Head of Finance

Head of Finance (1 FTE)

Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £62,163 – £73,992 per annum pro rata
Location: Bournemouth Campus with regular trips to London

Health Sciences University (HSU) – formerly AECC University College – is a specialist health sciences institution dedicated to excellent education, clinical care and applied research.

Following the approval of our new university title in July 2024, and the merger of the University College of Osteopathy into HSU from 1 August 2024, we are entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation across our Bournemouth and central London campuses.

We are a values‑driven organisation inspired by our mission to create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care. Our staff and students form a caring and inclusive community, working together to deliver our Strategic Plan 2021–2026, which will soon be refreshed to reflect recent institutional developments.

HSU delivers a diverse and growing portfolio of pre‑ and post‑registration courses and research in allied health and related disciplines. We also provide substantial CQC‑registered clinical and imaging services, offering high‑quality care to staff, students and the wider community. These facilities create a unique environment for practice learning, support for NHS partners, and a strong platform for applied research.

Partnership working is central to our identity as an agile and collaborative higher education and clinical provider. As we grow across Dorset and London, we are developing a more strategically informed approach to partnership working—locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Head of Finance to act as the University’s senior professional lead for financial management, planning, reporting and control.

This pivotal role provides authoritative financial stewardship, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and plays a key part in shaping strategic decision‑making across the institution.

You will lead the Finance function to:

• Deliver high‑quality financial information
• Strengthen long‑term financial sustainability
• Provide expert advice to the Executive Team, Senior Management, the Board of Governors and external regulators

The role also involves leading the strategic development and continuous improvement of financial systems, ensuring that platforms, reporting tools and workflows are reliable, efficient and fit for purpose. HSU currently uses Exchequer, and you will lead the selection, development and implementation of a new finance system.

You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure that legal, regulatory and compliance matters are embedded across the University.

About You

You will be an inspirational and motivating senior manager with substantial financial management experience in the Higher Education sector. You will also:

• Hold a recognised accounting qualification
• Be comfortable leading from the front while working collaboratively within a senior management team
• Have experience implementing and improving financial systems
• Demonstrate strong budgeting, planning, forecasting and compliance expertise
• Be highly organised and capable of managing multiple priorities
• Have proven experience in regulatory financial reporting, including statutory data returns to the Office for Students
• Be confident liaising with internal and external stakeholders, providing timely reports for University Management and Board Committees

Applicants must be able to demonstrate eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits

• Competitive employer’s pension
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced policies
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• And more

Please note: CVs will not be accepted as a substitute for the application form.

Key Dates

Closing date: Wednesday 8 April 2026
Interviews: Thursday 16 April 2026

HSU values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture offering equality and opportunity for all. We participate in Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and welcome discussions around flexible working.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces.

This post may be subject to an Enhanced or Basic DBS check.

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