Head of Finance Systems in London

Head of Finance Systems in London

London Full-Time 52400 - 61000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage finance systems to enhance efficiency and support strategic objectives.
  • Company: Join the University of East London, a pioneer in careers-first education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance systems in a dynamic and diverse environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance systems management and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of a community committed to equality, diversity, and positive change.

The predicted salary is between 52400 - 61000 £ per year.

Salary: £62,443 to £71,685 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Location: Docklands Campus

Post Type: Full Time

Post Type: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 15 February 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: -PS-R

The Finance Department at the University of East London plays a key role in managing the University’s financial resources to ensure stability, efficiency, and strategic investment in its future, aligned with Vision 2028. We provide a comprehensive range of financial services, including budgeting, financial and tax planning, compliance, and advisory support, ensuring the University operates smoothly. Our responsibilities also include the preparation of annual financial statements, statutory reporting, and regulatory submissions. We work proactively with schools and services staff, and students to offer financial guidance, maintain compliance, and drive value for money across all operations.

As the Head of Finance Systems, you will lead the development and management of the University’s finance systems to ensure they are efficient, integrated, and aligned with UEL’s strategic objectives under Vision 2028. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the University’s financial systems strategy, maintaining data integrity, and supporting effective decision-making across the institution.

You Will:

  • Lead, develop, and manage the Finance Systems Team, fostering collaboration and a strong customer-service culture.
  • Oversee all finance-owned and integrated systems, ensuring reliability, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
  • Drive the development and implementation of new systems and enhancements that support business improvement and digital transformation.
  • Develop and deliver accurate and timely financial reporting to support effective planning, compliance, and performance monitoring.
  • Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify system needs and deliver innovative solutions.
  • Lead the Finance Systems helpdesk, ensuring responsive, high-quality service across the University community.

About You: You will be a proactive and strategic leader with extensive experience in developing, managing, and enhancing major finance systems within a complex organisation. You will combine strong technical understanding with excellent people and project management skills.

You Will Bring:

  • A degree or equivalent qualification and be a qualified accountant or have significant equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience in the implementation, development, and administration of major finance systems and related strategies.
  • Experience leading teams and driving organisational and cultural change to improve service delivery.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to manage complex operations and budgets effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical and financial concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences.
  • A collaborative approach, building positive relationships across the University to deliver shared objectives.

You will also demonstrate the University’s core values of Passion, Inclusion, and Courage, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity in everything you do.

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and are proud of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity achievements, including: zero gender pay gap, members of Stonewall and have won Athena Swan awards. We expect all employees of UEL to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

We’re a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today!

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Head of Finance Systems in London employer: University of East London

The University of East London (UEL) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises diversity and innovation. With a commitment to employee growth and development, UEL provides numerous opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative environment where your contributions can make a real impact on the future of education. Located in the dynamic Docklands area, employees benefit from a competitive salary package and a supportive community dedicated to creating positive change.
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Contact Detail:

University of East London Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Systems in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you stand out as someone who truly fits into their community.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable answering common questions and discussing your experience. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it counts!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our community.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Systems in London

Finance Systems Management
Team Leadership
Customer Service Orientation
System Implementation
Digital Transformation
Financial Reporting
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Technical Understanding
Business Acumen
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Change Management
Data Integrity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Finance Systems. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what UEL is looking for.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've fostered collaboration and improved service delivery in previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your key achievements stand out. We want to see your impact without wading through fluff!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community at UEL!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of East London

✨Know Your Systems

Make sure you have a solid understanding of finance systems, especially the Unit4 ERPx that UEL has recently implemented. Familiarise yourself with its features and how it can drive efficiency and support decision-making.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and a customer-service culture, as these are key aspects of the Head of Finance Systems role.

✨Communicate Clearly

Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to demonstrate your excellent communication skills, especially when discussing technical details with non-financial stakeholders.

✨Align with UEL's Values

Research UEL’s core values of Passion, Inclusion, and Courage. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity.

Head of Finance Systems in London
University of East London
Location: London
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