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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage a high-performing finance team at Aberystwyth University.
- Company: Join Aberystwyth University, a leading institution focused on financial sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a world-class university and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and substantial financial leadership experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for strategic influence and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 59966 - 67468 £ per year.
Aberystwyth University has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Financial Management and Reporting to join the team.
Location: Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL, Hybrid, 2/3 days on campus
Salary: Grade 9, £59,966 - £67,468 per annum
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week
About Our Client:
Aberystwyth University is seeking an exceptional financial leader to play a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s long-term financial sustainability and supporting delivery of their 2025–2030 Strategy. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to lead a high-performing team, influence strategic decision-making, and help drive the future direction of a world-class university. This role reports directly to the CFO.
As Head of Financial Management and Reporting, you will work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to deliver the University’s financial plan and ensure the effective allocation of resources across their academic and professional services. You will lead the Finance Business Partnering function, embedding a culture of collaboration, insight, and strategic influence across the institution.
You will partner with Vice Chancellors, Heads of Department, and the wider executive committee to provide high-quality financial advice, ensuring budgets are well-managed, risks are understood, and financial plans are both ambitious and achievable. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will bring expert judgement, strong analytical capability, and the confidence to influence at the most senior levels.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing finance team, championing innovation and continuous improvement in line with the university’s values
- Oversee the delivery of timely, accurate, and insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making
- Build strong, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing the University with professionalism and credibility
- Provide expert guidance on complex financial matters, driving efficiency savings and supporting long-term financial sustainability
- Lead the preparation of five-year budgets, forecasts, business cases, and option appraisals
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, and accounting standards
- Produce robust monitoring systems to track performance, identify variances, and highlight risks and opportunities
- Contribute to strategic projects, working groups, and cross-university initiatives, representing the CFO where required
- Support the University’s commitments to value for money, sustainability, equality, and bilingualism
Who You Are:
- You are a professionally qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with substantial experience in financial leadership within a complex organisation
- A strong track record of leading teams, managing major budgets, and delivering strategic financial insight, ideally in a finance business partnering function
- Excellent influencing, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust quickly at all levels
- Advanced expertise in management accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, and KPI development
- The ability to think strategically, act decisively, and maintain a positive, solutions-focused approach
- Welsh language skills at Level B1, or a willingness to work towards this
Why Join:
This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a leading university while working in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. If you are an ambitious, strategic finance leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Generous leave entitlement of 27 days, plus bank holidays and university closed days
Excellent pension scheme paying 14.5%
Flexible working arrangements
To submit your CV for this Head of Finance Management and Reporting opportunity click ‘Apply’ now!
Head of Financial Management and Reporting employer: Elliot Marsh
Contact Detail:
Elliot Marsh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Management and Reporting
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Aberystwyth University’s financial strategies and recent developments. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for financial management and reporting. We want to hear how you plan to lead a high-performing team and drive strategic decision-making.
✨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 at Aberystwyth University.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Management and Reporting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Financial Management and Reporting role. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Aberystwyth University. Share your passion for financial management and how you can contribute to our 2025–2030 Strategy.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've led teams, managed budgets, or influenced strategic decisions in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elliot Marsh
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Management and Reporting, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics, budgeting processes, and forecasting techniques relevant to the university sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires leading a high-performing finance team, so be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Highlight any innovative approaches you've implemented that align with the university's values of collaboration and continuous improvement.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrating your ability to build strong relationships is crucial. Think of instances where you've successfully partnered with senior stakeholders or departments to provide financial insights. Be ready to discuss how you can foster collaboration across the institution to support its strategic goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how you would handle complex financial matters or unexpected budget variances. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
