Finance Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Generous annual leave

Family leave scheme

Pension scheme

Cycle loan

Season ticket loans

Staff clubs

Job summary

The University of Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) invites applications for a Finance Manager to lead financial strategy and governance within a £20 million annual income portfolio. The role sits on the Senior Management Team and shapes the department’s financial performance and resilience.

You will oversee planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and regulatory compliance, working with senior academics and professional services colleagues.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial planning, budgeting and forecasting in a complex organisation.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear insights for senior stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and project management skills with a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Shape and oversee the department's financial strategy and sustainability.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, reporting and governance across the portfolio.
• Provide expert oversight to major research centres and externally funded activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and controls.

Job description

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) is one of Oxford's largest and most internationally recognised departments. Home to around 90 academic staff and a vibrant community of researchers, visiting scholars and students, DPIR is internationally recognised for excellence in both teaching and research. Ranked the UK's No. 1 university for Politics by The Guardian in 2025, the department is committed to shaping debate and advancing knowledge on some of the most important political challenges facing the world today. Behind this success is a dedicated team of Professional Services colleagues who play a vital role in supporting our academic mission. Working across areas including Courses, Research, Finance, Human Resources and Communications, our teams provide expert support in a collaborative, innovative and intellectually stimulating environment. We are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture, and we actively promote initiatives that foster belonging and opportunity for all, including our ongoing commitment to achieving an Athena Swan Bronze Award.

About the Role

The Finance Manager is a pivotal senior leadership role within the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), with responsibility for shaping and overseeing the Department's financial strategy, performance, and sustainability across an annual income portfolio of approximately £20 million. As a key member of the Senior Management Team, the post-holder will provide strategic financial leadership and trusted advice, enabling informed decision-making and supporting the Department's long-term academic and operational ambitions. Working closely with senior academics, research leaders, and professional services colleagues, the Finance Manager will lead all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and governance. The role requires the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights, ensuring resources are deployed effectively to maximise impact and support departmental priorities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining financial resilience and regulatory compliance, while driving continuous improvement in financial processes and controls. They will also provide expert financial oversight to major research centres and externally funded activities, lead complex financial modelling and business planning initiatives, and contribute to strategic projects requiring strong analytical, commercial, and project management expertise. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance professional to influence strategic direction, partner with senior stakeholders, and contribute to the success of a world-renowned academic department.

The successful candidate will be an experienced and strategic finance professional with expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial control within a complex organisation. You will have a proven ability to provide financial insight, lead business planning and modelling activities, and support senior decision-making through clear analysis and management information. A collaborative and influential leader, you will build strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, ensure robust governance and compliance, and lead and develop a high-performing finance team. With strong project management skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach, you will drive continuous improvement, lead change initiatives, and contribute to the achievement of the Department's long-term strategic goals.

• 38 days of annual leave (pro rata if part time and inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.