Head of Financial Management - Hybrid in London

Head of Financial Management - Hybrid in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and enhance UAL's accommodation services for a top-notch student experience.
  • Company: Join the University of the Arts London, a global leader in creativity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive policies, and a supportive community.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of student living in a vibrant, diverse environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in student accommodation or multi-site commercial settings.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.

University of the Arts London (UAL) is a global leader in creativity, innovation and transformative education. Formed of six renowned Colleges and four Institutes, UAL continues to shape the future of art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts, supported by a diverse and vibrant community of over 20,000 students from more than 130 countries.

As UAL continues to invest significantly in its student experience, the University is now seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of Accommodation to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the University’s accommodation portfolio, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, student-centred residential experience that is both financially sustainable and operationally excellent.

Reporting to the Associate Director: Accommodation, Catering and Retail, the Head of Accommodation will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering UAL’s Accommodation Strategy and annual operating plans, driving occupancy, strengthening commercial performance, and ensuring outstanding customer experience, safety, and wellbeing across all services.

The post holder will lead UAL’s accommodation operations across nearly 4,000 beds in owned and partner halls, overseeing performance and ensuring strong financial management through effective forecasting, cost control, and delivery of key KPIs. The role also leads on rent setting, benchmarking, nominations agreements, and PBSA partnerships, ensuring UAL remains competitive and aligned with market and affordability expectations.

They will ensure the effective operational delivery of residential services, maintaining safe, secure, compliant, and high-quality living environments, while working closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver a continuous student experience supported by safeguarding, wellbeing, and pastoral support. They will also support incident response and business continuity planning as required, and drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and service delivery.

We are seeking an experienced, proactive leader with a strong background in large-scale student accommodation or comparable multi-site commercial environments. The post holder will bring proven experience in service delivery, alongside strong commercial acumen, stakeholder management and people management skills. They will be calm under pressure, highly organised, and committed to continuous improvement, equality, diversity, inclusion, and delivering an outstanding student experience.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

Head of Financial Management - Hybrid in London employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

The University of the Arts London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Specialist Technician in Metal, you will not only contribute to the development of future artists and designers but also benefit from professional growth opportunities within a prestigious institution located in the heart of King's Cross. With a commitment to employee well-being and a collaborative environment, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the educational landscape.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

Contact Details:

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Management - Hybrid in London

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 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON. 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 Management - Hybrid in London

Strategic Leadership
Operational Oversight
Financial Management
Forecasting
Cost Control
KPI Delivery
Rent Setting

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 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON.

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 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON'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 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

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 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON.

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 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON 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 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON 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.