Ready to take ownership of a high-impact finance function within a complex, values-led organisation at a pivotal point of change?
A well-established and financially robust organisation is recruiting for a newly created Head of Finance to lead its core finance operations and support the organisation through a period of consolidation, system transformation, and long-term growth.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a technically strong finance professional who enjoys combining operational control with improvement and change. Working closely with an experienced and highly capable Director of Finance, you’ll act as a trusted second-in-command ensuring financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and leading a committed finance team through both business-as-usual activity and significant organisational developments.
What you’ll gain
1. A senior, trusted role within a respected and purpose-driven organisation
2. Exposure to complex group structures, governance, and executive decision-making
3. The opportunity to assist in meaningful finance transformation and digitisation projects
4. A supportive, collegiate culture with strong benefits and long-term stability
5. A role with genuine scope to influence and improve how finance operates
What you’ll do as Head of Finance
6. Lead the day-to-day running of the finance function, ensuring robust financial control, reconciliations, and accurate reporting
7. Oversee month-end, and year-end close, including preparation of statutory accounts and acting as the main liaison for audit
8. Manage cash flow, payment runs, fee billing, bursaries, and debt collection within a highly bespoke billing environment
9. Prepare and review management accounts, forecasts, and variance analysis, supporting senior stakeholders with clear financial insight
10. Take ownership of VAT compliance across multiple activities and entities, including partial exemption and capital/revenue considerations
11. Maintain and develop financial systems and processes, driving digitisation and pragmatic improvements over time
12. Line manage and develop a small, experienced finance team, supporting capability and confidence through change
13. Support system implementations and finance-led projects across the wider group
14. Act as a dependable deputy to the Director of Finance when required
What you’ll need
15. A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent); strong QBE candidates considered
16. A solid technical accounting background, including:
17. Nominal ledger control and reconciliations
18. Month-end and year-end close
19. Audit preparation and statutory reporting
20. Strong Excel capability for analysis and reporting
21. Proven experience managing and developing a small finance team
22. Confidence operating in a hands-on, detail-oriented environment with high standards
23. The ability to deliver change sensitively within a traditional and stakeholder-rich environment
24. A pragmatic, calm, and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge when needed
Location & working pattern
This role is predominantly site-based in south Oxford due to the collaborative nature of the organisation, with some flexibility for home working as systems and processes continue to modernise.
This Head of Finance position offers a rare opportunity to combine technical excellence, people leadership, and meaningful organisational impact within a stable yet evolving environment.