Head of Finance Operations ( Shared Services)

2 year Fixed Term Contract, £80,000 - £100,000 approx Flexible working arrangement, leading a team of 100 About Our Client Our client is a large educational institution with a rich history and significant influence in the academic world. Based in Cambridge, this University is renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation. Job Description Develop and implement financial strategies to support the University's goals. Lead the accounting and finance department, overseeing the preparation and management of budgets. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards. Produce accurate financial reports and present them to the board and stakeholders. Optimise financial processes and systems to improve efficiency. Work closely with other department heads to align financial strategies with University objectives. Manage relationships with external auditors and financial institutions. Oversee the financial aspects of project management within the institution. Purpose of the Role The Financial Services Centre Lead will be responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing financial operations with good financial control. They will establish, maintain, and continually improve the end-to-end financial operational processes and related financial systems. This position plays the lead role in the design and establishment of transformation work relating to the new operating model, including the design and potential setup of a school service centre model. Role Overview The Financial Services Centre Lead will support the Interim Director of Finance acting as operational lead for the University's finance function, providing effective and professional leadership of the Department, developing and implementing strategy, and delivering outputs and services in line with the Division's mission and business objectives. They will provide day-to-day leadership of the Financial Operations team and will be responsible to the Interim Director of Finance for delivery of departmental objectives and service standards. Financial operations include all payments, receipts, payroll, and financial systems, including the successful implementation of transformation activities such as invoice automation and moving payroll onto the new HR system. The Financial Services Centre Lead will work closely with the senior leadership team to operate the University's financial framework, managing the implementation of financial controls and processes. This position is also responsible for the design of a future model for School-based service centres, working with departments and schools to socialise and gain buy-in to the new model and to establish a project for one school to set up a service centre for that school. The Successful Applicant A successful Head of Finance Operations/ Financial Services Centre Lead should have: A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or similar. Significant experience in a senior financial role (Finance Director, Head of Finance) within a large corporate environment. Significant experience in Shared Service/Transactional Finance or Financial Services (AP, AR, Payroll etc.). Strong leadership skills and experience managing a team (3 direct reports, 100 in the wider team). Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to influence and coach. Proven ability to drive change to a new Target Operating Model (TOM). What's on Offer A competitive salary in the range of £90,000 to £100,000 (possible flexibility subject to approval for exceptional talent). The opportunity to work in an esteemed educational institution in Cambridge. A supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion. Generous holiday leave (41 days) and a range of other benefits. We invite all interested and qualified candidates to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a positive impact in the non-profit education sector.

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