Head of Finance

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 HSU in July 2024 and the merger of the University College of Osteopathy into the HSU family from 1st August 2024, the institution is in a phase of growth and transformation across our campuses in Bournemouth and central London.

We are highly values-driven, inspired by our mission to ‘create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care’ with highly dedicated and capable staff and students working together within a caring and inclusive community. We are part-way through the delivery of our Strategic Plan 2021-2026, entitled Fit for the Future, which we will refresh in the coming weeks to reflect recent institutional changes.

HSU delivers a diverse and growing portfolio of pre- and post-registration academic provision and research in allied health and related disciplines, and substantial CQC-registered clinical and imaging services delivering high quality care for our staff, students and local communities. These facilities create a unique offering in higher education for our students to gain valuable practice learning experience onsite, to support local and regional NHS partners, and provide a data-rich research environment for our students, staff and partners.

Partnership working sits at the heart of what we do as an agile and collaborative higher education provider and clinical provider, responding to the workforce, educational and clinical needs of our external stakeholders, and supporting our communities as an established anchor institution. As we continue to develop in Dorset and London, it is imperative that we develop a more strategically informed approach to partnership working as a multi-professional centre of excellence for healthcare education, clinical care and research locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

We provide a vibrant and positive inter-professional learning and practice environment, within a caring and inclusive community.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Finance to serve as the University’s senior professional lead for financial management, planning, reporting and control. This pivotal role provides authoritative financial stewardship, ensures full compliance with regulatory requirements, and plays a key part in shaping strategic decision-making across the institution.

The role leads the Finance function to deliver high-quality financial information, strengthen long-term financial sustainability, and provide expert advice to senior leaders, including the Executive Team, Senior Management, the Board of Governors and external regulators.

As Head of Finance, you will provide leadership on the strategic development and continuous improvement of the University’s financial systems, ensuring that core platforms, reporting tools, and associated workflows are reliable, well-configured, and capable of supporting the University’s operational and regulatory requirements. The University currently uses Exchequer as its finance system and an element of this role will be to lead the selection, development and implementation of a new system.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, you will ensure that all relevant legal, regulatory and compliance matters are appropriately managed and embedded in the University.

About you

You will be an inspirational and motivating senior manager, with substantial knowledge and experience in financial management gained in the Higher Education sector. You will hold a recognised accounting qualification.

You will enjoy leading from the front, working autonomously while being part of a wider senior management team with shared ambition and purpose.

You will demonstrate experience in implementing and improving financial systems, alongside a strong background in budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and compliance. You will be highly organised with the ability to simultaneously manage a wide variety of tasks, prioritised effectively to meet competing deadlines.

You will have proven experience in regulatory financial reporting, including the preparation and submission of statutory data returns to the Office for Students.

You will have experience of liaising with relevant internal and external stakeholders, with timely reports provided as required for University Management and Board Committees/Board Meetings.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their 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 many more

For an informal discussion, please contact Acting Chief Operating Officer, Joanna Smith on Joanna.smith@hsu.ac.uk

Job Description and Person Specification

To apply, please visit our website via the apply button and complete an online application form. Completed application forms should be submitted by midnight on the closing date. Please note that CVs will not be considered as a substitute for a complete application form.

Closing date: Wednesday 8th April 2026.

Interviews: Thursday 16th April 2026.

*We value diversity and inclusion at HSU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.*

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

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