Company description

Valenture Institute partners with the world’s leading education institutions to transform physical limitations into digital opportunities. We create new opportunities for students to choose an aspirational online learning experience by offering fully-supported online education programmes.

As a purpose-driven social enterprise, Valenture Institute is committed to levelling the playing field and increasing access for all students through free curriculum offerings, extensive scholarship programmes and blended learning micro schools in underprivileged communities.

The role

Summary:
The Head of Financial Planning and Analysis will drive the evolution of the Finance function by integrating advanced analytics, data science, and automation into financial planning and decision-making processes.

This role combines the financial rigour of a controller with the technical skills of a data scientist — building models, systems, and insights that enhance forecasting accuracy, optimise performance tracking, and enable more strategic decision support.

The Head of Financial Planning and Analysis will work closely with the CFO on financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis while partnering with the Data, Systems & Technology (DS&T) division to strengthen Valenture’s finance data capabilities.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Prepare and coordinate the budget/forecast process in partnership with business leaders to deliver results aligned with strategic objectives
• Partner with the CFO and internal departments to enhance forecasting and budgeting models through predictive analytics, scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis.
• Conduct deep-dive analysis of business performance, financial trends, and operational drivers to identify insights and improvement opportunities.
• Complete monthly financial and operational reporting for the board and Exco, translating complex financial and operational data into concise, actionable insights.
• Develop automated reporting tools and dashboards that reduce manual processes and increase insight velocity.
• Manage financial and/or timeline modelling for prospective business opportunities or qualification offerings development
• Ensure the finance team has visibility into AI and tech initiatives tied to measurable financial outcomes (cost reduction, revenue growth, improved forecasting): formulating budgets, ROI modelling, performance benchmarks.
• Ad hoc analysis and reporting as necessary

Data Analytics & Modelling

• Collaborate with the Data Engineering and Data Science teams to scope, brief, and validate the development of predictive models, financial datasets, and analytics tools.
• Define clear business requirements and ensure finance-related data pipelines and models are accurate, relevant, and aligned to strategic priorities.
• Quality-assure (QA) analytical models, dashboards and data outputs, ensuring they meet Finance’s accuracy and usability standards.
• Use a working knowledge of SQL, Python and BI tools to engage effectively with technical stakeholders — without needing to code directly.
• Work with the data team to translate financial performance requirements into technical specifications and ensure models align with financial logic and definitions.

Business Partnering

• Act as a bridge between Finance and Data, translating financial requirements into actionable data insights and ensuring alignment across teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Data, Systems, and Operational teams to ensure alignment on KPIs, methodologies and insights.
• Present analytical findings clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical stakeholders, supporting strategic decisions.
• Support the CFO in evaluating strategic initiatives through advanced financial modelling and ROI analysis.

Process Optimisation & Automation

• Identify opportunities to automate recurring processes across the business.
• Implement quality checks and improve financial data governance.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Finance team’s analytical tools and data infrastructure.
  
  

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Data Science, Statistics, Economics or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in FP&A, Data Analytics or a hybrid Finance/Data role.
• Proven experience developing analytical models or dashboards that improve business decision-making.
• Experience in high-growth, data-driven environments (EdTech, SaaS, or digital services advantageous).

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel or Google Sheets modelling skills.
• Strong understanding of SQL, Python, and DBT workflows sufficient to brief, interpret and QA outputs — not necessarily to code directly.
• Familiarity with BI and data visualisation tools (Looker).
• Working knowledge of modern data stack tools (e.g. Snowflake, AWS) advantageous.
• Understanding of financial forecasting and budgeting, and other finance concepts.

Personal Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and critical thinking ability; confident challenging assumptions and reframing problems.
• High degree of commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate technical concepts into business recommendations.
• Proven ability to collaborate across Finance, Data, and Operations teams.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented and able to operate independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of ownership, curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset.