Head of Finance

at  Aalto University

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
Ready to take on a new challenge?
We are now looking for a Head of Finance to join the Aalto School of Chemical Engineering management team. At the School of Chemical Engineering, we work on highly topical areas to develop sustainable solutions for bio- and circular economy and energy and functional materials. The school has close connections to the industry, unique even by international standards. We have ca 1500 students and very international staff and faculty of 40 professors and 450 other members.
Your role and goals

As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for the school’s financial planning, reporting and financial allocation processes, as well as for developing the school’s financial operating model. Your role includes:

• Bringing financial perspective and expertise to the school’s decision-making and ensuring the school’s long-term financial sustainability
• Collaborating closely with the dean, department management, and the school’s leadership team
• Leading the school’s finance organization and managing its personnel
• Training school staff on financial management themes and enhancing the financial expertise of personnel
• Additionally, serving as a member of the Aalto University Finance Management Team to develop financial practices and guidelines at the university level

The Head of Finance reports to the Dean of the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering and in matrix to the CFO of Aalto University.
Your experience and ambitions

You are a seasoned finance professional with at least 10 years of experience in financial management and business control. The following elements are key to succeeding in this role:

• University level degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field
• Excellent verbal and written English skills
• Proficiency in Finnish is an advantage
• High level of integrity
• Ability to understand the broader picture and work for the benefit of the school and the entire Aalto University
• Proven experience and track record in team leadership and management
• Coaching-oriented approach to leadership
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills
• Understanding of the university and school strategy, as well as the factors impacting their competitiveness and performance is an advantage

We offer you a versatile and challenging position in a multi-cultural academic environment where you will have a great opportunity to develop your professional skills. You are a valuable partner of the School´s management team, building cross-functional networks and trust across our community. You lead a team of finance and motivate people, set clear goals and empower your team members to take ownership of their work and aim high. You have a genuine interest in collaboration and leading people.
Ready to apply?
This permanent position is located on the Aalto University campus in Otaniemi (Espoo). We hope that you would be available to start work in the beginning of March 2025.
More information on the open position from Kristiina Kruus, Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, on Friday 22.11.2024 from 9 -11 a.m. (dean-chem(a)aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 520 2471) or from Marianna Bom (CFO Aalto University) on Monday 25.11.2024 from 9 -10 a.m. (firstname.lastname(a)aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 575 3762)
If we caught your interest, please send your application and CV by Sunday 1.12.2024 at the latest through our recruitment system. We may start to invite potential candidates for interviews already before the application period closes.
If you are already an Aalto employee, please apply via your employee profile in Workday (internal jobs). If you are an Aalto student or visitor, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via the external Open Jobs page.
More about Aalto University:
Aalto.fi
youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity
linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/
www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity
instagram.com/aaltouniversity
twitter.com/aaltouniversit

As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for the school’s financial planning, reporting and financial allocation processes, as well as for developing the school’s financial operating model. Your role includes:

• Bringing financial perspective and expertise to the school’s decision-making and ensuring the school’s long-term financial sustainability
• Collaborating closely with the dean, department management, and the school’s leadership team
• Leading the school’s finance organization and managing its personnel
• Training school staff on financial management themes and enhancing the financial expertise of personnel
• Additionally, serving as a member of the Aalto University Finance Management Team to develop financial practices and guidelines at the university leve

You are a seasoned finance professional with at least 10 years of experience in financial management and business control. The following elements are key to succeeding in this role:

• University level degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field
• Excellent verbal and written English skills
• Proficiency in Finnish is an advantage
• High level of integrity
• Ability to understand the broader picture and work for the benefit of the school and the entire Aalto University
• Proven experience and track record in team leadership and management
• Coaching-oriented approach to leadership
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills
• Understanding of the university and school strategy, as well as the factors impacting their competitiveness and performance is an advantag