Director of Finance and Commercial Services

The University of Westminster has a long and distinctive history. Founded over 180 years ago as London's first polytechnic institution, it has become known for the many ways in which it helps students to realise their full potential, regardless of background. Westminster's founding values are to be inclusive, progressive and compassionate, with a spirit that reflects the University's global reach and location at the heart of a world city which is home to diverse communities. Its teaching is practical, relevant, and contemporary. Providing grounded, holistic education with wide horizons and opportunities, it develops graduates who will help fuel growth and prosperity and who become responsible citizens of the world.
Our wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable development priorities help us navigate the challenges and opportunities towards delivering our Being Westminster 20022- 2029 strategy. The University now seeks a an experienced Director of Finance and Commercial Services to continue to lead the University in delivering the Being Westminster Strategy 2029.
The post holder will lead, manage and direct the finance and Commercial Services functions to meet the needs of the University. They will ensure the University complies with its statutory and regulatory financial requirements and enable the Chief Operating Officer, Governors and senior managers to make decisions based on accurate and timely financial management information.
As Director of Finance and Commercial Services, you will have overall responsibility for leading the teams and resources of the finance and commercial Services functions and for ensuring that the procedures and outputs meet appropriate professional standards. You will be expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The finance department comprises Finance Operations, Financial Planning and Analysis, Research Finance, Financial Systems, Management Accounting, Payroll and Pensions and Procurement teams. The post holder will also provide expertise and critical support around university commercial activities that seek to generate third-stream income.
The successful candidate will have proven successful senior management of finance functions in large and complex organisations and have experience of reporting to and working with executive boards. You will have demonstrable experience in financial and business planning management whilst operating in uncertain external environments. We are looking for significant experience of management and professional leadership, preferably with knowledge and experience of the funding of Higher Education in the UK. You will be highly self-motivated and have the ability to lead and effect change at a senior and strategic level.
The University of Westminster will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm, Profile Resourcing. For further information or to book an informal conversation about the role, please visit the Profile Resourcing website - or contact Jason Sinclair jason@profileresourcing.co.uk
At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.
We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.
The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.
Closing date: midnight on 3 November 2024
Interviews are likely to be held on: w/c 18 November 2024
Administrative contact (for queries only): Recruitment@westminster.ac.uk