Finance Operations Manager (110181-0226)

Additional Payments

A £5,000 per annum market supplement (pro-rated and non-pensionable) is available for the successful applicant on provision of proof of current membership of an approved accounting body and evidence they hold the appropriate accountancy qualifications.

About The Role

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Chris Wright, Head of Finance (Management Reporting) WBS at Chris.Wright@WBS.AC.UK
  
  

WBS Finance is recruiting an Operations Manager to lead and develop the finance processing function and associated financial systems across Warwick Business School, ensuring strong financial governance and compliance with University Financial Regulations and procedures.

The role acts as the School’s technical and operational lead for key finance areas including IR35, purchasing and tendering, supplier and vendor set-ups and delegated authority.

Managing and developing a team of six, the post holder will oversee finance processing and travel booking activities, ensuring the provision of a high-quality, responsive service to internal and external stakeholders.

The role is the first point of contact for complex finance-related queries from WBS staff, ensuring adherence to sound financial management practices and acting as an effective escalation filter for senior leadership.

Working closely with the Dean, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer and Head of Finance, the post holder will provide authoritative operational finance advice, strengthen financial controls, and play a central role in shaping and continuously improving financial processes within a large and diverse academic environment.

This position offers significant scope to influence financial practice and support the School’s reputation for robust financial management.

About You

We are looking for a confident and proactive individual with significant experience of working in a complex financial environment.

You will bring a strong understanding of financial operations including areas such as IR35, purchasing, tendering, supplier and vendor set ups and delegated authority.

You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to explain technical financial requirements clearly to non finance staff.

You will have considerable experience of leading and developing teams and be able to manage a high volume of operational activity with accuracy and authority.

You will be resilient and credible when providing advice to staff across WBS and will be able to interpret complex guidance from University experts in areas such as Tax and Payroll.

Experience of managing financial processes and controls within a large organisation is essential along with strong analytical skills and a high level of competency in financial systems and Excel. A degree level qualification and a CCAB qualification or equivalent experience are required.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

About The Department

Warwick Business School (WBS) is a world-class business school at the heart of a world-class University, challenging assumptions and championing business as a force for good.

From the pioneering research we undertake, to the students we help to shape, we are for the Change Makers who will impact the world for the better.

We were the first UK business school to be triple accredited by the major bodies (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB) and our courses consistently rank highly – view all of our rankings here.

However, we’re more than our rankings and we’re proud to be different. We’re down to earth and approachable, and we want WBS to feel like home to our students, our staff and our alumni community. We look to provide a stimulating and fulfilling work environment for all.

One where you will feel supported and encouraged to grow professionally; developing your knowledge, skills, confidence and career.

Our vision

Our Vision Is To Be Europe’s Leading University-based Business School, Developing Transformational Ideas And People That Shape How We Do Business. This Vision Is Supported By Our Three-fold Mission

• To develop cutting-edge research that leads debate and deepens our understanding of the practice of business and management

To provide a transformational learning experience, enabling our stakeholders to realise their full potential

To work in partnership with policy and practice, both in terms of our research and teaching activities, to catalyse the impact of our work.

Everything we do is underpinned by our CORE values and driven by a commitment to a Change Maker mindset. We look for this shared commitment across our staff and student community.

• Change Makers see the bigger picture. Thinking beyond themselves and their environment, they’re open to other viewpoints and consider the ripple effect of what they do on a personal, social, and commercial level. They’re driven by having the biggest positive impact and a focus on the greater good.
• Change Makers challenge the norm. Challenging the status quo and not just accepting things at face value is when real impact and change can be delivered.
  
  

Change Makers have the drive as well as the vision. It’s one thing having a vision but having the drive and work ethic to realise a vision is another matter. Change Makers relentlessly pursue every possible solution in order to achieve their goals.

Our CORE values

• We challenge, we embrace different perspectives, and we think creatively to build our future.
• We’re open to different perspectives, talking to stakeholders, listening to feedback, embracing change and pushing forward for the better.
• We’re not satisfied with standing still, and never stop looking for ways to improve. Constantly evaluating, we don’t stop when we’ve achieved one thing; we use all of our initiative, drive and resourcefulness to achieve more.
• At a world class university and a globally recognised business school, excellence is a given. There are no half measures at WBS.
  
  

Warwick Business School (WBS) is a place where big ideas meet real impact. We’re part of a world-class university, but we’re more than just our reputation. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been helping people turn ambition into action, equipping them to make a real difference in the world.

Please view our online brochure, specifically created for candidates, to gain further insight into working at Warwick Business School.

About Us

We were the first UK business school to achieve triple accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB), and our programmes consistently rank among the best - view all of our rankings here.

But what really sets us apart is how it feels to be here. We’re down to earth, collaborative, and proud to create a place where staff, students and alumni feel at home. We want your time here to be as inspiring as it is rewarding, with the support, trust, and opportunities you need to grow both professionally and personally.

Our Vision

The world needs smart ideas, and the leaders who can bring them to life. Those ideas only matter if they can be put into practice. Our vision is simple: to shape the people and ideas that will define what comes next and ensure they have everything they need to make it happen.

Everything we do is underpinned by our CORE values and fuelled by a Change Maker mindset. We look for this shared commitment in everyone who joins our community.

We nurture that mindset every day by creating a workplace where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are shared openly, and everyone has the chance to turn bold thinking into meaningful action.

Change Makers

• See the bigger picture. They think beyond themselves, seek out different perspectives, and consider the ripple effect of their actions.
• Challenge the norm. They question the status quo and look for better ways to make a difference.
• Have the drive to deliver. They don’t just imagine change; they put in the work to make it happen.
  
  

Our CORE Values

• Curiosity. We challenge, explore, and create to build a better future.

Openness. We welcome ideas, feedback, and change to keep moving forward.

Restlessness. We’re never content to stand still; we keep striving for more.

Excellence. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

• World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025
• Research Excellence Framework 2021
  
  

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).

Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).
  
  

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: To be confirmed
  
  

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.

Onsite childcare facilities.

Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.

The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).

All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description

JD - Finance Operations Manager (110181).pdf – 116KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.