Job Description
The Cambridge Trust is seeking a new Head of Finance and Operations to lead the Trust’s finances, risk governance and operations, during an exciting era of development for the organisation following a strategic review conducted in spring 2024.
The Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust (known as the Cambridge Trust), is a charity that works alongside the University of Cambridge and its colleges, providing scholarships to around 1500 students at any one time. Over its 40-year existence, the Trust has helped over 22,000 students from over 100 countries contribute to academic life at Cambridge. Today, the Trust works with the University, Colleges of Cambridge, and many international and UK-based partners in order to increase access to the University of Cambridge to outstanding students from all parts of the world, irrespective of their social and economic background. The Trust currently funds one-quarter of the University’s PhD students. Its endowment currently sits at £260 million.
The new Head of Finance and Operations will hold responsibility for managing the budgeting, financial planning and investment strategies of the Trust. They will work to create and implement a robust multi-year business plan on behalf of the Trust. Simultaneously, they will serve as Company Secretary to the Board of Trustees, ensuring adherence to governance best practice and addressing financial, operational and reputational risks for the Trust. They will also be responsible for ensuring that the broader operational functions (HR, IT, office space) are managed effectively. Reporting into the Director of the Cambridge Trust, the Head of Finance and Operations will sit on the senior leadership team. The new post-holder will contribute, with the rest of the senior team, to the strategic development of the Trust, responding to opportunity and risk in an ever-changing sector. They will need to be able to identify areas for improvement in the Trust’s processes and work to continue to professionalise and develop the functions of the Trust.
The Trust is looking for a senior finance and operations executive, with an accountancy qualification and a strong track record in financial leadership. Candidates will be creative thinkers, familiar with overseeing a range of operational functions, including finance and governance. The Trust is seeking someone with energy, positivity and a pragmatic attitude to the challenges and priorities it faces. They will be able to demonstrate excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills, fostering a collaborative atmosphere and working closely with the senior leadership team. Ideal candidates will have a passion for the Trust’s mission of supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds and be keen to embed themselves within the ethos of the Trust.
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The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter and addressed by an email is Monday 8th September.