At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic financial decisions and budgeting for a major university portfolio.
- Company: Join Kingston University, a vibrant and ambitious institution in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a proactive team focused on excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies that shape student and staff experiences.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial judgement and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 78551 - 78551 £ per year.
Help shape confident financial decision-making across one of London’s most ambitious universities. Kingston University is seeking an experienced and influential Senior Finance Business Partner to provide strategic financial leadership across a significant and varied portfolio at the heart of the University. Working across Finance, IT, HR, Estates and the Strategic Planning Office, you will partner closely with senior leaders, providing the insight, challenge and commercial perspective that enables confident decision-making.
The portfolio is substantial, spanning more than 220 colleagues, and includes significant investment across technology, infrastructure and the University’s estate. This is a highly visible role with considerable autonomy. You will lead budgeting and forecasting across your portfolio, provide insightful analysis, support business cases and major investment decisions, and help identify opportunities for efficiencies and value for money. You will also play an important role in strengthening financial understanding and capability across the directorate.
The Person
We are looking for a qualified accountant who combines strong financial and commercial judgement with excellent relationship-building skills. You will be comfortable operating with senior stakeholders, able to provide constructive challenge and, crucially, able to make complex financial information clear and meaningful to non-finance colleagues. You may come from higher education or from another large and complex organisation. What matters most is your ability to build credibility quickly, understand the organisation you are supporting and combine technical rigour with a pragmatic, collaborative approach. Higher education experience is desirable rather than essential.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established finance function and build on strong foundations, while helping senior leaders navigate investment choices, competing priorities and the financial opportunities and challenges ahead. Join Kingston University and help ensure its resources are used effectively to support its ambitions for students, staff and the wider community.
Directorate/Function
The Directorate for Finance, HR, and Infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping and supporting the University’s strategic and operational success. With a focus on excellence, efficiency, and people-centred practices, it delivers vital services that influence the daily experience of staff and students while enabling long-term institutional growth. These services span financial management, workforce development, and the maintenance of both physical and digital infrastructure - ensuring the University’s operations and ambitions are fully supported.
With a clear focus on service quality, innovation, and people-first practices, the Directorate operates in close partnership with academic faculties and senior leadership to ensure institutional goals are achieved. It is driven by a commitment to excellence, service, and sustainable progress, promoting a culture where collaboration, innovation and transformation thrive. This is an opportunity to join a proactive, solutions-focused team whose work directly contributes to the University’s continued success.
Further information
This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary of 78,551 per annum depending on experience. Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.
We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.
To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email or call the HR Shared Services team.
Senior Finance Business Partner in Ringwood employer: Kingston University
Kingston School of Art is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and interdisciplinary environment where academic leaders can thrive. With a strong commitment to innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence, employees benefit from collaborative relationships across the university and with industry partners, fostering professional growth and impactful contributions to the creative and cultural sectors. The school's rich heritage and top-ranking status in art and design education provide a unique opportunity for meaningful engagement and development in a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner in Ringwood
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Kingston University. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Kingston University.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Kingston University. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner in Ringwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Kingston University and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Kingston University how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingston University
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Kingston University.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Kingston University's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
