Head of Faculty and Professional Services Finance in London

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.

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.