Director of Finance

University of the West of Scotland – Professional Services

Paisley Campus 

Full time: 35 hours per week

We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Director of Finance to join the finance department here at UWS. This role is based at our Paisley campus although may require travel to other campuses. The post-holder will work closely with the senior management team, providing financial leadership and strategic direction for the University. They will collaborate with members of the senior leadership team and support the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Group to ensure that the financial strategy promotes strong academic and management frameworks, fostering excellence in learning, teaching, research, enterprise, and knowledge exchange for students, staff, and other stakeholders while ensuring financial sustainability.

The Director is responsible for the financial management and integrity of the entire University. They will ensure that appropriate governance and financial regulations are upheld, with a primary focus on the relevant committees at the highest level within the University.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• A higher degree level education.
• Professionally qualified accountant; Chartered Accountant or other relevant qualification.
• Significant financial and related experience in very senior management / Board level roles, preferably some of which is within the HE sector.
• Demonstrable experience of successfully leading and implementing major financial and procurement strategies in a changing environment.
• Significant experience as an effective leader and manager of a multi-disciplined finance department.
• In-depth and high level technical expertise in the fields of financial accounting, management accounting, major project management and procurement.
• A clear focus on results with a track record of successful delivery at senior level, preferably but not exclusively within the HE sector.

About us

The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2023 Young University Rankings).

Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 31 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (currently 19.3%), including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme.
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview date: week commencing 3^rd March 2025

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.