Finance Manager

Overview

In this Finance Manager role, you will lead the department’s financial planning, reporting and controls to support long-term sustainability. You work closely with senior academics and leadership to shape budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial advice. You will oversee core financial services and collaborate with the Grants Team to manage research funds and postgraduate financial arrangements. This is a broad, influential position in a research-intensive department that values robust financial governance and continuous improvement. You will help drive financial decision-making and maintain high standards of financial control.

Pay / Benefits

• 38 days annual leave
• Hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting and reforecasting, monitor performance, and provide management information to senior stakeholders
• Oversee core financial services (purchase to pay, accounts receivable, banking, journals, expenses, VAT compliance, asset management) and ensure robust controls
• Provide strategic financial advice to budget holders and department leadership
• Collaborate with the Grants Team to manage research funding and postgraduate financial arrangements
• Support financial reporting and analysis for committees and senior academics
• Promote continuous improvement and develop the finance team to deliver high-quality services
• Ensure compliance with University Financial Regulations and external requirements

Key requirements

• Substantial relevant financial management and accounting experience
• Ability to manage complex budgets and prepare forecasts and management reports
• Strong analytical, communication and organisational skills
• Sound judgement and ability to manage competing priorities
• Leadership and people-management skills
• Knowledge of financial regulations and accounting procedures in large/complex organisations; advantageous in HE/research environments

• Analytical thinking
• Communication
• Organisation
• Financial planning and budgeting
• Forecasting and management reporting
• Financial controls and governance

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