Director of Financial Operations

Coventry University; Coventry; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global education group based in Coventry is seeking a Director of Financial Operations to oversee financial transactions and compliance. The role involves leading a team, developing financial strategies, and providing insights to senior leaders. Candidates should possess strong accounting experience and a relevant degree or professional qualification. This position offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package.

Benefits

Excellent Employers Pension Contribution

30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays

BUPA Cash Plan

50% off Tuition Fee’s for staff dependants

Cycle To Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in financial accounting roles with reconciliation.
• Knowledge of higher education sector and regulatory frameworks.
• Evidence of implementing cultural business and process changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Global Financial Operations team and ensure compliance.
• Develop strategies to improve financial processes and cash flow.
• Provide financial insights to senior leaders and the Board.

Skills

Extensive accounting experience

Financial systems management

Process development

Collaborative working

Education

Degree level or professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CPA)

Job description

Director of Financial Operations

Job Reference: 3073

Division, Department: Finance (CUCS)

Salary: Competitive starting salary range from £78,643 up to £89,744 per annum (dependent upon experience) with the potential to progress. A discretionary range for candidates with exceptional experience can be discussed/considered

Mode: Full time, Permanent

Location: Coventry

Our Mission

Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. We are driven by our passionate belief in the transformational power of education and research to enable and empower our students, colleagues and partners and to improve the world around them. Our people are key to our success and each role contributes to the Group’s ongoing progress in communities around the world.

The Role

This role leads the Global Financial Operations team, overseeing financial transactions and ensuring legal compliance across the Group. It involves setting and executing financial policies and procedures, building a high-performing team, and supporting the Group’s corporate plan through efficient shared services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring strong financial controls and working with auditors.
• Improving the student experience through effective payment processes and debt collection.
• Developing strategies to reduce bad debt and improve cash flow.
• Managing student fee income and records to ensure timely payments.
• Driving innovation in financial systems and processes.
• Building strategic relationships with banks and payment providers.
• Setting and monitoring financial performance targets aligned with Group goals.
• Providing financial insights and reports to senior leaders and the Board.
• Promoting continuous improvement and high-quality financial service delivery across UK and international operations.

Our Successful Candidate

You will be qualified to degree level or hold a professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CPA). You will also have demonstrable equivalent experience and a good ongoing record of continuing professional development.

You will have extensive accounting experience within a financial accounting role, with experience of accounting, reconciliation, financial systems management and process development. You will also be able to evidence a commitment to collaborative and corporate working, understanding the global, national regional and local issues with impact on strategic decisions.

You will have working knowledge and experience of the higher education sector and an understanding of the regulatory frameworks and challenges within HE.

Evidence of dealing with and successfully implementing cultural business and process changed would be advantageous.

The Benefits

Along with a competitive salary we offer an industry leading Rewards and Benefits package which includes:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fee’s for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• Cycle To Work scheme

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

Closing date: 15th October 2025.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.