At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting to shape the university's financial future.
- Company: Aberystwyth University, a world-class institution with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a strategic finance leadership role.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with substantial financial leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation.
The predicted salary is between 59966 - 67468 ÂŁ 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, ÂŁ59,966 - ÂŁ67,468 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 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.
Head of Finance Management and Reporting - The Role: 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.
Head of Finance Management and Reporting - 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
Head of Finance Management and Reporting - 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
Head of Finance Management and Reporting - 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
Head Of Financial Management And Reporting in Penparcau 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 Penparcau
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Aberystwyth University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's financial strategies and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve driven financial success in previous roles. We want to hear about your achievements and how they align with the university’s vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Aberystwyth University.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Financial Management And Reporting in Penparcau
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you're the right fit for the Head of Financial Management and Reporting role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Aberystwyth University. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage budgets effectively. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous positions, so don’t hold back!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 reporting standards relevant to higher education. 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.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this position involves influencing strategic decision-making, prepare to discuss your experience with long-term financial planning and risk management. Bring examples of how you've contributed to strategic projects and how you can support the university's commitments to sustainability and value for money.