Job Specification
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Location: 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH, typically three days office based per week
Closing Date: Monday 1st September 2025 at 5pm
Interviews: Dates to be confirmed
Are you a visionary finance leader ready to influence decision making and encourage innovative solutions in a forward thinking, successful organisation? The Girls' Day School Trust are seeking a strategic and commercially astute Head of FP&A to lead on production of management information and financial insight in line with the wider GDST strategy of core, growth and diversification.
The mission of the GDST - to help girls learn without limits, so they go on to lead lives without limits - has never been more important. We are empowering girls to become confident leaders and change-makers, equipped to tackle society's toughest challenges and close the persistent equality gap.
This role will work to aid the continuation of a successful financial future for the GDST, enabling us to give more back to our schools and continue to deliver an outstanding education for our girls, aligned with the founding principles of the GDST.
About the Role
As Head of FP&A, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of our organisation. This is a high-impact finance position that blends strategic foresight with operational excellence, supporting both executive leadership and individual schools across our network.
You will be responsible for managing and evolving our 5-year business plan model, developing robust forecasting models, and delivering actionable insights that empower decision-making at every level - from school leaders to the Executive Board. Your work will directly influence how we plan, grow, and integrate acquired schools and initiatives, ensuring financial clarity and agility in a dynamic environment.
This role demands a forward-thinking finance leader who can own and enhance all financial modelling, drive continuous improvement across systems and reporting, and champion a data-led culture. You'll collaborate closely with the CEO, CFO, Commercial Insights Manager, Head of Finance and other senior stakeholders to deliver high-quality analysis, commentary, and strategic guidance.
With direct oversight of a dedicated team, you'll also lead on the development of the connections between a CPM, the GDST DataCloud and the approach to a holistic Finance Dashboard, and establish a standardised set of KPIs that support governance and operational excellence across the organisation.
About You
You are a qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, or ACCA) with a strong foundation in financial planning and analysis, and a proven ability to lead and deliver in complex, fast-paced environments. As an Excel superuser, you combine technical expertise with strategic insight - leveraging BI tools like Power BI and deep knowledge of Corporate Performance Management (CPM) solutions to drive clarity, accuracy, and impact.
Your analytical mind is matched by your ability to communicate financial information in a clear, compelling way. Whether preparing Board-level commentary or supporting school leaders with day-to-day reporting, you bring precision, pragmatism, and a collaborative spirit to every challenge.
You thrive under pressure, managing competing priorities with resilience and grace. You're proactive, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement - always looking for smarter ways to work, automate, and elevate performance. With excellent interpersonal skills, you build strong relationships across all levels and inspire those around you to achieve their best.
Above all, you bring integrity, energy, and a genuine passion for delivering excellence in FP&A. You lead by example, motivate your team, and take pride in creating a culture of high performance, trust, and innovation.
Who We Are
The Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) is the leading network of independent girls' schools in the UK. We are a not-for-profit organisation; all surpluses achieved from educating the 19,000 pupils in the 24 GDST schools and two academies throughout England and Wales are re-invested into girls' education.
Since its foundation in 1872, to a £300+ million organisation today, the GDST has never wavered in its belief in the uniqueness of its individual pupils, nor in our commitment to equipping them to succeed. For more information on the GDST and its schools, please visit www.gdst.net.
Why Join Us
At GDST, we are committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and development of our employees, providing a comprehensive range of benefits to enhance your professional and personal life, including:
- Competitive Salaries and Career Progression: We offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth, recognizing and rewarding your contributions.
- Generous Pension Scheme: Enjoy the peace of mind of a pension scheme with up to a 12% employer contribution, helping you plan for a secure financial future.
- Generous Holiday Allowance: Take advantage of 30 days of annual leave, allowing you to relax and recharge.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Access extensive professional development programs, including training and workshops, to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Training Grants: We provide financial support through training grants to help you pursue relevant qualifications and certifications, empowering your professional growth.
How to Apply
The closing date for applications is: 5pm, Monday 1st September 2025.
Your formal application for this role will include your tailored CV alongside a supporting statement (no longer than 1 side of A4). For any queries about your application, contact Amie, a.patton@wes.gdst.net.
There are many other good reasons to work with us. At the GDST, we are committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you'll be part of it. You'll be part, too, of the wider GDST family. You'll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you'll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.
The GDST are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
To understand how your information will be stored and used, click here: https://www.gdst.net/privacy-notice/
Vacancy ID :
041987
Closing Date :
01-Sep-2025
Contact Person :
Amie Patton
Contact Email :
a.patton@wes.gdst.net
Contact Number :