Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
Description
ISP Head of FP&A Role Profile
Purpose of Role
The Head of FP&A will lead the Financial Planning & Analysis function for the USCa East Region. This role owns regional and school-level budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis, KPI reporting, and ad hoc financial analysis, while acting as a trusted finance partner to Regional Leadership and Heads of School.
The post holder will play a critical role in strengthening financial discipline, improving forecast accuracy, and translating financial and operational data into actionable insights that support both educational outcomes and financial performance.
The post holder will play a critical role in strengthening financial discipline, improving forecast accuracy, and translating financial and operational data into actionable insights that support both educational outcomes and financial performance.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Head of FP&A Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Lead the annual budget, rolling forecast, and long-range planning processes for the USCa East Region and schools.
- Consolidate school-level plans into a cohesive regional financial view aligned with Group targets.
- Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy through assumption review and scenario modeling.
Performance Management & Reporting
- Lead monthly performance reviews, including variance analysis versus budget and forecast.
- Identify and clearly communicate key financial trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Own the development and maintenance of regional management reporting packs and dashboards.
KPI & Operational Metrics Ownership
- Own KPI reporting for student enrollment, staffing levels (FTEs), and related operational metrics.
- Partner with schools and regional teams to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment between financial and operational data.
- Analyze student and staff trends and assess their financial and capacity implications.
Finance Business Partnering
- Act as a strategic finance partner to Regional Leadership and Heads of School.
- Support decision-making related to enrollment growth, staffing models, pricing, and cost structure.
- Drive accountability against financial targets and improvement initiatives.
Ad Hoc Analysis & Strategic Support
- Lead ad hoc financial analysis, business cases, and scenario evaluations.
- Support strategic initiatives, investment decisions, and cross-functional projects.
- Collaborate closely with Group FP&A and Regional Finance teams.
Team Leadership & Governance
- Lead and develop regional FP&A resources and dotted-line school finance partners.
- Establish best practices in financial modeling, reporting, and planning.
- Ensure data integrity, consistency, and alignment with Group standards.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in FP&A or finance leadership roles, with a minimum of 4 years in FP&A
- Proven experience leading budgeting and forecasting across multiple entities.
- CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional designation preferred.
- Experience in education, multi-site, or service-based organizations is an asset.
- Strong financial modeling, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.