At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage a high-performing finance team at a prestigious university.
- Company: Join the University of Cambridge College, a respected institution with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, attractive pension, and health benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a stimulating environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy in a high-impact role within a renowned educational institution.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and strategic capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 72800 € per year.
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Head of Finance to join a University of Cambridge College. This position offers the chance to play a key role in shaping financial strategy, leading a high-performing team, and supporting the long-term sustainability of a complex and diverse organisation, in one of the best settings in Cambridge. You will work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Bursar, you will be responsible for delivering a full range of financial services, ensuring robust financial management, compliance, and strategic planning across the organisation. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the finance function, managing and developing a multi-disciplinary team
- Overseeing the preparation of monthly and annual financial reports and statutory accounts
- Supporting long-term financial strategy, planning, and budgeting processes
- Ensuring strong financial controls, systems, and governance frameworks
- Managing relationships with auditors, regulators, and external stakeholders
- Overseeing treasury, cashflow management, and investment reporting
- Providing insightful financial analysis to support decision-making across the organisation
About You
We are seeking a qualified finance professional with strong leadership capability and the ability to operate at a strategic level. Key requirements:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role
- Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, controls, and compliance
- Experience leading and developing teams
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage non-finance stakeholders
- Strong analytical mindset and commercial awareness
- Experience within complex or regulated environments (e.g. education, charity, or similar) is advantageous.
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary (£68,000–£72,800, depending on experience)
Generous holiday allowance
Attractive pension scheme
Access to a wide range of health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits
A collaborative and intellectually stimulating working environment
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to take on a high-impact leadership role within a respected institution, offering both strategic influence and operational responsibility. If you’re interested in learning more, or would like a confidential discussion, please get in touch or apply directly.
Head of Finance in Cambridge employer: Heap & Co - Accountancy & Finance Recruitment Specialists
Join a prestigious University of Cambridge College as the Head of Finance, where you will lead a dynamic finance team in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and access to a comprehensive range of health and wellbeing benefits, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy of a respected institution. This hybrid position not only offers professional growth opportunities but also allows you to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a diverse organisation in one of the most inspiring settings in Cambridge.
Contact Detail:
Heap & Co - Accountancy & Finance Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Cambridge
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When you’re chatting with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams and driving financial strategy. Share specific examples of how you’ve made an impact in previous roles – it’s all about showing what you can bring to the table!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the institution and its financial landscape. Be ready to discuss how you would approach their unique challenges and contribute to their long-term sustainability. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch until it feels second nature!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in financial management and team leadership to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this position and how your skills align with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience in complex environments, as that’s a big plus for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since we’re looking for someone to lead a high-performing team, make sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you’ve developed teams and driven financial strategy in your previous roles.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heap & Co - Accountancy & Finance Recruitment Specialists
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reports relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used financial data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership capabilities. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Be ready to share how you’ve developed talent and fostered a collaborative environment in your past roles.
✨Understand the Organisation's Landscape
Research the University of Cambridge College and its financial challenges. Familiarise yourself with the education sector’s financial regulations and compliance requirements. This will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your responses during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare for scenarios related to financial management, compliance issues, or stakeholder engagement. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
