Head of Finance Operations

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected UK university is seeking a Head of Finance Operations to lead finance operations teams and ensure delivery of high-quality service to stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a strong background in managing complex teams, financial literacy, and experience in change management. Competitive salary and generous benefits are offered.

Benefits

Defined benefits pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Use of on-site sports and cultural facilities

Discounts from national and international shops

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing complex finance operations teams.
• Solid understanding of contract development and negotiations.
• Experience in strategic view within the Higher Education Funding landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage finance operations teams for stakeholder service.
• Main contact for finance operations, ensuring systems are in place.
• Support finance transformation efforts within the team.

Skills

Financial literacy

Change management

Team leadership

Contract development

Job description

Overview

The University of Southampton's mission is to change the world for the better. As a world-leading, research-intensive university, it is renowned for its innovation and enterprise. It is a founding member of the Russell Group, an organisation of 24 top UK universities committed to maintaining the highest research and teaching standards. The University of Southampton is seeking 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, which includes 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 in supporting the finance executive leadership team in achieving a top-level functioning Finance, Planning and Analytics Directorate.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the finance operations teams who work with other professional service areas to deliver a high-quality service to stakeholders.
• Act as the main point of contact for finance operations and ensure systems and policies are in place to support the University's objectives.
• Support finance transformation and assist the finance executive leadership team in achieving an effective Finance, Planning and Analytics Directorate.

Qualifications

• Held senior management positions in finance operations teams with a proven track record of managing complex and specialised teams servicing both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates 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.
• Experience managing a sizeable team of professional and administrative staff, with the ability to motivate, engage and develop the team to deliver excellent customer service.

Benefits and equality

The University 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 and international shops and services.