Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer

£87,176 rising to £92,474

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 recognized 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

Based at our vibrant Headington campus, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance (and Deputy Chief Financial Officer) will be responsible for working strategically to ensure the monitoring and delivery of the strategic financial plans and provide senior leadership to the finance directorate, ensuring that our services promote best practice, provide value for money and are customer-focused.

About the team

The Finance and Legal Services Directorate is made up of specialist and professional teams who together support the financial sustainability of the University and is approx. 60 FTE in size. Additionally, there are finance staff based in Faculties who have a dotted line to the Deputy Director of Finance, Financial Analysis & Planning (which reports into this role). The team is high achieving with a welcoming and friendly personality alongside a commitment to staff wellbeing.

What will I be doing?

• Leading on the monitoring and delivery of the strategic financial plans.
• You will play a pivotal role in providing financial support and advice to senior managers across the University in relation to the planning and delivery of key financial targets.
• Lead in the writing of financial reports to the Vice-Chancellors Group, the Audit Committee, the Finance and Resources Committee and the Board of Governors.
• Support and attend the Risk Management Working Group and have line management of the Risk and Resilience Manager. Ensuring risk registers and mitigations are produced, reported, and satisfy the requirements of the VCG and Audit Committee roles in risk management.
• Attendance of 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.
• Ensuring that financial regulations, policies, and procedures are regularly reviewed, in line with best practice, and subsequently monitored for compliance.

What skills do I need?

• Current practical knowledge of accounting regulations and related legislation and IMA/ACCA qualified accountant or equivalent
• Minimum of five years PQE managing a finance function within a large and complex organisation
• Demonstrable experience of operating at a strategic level within a Finance function
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication/presentation skills
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop people, whilst effectively delegating tasks, communicating expectations and providing the necessary means and support to the teams around you

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 and we expect there will be a requirement of 1-2 days on campus per week.

Benefits

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of 30 days holiday, rising with your service, 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 instil 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.