Deputy Director of Finance– Controls and Operations(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
December 19, 2025
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Role

In this role, you will lead a diverse portfolio that spans financial control, statutory reporting, taxation, systems, and transactional finance services. You will manage and develop teams of qualified accountants and business process owners, ensuring robust governance and strong financial stewardship across the University Group.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping how finance supports the University’s academic mission—balancing compliance, insight, and service excellence in a complex and evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Director of Finance (Controls and Operations), you will:

  • Lead and maintain a strong financial control framework across the University Group
  • Oversee the production of statutory accounts and all external financial reporting
  • Manage balance sheet integrity and provide expert oversight of financial risk
  • Lead on tax compliance and advisory matters, ensuring adherence to UK regulations
  • Own and develop key operational finance processes, including transactional services
  • Drive process improvement and automation, enhancing efficiency and control
  • Oversee finance systems, training, and capability development
  • Act as a senior advisor to Finance leadership and wider University stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

You will bring a combination of technical expertise, leadership capability, and strategic perspective, including:

  • A recognised professional accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
  • Senior-level finance experience within a large, complex organisation
  • Proven success in designing and maintaining robust financial control environments
  • Deep technical knowledge across financial accounting, tax, systems, and transactional processes
  • Demonstrated experience delivering process and systems transformation, including automation
  • Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to develop high-performing teams

Visa & Right to Work Information

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker visa route, candidates requiring sponsorship are advised to confirm eligibility prior to applying. Visa routes will only be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Official guidance is available at:

Skilled Worker visa overview:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Right to work in the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

Equality, Inclusion & Flexible Working

The University of Reading is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We actively support:

  • The Athena SWAN Charter (gender equality)
  • The Race Equality Charter
  • LGBT+ equality
  • Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2)

We welcome applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements, which will be considered in line with business needs.

Our approach reflects UK equality legislation and guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights

Why Join the University of Reading?

You’ll join a values-driven institution at a moment of genuine transformation—where your leadership will directly influence financial resilience, operational excellence, and the long-term success of a globally respected university.

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