Head of Finance in Oxford

Head of Finance in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the finance function, develop policies, and manage financial reporting.
  • Company: Join AIOI R&D Lab, a leader in AI solutions for societal challenges.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, 28 days leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: We value diversity and support your growth with flexible work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Minimum 3 years as Head of Finance with strong financial skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

AIOI R&D Lab, developing AI solutions and products to solve societal problems, is looking for a Head of Finance to take responsibility on corporate finance matters in the digital field in EU/UK/Japan. As Head of Finance, you will migrate, develop, establish, and maintain AIOI R&D Lab’s finance function, including finance policies, processes, controls, system, all financial reporting and governance frameworks. You’ll work with a talented team of executives, AI researchers, project managers, and group finance teams. The role is a permanent full time position.

Responsibilities

  • Develop in-house finance function including finance policies, processes, system, and governance frameworks.
  • Statutory Accounts & External Audit Management – Prepare statutory accounts, manage the audit process and auditor relationships, and ensure timely filing of statutory accounts.
  • Financial Reporting – Prepare monthly management accounts and provide financial reporting to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
  • Tax Compliance – Prepare and file corporate tax, VAT, and employment tax returns, with support from the Group Tax team.
  • Cash & Bank Management – Manage daily cash transactions and month end control processes, including MMF operations, and oversee bank account administration.
  • Accounts Payable Management – Establish and manage the authorization matrix, process supplier invoices, and execute payments.
  • Payroll Management – Manage payroll services for UK employees and Employer of Record (EoR) personnel in coordination with the HR function.
  • Expense Claims Management – Manage employee expense claims and reimbursements.
  • Group Financial Consolidation – Submit financial information for Group financial statement consolidation.
  • Budgeting & Forecasting – Prepare the annual budget and mid-term financial forecasts.
  • R&D Tax Credit Management – Prepare and manage HMRC pre-notification forms and Additional Information Forms (AIF), with support from external consultants.

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Head of Finance or in an equivalent role at a UK-registered company, with at least 10 years of overall finance experience in the UK.
  • Experience leading the build‑out of a finance function from scratch within a startup or VC/PE‑backed company environment.
  • Experience leading the development and implementation of financial policies and processes.

Required Skills

  • Advanced financial accounting skills, including consolidated financial accounting and tax accounting.
  • Advanced financial modelling skills.
  • Advanced financial reporting capabilities.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

  • CPA, CFA, MBA, or equivalent professional qualification.
  • Experience working in an audit function at a Big Four accounting firm or equivalent.
  • Finance experience within the software sector.

Why Join Us?

We’re committed to your growth, providing the support to excel in your current role whilst offering opportunities to step into new challenges and drive your career forward. We realise that we need to be a good fit for you above all else – so here’s what you can enjoy about AND‑E:

  • Recognised as the Best Large Insurance Employer: We are proud to have been named the Best Large Insurance Employer for 2023 at the prestigious British Insurance Awards.
  • Unmatched Work‑Life Balance.
  • Competitive Salaries and Benefits Package: We offer competitive salaries that recognise your skills and expertise.

We champion choice, flexibility, and balance in both work and home life. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures everyone feels valued and supported — including embracing neurodiversity and providing the tools needed to thrive. We like to think our benefits package is one of the best, focusing on colleagues’ health, wealth, and lifestyle. We offer:

  • 28 Days annual leave with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days holiday*
  • Private Medical & Permanent Health Insurance*
  • 4 x Annual salary Life Assurance*
  • Health and Wellbeing Benefits: Including money back on health‑related expenses (optician, dental, physio, etc.), Flu Jab vouchers, Virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced family‑friendly policies (baby bonus & pension advisory service)
  • Financial and Lifestyle Support: Offers financial flexibility through Wagestream*, annual season ticket loans*, cycle scheme*, and £250 towards driving lessons for you and dependents*.

* Subject to company performance and completion of probation

Equal Opportunity Statement

Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Employees and job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics). At AND‑E, equal opportunity is more than a policy—it’s a promise. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Reasonable adjustments

If you require any adjustments to support you during our recruitment process, please let us know. We’re committed to making the process accessible and are happy to help.

Head of Finance in Oxford employer: Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited

AIOI R&D Lab is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets social impact. As the Head of Finance, you will benefit from a competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and generous annual leave. Our commitment to employee growth, diversity, and work-life balance ensures that you will thrive both personally and professionally in our supportive culture.

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Contact Details:

Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their financial goals and challenges, especially in the digital field. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Finance role. Highlight your skills in developing finance functions and managing audits, as these are key to impressing the hiring team.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of solving societal problems with AI.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Oxford

Advanced Financial Accounting Skills
Consolidated Financial Accounting
Tax Accounting
Advanced Financial Modelling Skills
Advanced Financial Reporting Capabilities
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your finance expertise, especially in building finance functions and managing statutory accounts, as these are key for us.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Share specific examples of your past achievements that align with our needs, like financial reporting or tax compliance.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to mention any leadership experiences you've had, especially in developing financial policies or managing audits. We want to see how you can inspire and guide others!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe Limited

Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've developed finance policies or managed audits to showcase your expertise.

Showcase Leadership Skills

This role involves leading a finance function from scratch, so highlight your leadership experience. Be prepared to discuss how you've built teams, implemented processes, and communicated with stakeholders. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to lead effectively.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Research AIOI R&D Lab and its mission to develop AI solutions for societal problems. Be ready to explain how your financial strategies can support their goals. This shows that you’re not just about numbers but also aligned with their vision.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions on advanced financial accounting, tax compliance, and financial modelling. Brush up on these areas and be ready to solve hypothetical scenarios. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the role.