**Only candidates with finance experience within the University of Oxford will be considered**
Office based | Temporary role 12 weeks | Full-time, 37.5 hours per week | Immediate start |
Vacancy ID: 19171
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Finance to join a department within the University of Oxford. This exciting opportunity will suit a qualified finance professional with strong leadership skills and experience in a complex organisational environment.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Management
- Act as principal finance advisor to the Dean and senior committees, supporting long-term planning and strategic decision-making.
- Lead the Faculty’s Finance Team and oversee financial aspects of administrative operations.
- Build effective relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders, including colleges, sponsors, and suppliers.
- Direct and support faculty-wide financial initiatives, systems, and projects.
Financial Oversight
- Ensure compliance with University and external regulations, overseeing financial controls and processes.
- Lead the Faculty’s budgeting, forecasting, and year-end reporting processes.
- Provide costings, scenario modelling, and risk-based financial recommendations for new and existing initiatives.
Reporting & Analysis
- Deliver timely, accurate management information and financial reports to internal stakeholders.
- Monitor financial performance and prepare quarterly forecasts and variance analyses.
- Support strategic decisions through clear and insightful financial analysis.
Systems & Tools
- Operate key University systems including Oracle, X5, DARS, and budgeting software.
- Promote effective use of financial tools across the team and ensure staff are well-supported and trained
About You
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with:
- Substantial finance leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to present complex data to varied audiences.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
- High-level proficiency in Excel and financial systems (Oracle or similar).
Please be aware that all candidates need to be able to start work immediately and must be able to work on site if required to do so.
Further information can about the Temporary Staffing Service can be found on our website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/temporary-staffing-service