Financial Controller

About Our Client

The University of Manchester is a truly global institution, with a reputation for education and innovation that resonates across the world as demonstrated by the most recent QS World Rankings, which ranked us 29th. A member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, Manchester is one of the largest single-site universities in the UK, hosting nearly 40,500 students, and with more than 12,000 staff, we are one of the largest employers in Greater Manchester. We are committed to world-class research, an outstanding learning and student experience, and social responsibility in everything we do.

Job Description

The key responsibilities will include:

Maintaining and developing strong financial control processes to ensure data quality and accuracy and completeness of the accounting ledgers.
Oversee all of the balance sheet ensuring that all balances are properly reconciled and that the balances are fully understood and accurately represent the relevant assets and liabilities. Ensuring that all balance sheet control account reconciliations are complete and accurate with items being cleared down on a systematic basis.
Review financial control processes within the Faculties and other operating areas and ensure that the controls are appropriate, documented and being adhered to.
Overseeing balances ensuring that Finance/University staff across the University are taking ownership of these and ensuring the integrity of the University ledger. Running exception reports to ensure items are being allocated out for investigation. Work with stakeholders in areas across the Organisation to improve processes which impact financial controls.
Ownership of the University's Financial Regulations and Procedures to ensure that they remain relevant and updated.
Responsibility for Finance policies ensuring they are appropriate, regularly reviewed and updated (e.g. Fraud Policy, Money laundering, Gifts to Students etc.)
Responsible for the preparation of the University financial statements.
Responsible for the preparation and submission of Office for Students and all finance related Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) returns
To take full responsibility of all non-research audits and being the lead contact for the relationship with internal and external auditors, preparing Finance staff for the audit process and operationally managing audits at planning and delivery phases.
Support for the Chief Financial Officer / Head of Tax and Financing in relation to the internal and external audits, including preparing papers and attendance at the University Audit and Risk Committee.
When required, being the University representative on certain external reporting groups within the sector, for example HESA working groups.
Providing advice and guidance to finance professionals within the University with respect to accounting policy, financial coding and reporting issues.
Contributing to the development of a customer focused service and establishing and maintaining good working relationships throughout the University.
The Successful Applicant

The successful candidates will have:-

A recognised accountancy qualification
Educated to degree standard
Of working in a similar role in a large and complex organisation which includes subsidiaries and consolidation
Of working closely with both internal and external auditors
Of dealing with senior non-financial managers
Must have extensive knowledge of statutory financial reporting
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage colleagues at all levels, including those without financial expertise
Strong technical accounting skills
Excellent data handling skills including ability to manipulate and analyse large amounts of data using excel.
Strong analytical skills to enable production of meaningful balance sheet reporting and year end financial reporting.
Ability to find efficient and pragmatic solutions to problems that does not compromise quality.
Motivation to streamline processes and identify and implement continuous improvement
Ability to manage and prioritise different and sometimes conflicting workloads to meet deadlines
HE sector knowledge would be useful but not an essential requirement.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. As black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates are currently under-represented at this level in this area, we would particularly welcome applications from BAME applicants. All appointments will be made on merit

What's on Offer

A competitive salary and benefits package include:

Pension : All staff are eligible to join the USS pension scheme, which includes other benefits, life insurance etc. details can be found here: USS
Annual Holiday : 29 days plus all bank holidays and 4 additional close days at Xmas, between Christmas and New Year
Contact:
Danielle Farrell
Quote job ref: JN-042349