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- Tasks: Lead financial control and ensure robust frameworks across a top-ranking university.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a £2bn balance sheet and ambitious sustainability goals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape financial strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial leadership while driving excellence in operations.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in large organisations and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Inspire a high-performing team and engage with senior leaders and external auditors.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
With our Top 10 world ranking, a £2bn balance sheet and an ambitious 10-year capital development plan, including our commitment to net zero carbon by 2040 and the next stage of our White City Deep Tech Campus, we are looking for a Director of Financial Control to help ensure a robust financial control framework across the University. You will be part of the Finance Leadership team, providing high quality specialist financial services (e.g. Financial Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Insurance) and delivering the key operational financial processes (e.g. Purchase to Pay, Order to Cash).
We are looking for a collaborative and values-driven individual with a strong track record of driving financial control in complex organisations. This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll oversee and continually enhance Imperial’s financial control framework maintaining our Financial Regulations, Policies and Risk Register, partnering with Internal Audit, and acting as the University’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer. You’ll ensure our accounting policies meet sector standards (including SORP) and lead the production of the Annual Report and Financial Statements, managing all aspects of our external audit relationships.
You’ll drive excellence in our finance operations, championing process improvements, resolving complex transactional issues and overseeing accurate and timely tax submissions. Your insight will shape our approach to tax, treasury and insurance, ensuring these strategies align with the University’s broader risk appetite. As a senior leader, you’ll inspire and develop a high‑performing team while representing Finance across key boards and committees. You’ll build strong internal and external networks and, when required, act as a trusted deputy to the CFO making this an exceptional opportunity to contribute at the highest level of financial leadership.
What we are looking for:
- A qualified accountant with experience in a similar role in a large, complex organisation
- Experience of leading large teams (more than 40 individuals)
- Experience of engaging at a senior level with external auditors
- Up‑to‑date accounting knowledge and a proactive approach to learning and applying new accounting standards
- Financial risk management strategies
- Strong relationship building skills
- Effective influencing skills, including senior leadership
- Pro‑active, energetic and highly responsive with a service mindset
- Independent thinker, able to identify solutions to complex issues
- Able to be assertive when required and retain colleagues trust and respect
- Attention to detail, whilst keeping sight of big picture
- Able to inspire and develop staff to achieve their full potential
Director of Financial Control employer: Imperial College London
Contact Detail:
Imperial College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Financial Control
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the role of Director of Financial Control. A friendly chat can lead to valuable referrals or insider info that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s financial strategies and recent developments. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with our ambitious goals, especially around net zero carbon and financial excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After interviews, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in our minds and shows your proactive attitude.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the University.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Financial Control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Financial Control. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your experience in leading large teams and engaging with senior stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in previous roles.
Highlight Your Financial Expertise: We want to see your up-to-date accounting knowledge and experience with financial risk management. Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications and how you've applied new accounting standards in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Financial Control, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven financial control in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your experience with financial regulations and risk management strategies.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires leading large teams, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you’ve inspired and developed your team. Highlight your ability to engage with senior leadership and external auditors, as this will show your capability to operate at a high level.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
You’ll face complex issues in this role, so come equipped with examples of how you’ve tackled similar challenges. Discuss your proactive approach to identifying solutions and how you’ve successfully resolved transactional issues in the past.
✨Build Relationships
Strong relationship-building skills are essential for this position. Be ready to share how you’ve built networks both internally and externally. Emphasise your effective influencing skills and how you’ve collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
