Interim Head of Financial Operations in London

Interim Head of Financial Operations in London

London Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Goldsmiths, University of London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure efficient, customer-focused services.
  • Company: Goldsmiths, University of London, committed to equality and inclusion.
  • Benefits: 28 days leave, flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in financial management while supporting students and staff.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and change management skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

About the Department

The Finance Department has responsibility for budget preparation and monitoring, financial accounting, treasury management and control over all income received and payments made by Goldsmiths.

About the Role

The Head of Financial Operations is a key post to ensure the provision of efficient, controlled and customer focused financial transaction and treasury management services. The post has line management responsibility for thirteen staff through four direct reports. The Head of Financial Operations will line manage the Accounts Payable, Credit Control, Treasury and Finance and HR Systems Teams. The role has a focus on customer service, ensuring that transactional services are aligned to user department needs, including working with senior staff in academic and professional departments. It will involve close collaboration with linked professional services outside the Finance department, in particular Student and Academic Services, IT, Estates and POD (HR). The role also has a focus on internal financial control, including ensuring appropriate checks, balances and segregation of duties. The post holder will assist the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Director of Finance with the regular reporting to the College’s Audit and Risk Committee and Finance and Resources Committee.

About the Candidate

You will be a qualified accountant with extensive experience relevant to the role. You will have excellent leadership skills, with the ability to manage change and deliver service improvements through process and systems improvement, focusing on efficiency and excellent services to students, other customers and staff. This includes the development of the ERP system used by the wider Finance and HR community.

Benefits

We have generous benefits – an agile working environment, 28 days’ annual leave plus 6 paid closure days (4 at Christmas and 2 at Easter) plus all Bank Holidays, great transport links, a defined benefit pension scheme, support for professional development and a broad range of wellbeing initiatives such as staff choir, running club, staff networks and creative writing classes.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Goldsmiths, University of London, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion shape how we lead, learn, and work. We are committed to building an inclusive and respectful environment, removing barriers and addressing inequalities so that everyone in our community can belong and thrive.

Interim Head of Financial Operations in London employer: Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths, University of London is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous benefits package including 28 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we foster a collaborative and supportive work culture. Our focus on service excellence and continuous improvement ensures that you will thrive in your role while making a meaningful impact within the academic community.

Goldsmiths, University of London

Contact Details:

Goldsmiths, University of London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Financial Operations in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Goldsmiths, University of London. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Financial Operations in London

Financial Accounting
Treasury Management
Budget Preparation
Customer Service
Leadership Skills
Change Management
Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Goldsmiths, University of London.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Goldsmiths, University of London's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Goldsmiths, University of London

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Goldsmiths, University of London.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Goldsmiths, University of London will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Goldsmiths, University of London employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.