Head of Finance/ Financial Controller/ Finance Director

Summary: The Head of Finance role at the University of Oxford involves leading a finance team to deliver management accounting support, oversee financial reporting, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. This position is a 6-month fixed-term contract with hybrid working arrangements, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in financial planning, reporting, and compliance across various legal entities and joint ventures. The role requires collaboration with senior management and board members to ensure informed financial decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the team of 2 in delivering management accounting support across a range of legal entities and joint ventures.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets, explain significant variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support forward planning and budgeting for these entities, providing financial advice to senior management.
• Work with Company Secretaries to ensure Boards are fully informed on financial matters, including preparing papers and recommendations for Board approval.
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements for assigned entities.
• Coordinate audits, act as the main point of contact for auditors, and ensure timely resolution of any issues raised.
• Provide required financial data for group consolidation on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Make adjustments to align with relevant reporting standards and support reconciliation of intercompany balances.
• Ensure VAT submissions are accurate and submitted on time.
• Prepare draft corporation tax returns and liaise with tax teams for review.
• Monitor commercial activity for tax reporting accuracy and lead related communications and training.
• Ensure all responsible entities comply with internal financial regulations.
• Establish financial systems and processes for new legal entities and joint ventures.
• Oversee daily processing activities, review junior team members' work, and provide guidance and training as needed.

Key Skills:

• Experience in management accounting and budgeting.
• Strong financial reporting and compliance knowledge.
• Ability to lead and manage a finance team.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with senior management and boards.
• Knowledge of VAT and corporation tax regulations.
• Proficiency in financial systems and processes.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor financial performance and variances.

Salary (Rate): £64,000 yearly

City: Oxford

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: fixed-term

Seniority Level: Mid-Level

Industry: Other