Director of Financial Performance

About the role

With our Top 10 world ranking, a £2bn balance sheet and an ambitious 10-year capital development plan, including our commitment to net zero carbon by 2040 and the next stage of our White City Deep Tech Campus, we are seeking a Director of Financial Performance to help shape the financial future of the institution.

You will work with the Chief Financial Officer in developing our financial strategy and financial performance management framework and will lead the provision of financial support to our leaders and managers across the University.

We are looking for a collaborative and values-driven individual with a strong track record of driving financial performance in complex organisations.

What you would be doing

• You will partner with the CFO to enhance financial performance, promote financial awareness, and present complex financial data in a clear, accessible way across the University.
• You will drive long-term integrated planning, working with peers across the University, incorporating scenario planning and financial risk assessment.
• You will oversee the University’s budgeting processes, providing appropriate challenge, identifying risks and advising on contingency planning. 
• You will ensure there is transparency on financial performance across the University and communicate this to a wide group of stakeholders.
• You will promote further development of financial business partner support to departments and faculties, and set the standards for financial analysis to support strategic decisions.
• As part of the senior leadership team in Finance you will build and manage high-performing finance teams, support career development, and champion initiatives that strengthen the Finance function.
• You will represent Finance on University boards, foster collaboration, build networks internally and externally, and deputise for the CFO when needed.

What we are looking for

• A qualified accountant with experience in a similar role in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience of managing teams of skilled professionals.
• Experience in higher education.
• Up to date accounting knowledge (FRS 102/ HE SORP).
• Activity-based accounting, costing and pricing methodologies.
• Strategic financial forecasting and planning techniques.
• Strong relationship building skills.
• First-rate communication skills, both written and oral.
• Independent thinker, able to identify solutions to complex issues.
• Able to influence all levels, including senior leadership.
• Attention to detail, whilst keeping sight of big picture.
• Able to inspire and develop staff to achieve their full potential.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to support the University in achieving its strategic mission.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

Due to the nature of this role, we will be shortlisting candidates as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy as soon as a suitable candidate has been appointed. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact Finance-Development@imperial.ac.uk.

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