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 excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic leadership role within a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and financial expertise.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 73000 € 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 include:
- 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 (c. £68,000‑£73,000, 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.
Head of Finance in Ely employer: Heap & Co
Joining the University of Cambridge College as the Head of Finance offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a dynamic finance team in a prestigious academic environment. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, this role not only supports your professional growth but also allows you to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a diverse organisation. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in educational institutions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's financial strategies and recent developments. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of Finance role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and requirements from the job description. Highlight your experience in financial management and team leadership, as these are crucial for the Head of Finance role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've shaped financial strategies or led teams in the past, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working at a prestigious institution like ours.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Since we're looking for a fully qualified accountant, make sure to prominently display your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) in your application. Also, mention any relevant post-qualification experience that aligns with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heap & Co
✨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 ready 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. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed conflicts, and developed talent. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative environment, especially in a hybrid setting.
✨Understand the Organisation's Landscape
Research the University of Cambridge College and its financial challenges. Familiarise yourself with the education sector's regulatory environment. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their long-term sustainability.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the college’s financial strategy, team dynamics, and future challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
