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- Tasks: Lead finance system improvements and deliver tailored solutions for the University.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester, a globally recognised institution committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, hybrid working options, and comprehensive employee support programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on finance processes while collaborating with diverse teams in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Finance systems expertise, strong accounting skills, and a customer-focused mindset are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity make this an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 39400 - 47400 £ per year.
Location: Oxford Road, Manchester
Salary: £46,485 - £56,921 per annum, dependent on relevant experience
Job type: Full Time, Permanent - 1.0 FTE
Closing date: 25/03/2025
Are you a finance professional with a passion for innovation and efficiency? Join the UoM Finance Systems Team and lead exciting improvements to our Finance Systems landscape. Make a real difference in how we deliver solutions that enhance finance processes and meet business requirements across the University!
The Role:
- Drive system and process improvements, delivering tailored solutions to meet business needs.
- Lead small projects or change initiatives, combining strong technical expertise with accounting knowledge to maximise system functionality.
- Build deep understanding of interconnected systems, data flows, and configurations.
- Develop and deliver training modules and presentations to a variety of audiences.
- Collaborate closely with IT, Finance, and external stakeholders to deliver seamless system developments and support.
This is a hands-on role where you will work on system updates and improvements that directly impact our operations. While the role is predominantly a development and improvement role, the Finance Systems team operate as one, sharing knowledge and upskilling each other to support everything that we do, which means you may occasionally be required to support priority incidents (ie. P1 or P2) involving out-of-hours or weekend work. Flexibility and a commitment to maintaining system uptime are important aspects of working in our team.
About Finance Systems:
Finance Systems sits within the Directorate of Finance and is responsible for maintaining the Oracle Financials application, along with a number of other finance and reporting packages. Primary responsibilities of the Finance Systems team include providing systems support to users, overseeing systems processes at month ends, responding to requests and issues as they arise, report development and distribution, ensuring systems-based control and reconciliations processes are in place and well managed, and supporting the continuous improvement of finance systems and processes.
The Team:
The Directorate of Finance comprises approx. 240 employees spread across 8 different teams managing a variety of finance activities. The Finance Systems team is a small (5-10 person) team within Financial Services (Central Finance), working closely alongside the areas of Financial control, Corporate finance, Tax, and Finance Operations. Our mission is to be experts in the systems we maintain and the environment in which we operate, providing exceptional guidance, support and insight to all users and working collaboratively with IT partners to deliver modern, innovative solutions to meet the needs of the Directorate and the University as a whole.
The Person:
The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:
- That they are a finance systems expert, preferably with Higher Education sector or equivalent experience delivering improvements in a complex finance system landscape.
- Possess strong accounting and IT skills, demonstrating accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent customer service skills and the ability to deliver a high-quality and professional service, maintaining good working relationships across the University.
- A continuous improvement mindset and capability to adapt processes to adequately support business activities.
What you can expect in return:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 29 days.
- Additional 4 days off between Christmas and New Year - this is in on top of annual leave entitlement.
- Access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, supporting your physical, mental, and financial health and legal advice.
- Leading pensions schemes, travel season tickets loans, workplace nursery, staff networking groups discounts for all the family to enjoy and so much more.
- Training, career opportunities, and continuous professional development.
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Selection Arrangements:
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Candidates with experience of: Group Finance Officer, Head of Finance, Finance BP, Accountant, Group Accountant, will also be considered for this role.
Senior Finance Systems Accountant in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Systems Accountant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Oracle Financials application, as it's a key part of the role. Understanding its functionalities and common issues can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the Finance Systems team. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven system improvements in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with change initiatives will demonstrate your capability for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing scenarios where you've successfully collaborated with different stakeholders. This is crucial for maintaining good working relationships across the University.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Systems Accountant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Finance Systems Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in finance systems, particularly in the Higher Education sector or similar environments. Provide specific examples of how you've driven system improvements and delivered tailored solutions in previous roles.
Showcase Technical Skills: Detail your technical expertise in finance systems and accounting. Mention any specific software or tools you are proficient in, especially Oracle Financials, as this is crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also conveys your passion for innovation and efficiency in finance processes. Use this opportunity to express your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to the Finance Systems team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Showcase Your Finance Systems Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with finance systems, especially in a higher education context. Be prepared to discuss specific improvements you've implemented in complex finance landscapes and how they benefited the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Technical and Accounting Skills
Since this role requires a blend of technical expertise and accounting knowledge, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully combined these skills in past roles. Discuss any relevant software or tools you are proficient in.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you've worked closely with IT, finance, or external stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you navigated challenges and contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement Mindset
The university values a continuous improvement mindset, so come prepared with ideas on how you would approach system enhancements. Share any past experiences where you identified inefficiencies and implemented effective solutions.
