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- Tasks: Lead a finance team, oversee financial planning, and drive strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join the University of Plymouth, the UK's Ocean University, known for its impactful research and student experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work options, generous pension scheme, and extensive staff benefits.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a dynamic university while enjoying a stunning coastal location.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leader with qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) and strong strategic acumen.
- Other info: Interviews are on April 10, 2025; apply now for this exciting opportunity!
The predicted salary is between 74900 - 100000 £ per year.
Director of Finance
Location: Plymouth, UK
Salary: Competitive from £89,936 – £116,085 + Excellent Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Hybrid
Be part of an ambitious university shaping the future.
The University of Plymouth is the UK’s Ocean University, renowned for its world-class research, outstanding student experience, and commitment to driving positive societal impact. With an annual turnover exceeding £250m and a net asset value of over £350m, our institution is growing, evolving, and investing in the future.
We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to lead our finance function, ensuring financial sustainability and driving strategic decision-making in support of the University’s ambitious Strategy 2030 .
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) , you will play a pivotal role in shaping the University’s financial strategy, overseeing financial planning, reporting, internal audit, and procurement. You will lead a team of 70 finance professionals , ensuring robust financial governance and operational excellence.
As a key member of the University’s leadership team, you will collaborate across faculties and professional services, contributing proactively to institutional strategy and decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, ensuring strong leadership, professional development, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee financial planning and forecasting, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
- Deliver insightful financial reporting and data analysis to inform strategic decisions.
- Maintain a strong financial control framework, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Manage procurement strategies to optimise efficiencies and deliver value.
- Oversee internal audit, risk management, and financial business continuity planning.
- Support major University projects, including pension strategy, subsidiaries review, and professional services transformation.
About You
You will be a proven finance leader with a track record of strategic financial management in a complex organisation. Whether from higher education , public sector , or large commercial organisations , you will bring expertise in financial planning, governance, and team leadership .
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with substantial post-qualification experience.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and commercial acumen.
- Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management, able to influence at senior levels.
- Knowledge of regulatory and financial compliance frameworks (desirable: experience within HE, charity, or public sector).
Why Join Us?
A mission-driven institution committed to making a difference.
A leadership role with real strategic influence and career progression.
Work in a stunning coastal location with an excellent quality of life.
Generous pension scheme, flexible working, and extensive staff benefits.
Join us in shaping the financial future of one of the UK’s most dynamic universities.
Interviews are expected to take place on the 10th April 2025.
Apply now or contact our CFO, Julie Fielder at for an informal and confidential conversation.
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Director of Finance employer: University of Plymouth
Contact Detail:
University of Plymouth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in finance. Since this role involves leading a team of 70 finance professionals, showcasing your ability to develop and inspire teams will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the University’s Strategy 2030. Understanding their strategic goals will help you demonstrate how your financial expertise can support their ambitions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your experience in financial planning and governance. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your strategic decisions led to improved financial outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of the University of Plymouth. Gaining insights into their culture and challenges can give you an edge in understanding what they value in a Director of Finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Finance position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in financial management, team leadership, and strategic decision-making. Use specific examples that demonstrate your achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the role and the mission of the University of Plymouth. Make sure to address how you can contribute to their Strategy 2030.
Highlight Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasize your leadership skills and experience managing finance teams. Provide examples of how you've motivated teams and driven performance improvements in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Plymouth
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Director of Finance position, it's crucial to highlight your leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led finance teams in the past, focusing on professional development and continuous improvement.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with strategic financial management. Share insights on how you've contributed to financial planning and forecasting in previous roles, especially in complex organizations like universities or large commercial entities.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about your ability to manage stakeholders effectively. Think of instances where you've influenced senior-level decisions and how you navigated different interests within an organization.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Familiarize yourself with the regulatory and financial compliance frameworks relevant to higher education and public sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would approach it at the University of Plymouth.
