Director of Financial Control

The University of Surrey is a vibrant, international community of ideas and innovation. Located on a beautiful campus in Guildford, its 2,500 staff deliver outstanding teaching and practical learning to over 15,000 students. A home to world-class research facilities and a culture that transforms academic excellence into real-world commercial applications.

With a strong global reputation and a growing international presence—including overseas branch campuses and joint ventures—the University is entering an exciting phase of strategic expansion.

About the Role

The University is seeking to appoint an experienced Director of Financial Control to play a critical leadership role in ensuring the financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency of the University and its subsidiaries.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you will be a key member of the senior finance leadership team. You will provide strategic oversight and ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and insightful financial information to support sustainable financial health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Statutory Accounting and Audit Management
• Monthly Close and Financial Reporting
• Banking and Treasury Management
• Financial Control and Operations Oversight
• Budgeting, Forecasting, and Strategic Planning
• Regulatory and Tax Compliance
• Corporate and Intercompany Governance
• Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

The successful candidate will be a values-driven finance professional with a track record of success in large, complex organisations. You combine technical excellence with emotionally intelligent leadership and are adept at building strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Relevant degree or postgraduate qualification
• Significant leadership experience across the finance function, with deep expertise in financial control
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement

How to apply

The University of Surrey has engaged the services of The McLean Partnership, to whom applications should be sent by midnight on Friday 29th August 2025.

To apply, please send a concise covering statement and CV to The McLean Partnership via surrey@mcleanpartnership.com, reference: UoS/DFC.

Further Information

Initial Meetings and Engagement: mid-August

Formal Interviews and Appointment: September 2025.

A full job spec is available at https://surrey.mcleanpartnership.com

For an informal and confidential conversation before applying, please call Caius Freeman on 07517 950 934.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase diversity in our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women and people with disabilities

Advert information