Head of Finance

Head of Finance
Oxford University Innovation
Permanent
Ref: 213

• Would you like to help support the creation of global impact from world-leading University research?
• Are you interested in joining a team of outstanding people working to bring great Oxford ideas to life?
• Do you have experience in being a senior leader in Finance and proactively contributing to broader activities that support the business?

With one foot in academia and the other in industry, Oxford University Innovation’s professionals undertake a wide variety of tasks, from licensing university ideas, and finding investment for spinout companies, to setting up social enterprises and supporting student entrepreneurship. University innovation is the magic behind the scenes that turns ideas born in a university into companies and technologies that look to have a positive and transformative economic and societal impact on the wider world.

The role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experience, engaging and motivated Head of Finance who will oversee all financial aspects of the business drive OUI’s financial strategy. The role will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with colleagues within OUI and also develop effective relationships with key stakeholders within the University.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Strategic Management: Contribute to the strategic management of OUI by developing and maintaining strategies that encompass the Finance Department.
• Financial Management: Work effectively with colleagues providing key financial information, forecasts and insightful management reporting analysis.
• Team Leadership: Inspire the Finance Team by establishing excellent ongoing working relationships.
• Delivery: To deliver an excellent service to all customers and key stakeholders both internally and externally.
  The Candidate:

The ideal candidate will be a graduate who is fully qualified (ACA, ACMA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) with significant PQE. They will possess in-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles, laws and best practices and have proven experience in a similar senior level role. They will be able to demonstrate financial leadership, commercial business partnering and have an approach that is flexible and a mind-set that is analytical and considered. Particularly desirable is the ability to balance strategic focus and operational delivery and communicate effectively to differing audiences.

OUI is looking for an exceptional candidate who has the ability to act with wisdom, integrity and sound commercial judgement.

The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate proven ability in:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong communication skills and the ability to engage with all levels across the business.
• A pragmatic approach and adeptness at forging effective working relationships with colleagues and senior stakeholders, influencing them and where appropriate showing diplomacy, creativity and resilience when seeking practical business solutions.
• Significant experience in direct line management and leadership of a Finance Team.
• Proven experience of budget preparation, settling and monitoring, and financial forecasting.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office and financial management software (ideally SAGE).

How to apply:

If you are interested in applying for this role, please download the application form from the OUI website and send together with a copy of your CV and covering letter to Oliver Howson at oliver.h@enable-recruitment.co

Information about the benefits and working life at OUI can be found here;- https://innovation.ox.ac.uk/about/careers/

The closing date is midday on Monday 29th August 2022

Salary for this role is commensurate with experience and is likely to be in the range of £70,000 – £90,000.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

Oxford University Innovation is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a supportive working, learning and social environment, in which the rights and dignity of all its staff are respected, and where everyone is able to be themselves and is empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment is linked to and reinforces the OUI values of integrity, collaboration and empowerment. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. OUI is accredited with the Investors in People Silver status.

Our approach to hybrid and flexible working:

We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent. We also appreciate that the UK workforce is becoming increasingly diverse and includes a high percentage of parents and individuals with caring responsibilities, as well as those whose interests and aspirations impact on their time.

We recognise the importance of helping our employees balance their work and home lives by offering flexible working arrangements that enable them to balance their work commitments with other priorities. This includes hybrid working and flexible working.

OUI is accredited with the Investors in People Silver status.