At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a vibrant student-led charity.
- Company: Join Reading Students' Union, dedicated to enhancing student life for over 19,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, enhanced parental leave, and discounted fitness facilities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from under-represented backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future direction of a dynamic organisation.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong financial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 61335 - 65070 £ per year.
Reading Students' Union is an independent, student-led charity dedicated to improving the lives of over 19,000 students at the University of Reading. With annual income exceeding £5 million, the organisation combines its charitable activities with a diverse range of commercial operations, including hospitality, catering, events and an onsite nursery.
This is a key senior leadership appointment, offering the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the organisation's future direction.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will lead the Union's financial strategy, governance and financial operations, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable and well-positioned for the future. You will oversee the finance function, providing high-quality financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and analysis, while maintaining robust financial controls and ensuring compliance with charity accounting requirements.
Importantly, this is much more than a traditional finance leadership role. Reading SU is looking for someone who combines strong technical financial expertise with commercial awareness, strategic thinking and an excellent understanding of data and business analytics. You will help colleagues understand financial performance, identify opportunities and make informed decisions across both charitable and commercial operations.
A key priority will be the ongoing modernisation of financial systems, reporting and processes, making better use of technology and data to improve efficiency and provide meaningful financial insight. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also contribute to wider organisational strategy, investment decisions and long-term financial planning.
About You
We are looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with strong financial management experience and the confidence to operate at a senior strategic level. You will bring excellent technical charity finance knowledge, including the Charities SORP, restricted funds, statutory reporting, audit, reserves and financial governance, alongside strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management skills.
Commercial awareness and the ability to interpret financial and operational data will be essential, as will an interest in modernising finance systems and improving processes. You will be an approachable, collaborative leader who can develop a finance team, build effective relationships across the organisation and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues. Above all, you will be proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable balancing strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach.
Working at Reading SU
This is an onsite leadership role based at Reading SU's Whiteknights campus in Reading, offering the opportunity to work closely with colleagues and play an active part in the organisation. Reading SU offers an attractive benefits package, including 35 days' annual leave, an additional birthday day off, Christmas closure (included within the 35 days), enhanced parental leave, paid volunteering leave, discounted campus fitness facilities and an onsite nursery.
Reading SU is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and particularly welcomes applications from candidates from Global Majority backgrounds and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented within its Senior Leadership Team.
Key Dates and How to Apply
Closing Date: Tuesday 24th November 2026, 12pm (noon)
Interview Date: Tuesday 1st December 2026 (in person)
The application process involves submitting an up-to-date CV and answering three tailored application questions, included in the full recruitment pack. We encourage interested candidates to arrange an initial conversation with Marble Mayne Recruitment to learn more about the role, organisation and wider context before applying.
For an initial conversation about the role, to discuss the application process and to receive the full recruitment pack, please contact Jamie Reynolds at Marble Mayne Recruitment or apply via this advert.
Director of Finance in Reading employer: Marble Mayne Recruitment
As a leading arts and education charity based in South London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact. We offer competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to enriching the community through the arts. Join us to grow your career while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance in Reading
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Reading
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How to prepare for a job interview at Marble Mayne Recruitment
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