Head of Management Accounts

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Head of Management Accounts located in Oxford. The ideal candidate will lead a team of finance professionals, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with financial regulations. Candidates should be CCAB qualified with extensive experience in management accounting and managing large budgets. This hybrid role supports strategic decision-making and offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday and pension schemes.

Benefits

Minimum of 25 days holiday

Hybrid working

Extensive pension scheme

Discounted gym facilities

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience supporting large budgets (£50m+).
• Knowledge of financial regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the management accounting team.
• Oversee monthly and year-end reporting.
• Drive process improvements and standardization.
• Support strategic planning and budgeting processes.
• Act as a senior advisor to budget holders.
• Manage relationships with auditors.
• Ensure compliance with University regulations.

Skills

Significant senior-level experience in management accounting

Proven leadership and team development skills

Strong communication and influencing abilities

Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems

Education

CCAB qualified or equivalent, or qualified by experience

Tools

e5 ERP

Business Objects

Job description

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The role

Based at our Headington Campus and reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance (Financial Analysis and Planning), the Head of Management Accounts will lead a team of 11 finance professionals to deliver accurate and timely management accounting services across the University. This role is pivotal in ensuring robust financial control, embedding process excellence, and supporting strategic decision-making.

About the team

You will join the Finance & Legal Services Directorate, a central function providing financial planning, analysis, and compliance to support the University’s strategic objectives. The team works collaboratively with senior stakeholders across faculties and directorates, delivering high-quality financial information and advice to enable effective decision-making.

What will I be doing?

• Leading and developing the management accounting team, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Overseeing monthly and year-end reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Driving process improvements and standardisation across management accounting.
• Supporting strategic planning and budgeting processes, including 5-year financial plans.
• Acting as a senior advisor to budget holders, providing clear, actionable financial insights.
• Managing relationships with internal and external auditors.
• Ensuring compliance with University Financial Regulations and best practice.

What skills do I need?

Essential:

• CCAB qualified or equivalent, or qualified by experience.
• Significant senior-level experience in management accounting, supporting large budgets (£50m+).
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Strong communication and influencing abilities with senior stakeholders.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

Desirable:

• Experience in the Higher Education sector.
• Knowledge of e5 ERP and Business Objects.

About the location

Based at our Headington Campus, just one mile from Oxford city centre, you’ll enjoy a vibrant campus atmosphere and modern facilities. This role offers hybrid working, typically 1–2 days on campus per week.

Benefits

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year). We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline. We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on-site Nursery.
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.