Students union chief executive officer jobs

Students’ Union UCL is an organisation that exists to make more happen. We are the representative body for University College London’s (UCL) students, one of the most diverse student communities in the world. We’re one of the largest student-led organisations in the UK and a charity with over 52,000 members. With a staff team of more than 120, a range of services including advice, sports, representation, volunteering and an annual turnover of more than £16m, we’re a growing organisation making impact for our members. 

We are seeking a Project Coordinator (Prevention and Intervention) to work alongside the wider Advice & Wellbeing team, and be responsible for engaging inactive students in the Active Bystander programme; helping us to achieve our goal of supporting and developing a vibrant and inclusive community of students. This role forms a key part of our Advice & Wellbeing team. The team aims to promote the interests and welfare of students at UCL during their studies, and through our sector-leading Active Bystander Programme we deliver an outstanding proactive intervention initiative that is peer-led and student driven, and promotes a vibrant and inclusive student community.

The role is a full time and permanent contract. This role is also a hybrid working role, where 40% of the role will be on campus based.

Job description

Have you got previous experience of coordinating projects and/or programmes? Have you got previous experience of delivering training? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.

Our ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating the programme, as well as inducting and training our student workshop leaders. The right candidate will conduct regular stakeholder engagement exercises to garner feedback, ensure quality of training and inform the future development of the programme. The successful role holder will also work effectively with Union, UCL and external teams, including departmental and faculty staff, Student Support and Wellbeing, Accommodation, Casework & Regulations Team, Crime Prevention & Personal Safety Team, to promote the programme, seek information/assistance, and make appropriate referrals and signposting where necessary.

How To Apply

Please apply directly on our website. 

Applicants should note that CVs will not be accepted and that the statement of support for application should address the selection criteria in the person specification and outline your reasons for applying.

Interviews will take place on 3rd, 4th or 5th September 2025.

Students’ Union UCL is an organisation that exists to make more happen. We are the representative body for University College London’s (UCL) students, one of the most diverse student communities in the world. We’re one of the largest student-led organisations in the UK and a charity with over 52,000 members. With a staff team of more than 150, a range of services including advice, sports, representation, volunteering and an annual turnover of more than £16m, we’re a growing organisation making impact for our members. 

Our vision is of an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s ground-breaking Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

The is a 0.8FTE part time role (29.2 hours per week across 4 days) and fixed term for 24 months. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Do you have experience working in supply chain management, procurement or a related field? Do you have an understanding of global sustainability issues? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.

Our ideal candidate will have experience developing and implementing sustainability or procurement strategies, experience of developing sustainability plans for complex organisations and good knowledge of sustainable procurement principles, environmental standards, governance and social responsibility frameworks.

For full details on this role, please view the job pack attached below.

Interview Dates 

First stage interviews will take place online week commencing 8th September.

Second stage interviews will take place in-person week commencing 15th September. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department/Service:

The finance department is responsible for the overall financial management and administration of the 4million turnover at GSU. The department plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, including HMRC, Charities Commission, Companies House, and pensions. This includes supporting our annual external financial audit.

The finance team act as Business Partners to the rest of the organisation ensuring they understand financial processes to aid effective working. The team also work alongside our external payroll provider and our external digital system provider to ensure smooth and effective working.

Job Purpose:

Provide a professional, accurate, and timely accounting service in respect to all management and statutory reporting. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external support services to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Finance department, ensuring excellence in service delivery.

Reports to:

• Currently reporting to the CEO whilst the senior management role in the Finance Department is under review. The senior management post is currently vacant.

Responsible for:

• Supporting, managing, supervising, and developing one Finance Coordinator and one Finance Assistant.
• Temporary Interns and/or student staff supporting the Finance team as required

Duties and Key Responsibilities

1. Management and Statutory Reporting:

• Prepare accurate management accounts on a timely basis each month.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts monthly, including accruals and prepayments.
• Prepare and submit statutory reports, including VAT Returns, Companies House, and Charities Commission Annual Returns.
• Support the preparation of the annual accounts for the external financial audit and play an instrumental role during the audit process.
• Reconcile GSU bank accounts including PayPal online accounts weekly and monthly.
• Reconcile Commercial Income to Bank Accounts producing weekly sales and analysis reports.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cashflow Statements:

• Support in the preparation of the annual budget and reforecasts.
• Create forecast reports and statements as and when required.
• Produce monthly and annual cashflow and liquidity statements.

3. Business Partnering and Collaboration:

• Act as a business partner to all GSU staff members, providing financial insights and support to meet organisational goals.
• Work alongside external support services (e.g., payroll providers and digital finance systems) to ensure smooth operations and excellence in the Finance department.
• Collaborate with external auditors and other stakeholders to ensure compliance and effective financial management.

4. Managing and Supervisory Duties:

• Supervise and support the professional development of two GSU finance staff members.
• Foster a team culture that promotes accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Oversee the responsibilities of Finance Coordinator and Finance Administrator and ensure their tasks align with departmental goals.
• Supervise and support interns and student staff as appropriate.

5. Digital Systems and Processes:

• Maintain efficient digital finance systems and processes to streamline financial operations (Twinfield, Ezora & Basecone for example).
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of digital records and reporting systems.
• Evaluate and improve digital tools and workflows to enhance departmental efficiency.

6. General Finance Department Duties:

• Oversee and assist with sales ledger, purchase ledger, and payroll functions as needed.
• Support the Finance Coordinator and Finance Assistant to issue and maintain records of purchase orders and associated invoices.
• Support the Finance Coordinator and Finance Assistant to maintain and post all petty cash transactions.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and information for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Trustee Board, and other stakeholders as required.
• Respond proactively to financial queries from GSU staff.
• Support the ongoing review and development of Finance department systems and procedures.
• Maintain customer-facing systems and ensure smooth operations for Finance department stakeholders.

7. External Audit and Compliance:

• Prepare schedules and reconciliations for the annual audit.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including HMRC and Charities Commission guidelines.

General Responsibilities:

• Represent and be an ambassador for GSU.
• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position.
• Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct, and practices.
• Support and promote liberation, diversity, and equality of opportunity in the workplace.
• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private, or sensitive information about individuals, organisations, clients, or staff and project data.
• Adhere to the Sustainability Policy and strive to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint.
• Actively seek better ways to assist GSU in becoming a more sustainable workplace.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience:

• Experience in preparing management accounts budgets, forecasts, and cashflows.
• Experience in preparing and reconciling VAT returns.
• Experience in reconciling balance sheet control accounts including salaries
• Proficiency in using accounting software and digital finance systems.
• Previous experience working in a Finance department.
• Experience in customer service and promoting financial literacy.
• Experience in payroll processes.
• Familiarity with supporting and developing team members.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong customer service focus and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and support team members.
• Excellent communication skills (face-to-face, MS Teams, phone, and email).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Proficiency in IT tools for report writing, email, and database management.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and methodical working.

Knowledge:

• Regulatory requirements and best practices in accounting and finance.
• Knowledge of HMRC, Charities Act, SORP, VAT, PAYE, and pension compliance.

Education/Training:

• Part-qualified ACCA or a training towards a relevant professional accounting qualification.
• Relevant practical experience in accounting and finance.

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements:

• Hybrid or office-based work with the ability to travel to other campuses when needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or stay overnight as necessary.
• Strong team player with a flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• Awareness and application of diversity issues in all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation