At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and drive financial strategy in a prestigious college.
- Company: Join one of Cambridge University's most esteemed Colleges with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Up to £73,000 salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a values-led organisation.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact at senior leadership level in a complex environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and financial expertise.
The predicted salary is between 73000 - 73000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join one of Cambridge University's most prestigious Colleges as its next Head of Finance. Reporting directly to the Senior Bursar, this is a highly visible leadership role with responsibility for the organisation's financial strategy, reporting, controls and operational finance function. Managing an established team of eight, you will play a key role in supporting senior decision‑making and driving financial excellence across a complex and commercially varied environment.
The Opportunity
- Leading and developing the finance team
- Producing statutory and management accounts
- Supporting financial strategy and long‑term planning
- Managing budgeting, forecasting and cashflow
- Overseeing audit, VAT, payroll and compliance activity
- Developing and improving financial systems, controls and processes
- Partnering with senior stakeholders and department heads
- Supporting commercial and operational decision‑making through financial analysis
This is a highly visible role offering a mix of strategic input and operational leadership within a complex and interesting organisation.
About You
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong technical expertise and proven leadership capability. You will likely bring:
- Significant post‑qualified finance experience
- Experience preparing statutory accounts
- Strong management accounting and financial planning skills
- Team leadership experience
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- A collaborative and commercially minded approach
Experience within education, charity, not‑for‑profit or similarly complex organisations would be advantageous, although strong commercial candidates are also encouraged to apply. Exposure to VAT, audit management and finance systems/process improvement would be highly beneficial. This rare opportunity offers the chance to join a collaborative, values‑led organisation with a strong reputation, long‑term stability and an exceptional working culture, alongside the scope to make a meaningful impact at senior leadership level.
Head of Finance in Cambridge employer: The One Group
Joining one of Cambridge University's prestigious Colleges as the Head of Finance offers a unique opportunity to thrive in a collaborative and values-led environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will benefit from excellent leadership support, a hybrid working model, and the chance to make a significant impact within a complex organisation renowned for its stability and exceptional work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Cambridge
✨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 The One Group. 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 Finance in Cambridge
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 The One Group.
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 The One Group'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 The One Group
✨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 The One Group.
✨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 The One Group 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 The One Group 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.
