Head of Finance Operations

Do you want to make a difference? Are you able to provide the leadership, planning and strategic direction to support a world-leading university achieve its strategic aims during these exceptional times?

The University of Southampton’s mission is to change the world for the better. As a world-leading, research-intensive university, with a strong and high-quality educational offering, it is renowned for its innovation and enterprise. It is a founding member of the Russell Group - an organisation of 24 top UK universities committed to maintaining the highest research and teaching standards.

The University of Southampton is seeking to appoint a Head of Finance Operations to support the long-term financial sustainability of the University through the delivery and ongoing enhancement of a customer focused finance operations service. You will lead and manage the finance operations teams who work closely with other professional service areas to deliver an excellent service to stakeholders.

The role is the main point of contact for finance operations which includes ensuring appropriate systems and policies are in place to support effective delivery of the University’s objectives. The role is fundamental to finance transformation and in supporting the finance executive leadership team in achieving a top-level functioning Finance, Planning and Analytics Directorate.

Prospective candidates will have held senior management positions in a finance operations teams, with a proven track record of managing complex and specialised teams servicing both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the senior management team in the Finance, Planning and Analytics Directorate you will be able to demonstrate financial literacy and a solid understanding of contract development and negotiations. You should have extensive experience of change management or process re-engineering combined with an ability to take a strategic view within the context of the Higher Education Funding landscape. The role manages a sizeable team of professional and administrative staff, so your ability to motivate, engage and develop the team to deliver excellent customer service is paramount.

The University of Southampton is committed to attracting and supporting exceptional staff to deliver at the highest levels in all activities. We select candidates based on merit and ability and aspire to thrive in the diversity of our workforce. In addition to a competitive salary the University offers an attractive defined benefits pension scheme; a generous holiday allowance of 30 days annual leave, plus 6 University closure days and 8 bank holidays; use of on-site sports, arts and cultural facilities and a wide range of discounts from national & international shops and services.

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