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- Tasks: Lead financial control and ensure accuracy in accounting and reporting.
- Company: Join the University of Chichester, a top 30 UK university with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and excellent pension schemes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial operations in a dynamic higher education environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with senior-level finance experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 67468 £ per year.
This job is a full-time, permanent position (37 hours per week) with a salary range of £58,225 to £67,468 per annum, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.
We are seeking an exceptional finance leader to join The University of Chichester as our Head of Financial Control. This pivotal role oversees the integrity, accuracy and effectiveness of the University's financial accounting, controls and reporting environment.
As a senior member of the Finance Leadership Team, you will provide authoritative guidance on financial governance, drive improvements in our control framework, and ensure our statutory and regulatory obligations are met in full. You will also act as a trusted partner to the CFO, deputising as required and providing leadership across the wider finance community.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Financial Accounting, Treasury and Operational functions of payroll and finance systems, ensuring high standards of accuracy, compliance and service delivery.
- Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts, regulatory returns and external audit processes.
- Maintain and enhance a robust internal control environment, managing financial risk and embedding best practice across the University.
- Provide authoritative technical accounting advice (including FEHE SORP, FRS102).
- Ensure effective cashflow, treasury and balance sheet management along with bank covenant compliance requirements.
- Provide financial information, due diligence checks and scenario modelling for university strategic initiatives, reporting findings and identifying risks.
- Lead continuous improvement in systems, processes and controls.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, academic departments and professional services.
- Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing finance team.
- Represent and deputise for the CFO in key meetings, committees and strategic discussions.
About you
- A fully qualified accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant senior-level experience in financial control, statutory accounting and financial governance.
- Strong technical accounting expertise and fluency in financial reporting standards.
- Excellent judgement, analytical capability and a solutions-focused approach.
- Credibility to influence senior stakeholders and deputise for the CFO.
- A track record of driving process improvement and strengthening control environments.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
- HE sector experience advantageous but not essential.
About us
We are a successful, modern university with clear values and a long history in Higher Education. We offer quality education and an excellent student learning experience in a beautiful region of the South Coast of England. We are a top 30 UK University (The Guardian University Guide 2026), TEF gold and top 6th in the UK for teaching quality (NSS 2025).
Why Join Us?
At The University of Chichester, you will play a key role in supporting our academic mission and ensuring the long‑term financial sustainability of the institution. We offer a collaborative culture, a commitment to staff development, and the opportunity to shape the future of our financial operations at a time of sector transformation.
This post is campus based for a minimum of 3-days per week. We are looking for the successful candidate to commence ideally before the end of May.
Benefits
- Defined Benefit pension schemes via our providers the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- A paid closure period over the Christmas break is in addition to bank holidays and our generous holiday allowance and an occupational sickness scheme.
- There's also a free on‑site gym; a cycle purchase salary sacrifice scheme; subsidised bus travel between our Bognor and Chichester campuses and Chichester town centre; 24/7 Employee support line and extensive personal/professional training opportunities throughout the year.
Further enquiries are welcomed by: Lucy Harper, HR Officer at L.Harper@chi.ac.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 26th February 2026
You can view the full job profile in the attachment link above.
Prior to submitting your job application kindly ensure you have considered and can demonstrate your right to work in the UK. If you require any support with completing your application please contact the recruitment team; staffrecruitment@chi.ac.uk
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at every level because we believe a diverse workforce benefits us all.
Head of Financial Control in Chichester employer: University of Chichester
Contact Detail:
University of Chichester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Control in Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at The University of Chichester. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical accounting knowledge and the latest financial governance trends. We want you to shine when discussing how you can enhance their control framework!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams or driven process improvements. We need to see how you can motivate and develop a high-performing finance team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Control in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Financial Control role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial governance and control, and don’t forget to showcase your qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and improve financial processes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior member of the Finance Leadership Team, it’s crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored teams and driven improvements in financial operations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Chichester
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Control, you need to be on top of your financial knowledge. Brush up on key financial metrics, accounting standards like FRS102, and any recent changes in financial regulations that could impact the university sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, mentored colleagues, or driven process improvements in previous positions. Be ready to discuss your approach to building high-performing teams and how you can bring that to the University of Chichester.
✨Understand the University’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the University of Chichester's values and mission. Think about how your financial strategies can support their academic goals and long-term sustainability. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with financial challenges, such as managing cash flow or ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. This will demonstrate your analytical capability and solutions-focused approach.
