Strategic Finance and Planning Specialist

The Strategic Finance and Planning Specialist provides strategic financial analysis and decision support, supports the School’s long-term financial and capital planning, and contributes to strategic and business planning across the DFO’s portfolio.

Responsibilities

Capital Program and Financial Analysis

• Provide financial analysis to support the feasibility and development of programmes and projects within the facilities master plan.
• Develop and maintain long-term financial models incorporating the capital program and capital campaign into the School’s overall financial planning.
• Provide ongoing financial analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling to support major capital and financing decisions as plans and assumptions evolve.

Strategic Analysis and Financial Planning

• Provide targeted analysis of financial and operational performance, programmes and activities to inform planning and decision-making, working with the Finance Manager as appropriate.
• Develop forecasts and scenario analyses to support long-term financial planning and strategic decision-making.
• Provide financial analysis and decision support for significant initiatives, including compensation, educational and operational programmes, enrolment planning and investment decisions.
• Lead or support strategic reviews and analytical projects on behalf of the DFO, working across the School and with external advisers as required.
• Develop business cases and options appraisals to support significant decisions and initiatives.
• Develop management information and dashboards to support strategic performance monitoring and decision-making.
• Support year-end reporting and governance, including analysis of key matters arising from the statutory accounts and preparation of relevant sections of the Trustees’ Report.

Sourcing and Contracting

• Support significant sourcing and vendor-selection processes for professional, outsourced and other major services, including market analysis, tendering and evaluation.
• Draft and review vendor, consultant and other commercial agreements, identifying key commercial, financial and operational considerations.
• Provide commercial analysis to support negotiations, supplier reviews and value-for-money assessments.

Research and Governance

• Monitor market, regulatory and sector developments and assess their implications for the School.
• Conduct peer research and benchmarking across financial, staffing, organisational and employment practices to inform planning and decision-making.
• Provide analysis and briefing to support the DFO, Senior Leadership Team and Board committees.
• Develop and review financial, commercial and operational policies and support related governance and compliance work within the DFO’s portfolio.
• Provide analytical support to the School’s Enterprise Risk Management process, including assessment of material risks, their financial implications, and development of risk frameworks and reporting to inform strategic and financial planning.

Essential Criteria

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Degree-level education or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Significant relevant experience in financial analysis, financial planning, strategy, consulting, commercial analysis or a related field.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Experience delivering complex analytical or project-based work, including research, benchmarking and preparation of high-quality outputs for senior decision-makers and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial and strategic issues clearly.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and manage multiple priorities.
• A demonstrated commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people.

Desirable criteria

• A recognised professional accountancy or finance qualification, or relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Experience in an independent school, international school, university, charity or other mission-led organisation.
• Experience in one or more relevant areas such as long-term or capital planning, treasury or investment, procurement or contracts, Board and governance support, policy development, or Enterprise Risk Management.
• Experience using business intelligence, dashboarding or data-visualisation tools.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subje…