Financial Assurance and Compliance Manager

Oxfordshire Permanent View Job Description
Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will lead a developing assurance function focused on strengthening the control environment and providing insight into financial and operational risks.This is not a traditional audit role. Success will come through building relationships, challenging constructively, and influencing stakeholders to improve controls and reduce risk.
  • A large, complex & highly respected organisation.
  • A key role in strengthening financial controls, managing fraud risk.

About Our Client

A large, complex and highly respected organisation in Higher Education.

Job Description

Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will lead a developing assurance function focused on strengthening the control environment and providing insight into financial and operational risks.

This is not a traditional audit role. Success will come through building relationships, challenging constructively, and influencing stakeholders to improve controls and reduce risk.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading financial assurance activity across a large and complex organisation.
  • Developing and embedding effective financial control and assurance frameworks.
  • Identifying emerging risks and recommending practical control improvements.
  • Leading the organisation's counter-fraud agenda, including prevention, detection and response activities.
  • Providing advice on fraud risks, investigations and sensitive compliance matters.
  • Using data and analytical insight to identify trends, control weaknesses and areas of concern.
  • Supporting senior leadership with assurance reporting and risk assessments.
  • Working collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen governance and promote best practice.
  • Managing and developing a small specialist team.
  • Contributing to the ongoing development of the organisation's wider risk management and compliance strate



The Successful Applicant

We are interested in speaking with qualified finance professionals who can combine strong technical expertise with the ability to influence and build credibility across a complex organisation.

You are likely to possess:

  • ACA, ACCA, CIMA or an equivalent professional qualification.
  • Experience gained within audit, assurance, risk, governance, financial controls, compliance or a related finance discipline.
  • A strong understanding of internal controls, governance frameworks and risk management principles.
  • Experience assessing, challenging and improving financial processes and control environments.
  • Knowledge of fraud risk management, counter-fraud frameworks or investigation processes.
  • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to identify root causes and systemic risks.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the confidence to influence at senior levels.
  • Previous experience leading projects, teams or organisational change initiatives.
  • Experience within the not-for-profit, education, public sector or charitable sectors would be advantageous but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates currently working in professional practice, commercial organisations, financial services, public sector bodies or other complex environments.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional accounting into a role with genuine organisational impact. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, influence how risk is managed, shape assurance activity across a large institution, and help build a culture of strong governance and accountability.

  • The position offers an excellent platform for ambitious finance professionals seeking a broader leadership role within a purpose-led organisation.
  • Salary Guide of £55,000- £65,000



If you're interested in this role, apply now.

People are at the heart of Michael Page. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.

Contact
Nia Trussler
Quote job ref
JN-092026-7101350
Phone number
+44 118 955 9040

Job summary

Job function
Not for Profit
Subsector
Financial Accounting
Sector
Not For Profit
Where
Oxfordshire
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Nia Trussler
Consultant phone
+44 118 955 9040
Job reference
JN-092026-7101350