University of Oxford
Director of Finance Operations
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Director of Finance Operations
Director of Finance Operations
Reporting into: Chief Financial Officer
Responsible for: A finance function of c. 140 FTE
Location: Oxford Employment type: Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid Salary: Competitive
The University of Oxford is seeking to appoint an exceptional strategic and collaborative financial leader to lead the delivery, performance and improvements in its finance operations function.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this high-profile leadership role will oversee critical finance services, drive operational excellence across a complex and decentralised organisation, and play a leading role in the University's ongoing finance and digital transformation agenda.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the University’s Finance Operations function (c. 140 staff), covering:
- Payroll
- Pensions
- Payments
- Research accounting
- Financial systems
- Assurance
- Credit control
- Related services
- Provide strategic leadership and drive continuous improvement for finance operations to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused services
- Lead finance digital strategy and transformation, shaping future systems, processes, and major change programmes
- Chair key governance forums, including:
- Process Oversight Groups
- Finance Digital Board
- Ensuring effective controls, consistency, and delivery
- Support operational and strategic decision-making across the Finance Division and the wider University
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Key Qualifications & Experience
We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader who can combine operational excellence with transformational thinking.
Required experience:
- Significant experience leading large, complex operational teams and developing high-performing, engaged workforces
- Extensive background in finance or accounting operations, particularly within large-scale, decentralised organisations
- Proven experience delivering process/system change programmes and operational transformation
- Financial or accounting qualification, or equivalent
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Why join Oxford?
You’ll be part of a world-leading institution that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. In addition to a competitive salary, additional outstanding benefits include:
- 38 days’ paid holiday
- Generous pension schemes + a suite of additional benefits and optional schemes
- Professional development opportunities
Closing Date: 12noon, Friday 31st July 2026
Interviews: Panel interview, week commencing 21 September 2026
Application process: Applications should be sent to The McLean Partnership via their website or contacted via:
Contact:
- Caius Freeman
- Telephone: 07517 950 934
- Email: oxford@mcleanpartnership.com
For more information about this role and a candidate information pack, visit: https://oxford.mleanpartnership.com
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