Head of Finance

We are looking for a Head of Finance to join our Financial Services Division based in the Finance Infrastructure, Planning and Strategy team. You will partner Professional Services (PS) divisions and lead on projects to improve management information and processes across the University of Bristol. This is an opportunity to join a prestigious institution committed to excellence and innovation, with the chance to take responsibility on key decisions to optimise efficiency, financial value, and sustainability.

As Head of Finance, you will lead a small team of Business Partners and Analysts ensuring efficient partnering is delivered across your area. You will liaise with a variety of contacts, including divisional directors and senior managers, building up effective working relationships as an approachable first point of contact.

You will provide reporting information to update PS divisions on financial performance, working closely with the Financial Reporting team to maintain and improve on the quality of management information produced. Leading on various projects you will influence and shape on improvement, having an impact on both Finance and wider University strategy and objectives.

What will you be doing?

• You will be overseeing a group of PS divisions in a partnering role as well as leading some projects in the Financial Reporting team.


• Leading the projects, you will look to assess and improve on the accuracy of cashflow forecasting. You will also look at developing management information/monthly KPI reporting around key areas of University performance, including Tuition fee income.


• Critically assess processes and controls within central Finance divisions (and supporting processes), followed by development and implementation of improvement plans.


• Support the University year-end financial statements and external audit process, including liaising with external contacts and senior colleagues.
  
  You are an experienced finance business partner, used to operating at a senior level as well as managing a team of finance professionals.


• You have led organisation wide financial reporting projects that have resulted in improved quality and accuracy of management information.


• You hold an Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or able to demonstrate a similar level of knowledge gained through experience.


• You have an aptitude for working with finance and non-finance specialists and can exert challenge to help drive financial sustainability.