At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and manage budgets to support student experiences.
- Company: Join a student-led charity dedicated to enhancing university life.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified finance professional with strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Atkinson HR and Marble Mayne are pleased to be supporting Liverpool Guild of Students in their search for a Head of Finance to join their senior leadership team. Liverpool Guild of Students is an independent, student-led charity dedicated to enhancing the student experience at the University of Liverpool. With 32,000 members, they are committed to creating a home for every student, ensuring each one gets the most out of university life and leaves equipped to change the world.
As they continue to strengthen their financial foundations and long-term sustainability, they are seeking an ambitious finance professional ready to take the next step in their career and help drive their mission of creating an exceptional university experience for every student.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious finance professional ready to take the next step into a more senior role with greater responsibility. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the finance function, from monthly management accounts and annual budgets to statutory returns and year-end audit, while playing a key part in keeping the Guild financially strong and student focused.
You will manage a small finance team and be supported in the role by an outsourced consultant Finance Director. They are ideally seeking a fully qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA professional, though they will consider applications from those who are part-qualified. You will ideally bring an understanding of charity finance, regulation and IT systems, along with the interpersonal skills to work collaboratively across a values-driven organisation. Experience in a similar charity or students' union environment is desirable, but not essential.
The organisation is seeking to appoint someone who can demonstrate alignment with their values and ethos; including being innovative, fun, representative, sustainable and committed to supporting a student-led organisation. They offer a supportive and friendly working environment with a strong commitment to professional development. Other benefits include hybrid working, pension contributions, generous annual leave and a salary sacrifice scheme.
Location: Liverpool
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary: £49,897 (Guild Grading & Banding Level 9)
Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 8th April 2026
How to Apply: You can apply for the role using Atkinson HR's application portal. To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:
- Why are you interested in applying, and how do you feel your personal values align with our organisational values?
- What are the key achievements and outcomes within your career that make you a strong candidate for the role?
- Summarise your experience in a senior level finance role that you feel is relevant to this position.
Each answer should be a maximum of 400 words.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jamie at jamie@marblemayne.co.uk.
Key Dates:
- Closing Date: Midday on Wednesday 8th April 2026
- First Interview: Thursday 16th April 2026 (remote)
- Final Interview: Thursday 23rd April 2026 (in person)
Head of Finance in Liverpool employer: National Union of Students
Contact Detail:
National Union of Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Liverpool
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Talk about how your values align with theirs and why you're excited about enhancing the student experience at Liverpool Guild of Students.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the organisation and the role. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences make you the perfect fit for managing their finance function. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply through Atkinson HR's application portal! Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant achievements and experiences. This is your chance to stand out, so put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your values align with ours. Don't be afraid to share what makes you tick and why you're passionate about enhancing the student experience.
Showcase Your Achievements: This is your chance to brag a little! Highlight your key achievements and outcomes in your career that make you a strong candidate for the Head of Finance role. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous positions, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your answers to the specific questions asked in the application form. We’re looking for relevant experiences and insights that connect directly to the role and our organisational values. Keep it focused and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Union of Students
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with finance but can also apply it strategically.
✨Align with Their Values
Liverpool Guild of Students is all about enhancing the student experience. Make sure you understand their values and ethos. Prepare examples from your career that showcase how you embody these values, especially around innovation and sustainability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or decisions. Think through potential scenarios related to charity finance and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You'll be managing a small finance team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you motivate and support your team, especially in a collaborative environment like a student-led organisation.