Head of Financial Management and Reporting

The Role

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

This role supports the Chief Financial Officer to ensure the delivery of the university financial plan which enables delivery of Aberystwyth University’s  Strategy.

The financial plan sets out the priorities and actions required to enable delivery of the financial resources required by the university. This leadership role, alongside the Head of Financial Operations and Compliance, will create a high-performance team embedded in the universities activities by further developing the business partner culture, ensuring the service remains of high-quality and appropriate as circumstances change.

As the lead for Finance Business Partnering across the University, you and your team will work closely with Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellors, Department Heads, and Professional Services Directors to provide strategic financial advice. Your guidance will help ensure that budgets are effectively managed and that financial plans are both realistic and ambitious.

You will bring significant experience as a financial professional, with high-level expertise in this area of finance. Confident operating in a complex and fast-paced environment, you will exercise a high degree of independent judgment and responsibility, working within broad parameters and institutional policy frameworks.

• You will lead and manage a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement to drive the achievement of strategic financial objectives. You will champion innovation and lead step changes in processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead the Finance Business Partnering teams to set and monitor budgets, delivering timely, accurate, and insightful financial information, support, and advice across the University.
• Ensure the consistent delivery of a high-quality, responsive, and stakeholder-focused finance service that evolves with institutional needs and supports long-term planning and decision-making.

• Represent the University with external stakeholders, ensuring excellent relations and timely sharing of information.
• Ensure delivery of an excellent, consistent, and relevant service to stakeholders.
• Develop, manage and maintain productive strategic relationships and networks with senior representatives in a broad range of private and public sector partners to assist the continuing development, reputation and effectiveness of the University.

• Provide advice and guidance on complex and/or strategic financial matters.
• Lead on delivery of efficiency savings ensuring that costs are minimised across all areas of service operations to support the financial sustainability of the university.
• Plan, co‑coordinate and take responsibility for the delivery of strategic projects and play a key role in the continued development of the department.

• Communicate and present analysis of financial information, tailoring management reports for the needs and understanding of the recipient(s).
• Proactively provide financial information to support the decision‑making process of groups or senior individuals.
• Working with the Head of Financial Operations and Compliance to ensure the general ledger is optimised for all users.
• Ensure the development of effective ongoing relationships with Pro‑Vice Chancellors, Directors and Managers to align existing activity with strategic financial plans and to ensure that they have the appropriate financial support.
• Be an active member of project / steering/ working groups and networks, both internal and external to the University, representing the Chief Financial Officer as required.
• Produce and implement a robust monitoring system that measures performance against key targets and identifies material financial variances.

• Ensure that the Financial Regulations and procedures are applied in accordance…