Head of Finance and Deputy Administrator
Salary
Grade 10: £65,336 - £75,439 with a discretionary range to £82,255 per annum (Inclusive of Oxford University Weighting)
Closing date
Jan 12, 2026 12:00PM
Description
The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford is one of the largest and most innovative research and teaching departments in the UK. With strong interdisciplinary links across the University and a commitment to world-class research, the Department provides an intellectually stimulating and dynamic environment for staff and students alike.We have an exciting opportunity to lead the Finance Team in the Department as the Head of Finance and Deputy Administrator.
Why Choose Us
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits we provide, including:
• Flexible Hybrid Working: A work setup that combines office and remote work.
• Excellent Contributory Pension Scheme: We help you plan for your future.
• Generous Annual Leave: 38 days of annual leave.
• Comprehensive Childcare Services: We support your family needs.
• Family Leave Schemes: Ensuring work-life balance.
• Cycle Loan Scheme: Promoting eco-friendly transportation.
• Membership to Various Social and Sports Clubs: Be part of vibrant communities.
• Discounted Bus Travel and Season Ticket Travel Loans: Making your commute more affordable.
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives and community-building efforts.
• Support for continued, life-long learning and career development.
The University also hosts a multitude of social groups and sports clubs for those seeking more than just a great place to work.
About the role
The Head of Finance is a member of the Professional Services Senior Management Team in the Department of Engineering Science and is responsible for developing and delivering the financial strategy for one of the largest departments in the University.
A key responsibility is to prepare, monitor and manage both annual and medium-term departmental budgets (annual turnover ~ £100m). The postholder will work closely with the Head of Department (HOD), the Head of Administration (HAF) and the departmental Management Team to ensure that the department runs in a financially sound fashion, preparing and delivering the Department’s 5-year plan and meeting agreed budget targets.
With plans for a relocation of much of the department to new facilities on a new site, and continued growth in the department, the postholder will be responsible for developing business cases underpinning major investments (£250m+) by the University and partners and ensuring that the department has a financially sustainable operating model throughout.
About you
To thrive in this varied and engaging role, we are looking for someone with:
Accounting Knowledge: sound accounting knowledge, evidenced by a CCAB (e.g. CIMA, ACCA,CIPFA) qualification with several years post - qualification experience.
Leadership and line management: proven ability to lead, line manage and develop productive team dynamics.
Experience: proven experience of managing a finance function, ideally in a service organisation. At least five years’ experience in a large accounting environment with proven management accounting, budgeting and planning skills.
Communication: proven ability to think about financial issues strategically and to contribute to policy discussions and decisions; ability to understand the information needs of others; ability to communicate complex information in an understandable way, both orally and in writing, to a diverse range of audiences; evidence of developing trusted relationships in an finance partnering model.
Networking: ability to forge strong relationships with key partners across the University, evidenced by examples of cross departmental or similar working.
About the team
You will be responsible for managing and developing the departmental Finance Team comprising the line management of six direct reports and the leadership of a total team of 18 staff as well as working with finance colleagues across the division to ensure resilience and capability building across the wider finance community.
You will ensure that effective and resilient financial processes and controls are in place within the department that adhere to the latest University financial regulations and that research and trading activities are properly accounted for and bring in appropriate levels of overheads.
Hybrid working: 80% FTE on site minimum
Application Process
You will be required to upload a cover letter/supporting statement which details how you meet each of the selection criteria, a CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is Monday 12th January 2025 at 12:00 noon.
Contact name
Dr Joanna Rhodes
Contact email
joanna.rhodes@eng.ox.ac.uk
The job description is available via the Apply Now button