Head of Finance

We are seeking to appoint a Head of Finance following the retirement of the current post holder. The Head of Finance is a vital senior management role within the College, responsible for leading the Finance Department, as well as contributing significantly to our financial decision-making. 

We are looking for an experienced accountant with excellent technical and interpersonal skills. The Head of Finance will drive delivery of timely and useful financial information as well as streamlined financial processes. The role is varied and stimulating offering opportunity for professional growth and personal impact. 

This is an exciting moment to join St Catharine’s. We are in the process of evolving the 2025-30 Strategic Plan and the successful candidate will be able to contribute to these discussions. Our strong and stable team of Senior Officers, led by the Master Sir John Benger, is committed to delivering an ambitious financial resilience programme as part of this plan to ensure that we continue to provide an outstanding education to our students. 

The Head of Finance is responsible for the day-to-day management of financial and accounting operations including budgeting, management information and financial, tax, charity commission and other statutory reporting.  The Head of Finance is also responsible for banking and insurance arrangements and management of financial systems and controls.

We welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate the following skills: 

• The ability to engage effectively and constructively with a wide range of stakeholders – this role holder is required to collaborate with Academic Fellows of the College and other Heads of Department

• Sound planning and organisational skills to manage diverse and conflicting priorities proactively and work to deadlines

• The ability to lead, nurture, motivate and develop staff to achieve good results

• Excellent understanding of accounting software, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets and 

• Modelling and how to use IT systems to improve efficiencies 

• Use their initiative and have a creative approach to solving problems 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to tasks and willingness to proactively embrace change

• A strong customer focused approach 

Full details of this opportunity can be found in the candidate pack. 

Employment arrangements

• This is a permanent appointment (subject to a six month probation period). 
• Hours of work are 37.5 per week. 
• Competitive full time salary of £70,000 - £75,000, depending on experience.
• Please visit the 'Join our Team' page for further details on our staff benefits.

Application process

In order to apply, please submit a completed application form and send it along with a covering letter or email, outlining your suitability for the role. Please also complete and submit an Equality and Diversity monitoring form.  If you would like to complete paper forms, please contact the HR team and arrange a time to collect documents from College.  

Informal questions regarding this opportunity can be directed to Nicola Robert, Bursar, via email: bursar@caths.cam.ac.uk

All application documents should be emailed to the HR team at:  recruitment@caths.cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for completed applications is 9am on Friday 6 December 2024.  In person interviews will be held on Thursday 12 December 2024.