Employment type: Permanent
Location: Makati City, Metro Manila
Work setup: We operate in a hybrid work environment, and we encourage applicants who are open to working in the office two days a week to apply.
Work schedule: Flexible

Discover a world of endless possibilities with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a distinguished global academic publisher and assessment organisation proudly affiliated with the prestigious University of Cambridge.

We are looking for a Head of Finance - Shared Services to join our Manila team and lead our growing global finance team. This senior leadership role will be pivotal in the development of the working culture for the local team and expected to ensure the consistent and continuous delivery of finance deliverables for the business. In this role, you will serve as the link between our headquarters in Cambridge, UK and the wider Manila office teams.

Why Cambridge?

At Cambridge, our unwavering commitment is to excel in education, learning, and research on a global scale. With a presence in over 170 countries, we empower millions of individuals, unlocking their potential and enabling their success. From dedicated teachers shaping young minds to visionary researchers pushing the boundaries of knowledge, we embody a relentless pursuit of enlightenment, curiosity, and understanding.

We embrace change as an opportunity for growth and progress, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Collaboration and attentive listening are at the heart of our journey, as we work hand in hand with our customers and each other to innovate and discover more effective ways to achieve our goals. We believe people thrive in an environment where Trust and Empowerment are at the forefront, which is why all our new team members are provided regularisation on their first day so they can start #Pursuing Potential from day one.

Joining Cambridge means becoming a part of an extraordinary institution renowned worldwide. Beyond that, you'll become a part of a vibrant and forward-thinking community that transcends tradition, fostering a culture of continuous growth and personal development. Here, we provide the right environment for you to thrive, supporting your professional journey and empowering you to reach your highest potential, that is why our pay philosophy is intricately tied to your skills and competencies, ensuring that your compensation aligns with the unique value you bring to the role you are applying for.

What can you get from Cambridge?

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse branches, expanding your horizons and enriching your understanding of different cultures. We value your wellbeing and offer stability, fostering your professional and personal growth through internal and external activities and training sessions to help enrich your skillset.

Enjoy work-life balance flexibility through our range of options, including flexible schedules, hybrid work arrangements, and generous paid leave. As a regular employee on Day One, you'll have access to comprehensive healthcare benefits, ensuring your peace of mind with coverage for dependents, group life insurance, and robust well-being programs.

What will you do as the Head of Finance-Shared Services?

As the Head of Finance - Shared Services you will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, delivering timely and accurate data, reports and insights to leaders in different teams and divisions, and aligning shared services practices with overall business strategy.

Your primary accountabilities will include:

• Management and leadership of the Finance-Shared Services function—including but not limited to identifying and driving key finance initiatives to ensure the service maintains excellence
• Collaboration with global finance leadership to standardize and implement best practices
• Develop and support transformation strategies for various key stakeholder areas in the business
• Deliver, track, and report with commentary and insight on key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure high-quality service delivery to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide senior management with actionable insights derived from financial analysis to support decision-making.

What makes you the ideal candidate for this role?

You will be ideal for this role if you have 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a Finance SSC or shared services environment for a multinational company.

The following will help you be an ideal candidate for this post:

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred but not required.
• Professional Accounting/Finance certification is highly desirable (CPA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Proven track record in leading large teams and driving operational excellence
• Strong knowledge of financial systems, ERPs, and automation technologies
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills

Deadline of application submission is on 31st December 2024, but may close early if we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Whilst not essential, it is very advantageous if you submit a Cover Letter alongside your CV.