Deputy Director of Finance - Controls and Operations

This is a full time, permanent role.

Closing date: 23:59 on 7th January 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 14th and Friday 16th January 2026

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

This is an exciting time to join the University of Reading as we embark on a Professional Services Programme that will fundamentally change and improve the way we work.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Deputy Director of Finance (Controls and Operations) will lead and develop a diverse team, including qualified accountants and business process owners, and will be responsible for ensuring a robust financial control framework across the University group and to lead and develop the statutory reporting and the key operational finance processes. This role is accountable for the production of statutory accounts and external reporting for the University Group, management of the balance sheet, provision of tax advice and compliance, systems, training and transactional services

You will have :

• An accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA)
• Proven experience of working at a senior level in a large and complex organisation
• Experience of creating and maintaining a strong financial control framework
• Excellent knowledge across specialist areas such financial accounting, tax, systems and transactional processes
• Proven experience of delivering process and systems improvements, including automation
• Strong leadership skills

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: Emma Ashley
Contact Job Title; Director of Finance
Contact Email address; e.ashley@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Vin Wijeratne
Alternative Contact Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Alternative Contact Email address: v.wijeratne@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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