Deputy Director of Finance

As Deputy Director of Finance you will support the FD and CFO, whilst overseeing a team of 3 direct reports and 30+ staff in total across Management Accounts, Strategic Planning and Financial Accounting.

Client Details

Our agency exclusive client is a well known, globally recognised University based in Kent. Like all businesses they are facing challenges but are proactively executing a plan to deliver new revenue streams as well as cost reduction. As a result of this, they are now looking to grow the Finance Department to ensure that it is best in class, and help to secure the long term success of the institution for the benefit of students and staff.

Description

As Deputy Director of Finance you will have a broad role. Reporting to the FD, you will be required to provide leadership to the Financial Planning and Strategy, Management Accounting and Financial Accounting teams, having 3 direct reports and a large cascaded team of over 30 in total.

Working towards achieving the Operating Plan, you will work closely with members of the Senior Financial Management Team and Operational functions across the organisation

The role will involve:

• Overseeing the production of financial plans, budgets and other financial information for management purposes alongside monitoring these and reporting on financial performance
• Deputising for the Director of Finance when necessary, providing leadership and strategic direction, helping to ensure that the University remains financially sustainable whilst managing risks, achieving its financial strategy and acting in compliance while keeping senior stakeholders informed and satisfied.
• Being a driving force in the strategic leadership, forward planning and day-to-day management of the Finance Department.
• Supporting the development of financial strategies, to include financial planning, capital and revenue investment programme, associated companies and joint ventures to make a significant contribution to support the corporate objectives
• Ensuring that the Executive Group and Council are aware of the financial implications of the proposed future direction and set out options for delivering the financial strategy of the University
• Developing and maintaining the financial framework for the University, advising on financial sustainability concerns and investment capacity
• Directing the production of annual financial statements and other financial data returns as required by legislation and by external bodies

Profile

As Deputy Director of Finance you should ideally have

• A formal, UK recognised Accountacy Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Significant relevant experience and proven success in a strategically focussed role in a simialar environment.
• Experience in successfully managing a large team of high-performing financial professionals and other staff.
• Well-developed leadership skills and a clear passion for developing motivated staff and strong teams
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• The confidence to delegate and empower colleagues with an open and consultative style of management
• Excellent and effective negotiation, influencing and communication skills
• A commitment to the ambitions of the University and the values of a research-intensive institution and able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges facing Higher Education in a UK and International setting

Job Offer

• Base salary of up to £80,000 +
• Very Generous holiday allowance: 30 days plus 5 days at Christmas and 8 Bank Holidays
• Hybrid working options - likely 3 days per week on site
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health
• Retailer and wellbeing discounts via Edenred
• On-site facilities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Training and development opportunities at all levels
• On-site parking