Head of Financial Accounting

Job Description:

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. Set within its Guildford-campus, its 2500 staff provide exceptional teaching and practical learning to over 15,000 students. A home to research excellence, Surrey provides world-class research facilities and an environment to nurture, develop academic research into real world commercial applications.

With an already strong global reputation, operating branch campuses internationally the University of Surrey is further developing its international footprint, through establishing new overseas branch campuses, and joint institutes subsidiaries.

The University is seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Financial Accounting to join its finance leadership team in a permanent remit. Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, this role will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy and timely delivery of all financial accounting and reporting activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare and review statutory financial statements in line with UK GAAP
• Support and coordinate external audit activity
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, journals and financial controls
• Manage cashflow and treasury reporting activities
• Supervise and develop a small financial accounting team
• Drive process improvements across the finance function
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activity
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting and regulatory standards

About You

We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) with:

• Relevant financial accounting and reporting experience
• Strong technical accounting knowledge including UK GAAP
• Experience leading or mentoring finance teams
• A hands-on, detail-oriented approach
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• The ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment

Experience within the research, education, public sector or regulated environments would be advantageous, but is not essential.

What’s on Offer

• Immediate impact role within a well-established organisation
• Hybrid working environment
• Opportunity to lead a capable finance team through a key reporting period
• Collaborative and supportive senior leadership team

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in confidence or apply, please visit University of Surrey – Head of Financial Accounting – Campaigns at The McLean Partnership where a full job spec is available.

For an informal and confidential conversation before applying, please get in touch with Caius Freeman at [email protected].

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase diversity in our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women and people with disabilities

Closing Date: 19 Jul 2026

Area: Professional Services

Salary: Competitive Salary