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.”

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

The role will be based at the Headington Campus 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.

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.

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
• Outstanding financial management capability
• Understanding of IFRS requirements and working knowledge of VAT and corporation tax legislation

Benefits

As one of the largest employers in Oxford we pride ourselves in the great experience we offer our staff. You’ll be joining a friendly, professional environment where every member of staff is recognised as important to the success of Oxford Brookes University. 

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. This role will be hybrid typically requiring 2-3 days on campus per week.

To find out more about the benefits of working for Oxford Brookes please visit: www.brookes.ac.uk/job-vacancies/working-at-brookes .

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.