Deputy Head of Finance

The Department of Engineering is the largest department in the University of Cambridge with approximately 160 academics, 350 research staff, 800 graduate students, 1200 undergraduates and 800 professional staff. The annual expenditure is approximately GBP100m of which GBP50m is research grant expenditure

Based at the Department's site in Central Cambridge, we are looking for an experienced finance professional to deputise for, and work under the guidance of, our Head of Finance to set financial strategy and operations across the entire Department. You will be covering key aspects of the Head of Finance role, as well as undertaking Department project work and engaging with change management initiatives as directed by the Head of Finance. As financial systems and regulations evolve in the University, you will, working alongside the Head of Finance, play a leading and influential role at School and University levels in providing insights, advice and direction on policy and processes.

You will also be required to deputise for the Head of Finance in the management of the operation of the Department's Finance Office and Purchasing & Stores, with overall management responsibility for the associated staff in these teams, as well as the Research Grants team, as required.  In this regard, you will be leading and supporting finance professionals across the Department, raising standards, developing and delivering new training, and opening career paths

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level/level 7 vocational qualification, or an equivalent level of practical experience, and hold an accounting qualification, such as CIMA, ACA, ACCA or CIPA, and be able to evidence up-to-date professional development and knowledge. As well as being a qualified accountant, we require the successful candidate to have significant post-qualified operational experience gained in complex matrix organisations and be experienced in management accounting, business modelling, presenting complex data, optimisation and data-driven decision making. Given that you will be managing a large number of staff, the successful candidate is required to have demonstrable experience of managing and developing large professional teams.  Additionally, you will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to tailor communications effectively to different audiences and will be a creative problem solver who has strong influencing and analytical skills. Higher education sector experience would be desirable.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 25 February 2025.  If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office at the Department of Engineering (hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk, +44 (0)1223 332615). 

Please quote reference NM44766 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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