financial Management & Business Partnering, ensuring that strategic financial planning, modelling and insight are effectively translated into robust operational financial management and delivery.
We’re looking for a fully qualified CCAB accountant with senior‑level Financial Planning & Analysis experience in a complex organisation. You’ll bring strong strategic judgement, exceptional analytical skills and a proven ability to influence at executive and board level. Experience of leading large‑scale transformation or cost reduction programmes is essential.
In return, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the financial direction of a globally recognised university, work with inspiring colleagues, and make a lasting impact.
This post is full-time; however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
View the full
How to apply:
Please include the following documents in your application:
People have always been at the heart of our work. Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. We value colleagues with drive, determination and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful flexibility that works for you.
A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
A competitive salary.
An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits pageand use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently under-represented in our team at this level.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 4 June 2026.
Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone
Interview dates to be confirmed.
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
