At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new finance team, ensuring top-notch financial support and operational excellence.
- Company: Prestigious London-based university undergoing a transformative finance function.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days annual leave, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment focused on professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader in a high-profile role that drives impactful change.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and change management experience.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 98000 £ per year.
Goodman Masson are working with a prestigious London based University as they recruit for a new Head of Faculty Finance. The finance function is currently undergoing an ambitious, institution-wide transformation. As part of a major strategic priority to strengthen financial control, compliance, and process efficiency, they have consolidated their distributed finance teams into a brand-new, centralised business-focused unit. They are now seeking a visionary, high-calibre financial leader to head this newly established division.
The Role
You will report directly to the Director of Finance Business Partnering. You will lead, shape, and embed a newly created team tasked with delivering high-quality, consistent front-line financial support across all internal departments and divisions. This is a high-profile, transformative leadership role. You will be fully accountable for embedding new ways of working, driving data quality, streamlining processes, and ensuring robust financial management, planning, and forecasting. Furthermore, you will act as a critical advisory partner to senior stakeholders, translating complex financial performance into actionable strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Culture: Lead and inspire a large, newly consolidated team. Create an inclusive, high-performing environment focused on professional development, compliance, and excellent service delivery.
- Operational Excellence: Hold total accountability for the operational finance model. Ensure month-end, year-end, budgeting, and forecasting cycles are delivered with absolute integrity and timeliness.
- Service Transformation: Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, workflows, and processes. Work closely with change management colleagues to integrate streamlined practices and contribute to upcoming ERP system planning and implementation.
- Stakeholder Management: Build trusted, collaborative relationships with senior leadership across diverse organisational boundaries to support robust decision-making.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a resilient, collaborative leader who thrives in complex, large-scale environments. You should possess:
- Professional Qualification: You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA) with significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
- Proven Leadership: A strong track record of managing and developing large teams, with the ability to delegate effectively and foster a collaborative identity.
- Change Management: Clear experience driving continuous process, technology, or people improvements within a complex service delivery model.
- Exceptional Communication: The ability to handle difficult conversations, manage conflicting stakeholder priorities, and articulate expectations with absolute clarity.
Salary range is £85,000 – £98,000 (Depending on Experience) plus excellent benefits including: 33 days annual leave (including closure days) and 14.5% Employer Pension Contributions. The deadline for applications is Friday 3rd of July. Please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered.
Head of Faculty and Professional Services Finance employer: Public Sector
Goodman Masson offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the higher education sector. With a commitment to fostering an inclusive and high-performing work culture, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a generous benefits package, including 33 days of annual leave and substantial pension contributions. This prestigious London-based university is not only at the forefront of financial transformation but also provides a collaborative environment where visionary leaders can thrive and drive meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Faculty and Professional Services Finance
✨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 Public Sector. 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 Faculty and Professional Services Finance
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 Public Sector.
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 Public Sector'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 Public Sector
✨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 Public Sector.
✨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 Public Sector 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 Public Sector 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.
