Head of Finance/ Financial Controller

Michael Page; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Head of Finance / Financial Controller for a large, research‑led organisation in Cambridge. You will report to the Director of Finance and Operations, lead a finance team, and oversee financial management across multiple business units, delivering high‑quality financial insight.

The role combines operational leadership with strategic partnering, focusing on robust controls, reporting, budgeting, and investment decisions, with opportunities to shape processes and systems

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Experience in a senior finance leadership position.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning expertise.
• Proven track record in managing finance teams and improving controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team and provide coaching.
• Oversee monthly management accounts, quarterly reports, and annual statements.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term planning.
• Provide strategic financial insights to senior leadership.
• Ensure robust controls and compliance with accounting standards.
• Manage complex income streams including grants and contracts.
• Support growth initiatives and capital investment programs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Financial analysis

Management accounting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting software

Job description

This is a pivotal leadership role offering the opportunity to influence decision‑making at a senior level, support organisational growth, and drive continuous improvement across finance operations.

We are partnering with a large, complex, research‑led organisation undergoing significant growth and investment. With multiple operational divisions and a diverse funding base, the organisation is seeking an experienced finance leader to oversee financial management, controls, and strategic financial planning across a substantial portfolio.

Description

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the Head of Finance / Financial Controller will lead a finance team and take overall responsibility for financial management across several business units. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide high‑quality financial insight, ensure robust financial controls, and support strategic planning and investment decisions.

This role combines operational financial leadership with strategic business partnering and offers significant scope to shape financial processes, systems, and reporting frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a finance team, providing guidance, coaching, and professional support.
• Oversee the production of monthly management accounts, quarterly reporting, and annual financial statements.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning processes.
• Provide strategic financial advice and decision support to senior leadership teams.
• Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance with relevant accounting standards and organisational policies.
• Monitor financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective action where required.
• Deliver insightful financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Oversee complex income streams, including grants, contracts, and externally funded projects.
• Lead the preparation of annual financial returns and submissions.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting processes, and operational efficiencies.
• Support organisational growth initiatives, investment projects, and business change programmes.

Profile

You will be a commercially minded finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to influence and partner effectively with senior stakeholders.

Essential Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership position such as Financial Controller, Head of Finance, Senior Finance Manager, or similar.
• Strong financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning experience.
• Proven experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insight.
• Experience implementing or improving financial controls, processes, and reporting frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience advising senior leadership teams.

Desirable

• Experience within higher education, research, healthcare, not‑for‑profit, or other complex multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Knowledge of grant funding, research income, or project‑based funding streams.
• Experience supporting organisational growth, transformation, or capital investment programmes.

Job Offer

• Permanent Head Of Finance/ Financial Controller
• Salary of £60,000 to £70,000, dependent on the level of experience.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.