College Finance Assistant Manager

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

The University at Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting. Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

The position will take ownership of the financial postings and budgetary planning for assigned colleges being involved in forward-looking forecasting as well as facilitating financial compliance, timeliness and accuracy of postings. The role will also be involved in change management and continuous improvement as the University continues to implement new financial systems and associated financial processes.

The Assistant Finance Manager position will play a subject matter expert (SME) role for rented & third-party managed colleges, ensuring the accounts are reviewed for accuracy and that operational financial processes are followed, and also play an SME role for the college bars. The College Finance Assistant Manager will have line management responsibilities and ensure the day-to-day operations take place efficiently and effectively.

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• We offer generous pension schemes.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Your application should cover the following criteria:

• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of finance and administrative services.
• Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
• Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
• Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification.
• Experience of managing time of self and others and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
• Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 Office applications, financial systems and reporting tools.
• Committed to continuing professional development.
• Ability to plan and organise events, activities and training involving the service.
• Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
• Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
• Experience of Oracle Fusion finance system or similar ERP.

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

What you are required to submit:

• A CV
• A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Julian Hatton would be happy to speak to you.