Head of Academic Faculties Finance Business Partnering (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced finance professional to lead the Academic Faculties Finance Business Partnering team. This is a key leadership role within the Finance Division, responsible for delivering high-quality financial business partnering services to:

The Provost

Faculty Executive Deans

Heads of School

The Director of Strategic Planning and Performance

You will lead the provision of strategic financial insight and support, enabling informed decision-making and ensuring strong financial management across the Academic Faculties. Your work will contribute to the development of financially sustainable plans that deliver value for money and align with the University’s strategic goals.

Key responsibilities include:

Advising senior leadership on financial performance, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.

Supporting the academic planning cycle with high-quality financial input.

Enhancing financial literacy across faculties and fostering a culture of strong financial accountability.

Improving reporting and analytics capabilities to ensure data is used effectively for decision-making.

About You

We are looking for a confident, strategic finance leader with:

Proven experience in delivering effective financial management and business partnering in a complex organisation.

Strong leadership and team management skills.

The ability to develop and improve financial service provision.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a passion for continuous improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity to influence financial strategy at a senior level and drive positive change across the University.

About the Finance Division

The Finance Division is led by the Chief Financial Officer, reporting to the Vice Chancellor. With approximately 80 staff, the division provides professional financial and commercial services that support the University’s operations and strategic ambitions.

We work in partnership with academic and professional services colleagues to:

Provide efficient financial systems and services.

Support commercial and strategic initiatives.

Manage financial risk.

Negotiate favourable commercial terms.

Build financial capability and confidence across the University.

Find out more about the Finance Division at Sussex
.

Why Work at Sussex

Located next to the South Downs National Park, our 150-acre Falmer campus offers a beautiful working environment with great transport links. The campus is a short walk from Falmer train station and is well-served by buses and cycle routes. We also offer a cycle-to-work scheme.

Sussex is a leading, research-intensive university with a global reputation. Our strength lies in our people, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Explore our reward and benefits package

Learn more about equality, diversity, and inclusion at Sussex

Important Information

Location Requirement: All work must be carried out in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship: This role may be eligible for sponsorship. Please refer to our Skilled Worker Visa guidance
for more information.