Head of Finance

The Head of Finance will be a member of IT Services Senior Management Team and be responsible for developing and delivering the financial strategy for the department. Other key tasks include preparing and monitoring the £30 million annual revenue budget and the £110 million capital budget and also leading on the costing for both regular and new activities.

They will work closely with the Divisional Financial Controller (UAS) based in Central Finance for advice, guidance and support in achieving these objectives. They will also be responsible for managing and developing the Finance team comprising the line management of three direct reports and the leadership of a total team of eight staff.

The post holder will ensure that effective and resilient financial processes and controls are in place that adhere to the latest University financial regulations. They will ensure that the financial position is closely monitored and that timely, accurate management information is provided to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), managers and stakeholders (internal and external to the department).

The post holder will promote understanding of the financial implications of decisions through high quality financial information and reporting as well as the use of strong influencing skills. They will also play a key role in maintaining the overall financial health of the organisation as well as maintaining the wider financial reputation of the department with other stakeholders within the organisation.

Essential selection criteria

  • Accounting Knowledge: sound accounting knowledge, evidenced by a CCAB (such as CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA) qualification with several years post-qualification experience
  • Leadership and line management : demonstrable ability to lead, line manage and develop productive team dynamics
  • Experience: proven experience of managing a finance function, ideally in a service organisation. At least five years’ experience in a large accounting environment with proven management accounting, budgeting and planning skills
  • Communication: proven ability to think about financial issues strategically and to contribute to policy discussions and decisions; ability to understand the information needs of others; ability to communicate complex information in an understandable way, both orally and in writing, to a diverse range of audiences
  • Networking: ability to forge strong relationships with key partners across the University, evidenced by examples of cross-departmental working
  • Self-motivation: ability to set and meet objectives and standards on own initiative; committed to continuous self-development
  • Teamwork: flexible, co-operative, helpful; respectful of ideas and expertise of others; appreciative of own strengths and weaknesses: evidenced by working effectively within team structures
  • Organisation: ability to work accurately, particularly when under pressure, and to meet tight deadlines; ability to work systematically and to use time efficiently
  • Response to change: adaptable; interested in learning and developing to meet changing situations as well as proactively leading change
  • Analysis, creativity and problem solving: ability to consider various perspectives and the overall picture to evaluate financial and business risk; ability to develop and implement plans successfully
  • Personal qualities: tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information