Deputy Financial Controller

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Financial Controller to join the University of Greenwich on a 14‑month interim basis to provide vital leadership during a period of major activity and significant learning opportunity.

This role will suit someone who thrives on delivering high‑quality outputs at pace, enjoys navigating complex challenges, and has a proven track record in managing year‑end audit processes.

You will play a central role in helping us meet key deliverables while maintaining a strong financial control environment.

You will join a friendly, collaborative, and professional team of six within Financial Reporting and Compliance. Following the implementation of Oracle Cloud Financials in 2022, this is an exciting period of increasing system maturity, strengthened controls, and a continued drive to build a culture that positively impacts the University and its students.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience leading or managing external audit processes, ideally in a complex organisation.
• A qualified accountant with a track record of driving improvements and delivering high‑quality work.
• Ability to quickly absorb detail while maintaining a clear view of the broader strategic picture.
• Strong communication skills, able to translate complex financial information concisely and with impact.
• Demonstrated success in working with and influencing multiple stakeholders, often in ambiguous environments.
• A proactive, resilient, and positive mindset, with curiosity, humility, and a sense of humour.

What We’ll Offer

• A highly visible role at a pivotal time — with exposure across the University and the chance to broaden your experience rapidly.
• A supportive, inclusive team with a genuinely positive working culture.
• Engaged and empowering leadership committed to your professional development, whether your next step lies within or beyond the organisation.
• A very attractive defined benefit pension scheme, 26 days annual leave, plus 3–4 Christmas closure days.
• A flexible environment supportive of those with caring responsibilities, with focus placed on output rather than presenteeism.
• Opportunities for study leave, development programmes, and access to a wide range of learning resources.

Why This Interim Role Stands Out

This is not a “steady state” maternity cover. The period ahead includes major deliverables, opportunities to shape improved processes and involvement in high‑impact reporting cycles. 

You will be central to ensuring a smooth and successful year‑end and supporting the University through a period of significant organisational change.

If you’re motivated by meaningful work, visible impact and the chance to step into a senior role where you can both contribute and grow, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Christopher McDermott C.M.McDermott@greenwich.ac.uk

Should you have any queries please contact the People Operations Team peopleoperationsadmin@greenwich.ac.uk

The university is a brilliant place to work. We aim to become the top modern university in the UK by 2030 and our people are truly at the heart of what we want to achieve. 

We offer a great set of benefits including an excellent pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options including hybrid working and a genuine commitment to development.

We are looking for people who can help us achieve our Strategic Plan, through the values we expect for our whole university community, of being Inclusive, Collaborative and Impactful. 

Discover why the university of Greenwich is the perfect place to shape your future – watch our Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive's inspiring message on why you should join us Your Future Starts Here.

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