Senior Strategic Finance Business Partner (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The University of Sussex is seeking a senior finance leader to take on a pivotal role supporting its Academic Faculties. This position offers the opportunity to shape financial strategy at faculty and institutional level, working directly with senior academic leadership to ensure long-term sustainability, value for money, and informed decision-making.

This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced finance business partner who thrives in complex academic environments and enjoys influencing strategy at the highest level.

 The Role at a Glance

As Senior Strategic Finance Business Partner (Academic Faculties), you will lead the Academic Faculties Finance Business Partnering team and act as a trusted adviser to the Provost, Faculty Executive Deans, Heads of School, and the Director of Strategic Planning and Performance.

Your focus will be on strengthening financial planning, performance management, and financial capability across the University’s academic portfolio.

 Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Advisory

• Provide senior-level financial advice on faculty performance, sustainability, and strategic direction.
• Support the development of Five-Year Financial Plans, annual academic planning, and forecasting.
• Ensure academic leaders receive timely, high-quality insight to support confident financial decision-making.

Business Partnering & Financial Management

• Lead services to faculty budget holders, supporting both strategic and operational financial planning.
• Drive financially sustainable plans that align faculty objectives with wider University strategy.
• Promote strong financial governance, accountability, and value for money across Academic Faculties.

Reporting, Analytics & Capability Building

• Develop and enhance financial reporting and analytics, ensuring tools and data are fully utilised.
• Improve financial literacy and management practice across faculties through collaborative engagement.
• Champion continuous improvement in business partnering standards and service delivery.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing finance business partnering team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and strategic thinking.

 About You

You are a senior finance professional with a strong background in financial management and business partnering, ideally within higher education or a similarly complex organisation.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to set direction and deliver high-quality services.
• Strong strategic thinking and the confidence to advise senior academic leaders.
• Expertise in forecasting, long-term planning, and performance management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data for non-financial audiences.
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.

 About the Finance Division

The Finance Division is led by the Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor. With around 80 finance professionals, the division delivers expert financial and commercial services that support both day-to-day operations and long-term institutional strategy.

The team works in close partnership with academic and professional services colleagues to:

• Identify and support strategic and commercial opportunities
• Manage financial risk and improve financial resilience
• Strengthen financial capability across the University

Why Join the University of Sussex?

• A stunning 150-acre campus located next to the South Downs National Park.
• Excellent transport links, including a train station directly adjacent to campus.
• Support for sustainable commuting, including cycling infrastructure and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• A globally recognised, research-led university driven by collaboration and innovation.
• Competitive reward and benefits package, with a strong focus on wellbeing and inclusion.

 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can succeed.

 Right to Work & Visa Information

• All work for the University must be carried out within the UK.
• This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to eligibility criteria.
• Assigned SOC code: 1131 – Financial Managers and Directors.
• Current Skilled Worker going rate: £75,100.
• Eligibility depends on salary offered and/or existing Skilled Worker permission granted before 4 April 2024.

 Useful UK Government & Official Resources

The following official links may be helpful for applicants:

•  Skilled Worker Visa – UK Government
•  Employment Rights and Working Conditions (UK)
•  Office for Students (England) – Higher education oversight
•  HM Treasury – Managing Public Money
•  Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

 Key Dates

• Closing Date: 26 January 2026 – 3:59 PM
• Interviews: Week commencing 9 February 2026
• Expected Start Date: As soon as possible (subject to notice period)