These changes are designed to support the Finance Division's continued drive for enhanced University planning, analysis and reporting capabilities.
These changes in senior management in the Finance Division will also include a focus on transparency and fundamental analysis in support of decision-making at Finance and Planning and Resources Committees.
Jonathan Appleton takes on an exciting new role as Head of Financial Strategy, directly supporting the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in developing a sustainable long-term Financial Strategy for the University. Jonathan will focus on providing enhanced fundamental understanding of the key drivers of long term revenues, costs and capital expenditure, the identification of strategic risks, threats and opportunities, and understanding of our liquidity requirements. In this role, Jonathan will also provide a new focal point for gathering deep external sector and policy benchmarks and competitive intelligence.
Rachel Coupe (pictured left) returns from her successful assignment as Interim Academic Secretary to take over the leadership of the integrated Academic and Financial Planning and Analysis team (AFPA) in the reframed role of Head of Academic and Financial Planning and Analysis. Working within the context of the University’s academic priorities, Rachel will provide the Planning and Resources Committee with expert support and advice, including development and implementation of a sustainable, integrated Academic and Financial Planning capability for the University’s operational activities and capital programme, development of greater transparency in revenues, costs, contributions and cross flows and the development of a coherent framework to support the management of the devolved University in a financially sustainable manner. The AFPA team will be refocused around three core activity sets (Academic and Capital Planning, Financial Planning and Budgeting, and Business Analysis and Information) with a strengthened account management relationship with the Schools. Rachel will take over the functional leadership of the School Finance Managers and maintain a strong relationship with School Secretaries.
The effective date for both appointments is 1 April 2020 and there will be a period of handover.
In their new roles, Jonathan and Rachel will work alongside David Long (pictured right), the University’s new Head of Investment Appraisal. These three roles will form a key part of the Finance Division’s management team.