At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and budgeting while managing a dynamic team of finance professionals.
- Company: Join the University of Wolverhampton, a civic university dedicated to transforming futures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £95,000, 38 days holiday, and enhanced pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment focused on community impact and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education by driving financial strategy and improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in leading large teams and strategic finance.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced finance leader looking to make a lasting impact in a university committed to Creating Opportunity and Transforming Futures? The University of Wolverhampton is seeking an exceptional Deputy Director of Finance to play a pivotal role in delivering strategic financial leadership across our institution. This newly scoped role combines the Finance Business Partnering and Management Accounting functions into a single, cohesive leadership remit. Reporting to the Director of Finance and deputising when required, you will lead a team of circa 15+ professionals and act as the principal finance partner to the Executive, Deans and Professional Service Directors across the institution.
The role
You will take ownership of the University's financial planning, budgeting and performance reporting cycle, while leading a high performing team across two functions.
What you'll be doing
- Leading the combined Finance Business Partnering and Management Accounting teams (circa 15+ staff), driving a proactive, solution focused culture
- Owning the annual budgeting, rolling forecasting and 5-year planning cycle across the University
- Driving continuous improvement; delivering high quality, timely management information and financial dashboards for senior leadership and the Governing body
- Embedding financial insight into academic and operational decision-making at all levels
- Acting as the principal finance interface with Deans, Faculty Executive teams and Professional Service leaders
- Leading investment appraisals, value-for-money assessments and business cases for growth and transformation
- Deputising for the Director of Finance at senior committees and external meetings as required
What we're looking for
- A qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience
- Demonstrable track record of driving continuous improvement, championing best practice, and delivering measurable operational enhancements within complex organisational environments
- Proven track record of leading and developing large, complex finance teams — ideally 10+ people spanning multiple functions
- Demonstrable experience of improving financial reporting and MI, and presenting complex financial information clearly to senior stakeholders up to Executive and Governor level
- Experience of finance business partnering models and embedding finance as a genuine strategic partner
- A candidate whose behaviours reflect our core values of being Accountable, Resilient, Inclusive and Ambitious.
About the University of Wolverhampton
We are a large civic university with a turnover of c.£250m and a finance and procurement function of approximately 60 people. We are committed to widening participation, community impact and long-term financial sustainability and we are looking for a finance leader who shares that ambition.
The package
- Up to £95,000 salary (DOE)
- 38 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) + extra concessionary days
- Enhanced pension scheme
If you're ready to combine strategic leadership with purpose driven impact, please apply. This role is being managed exclusively by Trinity House Group. All direct applications and enquiries will be sent to them directly.
Deputy Director of Finance in Wolverhampton employer: University of Wolverhampton
The University of Wolverhampton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact. With a commitment to creating opportunities and transforming futures, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values accountability, resilience, inclusivity, and ambition. The role of Deputy Director of Finance not only provides competitive remuneration and generous holiday allowances but also presents unique opportunities for professional growth within a large civic institution dedicated to community impact and financial sustainability.
Contact Details:
University of Wolverhampton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Finance in Wolverhampton
✨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 Wolverhampton. 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 Deputy Director of Finance in Wolverhampton
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 Wolverhampton.
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 Wolverhampton'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 Wolverhampton
✨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 Wolverhampton.
✨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 Wolverhampton 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 Wolverhampton 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.
