Director of Finance

Butler Rose is exclusively recruiting a Director of Finance for a well-established and values-driven University in Plymouth. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and commercially minded finance leader.

In this role, you will lead the finance function and play a key role in delivering organisational strategy through robust financial management, insightful reporting and strong financial governance. This is a highly visible leadership position, offering the chance to influence decision-making at the highest level while driving continuous improvement across finance operations.

As Director of Finance, you will be responsible for leading financial accounting, management accounting and procurement activities, ensuring the University has accurate, timely and meaningful financial information to support strategic and operational decision-making.

You will oversee budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting, treasury and cash-flow management, tax compliance and external audit processes, whilst continually enhancing systems, controls and ways of working.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the finance team
• Producing high-quality monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial reports.
• Managing annual budgeting and financial planning processes.
• Overseeing statutory accounts preparation and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as the primary contact for external auditors and key financial stakeholders.
• Managing cash-flow forecasting, balance sheet reviews and financial reconciliations.
• Providing financial insight and challenge to support business planning, investment decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Supporting the development of business cases, financial modelling and cost analysis.
• Ensuring robust financial controls, governance and risk management processes are maintained.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reporting capability and service delivery across the finance function.
• Acting as deputy to the Chief Finance Officer when required.

About You

We are seeking a qualified finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership capability and the ability to influence stakeholders across a complex organisation. Experience of working within the public sector, particularly Higher Education is desirable.

You will demonstrate:

• Full CCAB accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role.
• Strong background in financial accounting, management reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing finance teams.
• Excellent understanding of financial governance, controls and statutory reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information.
• The confidence and credibility to influence senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Experience driving process improvement and organisational change.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

What's on Offer?

This is an opportunity to join an organisation with ambitious plans for the future, where finance is recognised as a strategic partner to the wider business.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to strategic decision-making at executive level.
• Lead and shape a high-performing finance function.
• Drive meaningful change and continuous improvement.
• Work within a collaborative, values-led environment.
• Play a key role in supporting long-term organisational success.

On offer is a very strong benefits package including generous pension, annual leave entitlement and flexible / hybrid working.

For a confidential discussion and further information, please contact Gareth Dagger at Butler Rose Accountancy & Finance Recruitment ASAP.

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.