At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team managing budgets and providing financial insights across the University.
- Company: A leading University committed to equality, diversity, and an inclusive work environment.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Part-time and job-share options available; remote work supported for work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance while collaborating with senior management.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and management experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Finance Service invites applications for two permanent Senior Accountants posts in the Management Accounting Team. The post-holders will join a senior team responsible for preparing and maintaining budgets across the University. Duties include a full management accounting service across the academic, professional and commercial services of the University, undertaking analytical review of management reports, and providing detailed cost information and financial modelling.
The post-holders will be expected to work closely with senior management in Academic Colleges and Professional Services to ensure best use of resources, provide detailed costing and planning information, and provide support on all financial and budgetary queries. The post-holders should be a qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) and have extensive experience of producing management accounts. The post-holders are expected to demonstrate strong analytical skills, possess excellent IT skills, and have the ability to explain accounting and financial concepts to non‑finance staff. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for these posts.
This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work‑life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview. Applications may also be considered to carry out this role on a part‑time or job‑share basis.
Purpose of the Job
To prepare management information for area of responsibility enabling the evaluation of the Academic/Professional/Commercial Service financial performance and supporting the development of business plans. Contribute towards the management of the Management Accounting function of the Finance Service, ensuring a clear focus on providing a responsive and flexible service that is valued by those accessing it and is compliant with legislative and regulatory audit requirements.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Contribute to the management of the Management Accounting function, ensuring resources are used effectively and that staff are motivated, engaged and supported to develop and take responsibility for their performance.
- Take the lead in developing and maintaining management information provision that is flexible and responsive to need (internal and external) and meets statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Work with the Head of Service and other relevant parties to develop and agree Key Performance Indicators for the service, monitor & review performance against these KPIs, taking action to address issues as required.
- To be an active member of the senior management team for the Academic / Professional / Commercial Service, working closely with and taking instruction from the Heads of the Service on specific tasks/requirements/projects.
- Maintaining excellent communication links with colleagues at College and School level and with colleagues in Professional/Commercial departments.
- To be an active member of the Finance Service management team, engaging positively with colleagues to build/maintain good working relationships and shared understanding between the different areas of the service.
- Foster and develop business relationships with internal and external partners in order to identify opportunities for the development and improvement of the service, and for collaborative working.
Specific Functional duties
- Both provide and manage the provision of comprehensive management information to support the strategic planning and decision-making process and development of business plans.
- Assist the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in the preparation of 5 Year Forecasts and Statutory returns.
- Undertake preparation, analysis and monitoring of budgets and financial forecasting to support decision making within Academic / Professional / Commercial Services.
- Analyse and report on the financial performance of Academic / Professional / Commercial Services and advise on how performance could be improved.
- Responsible for Academic / Professional / Commercial Services budget setting and modelling and reporting performance against budget on monthly/quarterly basis.
- Assist Academic / Professional / Commercial Services in the preparation of project costing and evaluation of business plans.
- Provide advice and support to the Academic / Professional / Commercial Services in the management of the budget and the development and implementation of the Services strategies and policies.
- Implement and develop mechanisms to monitor financial activity across the Services and its constituent schools/projects and trading areas and provide management information to allow informed decisions.
- Responsibility for ensuring best practice in planning and financial matters within the Academic / Professional / Commercial Services, developing and refining systems and procedures as necessary.
- Assist the Senior Management Team to develop and support new strategic initiatives and ensure they are implemented effectively.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities. The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University's Welsh Language Scheme. The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for him/herself and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by his/her actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments. The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their posts.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Training
- Essential: Qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
Experience/Knowledge
- Essential: Demonstrable experience of managing staff and leading a team. Understands internal/external factors that may impact on the service and takes action/make suggestions to mitigate any risk.
- Desirable: Extensive and relevant management accounting experience gained within an HE environment. A strong customer service focus.
Skills/Abilities
- Essential: Strong analytical skills with in depth experience of providing and commenting on management accounting information for strategic level use. Ability to summarise and interpret complex and 'specialist' information and explain in language appropriate to the audience. Ability to use appropriate techniques to influence and negotiate with a variety of stakeholders to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Ability to gather information to identify future demands and opportunities and develop longer term plans. Ability to translate operational plans into specific objectives for the team that enable them to contribute individually as well as collectively. Has the ability to evaluate individual & team performance and develops opportunities to improve performance through learning and development. Ability to analyse problems/issues, consider all options in the light of experience and assess immediate and longer-term benefits and impacts. Has the ability to use judgement to make decisions with limited or ambiguous data and takes account of multiple factors.
- Desirable: Ability to present complex information in a well structured, clear and concise manner using a range of styles and media to suit the audience. Ability to plan and co‑ordinate the work of the team to ensure that performance standards and objectives are met and that resources are used effectively. Can identify and deal with performance problems or situations causing conflict within a team. Can adapt services and systems to meet customer/stakeholder need and identify ways of improving standards. Ability to initiate processes and procedures to resolve new problems involving others as appropriate. Ability to anticipate issues and their potential impact upon own area of responsibility and identify practical ways to prevent or overcome them whilst still adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. Ability to anticipate and highlights issues that need to be taken into account. Can outline possible impacting factors, assessing their degree of influence on the choice of options.
Other
- Essential: Can help others understand complex, confusing or ambiguous data and explore options. Ensures that robust processes are in place to enable quality, legal and regulatory requirements to be met.
- Desirable: The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for these roles. Ensures that relevant strategic information is shared so others adjust plans accordingly.
Senior Accountant x2 posts in Newtownards employer: Bangor University
The University offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, prioritising employee well-being through flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equality and diversity. With opportunities for professional growth and development, staff are encouraged to engage in meaningful work that contributes to the academic and commercial success of the institution, all while being part of a vibrant community in the beautiful location of Bangor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant x2 posts in Newtownards
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Bangor University. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant x2 posts in Newtownards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Bangor University.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Bangor University's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bangor University
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Bangor University.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Bangor University will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Bangor University employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
