Head of Management Accounting

Imperial College London is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell to recruit a Head of Management Accounting on a permanent basis. This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the world's leading universities in a senior finance leadership position at a pivotal time for the them. Imperial is investing significantly in the future of its Finance function through the implementation of Oracle Fusion, bringing enhanced business intelligence capabilities and the modernisation of their management accounting processes.

As Head of Management Accounting, you will play a central role in shaping this transformation whilst leading a high-performing team responsible for delivering financial insight across the University's extensive non-academic portfolio.

The role

• Lead and develop a high-performing management accounting function of 11 finance professionals, creating a collaborative, high-performing culture centred on continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.
• Oversee management accounting and financial reporting for more than 30 support service departments, responsible for approximately £320m of annual expenditure and £185m of capital investment programmes.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and month-end reporting, ensuring timely, accurate and insightful financial information that supports strategic decision making across the University.
• Act as the finance lead for the continued optimisation of Oracle Fusion, driving process redesign, standardisation, automation and the adoption of AI to improve efficiency and reporting capability.
• Oversee financial accounting and statutory reporting for key University subsidiaries, whilst leading external audit activity and ensuring compliance with FRS102.
• Partner with senior leaders across Finance and Professional Services, providing commercial insight, challenging assumptions and influencing strategic decision making.
• Work closely with the Finance Business Intelligence team to further develop reporting capability through Power BI and data-driven insights.
• Champion continuous improvement by reviewing existing processes, strengthening controls and embedding best practice across the management accounting function.

Essential criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or CCAB).
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting expertise within a large, complex organisation.
• Experience leading process improvement, harmonisation and finance transformation initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge senior leaders.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including FRS102.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.

Experience within Higher Education, knowledge of TRAC, Oracle Fusion or Power BI would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why join Imperial?

The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to deliver world‑class teaching and learning. You'll benefit from an outstanding working environment, genuine opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive reward package designed to support your career, wellbeing and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Hybrid working (2-3 days per week office based working)
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave (27 days plus campus closures and Bank Holidays), with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, discounted sports facilities and occupational health services.
• Excellent family-friendly policies, enhanced parental & carers leave &childcare initiatives.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities to support your long-term career progression.
• A wide range of employee discounts, travel schemes and lifestyle benefits.

Apply now

If you're an ambitious finance leader looking for an opportunity to shape the future of management accounting within a world-renowned institution, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a permanent, full-time position based at Imperial College London's White City Campus, operating on a hybrid working model.

Applications close on 6 September, with interviews scheduled for 16 September.