At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and compliance at a prestigious university.
- Company: University of St Andrews, a place that values inclusion and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid working, 34 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and staff development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while fostering a supportive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Minimum five years experience in financial reporting within a large organisation.
The predicted salary is between 59967 - 67469 £ per year.
The post of Head of Financial Reporting at the University of St Andrews is a critical role within the Finance department, providing an opportunity to drive forward progress at an exciting time within the University. We have successfully implemented Oracle Fusion, our new ERP system for Finance, which provides an excellent platform to continually improve how we deliver finance using modern technology and manage new changes in Financial Reporting Standards.
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, you will provide leadership and guidance for all aspects of corporate financial reporting and compliance across the University Group. You will also coordinate the relationship with the external auditors and any other bodies with the right to audit and/or inspect the University's financial data.
The Head of Financial Reporting will be responsible for the Financial Accounts section of the Finance department, which comprises three members of staff with responsibility for all aspects of Financial Reporting. As the Head of Financial Reporting, you will be an experienced Financial Controller with a minimum of five years' experience of working in a large complex organisation at this level. You will have experience of innovating to reduce the monthly reporting timetable and deliver efficiencies in the process whilst maintaining data quality and control.
You will be an advocate of staff development and demonstrate strong leadership of the financial reporting function, delivering financial expertise, monthly reporting, and technical guidance to senior management. You will be a key senior member of the finance team.
St Andrews offers more than just a place to work; it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best.
In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Head of Financial Reporting includes:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions of 14.5%
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family-friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes, and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive, and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive, and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
Closing Date: 06 November 2026
Interview Date: 16 November 2026
Please quote ref: AD2285LS
Salary: £59,967 - £67,469 per annum
Start Date: As soon as possible
Head of Financial Reporting - AD2285 employer: St Andrew's
St Andrew’s CE Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where every team member is valued. Located in the picturesque village of Congresbury, Bristol, we prioritise professional development and provide opportunities for growth within the education sector, ensuring that our Learning Partners can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils and the wider community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Reporting - AD2285
✨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 St Andrew's. 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 Financial Reporting - AD2285
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 St Andrew's.
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 St Andrew's'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 St Andrew's
✨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 St Andrew's.
✨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 St Andrew's 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 St Andrew's 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.
