Our Principles in Action
In everything we do, we apply Our Principles in Action
Application has passed - page retained for reference only
About King’s College London
King’s College London is amongst the top 40 universities in the world and top 10 in Europe (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024) and is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious universities. King’s has over 40,000 students (including more than 19,000 postgraduates) from some 150 countries, and over 10,000 employees. King’s has an important relationship with its Health Partners (King’s Health Partners), which brings together research, education and clinical practice together across three NHS Foundation Trusts, Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and South London and Maudsley. Based across five campuses in the heart of London, King’s offers an intellectually stimulating environment, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-faculty institution, providing high-quality research, education and innovation across the social sciences, humanities, medicine, law, dentistry, and sciences. As a member of the Russell Group, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in research and education. King’s vision is to make the world a better place through world-leading education, research and service to society. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 exercise, King’s maintained its 6th position for ‘research power’ in the UK, 6th by Quality Index, and was ranked 3rd amongst multi-Faculty universities for impact. “King’s aspires to tackle global challenges and serve society in a way that is contemporary, forward-looking and unrestrained.” ~ Vision 2029
Appointment details
Salary
£90,000-£100,000
Terms
Hours of work
Full time (35 hours per week)
Vacancy ID
104365
The role
The Financial Strategy, Planning and Performance department leads on decision support across the university and strives to ensure the university manages its finances well. Our financial strategy supports greater transparency, empowerment and accountability. At every level our finance teams will further improve our culture of financial awareness, stimulate and support greater commercial opportunities and help generate future resources, creating a stronger impact for King’s service to society. King’s College London has grown significantly over the past decade and is undertaking a greater range of activities than ever before and is facing new financial challenges. In response to this context, a new senior role (forming part of the leadership team for the Financial Strategy, Planning and Performance department) is being established to lead on the delivery of a range of financial development opportunities, establish and embed a new financial planning process, financial analysis to inform strategy and resource allocation, corporate management accounting and reporting, and compliance reporting to our regulators. This is an exciting period of development for King’s finance, supporting an ambitious university in approaching a £1.5billion turnover with a sustainable surplus for re-investment, to remain in the top cohort of Russel Group institutions in the UK. This is a high impact role focussed on delivery of a new vision for the department to benefit King’s. We are looking for someone with experience in leading a financial planning and analysis function, developing solutions and implementing them, and taking a partnership-based approach to financial leadership with excellent communication and influencing skills. You will be able to build credibility with senior leaders and have the ability to establish, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
Key responsibilities
• Creation of a Financial Planning & Analysis function, including integration of the existing corporate management accounts team. Ensure the new function is fully integrated and working well as part of the overall, enhanced service provided by Financial Strategy, Planning & Performance. This includes establishing a strategic financial planning function, policy and controls development, corporate reporting, financial modelling and analysis, and other process improvements to benefit the finance service and King’s College London. • Line manage functional leads within the new function, and ensure the team is empowered, motivated, effectively managed and that professional development needs are identified and addressed, and the team delivers on its key objectives, in line with the department’s overall vision and plan, and role modelling King’s values and principles in action. • Lead on cross-cutting finance change delivery, working with the department head (Director of Financial Strategy) and the senior leadership team. • Deputising for the Director – Financial Strategy as appropriate. • Leading on financial analysis projects to meet strategic requirements for King’s executive, working closely with relevant expertise and stakeholders such as in Data Analytics, Strategy, and Finance Business Partnering. • Leading on management reporting strategy and delivery, collaborating with key stakeholders on scope and design of financial reporting solutions, including the use of Power BI, providing a defined and consistent reporting offer to devolved budget holders and creating capacity for finance business partnering to flourish. • Identifying and implementing opportunities for efficiency and automation, including incorporating improvements to month end reporting (e.g. better management of accruals and recognition of ‘goods received not invoiced’). • Overseeing statutory reporting to the regulator such as the Annual Financial Return (five year plan) and Transparent Approach to Costing. • Embed an ethos of continuous improvement in key financial processes and management, playing a proactive role in developing and piloting innovative solutions to issues and managing implementation. • Ensure alignment of development priorities in the financial reporting system (Unit 4 / Business World) and its user interface with a new budgetary control framework, scheme of delegation, and sponsor the implementation of a financial planning and analysis tool, working closely with the finance systems team and IT to implement. The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Our expectations
There are a number of duties and responsibilities that we ask all employees to be familiar with and adhere to. We ask that the successful candidate: • Positively contributes to an environment at King’s that truly represents Our Principles in Action and where every individual feels safe, secure and supported. • Always complies with the requirements of health and safety regulations to ensure their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues. • Has an understanding of sustainability, including its impact on the University and the work we do, and engages in sustainable practices in the workplace. • Ensures they are working in a safe environment, where they comply with our Health and Safety regulations and ensure confidentiality, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity. • Complies with King’s protocols on the appropriate use of telephone, email and internet facilities.
Essential criteria
• Qualified accountant with significant post qualification experience • Proven ability in financial leadership and managing change in a large organisation • Proven ability in building effective, high-performing teams in a change environment • Experience of leading financial planning and analysis functions • Management accounting expertise, including development of key processes, reporting and analysis • A proven track record of success in a complex, political environment • Excellent communication and influencing skills
Desirable criteria
• Experience of working in the higher education sector • Current knowledge of the funding environment for research and teaching, and the higher education market in the UK
Vision 2029
King's Vision builds upon our history of service to society and takes us to our 200th anniversary in 2029
About the Finance & Procurement Directorate
The Directorate comprises some c.180 roles located mostly at Guy’s Campus central London. Our main office location is Lavington Street, a little distance from London Bridge. The current senior team structure is reflected below: The Director of Financial Strategy has c.50 staff supporting financial planning, management reporting and analysis, the finance system, and business partnering to Faculties and central Directorates. The Chief Accountant manages financial services areas with c.70 roles which provide technical and financial accounting, assurance and advisory services together with treasury management and financial processing functions. The Director of Analytics leads a team of c.20 that fulfils internal and external information requirements, providing advice and analysis to support decision making processes across the University. The Director of Strategic Planning leads a small team that runs the integrated planning process for the university and provides strategy development support across different programmes and initiatives. The Chief Procurement Officer has a team of c.30 members of staff in the Procurement Strategy & Services Team supporting procurement and contracts management and performance. The Strategic Director New Projects provides key legal and commercial support to business development opportunities across all activities. The Finance, Procurement, Strategic Planning & Analytics directorate is currently working as part of a long-term hybrid working trial along with other directorates. This involves, typically, at least 2 days per week on campus (often more for senior roles) with the remainder taking place remotely. Longer term, more regular attendance on campus may be required.
Equal opportunities
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are central tenets of King’s Vision 2029 which sets out the roadmap for King’s ambition to provide an exceptional student experience and to be an employer of choice. Integral to this is ensuring equality of opportunity and outcome, recognising, celebrating and improving our diversity and inclusion. As a responsible employer we aim to provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation. Our commitment to inclusion means that King’s aims to create an environment where differences are not just respected, but also valued and celebrated. Everyone should be able to bring their whole self to King’s. All King’s students, staff and affiliates are responsible for meeting these commitments to value diversity and create an inclusive environment. King's will support and equip all members of its community to do this, embedding inclusion throughout the university’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Application has passed - page retained for reference only
Please quote the vacancy id: 104365 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 25 February 2025 23:59
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London job opportunities page and submit the application form, along with the following: • a concise statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skills and experience which you feel you would bring to the role (two pages maximum) • a curriculum vitae
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
Applications will be shortlisted by a selection committee drawn from across the Directorate and wider College representatives. The interview panel will be chaired by the Vice President (Finance) & Chief Financial Office and representatives from across the Professional Directorates and Faculties.
The role
The Financial Strategy, Planning and Performance department leads on decision support across the university and strives to ensure the university manages its finances well. Our financial strategy supports greater transparency, empowerment and accountability. At every level our finance teams will further improve our culture of financial awareness, stimulate and support greater commercial opportunities and help generate future resources, creating a stronger impact for King’s service to society. King’s College London has grown significantly over the past decade and is undertaking a greater range of activities than ever before and is facing new financial challenges. In response to this context, a new senior role (forming part of the leadership team for the Financial Strategy, Planning and Performance department) is being established to lead on the delivery of a range of financial development opportunities, establish and embed a new financial planning process, financial analysis to inform strategy and resource allocation, corporate management accounting and reporting, and compliance reporting to our regulators. This is an exciting period of development for King’s finance, supporting an ambitious university in approaching a £1.5billion turnover with a sustainable surplus for re-investment, to remain in the top cohort of Russel Group institutions in the UK. This is a high impact role focussed on delivery of a new vision for the department to benefit King’s. We are looking for someone with experience in leading a financial planning and analysis function, developing solutions and implementing them, and taking a partnership-based approach to financial leadership with excellent communication and influencing skills. You will be able to build credibility with senior leaders and have the ability to establish, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
Key responsibilities
• Creation of a Financial Planning & Analysis function, including integration of the existing corporate management accounts team. Ensure the new function is fully integrated and working well as part of the overall, enhanced service provided by Financial Strategy, Planning & Performance. This includes establishing a strategic financial planning function, policy and controls development, corporate reporting, financial modelling and analysis, and other process improvements to benefit the finance service and King’s College London. • Line manage functional leads within the new function, and ensure the team is empowered, motivated, effectively managed and that professional development needs are identified and addressed, and the team delivers on its key objectives, in line with the department’s overall vision and plan, and role modelling King’s values and principles in action. • Lead on cross-cutting finance change delivery, working with the department head (Director of Financial Strategy) and the senior leadership team. • Deputising for the Director – Financial Strategy as appropriate. • Leading on financial analysis projects to meet strategic requirements for King’s executive, working closely with relevant expertise and stakeholders such as in Data Analytics, Strategy, and Finance Business Partnering. • Leading on management reporting strategy and delivery, collaborating with key stakeholders on scope and design of financial reporting solutions, including the use of Power BI, providing a defined and consistent reporting offer to devolved budget holders and creating capacity for finance business partnering to flourish. • Identifying and implementing opportunities for efficiency and automation, including incorporating improvements to month end reporting (e.g. better management of accruals and recognition of ‘goods received not invoiced’). • Overseeing statutory reporting to the regulator such as the Annual Financial Return (five year plan) and Transparent Approach to Costing. • Embed an ethos of continuous improvement in key financial processes and management, playing a proactive role in developing and piloting innovative solutions to issues and managing implementation. • Ensure alignment of development priorities in the financial reporting system (Unit 4 / Business World) and its user interface with a new budgetary control framework, scheme of delegation, and sponsor the implementation of a financial planning and analysis tool, working closely with the finance systems team and IT to implement. The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Our expectations
There are a number of duties and responsibilities that we ask all employees to be familiar with and adhere to. We ask that the successful candidate: • Positively contributes to an environment at King’s that truly represents Our Principles in Action and where every individual feels safe, secure and supported. • Always complies with the requirements of health and safety regulations to ensure their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues. • Has an understanding of sustainability, including its impact on the University and the work we do, and engages in sustainable practices in the workplace. • Ensures they are working in a safe environment, where they comply with our Health and Safety regulations and ensure confidentiality, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity. • Complies with King’s protocols on the appropriate use of telephone, email and internet facilities.
Essential criteria
• Qualified accountant with significant post qualification experience • Proven ability in financial leadership and managing change in a large organisation • Proven ability in building effective, high-performing teams in a change environment • Experience of leading financial planning and analysis functions • Management accounting expertise, including development of key processes, reporting and analysis • A proven track record of success in a complex, political environment • Excellent communication and influencing skills
Desirable criteria
• Experience of working in the higher education sector • Current knowledge of the funding environment for research and teaching, and the higher education market in the UK
Our Principles in Action
In everything we do, we apply Our Principles in Action
Vision 2029
King's Vision builds upon our history of service to society and takes us to our 200th anniversary in 2029
About the Finance & Procurement Directorate
The Directorate comprises some c.180 roles located mostly at Guy’s Campus central London. Our main office location is Lavington Street, a little distance from London Bridge. The current senior team structure is reflected below: The Director of Financial Strategy has c.50 staff supporting financial planning, management reporting and analysis, the finance system, and business partnering to Faculties and central Directorates. The Chief Accountant manages financial services areas with c.70 roles which provide technical and financial accounting, assurance and advisory services together with treasury management and financial processing functions. The Director of Analytics leads a team of c.20 that fulfils internal and external information requirements, providing advice and analysis to support decision making processes across the University. The Director of Strategic Planning leads a small team that runs the integrated planning process for the university and provides strategy development support across different programmes and initiatives. The Chief Procurement Officer has a team of c.30 members of staff in the Procurement Strategy & Services Team supporting procurement and contracts management and performance. The Strategic Director New Projects provides key legal and commercial support to business development opportunities across all activities. The Finance, Procurement, Strategic Planning & Analytics directorate is currently working as part of a long-term hybrid working trial along with other directorates. This involves, typically, at least 2 days per week on campus (often more for senior roles) with the remainder taking place remotely. Longer term, more regular attendance on campus may be required.
Equal opportunities
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are central tenets of King’s Vision 2029 which sets out the roadmap for King’s ambition to provide an exceptional student experience and to be an employer of choice. Integral to this is ensuring equality of opportunity and outcome, recognising, celebrating and improving our diversity and inclusion. As a responsible employer we aim to provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation. Our commitment to inclusion means that King’s aims to create an environment where differences are not just respected, but also valued and celebrated. Everyone should be able to bring their whole self to King’s. All King’s students, staff and affiliates are responsible for meeting these commitments to value diversity and create an inclusive environment. King's will support and equip all members of its community to do this, embedding inclusion throughout the university’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Application has passed - page retained for reference only
Please quote the vacancy id: 104365 in all correspondence.
Closing date for applications: 25 February 2025 23:59
Application process
To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London job opportunities page and submit the application form, along with the following: • a concise statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skills and experience which you feel you would bring to the role (two pages maximum) • a curriculum vitae
Contact the team
For an informal discussion or to find out more about the role please contact the King’s Search Team.
Selection process
Applications will be shortlisted by a selection committee drawn from across the Directorate and wider College representatives. The interview panel will be chaired by the Vice President (Finance) & Chief Financial Office and representatives from across the Professional Directorates and Faculties.