LONDON S EVENING UNIVERSITY. Systems Accountant

Transcription

1 LONDON S EVENING UNIVERSITY Systems Accountant Finance November 2017

2 1. About Birkbeck Thank you for your interest in the role of Systems Accountant at Birkbeck, University of London. In 1823 George Birkbeck founded the London Mechanics Institute with a vision for opening up university education to working Londoners. By 1920 Birkbeck was incorporated in to the University of London and today, almost 200 years later, George s mission remains undimmed. Birkbeck, University of London, is a world-class research and teaching institution, a vibrant centre of academic engagement and excellence and London's only specialist provider of evening higher education. Where once we were known solely for our part-time courses and mature students, today we have a wider mix; our cohort of full-time undergraduates has grown from zero to almost 3,000 over the past six years. Undergraduate students can study for a degree at a pace that suits them, across three, four or six years, while we are the sixth largest provider of postgraduate programmes in the UK. We have 14,000 students studying for over 130 Masters Degrees, nearly 80 BA/BSc/LLB degrees and 40 Certificates of Higher Education in Arts; Business, Economics and Informatics; Law; Science; Social Sciences, History and Philosophy. We also have over 800 PhD students. But while Birkbeck has its roots firmly in London, we are recognised on a global stage. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University rankings placed Birkbeck among the world s top 250 universities and ranked us the 50th most international university, taking in to account both the international students and international academic collaborations. Birkbeck s reputation as a world-class research intensive institution was cemented by the Research Excellence Framework in Birkbeck was 30th in the UK for research (THE rankings with intensity ), with 73% of our research rated world leading or internationally excellent. We are home to 44 research and specialist institutes. 1 bbk.ac.uk

3 Arts and Humanities courses at Birkbeck were recently placed 52 nd in the world, third best in London and 11 th in the UK by the THE World University Subject Rankings. This included SSHP s archaeology, classics, history, linguistics and philosophy programmes plus the School of Arts literature, theatre and cultural studies programmes. And we are in the top 100 worldwide for English Literature, History, Philosophy and Psychology, according to the QS World University Rankings by subject This unique combination of ground-breaking research and innovative teaching provides an inspirational learning experience for our students; we have consistently ranked number one in London for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. Birkbeck s main Bloomsbury campus is in the heart of academic London, home to a number of other universities and colleges of the University of London, including University College London and the School of Oriental and African Studies. We are situated among beautiful, leafy squares in one of the world s greatest concentrations of libraries, including the British Library and Senate House Library. The British Museum is next door and we are a just short stroll from the West End. Across the city in east London, we offer courses at University Square in Stratford. Both our campuses are wellserved by public transport. 2 bbk.ac.uk

4 2. About the Department

5 3. Job Description Birkbeck / Systems Accountant JOB TITLE: SCHOOL/ DEPARTMENT: REPORTS TO: SUPERVISES: Systems Accountant Finance Deputy Director of Finance N/A POST REFERENCE: GRADE: 9 DATE November 2017 Principle Accountabilities To work in close consultation with the senior executive community to implement, develop and maintain corporate financial systems to ensure that they effectively and efficiently support the needs of all users across the College. To take the lead on behalf of Finance for the sourcing and implementation of new corporate financial systems and software which will often work in tandem with other corporate systems and with processes cutting across a number of professional services. This is a new role which will require an experienced individual with the self-motivation to drive through financial process and system improvements with tact and diplomacy. Key Responsibilities To work with colleagues across the institution including, but not limited to, Executive Deans, Professional Service Directors, Directors of Operations and staff directly involved in processing financial information, with a view to: Understanding the business needs of users and providing systems and reports which support those needs; Developing more effective and efficient financial processes; Recommending changes to financial business practices leading to improved value for money; Developing reports in the corporate finance systems for users to access or analyse data on an ad hoc basis to meet information needs. To take the lead on behalf of Finance for the continuous development and maintenance of the College corporate financial systems: Our current finance system is BluQube by Symmetry but we are planning to go live with Business World by Unit4 in August 2018 (HR and Payroll is already live in Business World). The role holder will be expected to play a lead part in completing 4 bbk.ac.uk

6 Birkbeck / Systems Accountant the implementation of the system, training users, monitoring performance and continuously developing functionality; The role holder will identify the need for, develop business cases and implement additional modules to enhance the corporate finance system; To take the Finance lead on supporting other system initiatives which rely on, or provide data to, the finance corporate system. To proactively analyse finance data across systems with a view to identifying errors and discrepancies, improving processes (manual and automated) and providing information to enhance strategic and operational decision making (in conjunction with using Business World for HR/Payroll and Finance the College uses SITS for student income/debt management); To act as the main point of contact within Finance for finance corporate system queries and to liaise with IT and others to ensure that systems are robust, efficient and fit for purpose; As an experienced user of finance systems, to be responsible for ensuring that all finance systems and process are developed with appropriate financial controls and meet both internal and external reporting requirements; To contribute to the development of a customer focused service which is fully supported by the finance corporate systems and processes. This will include taking responsibility for coordinating the development and implementation of processes across the College which rely on, or impact on, financial data; Responsible for the creation and maintenance of common processes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the College Finance function; To lead and manage project teams to ensure that project objectives and deadlines are met; To lead or contribute to ad hoc exercises and projects as required. Working Relationships and Contacts Regular discussions with senior staff across the College to ensure that finance systems are understood and meet the needs of all users. Patience, diplomacy and an ability to understand the needs of non-finance staff will be essential; Daily contact with colleagues within the Finance team to ensure that finance data is accurate, timely and efficiently managed; 5 bbk.ac.uk

7 To negotiate and engage with external software providers on an ad hoc basis during implementation, maintenance and development phases; To meet with auditors and other external funders as required to provide information on data accuracy etc; To proactively generate contact with stakeholders as well as reactively respond to enquiries. Dimensions The College is a complex business entity with an annual turnover of c 100 million, in excess of 10 million in income from externally funded research grants and around 14,000 students. The finance corporate systems must be flexible, effective and efficient in order to meet the needs of a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. General Responsibilities These are standard to all Birkbeck Job Descriptions To adhere to the College s Equal Opportunities policy in all activities and to actively promote equality of opportunity wherever possible; To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and relevant EC directives; To work in accordance with the Data Protection Act and to ensure that all new systems are reported to your Data Protection Controller; To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected; 6 bbk.ac.uk

8 4. Person Specification JOB TITLE: Systems Accountant DEPARTMENT: Finance POST REFERENCE: Birkbeck is a member of the positive about disability Disability Confident scheme and guarantees to interview all candidates who meet the minimum essential criteria for the post. ATTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL CRITERIA DESIRABLE CRITERIA Knowledge Technical/Workbased Skills Up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards A detailed understanding of the effective development and management of databases and processes to facilitate the efficient and accurate collection of a significant volume of data An understanding of funding within Higher Education in England, in particular how this affects students and HE institutions An understanding of the technical aspects of system implementation such as security, version control, disaster recovery etc. METHOD OF ASSESSMENT Application Interview Test Ability to use software to manipulate and analyse a range of data from various corporate systems to ensure the integrity of the data and to provide management information. Strong technical accounting skills. Ability to develop efficient and effective 7 bbk.ac.uk

9 workflow processes (manual and system). Ability to identify, develop, implement and maintain process improvements which impact on a range of stakeholders. Ability to develop and deliver training to individuals or larger groups, including the effective use of Powerpoint presentations. Possess demonstrable project management skills and an innovative style. General Skills/Attributes Ability to work unsupervised. Ability to meet deadlines, prioritizing conflicting workloads of self and others as appropriate. Application Interview Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills to engage colleagues at all levels, including those without financial expertise. Commitment to providing a high-level of customer service. Ability to assimilate a wide range of information and requirements quickly and to develop efficient and effective processes to meet often disparate objectives. Possess the motivation to streamline processes and identify and implement continuous improvements. 8 bbk.ac.uk

10 Strong ability to use own initiative. A flexible approach to process development to ensure the best outcome. A willingness to become involved in a range of activities including supporting others to achieve their objectives. Tact, patience and diplomacy and an ability to persuade colleagues at all levels within the College. Experience Taken a lead role in the implementation of a new finance system. Management of a team of people including development of the team members through training, encouragement and coaching. Involved in system development in the area of finance, IT or student administration within a Higher Education institution. Experience of using a student records database or payroll system. Application Interview Held a senior role which required collaboration with a range of other senior staff across an institution to implement a strategically important process improvement. Experienced business analyst with a history of identifying weaknesses in a service provided to a group of customers, sourcing a solution, developing a business plan for approval and successful implementation. Experience of using and developing corporate finance systems. 9 bbk.ac.uk

11 Qualifications Educated to degree level or equivalent. CCAB qualified accountant (with current membership) or equivalent experience. CCAB qualified accountant (with current membership) or equivalent experience.. Application 10 bbk.ac.uk

12 5. Further Information Birkbeck / Systems Accountant Salary: Probation: Duration of post: Hours: Annual leave entitlement: Superannuation: Closing date: Interview date: Start date: Grade 9 of the College's London Pay Scale which is 54,268 rising to 60,600 per annum. The salary quoted is on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the Greater London area. The appointment may be subject to a probationary period of 6 months. Open-ended 35 hours per week (0.1 FTE) 25 days per year, plus an additional six days when the College is closed during the spring and winter breaks. This is in addition to the eight bank holidays. The post is superannuable under the USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme). This is a defined benefit scheme which will pay retirement benefits based on the number of years (and days) you have been a member of the scheme and the salary upon which you have paid contributions in each of those years. Midnight on Tuesday 28 th November Week commencing 4 th December To be confirmed following interview Informal enquiries can be made to: Eleanor De Nardo, Business Manager at Hays or Eleanor.denardo@hays.com 11 bbk.ac.uk

13 The College s commitment to Equality and Diversity The College is committed to providing the highest quality academic and working environment where all staff, students, visitors and contractors are welcomed, respected and treated in a fair, consistent and non-discriminatory manner. The College is proud of its diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. No one will be treated unfairly because of their sex, race, di sability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, carer status, political belief, pregnancy/maternity, social class, gender identity or marital/civil partnership. Birkbeck is a member of the positive about disability Disability Confident scheme and guarantees to interview all candidates who meet the minimum essential criteria for the post. Birkbeck is a member of the Equality Challenge Unit, holds a Bronze level Athena SWAN award, a Mindful Employers Charter signatory and subscribes to Stonewall s Diversity Champions. 12 bbk.ac.uk