JOB DESCRIPTION. To lead the team in improving the quality and delivery of management information

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION Job title: Senior Finance Manager Grade: G Location: Docklands Campus Responsible to: Assistant Director Financial Management Responsible for: Finance Managers x 3, Finance Officer x 1 Liaison with: Deans of schools, directors of services, budget managers, Finance colleagues and external stakeholders including HEFCE, HESA, ONS, Tribal benchmarking and internal and external audit JOB PURPOSE To provide leadership to the Finance Managers and Officers and to directly support the Assistant Director Financial Management, Deans, Directors and their senior teams in financial planning, budget management and decision making, ensuring that resources are used in the most efficient, effective and economic manner. To work with the Assistant Director in planning and to lead the Finance Managers / Officers in producing the annual budget, monthly management accounts, ad hoc financial analysis and process improvements, coordinating the production of papers and value added commentaries. To ensure the delivery of ad hoc requests / analysis and accurate regulatory returns and lead the effective management of collaborative partnerships. To lead the team in improving the quality and delivery of management information To provide technical accounting support to ensure that there is compliance with the University s regulations and policies and accounting standards. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 1. To contribute to the development and implementation of the University s aims and objectives by providing financial support and guidance to the Finance Managers and the wider University management at all levels from VCG, Deans and Directors to managers of individual project budgets.

2 2. To work with the Assistant Director in planning the annual budget and monthly management accounts and forecasts, ensuring robust timetables and processes are in place to support budget manager driven financial plans. Liaise with other parties who form part of these processes such as Strategic Planning and Financial Accounts to ensure joined up working. 3. To lead and organise the work of the Finance Managers / Officers to ensure that financial plans for schools and services are robust and are properly managed, analysing variances from original plans and agreeing any necessary remedial actions with the team and budget managers. 4. To provide technical support on new and existing ventures, critically appraising financial robustness of proposals. Lead the development of appropriate financial models and appraisal methodologies. 5. To ensure excellent service to budget holders and other stakeholders whilst also delivering the best outcomes for the University as a whole. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 6. To lead and manage the team in the preparation of monthly management accounts and payroll reports, ensuring information is accurate and forecasts are robust, and that any variances from original plans are understood by budget managers. Provide advice on the design of action plans to address any financial performance issues and ways to address these with budget managers, escalating any issues to the Assistant Director and Finance Director. 7. Assist the Assistant Director with the preparation of insightful analysis and commentaries for senior University stakeholders including the Vice-Chancellor s Group (VCG), University Infrastructure Board (UIB), Finance and Capital Projects Committee (FCPC), Capital Projects Steering Group (CPSG) and other committees to the appropriate deadlines. GOVERNANCE 8. To support the delivery of the annual financial accounts. 9. To lead in the submission of the HEFCE and HESA Finance and NCTL returns ensuring compliance with associated rules and guidance.

3 10. To lead the production and submission of the TRAC Research and TRAC Teaching returns, ensuring that the latest guidance and best practice are adhered to. Promote the use of TRAC information internally. 11. To liaise with Tribal benchmarking in the preparation of their analysis of University performance, ensuring information is accurate. COSTING / BUSINESS CASES 12. To lead and manage staff in the preparation of costings and recommended pricing for new programmes, collaborations and other proposals. 13. To lead on financial negotiations with new and existing collaborative partners, ensuring that the University recovers at least its full economic cost. To ensure that financial contracts are accurate and reflect agreed arrangements. 14. Ensure the appropriateness and validity of relevant financial models and appraisal methodologies, supporting consistency of approach and balancing efficiency with accuracy. PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS 15. Work with team members and the Assistant Director to identify and agree opportunities for improving processes to improve accuracy, robustness, governance, good customer service and efficiency. Manage relationships with other teams in and outside of Finance to ensure first time delivery of improvements. GENERAL 16. To be proactive and show initiative in anticipating possible financial consequences of decisions, suggesting any necessary actions and escalating issues to the Assistant Director and Finance Director as appropriate. 17. To provide technical advice to Finance colleagues and schools and services on the application of current and new University and external statutory standards and policies (eg SORP, financial regulations, scheme of delegation, expenses policy). 18. To lead staff in meeting all key financial deadlines in the provision of information. 19. To work in accordance with University policies, including equality and diversity. 20. All other duties as required by the Assistant Director Financial Management.

4 PERSON SPECIFICATION Post: Service: Grade: Senior Finance Manager Finance G No Category Requirement Essential Desirable 1 Qualifications, knowledge Qualified CCAB accountant and experience Degree or equivalent Knowledge of the higher educational system 2 Work related experience Experience of working in a complex financial organisation At least two years experience of budget management and costing techniques Previous experience in the preparation of annual budgets and financial plans Practical experience of providing clear and timely management information reports Capable of offering general business advice and understanding the objectives of not-for-profit organisations 3 Planning and organising Expected to show initiative and independence in completing allocated tasks and organising workload to meet deadlines

5 4 Problem solving and initiative Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to collate, coordinate and analyse data from multiple sources Able to plan ahead and anticipate possible financial outcomes of strategies and proposals Able to provide clear, practical and accurate advice to staff on financial procedures and interpretation of financial information. 5 Management and teamwork Evidence of effective team working with the ability to form effective working relationships with staff of all grades and disciplines 6 Communication Able to communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues at all levels Able to provide clear, practical and accurate advice to staff on financial procedures and interpretation of financial information in an understandable way to non-finance colleagues 7 Other Excellent working knowledge of accounting systems, preferably Agresso Excellent spreadsheet and Word skills Requirements 2 to 7 will be tested at interview.