Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Statutory Compliance

Join one of the UK’s leading Russell Group universities at a transformative moment for both the institution and the region.

Queen’s University Belfast is a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s academic and economic landscape—internationally recognised for research excellence, impactteaching, and global influence. As we embark on an ambitious new chapter of growth, we’re seeking a strategic Assistant Director of Finance to help shape our financial future and drive financial strategy.

As a senior leader in our 120-strong Finance Directorate, you’ll report to and support the Director of Finance directly and represent Queen’s on high-level internal and external committees; further you will lead a number of reputationally critical areas as outlined below:

• Financial and Statutory Reporting & Compliance (including risk and audit)
• Procurement
• Taxation
• Pensions
• Treasury and Capital

This is a high-impact leadership role for a visionary finance professional ready to make a difference—at the heart of one of the most influential institutions in Northern Ireland.

Queen’s is not only a world-class academic institution, but also a truly rewarding place to work. We offer a collaborative, inclusive culture, excellent work-life balance, generous leave and pension schemes, and a strong commitment to staff development and wellbeing. As one of Northern Ireland’s top employers, Queen’s supports your professional growth while valuing what matters most to you.

Be part of something bigger. Drive financial strategy at Queen’s University Belfast.

About the person

You will be a strategic thinker and strong and empathetic leader, who has the ability to forge strong professional relationships with a wide range of colleagues. Furthermore you will have an ability to think outside the box, thereby providing creative solutions to complex questions.

Specific essential criteria are below:

• Educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent qualification, plus a recognised professional accountancy qualification (e.g. CAI, ACCA etc.).
• Extensive post qualification experience in financial reporting, compliance and audit, gained at a senior level within either (i) a large or complex organisation (which is defined as one with an annual turnover exceeding £100m and 500+ employees) or (ii) a large professional services organisation.
• Proven track record of advising on “best practice” internal controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of working closely with tax and other professional advisors around complex issues.
• Experience of drafting and review of papers/presentations and presentation of same to senior stakeholders.
• A proven track record of successfully leading teams, including developing team members through mentorship and training.
• A proven track record of working at pace with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver under tight timelines.
• A high level of professional credibility, along with highly developed interpersonal, networking, advocacy and strategic influencing skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels and effectively influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to manage and mitigate risk, balanced with a positive and creative instinct to develop solutions to support the University’s sustainable growth and change.
• Demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of Queen’s University Belfast.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

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