Head of Finance

Ready to take ownership of a high-impact finance function within a complex, values-led organisation at a pivotal point of change?

A well-established and financially robust organisation is recruiting for a newly created Head of Finance to lead its core finance operations and support the organisation through a period of consolidation, system transformation, and long-term growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a technically strong finance professional who enjoys combining operational control with improvement and change. Working closely with an experienced and highly capable Director of Finance, you’ll act as a trusted second-in-command ensuring financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and leading a committed finance team through both business-as-usual activity and significant organisational developments.

What you’ll gain

• A senior, trusted role within a respected and purpose-driven organisation
• Exposure to complex group structures, governance, and executive decision-making
• The opportunity to assist in meaningful finance transformation and digitisation projects
• A supportive, collegiate culture with strong benefits and long-term stability
• A role with genuine scope to influence and improve how finance operates

What you’ll do as Head of Finance

• Lead the day-to-day running of the finance function, ensuring robust financial control, reconciliations, and accurate reporting
• Oversee month-end, and year-end close, including preparation of statutory accounts and acting as the main liaison for audit
• Manage cash flow, payment runs, fee billing, bursaries, and debt collection within a highly bespoke billing environment
• Prepare and review management accounts, forecasts, and variance analysis, supporting senior stakeholders with clear financial insight
• Take ownership of VAT compliance across multiple activities and entities, including partial exemption and capital/revenue considerations
• Maintain and develop financial systems and processes, driving digitisation and pragmatic improvements over time
• Line manage and develop a small, experienced finance team, supporting capability and confidence through change
• Support system implementations and finance-led projects across the wider group
• Act as a dependable deputy to the Director of Finance when required

What you’ll need

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent); strong QBE candidates considered
• A solid technical accounting background, including:
• Nominal ledger control and reconciliations
• Month-end and year-end close
• Audit preparation and statutory reporting
• Strong Excel capability for analysis and reporting
• Proven experience managing and developing a small finance team
• Confidence operating in a hands-on, detail-oriented environment with high standards
• The ability to deliver change sensitively within a traditional and stakeholder-rich environment
• A pragmatic, calm, and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge when needed

Location & working pattern

This role is predominantly site-based in south Oxford due to the collaborative nature of the organisation, with some flexibility for home working as systems and processes continue to modernise.

This Head of Finance position offers a rare opportunity to combine technical excellence, people leadership, and meaningful organisational impact within a stable yet evolving environment.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early interest is encouraged.