Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The role

Due to retirement in the team, we are recruiting for a Director of Finance.

The role will be based at the Headington Campus (1 mile from Oxford City Centre) and will report to the Chief Financial Officer. The Director of Finance is responsible for providing senior leadership to the finance team to ensure that our services promote best practice, provide value for money and are customer-focussed. Covering both Financial Accounts and Management Accounts this role balances financial control, internal audit and technical accounting ability with the skills to accurately produce budgets and 5-year strategic financial plans. An ability to engage, communicate, challenge and influence effectively across a range of non-financial stakeholders alongside the building of trust and respect of financial colleagues is essential.

About the team

The Finance Team is professional and high performing with a focus on customer service delivery. Covering the delivery of core financial accounting, management accounting, sales ledger, purchase ledger and payroll through to insurance, risk management, major incident planning, course costing, surplus analysis, due diligence and partnership business case development. The Director of Finance has four direct reports:

What will I be doing?

• Strategic financial planning, monitoring, and reporting
• Year end Statutory Accounts delivery and the annual financial returns required by the University’s regulator the Office for Students (e.g. the annual financial return and the transparent approach to costing (TRAC) return)
• Providing financial support, challenge and advice to senior managers across the University in relation to the planning and delivery of key financial targets.
• Writing financial reports to the Vice-Chancellors Group, the Audit Committee, the Finance and Resources Committee and the Board of Governors.
• Supporting and attending the Risk Management Working Group. Ensuring risk registers and mitigations are produced, reported, and satisfy the requirements of the VCG and Audit Committee roles in risk management.
• Regular liaison with the Internal Auditors and reporting to the Audit Committee on completion of all auditor recommendations.
• Playing a major role in the Learning Partnerships Advisory Group in terms of financial business case oversight, risk management, due diligence, and challenge. Working with the Director of Legal Services to support the PVC Chair of this group.
• Chairing the Spin-Out Working Group as and when this is convened to consider and recommend spin-out proposals.
• Ensuring that the financial regulations, policies, and procedures are regularly reviewed, in line with best practice, and subsequently monitored for compliance. 

What skills do I need?

• CCAB qualified accountant with significant post-qualifying experience at a senior level in complex and diverse organisations.
• Management and understanding of how to develop and deliver an efficient and effective finance system.
• Management of a team of qualified accountancy staff.
• Outstanding financial management capability.
• Understanding of IFRS requirements and working knowledge of VAT and corporation tax legislation.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to motivate, lead and develop a professional team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication/presentation skills, with the ability to write and prepare reports for senior management and committees.
• An appreciation of the financial management issues of a University.
• A professional and proactive approach with the ability to lead, motivate and develop a high performing team.
• Ability to develop and implement efficient and successful ways of working, initiating, driving and gaining acceptance for change.
• Able to demonstrate use of initiative.
• Able to build effective internal and external working relationships.
• Ability to thrive in a demanding and sometimes pressured role and meet deadlines. 

About the location

Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport.  This role will be hybrid typically requiring 2-3 days on campus per week.

Benefits

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy 30 days holiday, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx. 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme  with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on-site Nursery.
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instill a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.