Finance Manager (Transformation)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Cambridge is seeking a professional to enhance financial transparency and contribute to the overall Finance Transformation Programme. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial planning, either in commercial or higher education settings. Responsibilities include developing a new financial planning model and managing stakeholder communication. This role supports hybrid working arrangements and offers substantial benefits, including 41 days of annual leave.

Benefits

41 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays

Defined benefits pension schemes

Flexible working options

Family-friendly initiatives

Career development opportunities

Support for health and mental wellbeing

Tax-efficient bicycle and charity-giving schemes

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience in commercial or Higher Education/Public Sector environments.
• Ability to present financial information to various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply a new financial planning model for the University.
• Contribute to the Finance Transformation Programme, focusing on Enhanced Financial Transparency.
• Support the transition away from legacy financial planning processes.

Skills

Interpreting financial information

Managing change in accounting practices

Communicating with stakeholders

Education

Educated to degree level or level 7 vocational qualification

Chartered accountant or equivalent experience

Job description

Are you looking for your next challenge, utilising your skills and experience to support the University of Cambridge Finance Division modernise its approach to academic and financial planning?

Join us on our exciting Enhanced Financial Transparency (EFT) Project which is highly significant and will have a University-wide impact. The project forms part of an overall Finance Transformation Programme (FTP).

You will work within Academic and Financial Planning and Analysis who supports the University's Academic Mission by enabling the development, prioritisation, implementation, and achievement of academic and strategic plans within an affordable financial framework. Within AFPA, this role is part of Financial Planning and Performance.

We are a welcoming team who nurture and support our colleagues to develop new skills and to broaden their experience. We encourage colleagues with fresh ideas to contribute to creating the future.

The Role

• You will be instrumental in the development and application of a new financial planning model for use across the whole University.
• As a subject matter expert, you will contribute to the delivery of the Finance Transformation Programme with a particular focus on the Enhanced Financial Transparency project.
• You will contribute to the continuity and evolution of business‑as‑usual activity during the transition away from legacy financial planning and budgeting processes.

Your Skills

• Significant relevant experience, ideally gained in both commercial and Higher Education/Public Sector environments. -The ability to interpret financial information and present to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders.
• Experience of managing and communicating change in accounting practices with a variety of stakeholders.

• Educated to degree level/level 7 vocational qualification.
• Be a Chartered accountant or have equivalent level of experience.

Benefits

• 41 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Defined benefits pension schemes
• Flexible working options
• Family‑friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health and mental wellbeing
• Tax‑efficient bicycle and charity‑giving schemes

Location

The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This arrangement is subject to change and will not form a part of the contractual terms of the role.

Fixed‑term: The funds for this post are available until 31 October 2027 in the first instance.

Application Process

We are partnering with Pure Resourcing Solutions to recruit to this role as part of our backfill campaign, as well as a flexible workforce of around 30 people to 'backfill' the finance function and create the capacity for permanent staff secondments. To apply for this role or any of the other backfill roles, please apply through the link to Pure's website Pure Resourcing Solutions ( www.prs.uk.com ).

If you would like more information about this role, informal enquiries can be directed by email to Pure Resourcing at: [e-mail].

We plan to hold a recruitment day for this role on Thursday 11th December 2025 and you will be contacted before this date to confirm if you have been invited to interview.

Please quote reference AG47986 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equality and Diversity

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.