Director of Finance Operations

Role: Director of Finance Operations

Reporting into: Chief Financial Officer

Location: Oxford

Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid

Salary: ALC6 - 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 and related services.

Provide strategic leadership and drive continuous improvement for finance operations, ensuring 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 and the Finance Digital Board, ensuring effective controls, consistency and delivery.

Support operational and strategic decision-making across the Finance Division and the wider University.

Key Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader who can combine operational excellence with transformational thinking.

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.

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 w/c 21 September 2026.

The University of Oxford has engaged the services of The McLean Partnership to which all applications should be sent.

For more information about this role and a candidate information pack, please visit https://oxford.mcleanpartnership.com or contact Caius Freeman on 07517 950934, or at oxford@mcleanpartnership.com.