Head of Finance Valuations & Investment Control - Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited - #2113258

Head of Finance Valuations & Investment Control

Place of Work: London

Contract Type: Permanent

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.

About the role

In your role as Head of Finance Valuations & Investment Control you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to lead the Finance Valuations and Control function for the Investment Segment, with accountability for delivering robust, accurate and well-governed asset valuations and financial control of the scheme’s private investments.

The role provides strategic leadership to the team, building capability and ensuring a high-performing function that supports effective decision-making, regulatory compliance and external reporting.

As a member of the Finance Leadership Team, you will contribute to the broader leadership, strategy and continuous improvement of Finance.

What you will be doing

As a trusted part of the Finance team you will be responsible for:

1. Directing, providing, and overseeing the required investment valuations capability that ensures materially accurate and defendable valuations to all stakeholders and other interested parties.
2. Leading the Fair Value Committee (FVC) process end-to-end including reviews of assets and associated valuations, preparation of valuation reports including review with various parties across USS.
3. Providing subject matter expertise and contribute to key FVC discussions and decisions with constructive challenge and support to senior management, ensuring decisions are made in full knowledge of the facts.
4. Managing the valuations conducted by the internal Finance Valuations team and review and challenge the valuations of the external valuation advisors.
5. Overseeing and performing of periodical deep dives into asset valuations.
6. The USS valuation policy and framework covering both public and private markets and provide input, guidance and challenge to all valuation related matters across USS.
7. Providing strategic oversight and leadership on the valuation and control implications of new scheme products and structures, ensuring that they are fully reviewed with matrix support from Group Finance functions (particularly Tax and Financial Control).
8. Develop an efficient and well-controlled scheme accounting infrastructure, enabling control and analysis of scheme asset value/performance to underpin external reporting accuracy.
9. Preparing defined contribution (DC) reporting, input to regulatory statements, swing pricing calculations and updates to associated DC committees.
10. Overseeing risk reporting in relation to asset valuations and investment controls.
11. Reviewing scope, structure, internal modelling capability, systems and frequency of valuations, implementing enhancements as required.
12. Overseeing and managing external valuer relationships across illiquid and property assets.
13. Work with procurement lead on contract renegotiations / RFPs and support forecasting activities with the Head of Investment FP&A and Finance Business Partnering.
14. The Finance Valuation and Control teams including appropriate structure, team size, skill set and staff development and training.

Leadership and People Management:

1. Provide clear leadership and direction to the Finance Valuations and Control teams, setting priorities aligned to strategic objectives.
2. Build and lead a high-performing team, ensuring the right structure, capability, and resourcing to meet current and future demands.
3. Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring and effective performance management.
4. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
5. Lead through change, driving improvements to processes, systems and ways of working.
6. Contribute as an active member of the Finance Leadership Team, shaping functional strategy, driving performance and supporting wider Finance and organisational priorities.

About you

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.

To be successful in the role you will have:

1. Professionally Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or other relevant financial qualification with significant exposure to investment appraisal techniques (e.g. CFA).
2. Excellent track record of managing investment valuations of private equity and credit assets.
3. Experienced in financial control, design and implementation of accounting and control structures for structured/ private market product.
4. Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills.
5. Experience of influencing at Executive level, with the ability to introduce new ways of thinking and enable change, and working with external clients.
6. Ability to manage a team, developing and coaching others in a constructive and positive way.
7. Excellent level of Excel & financial modelling skills, working with integrated forecast models for large businesses.
8. Prior experience or exposure to the valuations of complex securities and/ or property valuation techniques is desirable but not essential for the role.

Why join us?

At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed