Head of Finance and Deputy Administrator

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

Job summary

A prestigious university in Oxford is seeking a Head of Finance to deliver the financial strategy for its Engineering Science Department. This leadership role involves managing a finance team and overseeing a substantial budget of roughly £100m. The candidate should possess a CCAB qualification and extensive experience in finance management. Benefits include hybrid working, generous leave, and support for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible Hybrid Working

Excellent Contributory Pension Scheme

Generous Annual Leave

Comprehensive Childcare Services

Family Leave Schemes

Cycle Loan Scheme

Membership to Social and Sports Clubs

Discounted Bus Travel

Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives

Support for life-long learning and career development

Qualifications

• Several years of post-qualification experience in accounting.
• Experience managing a finance function, ideally in a service organisation.
• Minimum five years’ experience in a large accounting environment.

Responsibilities

• Line-manage a Finance Team with six direct reports.
• Ensure effective financial processes and controls in accordance with regulations.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets of around £100m.

Skills

Sound accounting knowledge

Ability to lead and manage teams

Management accounting skills

Strategic thinking

Exceptional communication skills

Relationship building

Education

CCAB qualification (CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA)

Job description

The Head of Finance is a member of the Professional Services Senior Management Team in the Department of Engineering Science and is responsible for developing and delivering the financial strategy for one of the largest departments in the University. The role entails preparing, monitoring and managing both annual and medium‑term departmental budgets (annual turnover ~ £100m). The postholder will work closely with the Head of Department (HOD), the Head of Administration (HAF) and the departmental Management Team to ensure that the department runs in a financially sound fashion, preparing and delivering the Department’s 5‑year plan and meeting agreed budget targets. With plans for a relocation of much of the department to new facilities on a new site, and continued growth in the department, the postholder will be responsible for developing business cases underpinning major investments (£250m+) by the University and partners and ensuring that the department has a financially sustainable operating model throughout.

Key Responsibilities

• Line‑manage a Finance Team, comprising six direct reports and a total of 18 staff.
• Collaborate with finance colleagues across the division to build resilience and capability within the wider finance community.
• Ensure effective and resilient financial processes and controls are in place within the department that adhere to the latest University financial regulations.
• Account for research and trading activities and maintain appropriate levels of overheads.
• Prepare, monitor and manage the departmental annual and medium‑term budgets (~£100m turnover).
• Deliver the Department’s 5‑year plan and meet agreed budget targets.
• Develop business cases for major investments (£250m+).
• Maintain a financially sustainable operating model throughout the department’s relocation and growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Sound accounting knowledge, evidenced by a CCAB qualification (e.g., CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA) and several years of post‑qualification experience.
• Proven ability to lead, line‑manage and develop productive team dynamics.
• Proven experience managing a finance function, ideally in a service organisation.
• Minimum five years’ experience in a large accounting environment with proven management accounting, budgeting and planning skills.
• Strategic thinking about financial issues and a track record of contributing to policy discussions and decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills: ability to translate complex information into clear, understandable terms, both orally and in writing, for a diverse range of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to forge strong relationships with key partners across the University, evidenced by cross‑departmental collaboration.
• Experience in a finance partnering model and building trusted relationships with business partners.

About the Department

Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ. The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford is one of the largest and most innovative research and teaching departments in the UK. With strong interdisciplinary links across the University and a commitment to world‑class research, the Department provides an intellectually stimulating and dynamic environment for staff and students alike.

Benefits

• Flexible Hybrid Working: A work set‑up that combines office and remote work.
• Excellent Contributory Pension Scheme: We help you plan for your future.
• Generous Annual Leave: 38 days of annual leave.
• Comprehensive Childcare Services: We support your family needs.
• Family Leave Schemes: Ensuring work‑life balance.
• Cycle Loan Scheme: Promoting eco‑friendly transportation.
• Membership to Various Social and Sports Clubs: Be part of vibrant communities.
• Discounted Bus Travel and Season Ticket Travel Loans: Making your commute more affordable.
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives and community‑building efforts.
• Support for continued, life‑long learning and career development.