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Taylor & Francis is one of the world's largest publishers of high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarly journals, books, e-books, and reference works. We empower learners, thinkers and doers with trusted knowledge that advances research and enriches lives. We bring together diverse people, ideas, and opinions to validate and publish the experts, theories and truths that matter. And we've been doing this in an unbroken arc since 1798.
Our purpose is to foster human progress through knowledge. We strongly believe that this requires us to encourage and examine different ideas and voices so that any work that meets our exacting levels of quality deserves to be included in our publications. This requires open minds, the opportunity for robust debate, and the courage to defend perspectives that stand up to scrutiny, even if they conflict with our personal beliefs or values. Because that's the only way to find the best obtainable version of the truth and, ultimately, foster human progress. If you agree, then we'd love to hear from you.
Job Description
As the Finance Director – Direct & Indirect costs, this role will report directly to the CFO. This role serves as a key member of Senior Leadership Team and Finance Leadership team. A high-profile position with full responsibility for circa £400m of corporate costs (£200m direct and £200m indirect) this role will be a key strategic partner with the Executive Leadership Team to manage corporate costs and ensure robust cost reporting, control, optimisation and return on investments.
Responsible for generating insights by applying a financial lens to business decisions and assessing opportunity and risk by being a thought partner to key executive leaders across the organisation.
You will act as a strategic co-pilot to the Executive Vice President of Operations, Chief Technology Officer, CFO, T&F Group HR Director and Other ELT. The role is a strategic business partner to the VP Commercial Finance; Academic and Finance Director - Consumer & Corporate shaping the direction of the business through data-driven insight, rigorous financial stewardship, and strong Finance Business Partnering.
This role requires a forward-thinking, commercially astute leader with deep experience in managing large, complex matrix businesses and influencing across functions to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you're not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at conference – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.
The successful candidate will be able to utilise our balanced working model. We ask that candidates live within a commutable distance of our offices
to ensure that as a balanced worker they can make it to our office locations to collaborate as required. There is an expectation for a
minimum of 3 days per week in-person time in our office in Milton Park, Oxfordshire.
Closing date for applications:
17th October 2025.
Key Responsibilities and Accountability:
* Full P&L ownership of both Direct and Indirect costs across T&F, accountable for margin, cost, investment decisions and cash conversion that drive long-term value creation.
* Provide insight and analysis to support the business and senior management with understanding direct and indirect cost drivers and performance against budget
* Establish the appropriate review and reporting mechanisms for direct and indirect costs to ensure tight cost control and that risk and opportunities are identified and shared with the relevant stakeholders including headcount and employee productivity metrics.
* Work closely with business stakeholders and finance colleagues to deliver the annual planning cycle process with high-quality accurate indirect cost forecasting incorporating the T&F value drivers
* Proactively manage all Risk and Opportunities across identify potential areas for cost rationalisation
* Lead the corporate cost team of 5 with an expected 2-3 direct reports, ensuring highest standards of performance Driving growth and development by actively mentoring team members.
* Build strong internal networks and be the principal contact on all direct and indirect cost related performance and planning for ELT members including the Executive Vice President of Operations, Chief Technology Officer, CFO, Chief Content Officer & Other ELT
* Support HR leadership team to design, develop and report on headcount and employee productivity metrics, provide accurate and timely information to support the HR Planning process in line with business goals.
* Support the IT leadership team with building business cases, tracking spend and reporting on ROI, ensuring the correct treatment is being followed for the capitalisation of IT staff costs and recognition of SAAS spend. Help lead the CIC process internally for sign off.
* Ensure that T&F is maximising procurement opportunities by supporting the execution of procurement policies and frameworks
* Support tender processes, negotiations, benchmarking and other procurement initiatives to ensure financial impacts are fully understood and evaluated.
* Prepare robust financial models, business cases and data driven analytical tools for direct and indirect cost investments
* Proactively seek opportunities to automate processes and to drive process improvements working closely with the Finance Operations team to embed system-based solutions
Qualifications and experience:
* Qualified accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) with extensive post-qualification experience in senior Finance and Commercial leadership roles.
* Demonstrated success managing P&L responsibilities in global matrix organizations while driving business transformation through strategic planning and operational efficiency.
* Strong financial expertise includes working capital management, O2C/R2R processes, cost optimization, and ROI analysis.
* Adept at connecting financial insights to broader business strategy with comprehensive understanding of multinational operational complexities.
* Proven people leader skilled in building high-performing teams with a coaching-focused, delegative approach that fosters talent development and customer centricity.
* Exceptional communicator able to explain complex financial concepts clearly while influencing stakeholders across organizational levels and global time zones.
* Demonstrates mature judgment through evidence-based decision-making, combining strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail.
* Self-motivated professional with strong prioritization skills in fast-paced environments.
* Technically proficient with advanced Excel skills, financial planning systems experience, and current IFRS knowledge.
* Committed to data-driven improvement, transparency, and continuous personal development while serving as a positive cultural role model.
What we offer in return:
* An excellent work/life balance with a fantastic, flexible working culture
* 25 days annual leave per year plus an extra day off for your birthday
* 3 additional discretionary days off during the holiday season at the end of the year
* 4 paid volunteering days each year
* Company funded single cover private medical insurance
* Employee assistance programme – offering 24/7 well-being support
* Share Match – Plan that matches every share purchased with two free shares.
* Pension scheme
* Life assurance, plus optical and medical care
Taylor & Francis Group an Informa Business
We want all our candidates to shine in our recruitment process. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to ensure you are able to show us your best self. This could include having the application form in a different format, more time for questions, or anything else – please ask us, we are happy to be flexible Please contact
Being Yourself at Taylor & Francis
If you're excited about working with Taylor & Francis to foster human progress through knowledge, we invite you to apply even if your existing skills and experience don't fit every item listed above. At Taylor & Francis, we are at our best and most successful when colleagues can be themselves and contribute regardless of their identity or background. As a colleague, you will have the opportunity to further innovate and develop in areas that you are passionate about. Our goal is to empower you with the resources, incentives, and flexibility you need to enjoy success at work and to live a healthy, balanced life.
Taylor & Francis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in and value diversity of people and thought, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all colleagues can learn and succeed as their true selves. Taylor & Francis recruits, develops, and retains colleagues without regard to any protected personal characteristics or other non-merit-based factor.
If you have a disability, or face another barrier, and would like to request an adjustment to assist your participation in the hiring process and/or in the advertised position, please contact Your request will be reviewed and considered in the strictest confidence.