Head of Finance Operations

University of Southampton; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Eastleigh seeks a Head of Finance Operations to ensure financial sustainability through excellent service delivery. The role involves leading finance operations teams, supporting finance transformation, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have senior management experience, financial literacy, and change management skills. This full-time permanent position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits.

Benefits

Defined benefits pension scheme

30 days annual leave plus 6 closure days and 8 bank holidays

Access to sports and cultural facilities

Discounts from shops and services

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing complex finance operations teams.
• Solid understanding of contract development and negotiations.
• Extensive experience in change management within Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage finance operations teams to deliver excellent service.
• Ensure systems and policies support the University’s objectives.
• Assist in finance transformation and high-level function of finance directorate.

Skills

Senior management experience

Financial literacy

Change management

Team motivation and engagement

Job description

Overview

Do you want to make a difference? The University of Southampton seeks to appoint a Head of Finance Operations to support the long-term financial sustainability of the University through the delivery and ongoing enhancement of a customer focused finance operations service. You will lead and manage the finance operations teams who work closely with other professional service areas to deliver an excellent service to stakeholders.

The role is the main point of contact for finance operations, including ensuring appropriate systems and policies are in place to support effective delivery of the University's objectives. The role is fundamental to finance transformation and supports the finance executive leadership team in achieving a top-level functioning Finance, Planning and Analytics Directorate.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the finance operations teams and collaborate with other professional service areas to deliver an excellent service to stakeholders.
• Act as the main point of contact for finance operations and ensure systems and policies support the University’s objectives.
• Support finance transformation and assist the Finance, Planning and Analytics Directorate in achieving high-level functioning.

Qualifications

• Held senior management positions in finance operations with a proven track record of managing complex and specialised teams serving internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate financial literacy and a solid understanding of contract development and negotiations.
• Extensive experience of change management or process re-engineering with the ability to take a strategic view within the Higher Education Funding landscape.
• Ability to motivate, engage and develop a sizeable team of professional and administrative staff to deliver excellent customer service.

Benefits and Details

The University of Southampton is committed to attracting and supporting exceptional staff to deliver at the highest levels in all activities. We select candidates based on merit and ability and aspire to thrive in the diversity of our workforce. In addition to a competitive salary the University offers an attractive defined benefits pension scheme; a generous holiday allowance of 30 days annual leave, plus 6 University closure days and 8 bank holidays; use of on-site sports, arts and cultural facilities and a wide range of discounts from national & international shops and services.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.

Location Highfield Campus
Salary £59,966 to £74,851 per annum
Contract Full Time Permanent
Closing Date Friday 10 October 2025
Reference 3219425RR

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