Head of Finance and Commercial Support

Head of Finance and Commercial SupportSlough/HybridNFER has grown significantly over the last few years, enabling us to increase the evidence and insights we provide to support key decision makers to improve education and outcomes for children and young people. The size and complexity of our projects have also increased, creating the need for better management information, more financial support in developing bids and managing projects, and more commercial expertise in building new partnerships.We are seeking a Head of Finance and Commercial Support to strengthen our commercial expertise, work closely with our evolving business development hub, support our bidding decisions, ensure finance information and analysis are used effectively to support decision making and lead our finance team. This is a new role and strong communication and collaboration skills will be essential, alongside a track record of applying financial and commercial expertise to support decision making.You will:– Provide strategic advice to support decision making– Provide commercial and finance expertise and advice on new opportunities– Ensure finance expertise is properly embedded within our business development processes– Strengthen our management information and finance systems and processes– Provide leadership and direction for the finance teamRequirements– Strong leadership skills and the ability to think strategically, outline a vision and get buy–ins from business stakeholders– Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with colleagues at all levels and from a variety of backgrounds– A strong track record of providing commercial advice and effective negotiation in a complex financial environment– CCAB accountancy (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or equivalent qualification along with substantial experience of financial analysis and stakeholder engagement– Excellent analytical skills with evidence of delivering results to tight deadlines, including ability to prioritise and meet deadlines– Attention to detail and a conscientious, enthusiastic, flexible and proactive approach to work– Experience of providing financial training and advice to non–financial managers– Significant experience of line management responsibilities along with evidence of an ability to work effectively as part of a team– Experience of working in an international context including with multicurrency and international tax arrangements– Understanding of project management disciplines– An interest in education, both national and internationalWhy NFER?We have a collaborative culture, all working towards the same goal – to improve outcomes for future generations everywhere by supporting positive change across education systems.– Salary GBP60,000 – GBP75,000– Generous pension scheme– 42 days' holiday per year including Bank Holidays + additional discretionary days (pro rata)– Excellent support for professional development– Great work/life balance and lots of flexibility– UK based and UK Skilled Worker sponsorship– Plus lots of well–being and social activitiesWe are reviewing applications regularly as part of an ongoing recruitment process so please apply now.This role will be a home–flexible role, which means that the majority of your work can be done from home if that is your preference. You will be required to come into the office only when there is a business need unless you prefer to work in the office.Our main office is located close to Windsor and Slough town centre, a pleasant office environment surrounded by green space that's just 15 minutes from London Paddington and an easy drive from the M4 and M40.NFER is a not–for–profit organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.If you're looking for a place where you can put your heart, soul and skills into making a difference, we want to hear from you. Apply via the button shown.This vacancy has been placed by Webrecruit on behalf of NFER.