Aberystwyth University has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Financial Management and Reporting to join the team.
Location: Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL, Hybrid, 2/3 days on campus
Salary: Grade 9, £59,966 - £67,468 per annum
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week
About Our Client:
Aberystwyth University is seeking an exceptional financial leader to play a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s long‑term financial sustainability and supporting delivery of their 2025–2030 Strategy. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to lead a high‑performing team, influence strategic decision‑making, and help drive the future direction of a world‑class university. This role reports directly to the CFO.
Head of Finance Management and Reporting - The Role
As Head of Financial Management and Reporting, you will work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to deliver the University’s financial plan and ensure the effective allocation of resources across their academic and professional services. You will lead the Finance Business Partnering function, embedding a culture of collaboration, insight, and strategic influence across the institution.
You will partner with Vice Chancellors, Heads of Department, and the wider executive committee to provide high‑quality financial advice, ensuring budgets are well‑managed, risks are understood, and financial plans are both ambitious and achievable. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will bring expert judgement, strong analytical capability, and the confidence to influence at the most senior levels.
Head of Finance Management and Reporting - Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing finance team, championing innovation and continuous improvement in line with the university’s values
- Oversee the delivery of timely, accurate, and insightful financial information to support strategic decision‑making
- Build strong, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing the University with professionalism and credibility
- Provide expert guidance on complex financial matters, driving efficiency savings and supporting long‑term financial sustainability
- Lead the preparation of five‑year budgets, forecasts, business cases, and option appraisals
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, and accounting standards
- Produce robust monitoring systems to track performance, identify variances, and highlight risks and opportunities
- Contribute to strategic projects, working groups, and cross‑university initiatives, representing the CFO where required
- Support the University’s commitments to value for money, sustainability, equality, and bilingualism
Head of Finance Management and Reporting - Who You Are:
- You are a professionally qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with substantial experience in financial leadership within a complex organisation
- A strong track record of leading teams, managing major budgets, and delivering strategic financial insight, ideally in a finance business partnering function
- Excellent influencing, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust quickly at all levels
- Advanced expertise in management accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, and KPI development
- The ability to think strategically, act decisively, and maintain a positive, solutions‑focused approach
- Welsh language skills at Level B1, or a willingness to work towards this
Head of Finance Management and Reporting – Why Join:
- This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a leading university while working in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment. If you are an ambitious, strategic finance leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we would be delighted to hear from you
- Generous leave entitlement of 27 days, plus bank holidays and university closed days
- Excellent pension scheme paying 14.5%
- Flexible working arrangements
To submit your CV for this Head of Finance Management and Reporting opportunity click ‘Apply’ now