Job Purpose

The Head of Reporting is a senior leadership role within the Finance function, responsible for delivering a robust and integrated reporting framework that supports strategic decision-making and ensures full compliance with external obligations across the group. This position will lead the Financial Reporting and Management Accounts teams, drive alignment between statutory and management reporting, ensuring robust controls are in operation and take ownership of the external audit process.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

- Define and implement the vision for financial and management reporting, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and finance strategy.

- Embed and promote Service Excellence across the function.

- Challenge staff to ensure that each area delivers what is needed both internally and externally, with performance measurable against agreed and reported KPIs.

- Work with the Financial Controller and senior leadership team on reporting strategy, compliance, and performance insights.

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead and inspire the Financial Reporting and Management Accounts teams, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

- Mentor team managers to build strong leadership capability within the reporting function.

- Manage the team resource and identify changes required as a result of external factors or changes internally to support upcoming areas of key importance to the University, providing business cases as required.

Integrated Reporting Framework

- Drive integration of financial and management reporting processes to deliver consistency, transparency, and actionable insights.

- Oversee production of high-quality monthly, and annual reports for internal and external stakeholders.

- Ensure robust internal controls are embedded within reporting processes to guarantee accuracy, completeness, and reliability of financial information within both the Income & Expenditure Account and the Balance Sheet.

External Reporting & Governance

- Assume full accountability for statutory financial statements and all external reporting requirements, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory frameworks.

- Ensure accounting policies, standards, and processes remain current and reflect changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

- Lead preparation and delivery of reports for internal governance committees and Senior Management Group (SMG), ensuring clarity, accuracy, and timeliness.

- Maintain strong governance and internal controls across all reporting activities.

External Audit Leadership

- Lead the successful delivery of the Statutory reporting process, managing risks and implementing solutions as required, acting as the primary liaison with auditors.

- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of audit requirements, resolving queries efficiently and maintaining strong relationships with audit partners.

- Drive continuous improvement in audit readiness and compliance.

Process Optimization & Systems

- Champion initiatives to enhance reporting efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness.

- Leverage technology and data analytics to strengthen reporting capabilities and deliver forward-looking insights.

Stakeholder Engagement

- Partner with senior executives and business leaders to provide clear, strategic financial insights that inform decision-making.

- Represent the reporting function in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.

Knowledge. Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 CA/ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with post qualifying experience commensurate to this level of role within a specialized reporting function.

A2 Able to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different roles OR:  Ordinary/Honours Degree (SCQF Level 9, 10 or 11) or equivalent.

A3 Highly developed knowledge of the effective design and operational dynamics of a complex multi-national Financial Reporting team.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Strong leadership and management skills with a demonstrable ability to develop high performing teams.

C2 High level influencing and interpersonal skills, able to quickly build credibility and deliver impact at all levels.

C3 Competence in ERP systems and financial reporting tools; ability to leverage technology for automation and accuracy.

C4 Ability to drive forward and deliver change in line with strategic and operational objectives and priorities.

C5 Resilient and able to effectively deal with ambiguity and able to maintain momentum in the face of obstacles/setbacks.

C6 Strong commercial awareness with a clear understanding of key business drivers and the ability to quickly understand the strategic corporate agenda in order to work effectively in partnership with senior managers.

C7 Well-developed report writing and presentation skills with the ability to present and translate comprehensive and often complex information and financial concepts for non-financial colleagues.

C8 Outstanding and proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make well-considered decisions, resolve conflicts and demonstrate sound, professional judgement.

C9 A self-motivated individual with the ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight timescales with an aptitude for prioritising and managing competing demands.

C10 Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements in reporting processes and systems.

C11 Ability to constructively challenge the status quo, influence change and present arguments based on sound professional judgement and expertise.

C12 Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft packages such as Excel, Word, Access, Powerpoint; and accounting software packages.

Experience

Essential:

E1 A strong track record of leadership and delivery at a senior financial level operating in a political or highly complex environment – providing direction, delivering results, building on relationships and capability and demonstrating personal resilience.

E2 Proven track record in preparing and reviewing statutory financial statements in compliance with IFRS and/or UK GAAP.

E3 Significant experience in overseeing management accounts and delivering insightful performance reporting.

E4 Demonstrated ability to lead the external audit process end-to-end, including liaison with auditors and resolving complex queries to ensure the audit completes with no issues.

E5 Experience preparing reports and packs for internal governance committees and senior leadership teams.

E6 Up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards and experience implementing changes to policies and processes.

E7 Extensive experience of leading and managing teams to deliver excellence.

E8 Experience of managing and controlling substantial budget / resources and an understanding of financial management procedures.

E9 Strong interpersonal skills including motivational, negotiating, influencing and networking nationally and internationally.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of preparing or reviewing statutory financial statements in compliance with US GAAP.

F2 Experience of working in the Higher Education sector / Charity sector.

F3 Experience of going through an ERP system change.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be competitive within the Senior Administrative Group, Grade 10.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and is offered on an open ended (permanent) basis.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook   https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3. A flexible approach to working.

4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University   https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community   https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan   https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website   https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date:12 February 2026 at 23:45