At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and shape financial strategy for a prestigious university.
- Company: Join a respected University of Cambridge College with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid work model and a stimulating environment for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes leadership role within education.
- Qualifications: 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. If you're interested in learning more, or would like a confidential discussion, please get in touch or apply directly.
Head of Finance. Job in Cambridge Education & Training Jobs 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 educational setting. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous holidays and a robust pension scheme, this role not only allows for strategic influence but also fosters personal and professional development in one of the most intellectually stimulating environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance. Job in Cambridge Education & Training Jobs in Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's financial strategies and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their mission and how your skills can help shape their financial future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Finance. Highlight your leadership skills and your ability to engage non-finance stakeholders. We want to see your confidence shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the finance function.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance. Job in Cambridge Education & Training Jobs in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant financial qualifications to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for finance and how you can contribute to our team at the University of Cambridge College.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles, especially in financial strategy and team leadership.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
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 and developed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Understand the Organisation's Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the University of Cambridge College’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their goals and support long-term sustainability. This shows that you’re not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Engage with Non-Finance Stakeholders
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you’ve successfully engaged with non-finance stakeholders to influence decision-making.
