At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a student-led charity, ensuring sustainability and innovation.
- Company: Reading Students' Union, dedicated to enhancing student life for over 19,000 students.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, birthday day off, enhanced parental leave, and discounted fitness facilities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative leadership team focused on long-term sustainability and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences while modernising finance systems and processes.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong financial management and strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 54450 - 66550 £ per year.
Marble Mayne Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with Reading Students' Union (Reading SU) to recruit a new Director of Finance. Reading SU 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.
Following a significant period of change, Reading SU has a refreshed Senior Leadership Team and an ambitious strategy focused on long-term sustainability, innovation and delivering the best possible student experience.
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.
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.
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.
Head of Finance & Treasury 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 Head of Finance & Treasury in Reading
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance & Treasury in Reading
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Marble Mayne Recruitment
✨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 Marble Mayne Recruitment.
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