Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager

ABOUT ALU

ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.
They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.
Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.  

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The FP&A Manager will play a critical role in driving financial strategy and performance across African Leadership University. This position will be responsible for the financial planning and analysis function, ensuring accurate  forecasting, budgeting, and reporting. In addition, the FP&A Manager will supervise the Revenue Assurance Manager, responsible for maintaining and optimising revenue streams for the university.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Planning & Analysis:

• Create and maintain complex financial models to forecast future performance, assess risk, and evaluate investment opportunities, in collaboration with several business leaders.
• Manage the annual budget process, including forecasting and variance analysis.
• Provide financial analysis, reports and insights to help senior leadership make informed decisions about products, and market decisions.
• Analyse financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide strategic insights to support decision-making and long-term financial planning.
• Donor Reporting: Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely donor reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in donor funding and its allocation.

Revenue Assurance Management:

• Oversee the Revenue Assurance function in ensuring accuracy and integrity of revenue data.
• Implement processes to identify and mitigate revenue leakage and discrepancies.
• Collaborate with various departments to optimise revenue collection and reporting processes.
• Analyse revenue streams to enhance profitability and sustainability.

Systems and Financial Tools Management:

• Identify, implement, and optimise financial software and tools to streamline budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes.
• Train and support staff in the effective use of financial systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of financial tools and systems, recommending upgrades or new solutions as necessary.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

• Work closely with academic and administrative departments to align financial goals with institutional priorities.
• Provide training and support to departmental staff on financial policies and procedures.
• Work with department heads to create detailed budgets that align with the organisation's strategic objectives.
• Update financial projections on a regular basis to reflect changing market conditions and business performance.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Identify potential financial risks, such as currency fluctuations, credit risk, and market volatility.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and university policies.
• Recommend and create Implementation strategies to manage and mitigate financial risks.
• Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; Master’s degree or CPA preferred.
• 5-8 years managerial experience in financial planning and analysis, preferably in higher education or non-profit sectors.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and financial metrics.
• Proven experience in revenue assurance or related field is a plus.
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., ERP systems, budgeting tools) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
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