Head of Finance

National Museum; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent cultural institution in Oxford is seeking a Head of Finance to lead the finance team and develop the financial strategy, with responsibilities including preparing an annual budget exceeding £55m. This role requires significant post-qualification experience, strong interpersonal skills, and advanced Excel skills. The position supports remote work up to 2 days a week and offers a comprehensive range of benefits.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience at a senior management level.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and reporting in a complex organization.
• Ability to maintain high accuracy and monitor financial positions.

Responsibilities

• Develop the financial strategy closely with the COO.
• Prepare the annual budget exceeding £55m.
• Oversee day-to-day functions of the finance team.

Skills

Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA)

Management accounting

Budgeting

Financial forecasting

Interpersonal skills

Advanced Excel

Education

Qualified Accountant

Tools

Financial systems

Excel

Job description

Details:

Location:

Oxford, OX1 3BG, with the option for remote working up to 2 days per week

Category:

Financial
Senior management

Salary:

£55,636 - £64,228 per annum (with a discretionary range to £70,029)

Contract type:

Contract Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Telephone:

[e-mail]

Head of Finance

The Bodleian Libraries, a network of 26 academic libraries across Oxford, is the largest academic library service in the UK and one of the largest library services in Europe, providing an excellent service to support the learning, teaching and research objectives of the University of Oxford. The famous Bodleian Library, the cornerstone of this network, has been acquiring items from around the world for over 400 years. Collectively the libraries now hold over 13 million items.

Applications are invited for the post of Head of Finance, a pivotal senior position within the Libraries that plays an important part supporting the strategic agenda of Bodley’s Librarian, having overall responsibility for the day-to-day functions of the finance team.

The Head of Finance will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to develop a financial strategy and will be responsible for preparing the annual budget, in excess of £55m, using effective financial modelling and costing tools.

This is a permanent, full-time post working 37.5 hours per week. This role supports working from home up to 2 days per week.

Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Standard Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

About You
As a highly skilled, Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA), you will have significant post-qualification experience at a senior management level in a large complex organisation and proven management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills. You will have a strong desire and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, to ensure that the financial position is closely monitored and that timely, accurate management information is provided to the Senior Management Team, Managers and Stakeholders.

You will be an experienced team manager with strong interpersonal and people management skills, with the ability to work in an inclusive way.

IT skills including advanced Excel spreadsheet skills and expertise in using and enhancing financial systems to improve efficiency and data quality are also essential.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including: an excellent contributory pension scheme 38 days of annual leave, a comprehensive range of childcare services, family leave schemes, etc. More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Friday 29 August 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 15 September, in person.

National Museum Directors' Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.