Are you looking to broaden your financial experience, develop new skills and take on greater responsibility? Would you welcome the opportunity to gain experience in a different part of the University while contributing to an exciting period of change?
We are seeking an experienced finance professional from within the University of Cambridge to join our Development and Alumni Relations team on a 12-month secondment.
This is an opportunity to expand your financial management experience, take ownership of a varied portfolio of responsibilities and play an important role in supporting the financial operations of a busy and collaborative department.
Why this role? Why now?
Development and Alumni Relations plays a vital role in building relationships with alumni and supporters, securing philanthropic investment that advances the University's ambitions in education and research.
Behind this work is a dedicated Finance team, ensuring our financial operations are managed effectively and providing essential support to colleagues across the department.
You will join us at an exciting time for University finance, with the introduction of Oracle Fusion creating opportunities to improve systems, streamline processes and develop new ways of working.
You will help support this transition while taking responsibility for key financial activities, contributing to management reporting and providing day-to-day supervision of our Finance Assistants.
What you'll do
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including purchasing, invoicing, expenses, banking and financial reconciliations.
- Support the Finance Manager with the preparation of management accounts, financial analysis, budget monitoring and reporting.
- Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance to the Finance Assistants, supporting their development and ensuring an efficient finance service.
- Advise colleagues on financial policies, procedures and regulations, ensuring compliance with University requirements.
- Build effective relationships across the department, providing financial guidance and contributing to continuous improvement.
Who we're looking for
We are looking for an organised, proactive and collaborative finance professional who enjoys taking responsibility, solving problems and supporting colleagues.
You'll bring:
- Substantial experience in finance and accounting, ideally gained within a complex organisational environment.
- An AAT qualification or equivalent practical experience.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, with confidence using Excel and financial accounting systems.
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to advise and support colleagues at different levels.
- A collaborative approach, sound judgement and enthusiasm for developing new skills and embracing change.
Why join Development and Alumni Relations?
You'll join a friendly, ambitious and supportive department of more than 160 colleagues, working together to help advance the University's wider ambitions.
Our Finance team plays an important role in making this possible, providing the expertise, guidance and financial oversight that enable colleagues to deliver their work effectively.
Whether you're looking to develop your supervisory experience, strengthen your financial management skills or expand your professional network, this secondment offers an opportunity to explore a different area of the University while continuing your career development.
We also recognise the importance of flexibility. The role is offered at 80% of full-time hours (29.6 hours per week), with flexibility to work across four or five days. Hybrid working is available, with an expectation of two days per week on-site, to be agreed with the Finance Manager.
Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations - Do your best work here.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
The closing date for this position is midnight on the Wednesday the 25th of November 2026.
Interviews for this position are anticipated to take place on Thursday the 3rd or Friday the 4th of December.
Please quote reference DH51489 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Key information
Department/location
University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations
Salary
£34,630-£40,704 pro rata
Reference
DH51489
Category
Assistant staff
Date published
30 October 2026
Closing date
25 November 2026
