Finance Planning & Reporting Analyst - Dubai Campus

Heriot Watt University

.Job Title: Financial Planning & Reporting Analyst

Grade: 6

Department: Finance

Location: Dubai Campus

FTE and Working Pattern: 1, Fulltime 35 hours per week

Reports to: Finance Business Partner

Purpose of Role

The Financial Planning & Reporting Analyst will play a pivotal role in strengthening the University s financial planning and reporting framework. This position is responsible for enhancing budgeting and forecasting processes, delivering accurate and timely financial insights, and supporting strategic decision-making across the institution. The role ensures robust financial analysis, scenario modeling, and comprehensive reporting to enable informed decisions aligned with the University s long-term objectives.

Reporting to the Finance Business Partner, the Analyst will provide critical support to both the Finance Business Partner and the Financial Controller through detailed reporting, data analysis, and performance monitoring. The successful candidate will contribute to improving financial processes and developing tools that enhance transparency and efficiency across the University.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Minimum of three years experience in a similar financial planning and analysis role.
• Strong technical expertise in FP&A reporting and analytical tools, including Power BI, Oracle Financials, and advanced Excel.
• Proven ability to interpret complex financial data, produce insightful reports, and communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage workload efficiently under time constraints. Prioritising tasks and resources to meet critical deadlines without compromising quality. Maintaining composure and accuracy when working under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the Finance Business Partner with the development and refinement of financial modelling for annual budgets and multi-year forecasts.
• Assist in the implementation of improved forecasting methodologies to increase accuracy and responsiveness.
• Create scenario modelling to assist with strategic decision making, risk management, resource allocation, planning and forecasting accuracy, stakeholder communication and long-term financial sustainability.

Financial Analysis

• Conduct in-depth variance analysis and trend reporting to support the Finance Business Partner and Financial Controller with the identification of risks and opportunities.
• Assist in providing scenario modeling for new projects, capital investments, and strategic initiatives.

Reporting

• Assist the Finance Business Partner with the preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial performance reports for senior leadership.
• Develop dashboards and visualizations using Power BI to support data-driven decisions.

Systems & Data Management

• Utilize Oracle Financials and other ERP tools for data extraction and consolidation.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with internal and external reporting standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and enhance analytical capabilities.
• Contribute to the development of best practices in financial planning and reporting.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to analyze and interpret large, complex data sets, transforming them into clear, concise, and visually engaging reports tailored for non-finance stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborative approach with strong influencing skills.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Educated to at least SCQF level or similar or equivalent practical experience in the workplace
• Minimum of three years experience in a similar financial planning and analysis role.
• Experience in FP&A, budgeting, and forecasting, ideally within higher education or a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP and BI tools (e.g., Oracle, Power BI) mandatory.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined above
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills
• Well-developed interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable excellent customer service
• Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment

Desirable

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) or equivalent experience.
• Experience of Higher Education