Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

1. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
2. Ability to present complex financial information clearly and effectively to finance and non-finance audiences.
3. Advanced digital and analytical competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365, ERP finance systems, reporting tools, analytics and Business Intelligence tools with demonstrable experience of how digital skills have brought efficiency improvements and detailed insights to stakeholders.
4. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of financial planning, performance analysis, reporting practices and sector developments.
5. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with financial regulations, accounting principles, and organisational policy and guidelines.
6. Strong problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets, identify trends and performance drivers, and develop practical recommendations to support decision-making.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What you need to submit

• A CV
• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.

Contact details

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Lee French, Head of FP&A on lee.a.french@durham.ac.uk.

Typical Role Requirements

• Analyse financial performance data, identifying key trends, risks, opportunities and emerging issues.
• Develop insights and recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making across the University.
• Produce and maintain management reports, dashboards and performance analytics for a range of stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate key financial performance indicators, highlighting areas requiring management attention.
• Investigate income, expenditure and activity trends to improve understanding of performance drivers and support future planning.
• Develop and maintain financial models, scenario analyses and forecasting tools to support decision-making and business planning.
• Challenge assumptions through data analysis and driver-based modelling to improve financial understanding and decision quality.
• Present complex financial and operational information in a clear and accessible manner for both finance and non-finance audiences.
• Collaborate with Strategic Finance to understand business performance and its financial implications.
• Support the preparation of annual budgets, strategic plans and rolling forecasts through the provision of robust analysis and performance insights.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and analyse variances to improve forecasting methodologies and planning assumptions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of reporting, analytics, budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Develop and promote standardised reporting methodologies, data definitions and best practice analytical approaches across Finance.

Service Delivery/Development

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University’s frameworks and regulations.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to your professional area of expertise, in line with the University’s policies, regulations and values.
• Manage the delivery of Financial Planning and Analysis Service across the University to a high standard.
• Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from stakeholders and contribute to ideas and service improvements.
• Provide specialist knowledge and support when interpreting and analysing complex data and information sources.
• Look for ways to continually improve the Finance Service across all areas of your work.
• Identify any learning needs that should be met by the Financial Planning and Analysis Service and design activities and arrange any training.

Planning and Organisation

• Contribute to operational leadership teams to influence the type and level of services that are provided by Financial Planning and Analysis Service.
• Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of Financial Planning and Analysis Service.
• Seek feedback from key stakeholders so that Financial Planning and Analysis Service is being adapted to meet customer expectations and to plan future requirements.
• Analyse data on the level of service being provided by Financial Planning and Analysis Service to recommend areas for future improvement.
• Meet the development needs of your stakeholders, providing training when required.
• Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.

Communication/Liaison

• Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University’s policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.
• Use your operational expertise to lead and participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.
• Coordinate and organise committees and other business meetings and deal with any related complaints.
• Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes.
• Use your expertise to provide training or guidance to other stakeholders.
• Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement

Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.

Version 07-2026