Reed Finance are seeking an interim Head of Finance to oversee the management of finance delivery operations within a leading higher education provider.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in delivering departmental responsibilities and contributing to the strategic financial management of the organisation. Due to the nature of this position, previous Higher Education experience is essential.
Our client are working on a flexible, hybrid basis with 2 days per week required in their Sussex offices.
Day to Day of the Role:
- Ensure the finance team delivers the required level of financial insight to drive and shape strategic priorities, including monitoring value generation and ownership of the 5-year plan.
- Track financial risk and prepare financial modelling scenarios to undertake strategic decisions.
- Develop and enhance processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, efficient, and effective.
- Manage and develop the accounting team, setting objectives, balancing workloads, and supporting training and skills development.
- Maintain accountability for the accuracy, completeness, compliance, and timely delivery of all financial and regulatory reporting.
- Delivering all month end management accounts reporting.
- Business partnering with SLT and budget holders, offering high-level support and advice, challenging financial results with key stakeholders regularly.
- Engage in horizon-scanning for future risks and opportunities, developing plans and taking mitigating actions as necessary.
- Act as a senior leader within the organisation, driving projects and developments necessary for the delivery of strategic and business plans.
- Lead the development of robust and accurate financial reporting, ensuring that reports on income, expenditure, budgets, and forecasts are timely and reliable.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- A full accounting qualification with substantial PQE
- Proven experience in a senior management role within the higher education industry.
- Expertise in financial modelling and maintaining financial risk registers.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and managing high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
This role will initially be on a 3 month interim basis, however will also be recruited for permanently and so could be a temp to perm arrangement for the right candidate if desired.
Our client are looking to shortlist immediately for a mid-to-end of July start date, so please apply now for further information!