At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage a high-performing finance team at Aberystwyth University.
- Company: Join Aberystwyth University, a world-class institution focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the university's financial future and strategic direction.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and substantial experience in financial leadership required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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
Head of Financial Management and Reporting in London 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 in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in roles you aspire to. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about gaining insights into their experiences and advice on how to navigate your career path. Plus, they might think of you when a position opens up!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your financial leadership skills and strategic insights. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve made an impact. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows your genuine interest in the role and gives us a chance to see your application first-hand. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Management and Reporting in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Financial Management and Reporting role. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like CIMA or ACCA. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 specific examples of how you've led teams and influenced strategic decisions in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and specific outcomes to demonstrate how you’ve driven efficiency and financial sustainability in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elliot Marsh
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Financial Management and Reporting, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the university sector, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams. Think about specific instances where you motivated your team or drove innovation. This will show that you can not only manage finances but also inspire those around you.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves partnering with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you’ve built strong relationships in the past. Share stories that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively and influence at senior levels.
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Aberystwyth University's 2025–2030 Strategy. Be ready to discuss how your financial expertise can support their goals. Showing that you align with their vision will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.