Director of Financial Control

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 looking for a Director of Financial Control to help ensure a robust financial control framework across the University.

You will be part of the Finance Leadership team, providing high quality specialist financial services (e.g. Financial Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Insurance) and delivering the key operational financial processes (e.g. Purchase to Pay, Order to Cash).

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

What you would be doing

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll oversee and continually enhance Imperial’s financial control framework maintaining our Financial Regulations, Policies and Risk Register, partnering with Internal Audit, and acting as the University’s Money Laundering Reporting Officer. You’ll ensure our accounting policies meet sector standards (including SORP) and lead the production of the Annual Report and Financial Statements, managing all aspects of our external audit relationships.

You’ll drive excellence in our finance operations, championing process improvements, resolving complex transactional issues and overseeing accurate and timely tax submissions. Your insight will shape our approach to tax, treasury and insurance, ensuring these strategies align with the University’s broader risk appetite.

As a senior leader, you’ll inspire and develop a high‑performing team while representing Finance across key boards and committees. You’ll build strong internal and external networks and, when required, act as a trusted deputy to the CFO making this an exceptional opportunity to contribute at the highest level of financial leadership.

What we are looking for

Detailed below are the essential qualities we are looking for from prospective candidates. We ask in order to aid our shortlisting that candidates detail how they meet this criteria in their supporting documentation.

• A qualified accountant with experience in a similar role in a large, complex organisation
• Experience of leading large teams (more than 40 individuals)
• Experience of engaging at a senior level with external auditors
• Up‑to‑date accounting knowledge and a proactive approach to learning and applying new accounting standards
• Financial risk management strategies
• Strong relationship building skills
• Effective influencing skills, including senior leadership
• Pro-active and highly responsive with a service mindset
• Independent thinker, able to identify solutions to complex issues
• Able to be assertive when required and retain colleagues trust and respect
• 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 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

This is a full-time, open ended post in Imperial’s Finance team.

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