At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and inspire a high-performing finance team in a dynamic higher education setting.
- Company: Join a respected higher education institution committed to supporting learners and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life in the South West.
- Other info: This role offers significant influence and career growth in a collaborative leadership environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while enjoying a vibrant coastal lifestyle and shaping the organisation's future.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong strategic finance experience and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Your new company Hays Senior Finance is partnering with a well-established and ambitious higher education institution in the South West to recruit an exceptional Director of Finance. This is a rare opportunity to join a values-led organisation that is investing in its future and playing a vital role in supporting learners, employers and communities across the region. Located in one of the UK's most desirable coastal locations, the role offers an outstanding lifestyle opportunity for candidates considering a relocation from London, the Midlands or other major cities.
Working as part of the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping the organisation's future financial strategy while helping deliver long-term sustainable growth.
Your new role
You will lead the finance function and provide strategic financial leadership across the organisation. Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading financial planning, budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Overseeing statutory accounts, financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
- Providing strategic financial advice to senior leaders and governors.
- Developing robust financial controls, governance and risk management frameworks.
- Driving continuous improvement across financial systems, processes and reporting.
- Supporting commercial decision-making and organisational performance.
- Leading, developing and inspiring a high-performing finance team.
- Building strong relationships across academic and professional service functions.
This is a highly visible role offering genuine influence and the opportunity to contribute to major strategic decisions.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with a demonstrable track record of success in a senior finance leadership role within a complex organisation. Experience within the Higher Education sector would be advantageous, although applications from candidates with relevant experience gained in similarly complex environments are equally encouraged. You will be able to demonstrate:
- Strong strategic and operational finance experience.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- The ability to translate complex financial information into meaningful business insights.
- Experience of leading change and delivering service improvements.
- A collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing people.
- High levels of commercial awareness and business partnering capability.
Experience within higher education, education, public sector or similarly complex environments would be advantageous.
What you'll get in return
Rare opportunity to join a respected higher education organisation. Senior leadership role with significant strategic influence. Outstanding South West location offering an exceptional quality of life. Opportunity to help shape the future direction of the organisation. Competitive salary and benefits package. Relocation opportunity for candidates seeking a better work-life balance while maintaining a senior leadership career.
What you need to do now
If you're looking for a role where you can make a lasting impact while enjoying everything the South West has to offer, we'd love to hear from you. Click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or for a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Dan Thomson at Hays Senior Finance. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Finance Director in Plymouth employer: Hays Senior Finance
Join a leading and rapidly growing service and wholesale group based on the outskirts of Cheltenham, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance with hybrid working options. As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will not only oversee a small team but also have ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning. With competitive salary packages and a focus on employee well-being, this company stands out as an excellent employer for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Plymouth
✨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 Hays Senior Finance. 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 Finance Director in Plymouth
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 Hays Senior Finance.
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 Hays Senior Finance'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 Hays Senior Finance
✨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 Hays Senior Finance.
✨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 Hays Senior Finance 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 Hays Senior Finance 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.
