Finance Director

Ivy Rock Partners is delighted to be supported a prestigious Higher Education institution with the recruitment of a Finance Director on a 6-month FTC. The organisation is at a pivotal point in its strategic journey, with bold ambitions for future growth and innovation, and is now seeking a Finance Director to support its continued success.

This is an opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within an institution that blends history with forward-thinking ambition, and to make a meaningful contribution to the development of students, culture, and education at a national and international level.

About the Role:

• Lead the development and implementation of the organisation’s financial strategy in line with broader institutional goals
• Provide strategic financial oversight of commercial activity, investment planning, and income generation
• Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial control
• Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance, including leading on audits, submissions to the Office for Students, and TRAC reporting
• Act as a senior strategic partner to the Principal, Executive Team, and key stakeholders
• Lead and mentor a finance team, embedding a collaborative, high-performance culture
• Work closely with the Managing Director of the commercial arm to align strategic and financial planning
• Oversee risk management, capital planning, and systems improvement
• Ensure best practice in financial reporting, governance, and stakeholder engagement

Working Patterns:

This is a full-time permanent role. Hybrid working is offered, with regular presence expected at the organisation’s central London base.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary: £110,000 - £130,000 (depending on experience)
• Hybrid working model – with 2/3 days required in the office
• High-impact role on a senior leadership team, shaping the future of a culturally significant organisation

About You

You will be a qualified accountant with significant senior leadership experience within finance. You’ll bring a commercial mindset, experience with statutory and audit processes, and the ability to lead a finance function during transformation. Experience in the Higher Education  is highly desirable.

You will be a confident communicator and relationship-builder, able to engage credibly with stakeholders across the organisation. You will thrive in an environment where innovation, inclusion, and long-term sustainability are core values.

Application Process

Interviews on occurring on a rolling basis