At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of finance services, driving efficiency and modernisation.
- Company: Join UCL, a top global university with a diverse community.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and more.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on finance operations at a leading institution.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance transformation and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 77368 £ per year.
About UCL
UCL is one of the world's leading universities, consistently ranked among the global top 10. With a diverse community of more than 50,000 students and 16,000 staff from over 150 countries, we are driven by a commitment to excellence in research, education and innovation. Our Finance Services team plays a critical role in supporting the university's operations, managing the financial transactions that enable UCL to deliver on its strategic ambitions. From student fees and accounts payable to treasury operations, payroll and credit management, Finance Services is at the heart of ensuring efficient, effective and compliant financial processes across the institution. As UCL continues to modernise and enhance its services, we are investing in the transformation of our finance operations, systems and processes. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a pivotal point in that journey and help shape the future of Finance Services.
About the Role
As Head of Finance Services Transformation, you will lead the development and delivery of a strategic transformation agenda across Finance Services. Working closely with Finance leadership, Professional Services teams, Service Excellence and Information Services Division (ISD), you will drive initiatives that simplify, standardise and modernise finance processes while improving efficiency, control and user experience. This is a highly visible leadership role with responsibility for shaping the Finance Services transformation roadmap and delivering change across systems, processes and data. You will identify opportunities to automate and streamline services, enhance reporting and analytics capabilities, and drive the adoption of digital tools and technologies that support a more effective and customer-focused finance function. Acting as a bridge between Finance, Technology and Operational teams, you will build strong partnerships across UCL, ensuring transformation initiatives are successfully embedded and deliver measurable benefits. You will also play a key role in strengthening capability within Finance Services, coaching and mentoring colleagues while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and data-driven decision making. Alongside leading transformation activity, you will be accountable for overseeing payment fraud exposure and associated processes, ensuring appropriate controls and governance are in place to protect the institution.
About You
You will be an experienced finance transformation leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale process improvement, systems implementation and operational change within complex organisations. Combining strategic thinking with a pragmatic approach to delivery, you will be comfortable translating vision into action and driving measurable outcomes. You will bring strong expertise in finance systems, automation and reporting solutions, alongside a deep understanding of how technology can be used to improve efficiency, strengthen controls and enhance decision-making. Your ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders will be matched by excellent communication, project management and problem-solving skills. Professionally qualified, or educated to degree level in a finance, accounting or business-related discipline, you will have a strong understanding of finance operations and transformation methodologies, ideally including Lean or Six Sigma approaches. Knowledge of fraud prevention and controls, together with experience of working across multiple stakeholder groups in a complex environment, will enable you to navigate challenges and deliver sustainable change. Most importantly, you will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who enjoys building relationships, developing people and driving continuous improvement. You will be motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact within one of the world's leading universities and help shape the future of Finance Services at UCL.
What We Offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Head of Finance Services Transformation employer: Job Search Place Limited
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among a diverse community of over 16,000 staff. As the Head of Finance Services Transformation, you will have the opportunity to lead significant change initiatives while benefiting from generous leave entitlements, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a commitment to professional development. With a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, UCL is dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee can thrive and make a meaningful impact in one of the world's leading universities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Services Transformation
✨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 Job Search Place Limited. 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 Head of Finance Services Transformation
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 Job Search Place Limited.
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 Job Search Place Limited'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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
✨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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited 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.
