At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting to support strategic sustainability at Bath Spa University.
- Company: Join Bath Spa University, a vibrant institution committed to financial excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, hybrid working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial control and team management experience.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 72000 £ per year.
Bath Spa University is seeking an experienced finance leader to join us as Financial Controller. This is a pivotal senior role, responsible for supporting the university’s strategic need to be financially sustainable by creating and managing the financial control environment to ensure that all financial information and reporting produced is accurate, timely and relevant in order to ensure effective data‑led decision making.
Reporting to the Finance Director, the Financial Controller will oversee the Finance Services, Management Accounts & Finance Business Partnering and Financial Accounting teams in order to ensure the reporting and control environment for these responsibilities is effective and efficient.
You will be a technically strong qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with significant experience in financial control, including cash forecasting, within the higher education sector or a similarly complex environment. You will bring strong leadership experience, a track record of successfully leading and managing teams with a proven track record of developing and enhancing management accounts and associated processes.
Essential- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
- Significant experience in financial control, including cash forecasting
- A proven track record of developing and enhancing management accounts and associated processes.
- Strong leadership experience with a record of successfully leading and managing teams
- Worked within the higher education sector
- Previous experience in a similarly complex environment.
Salary Grade - Spot salary - up to £72,000
Staff Benefits: We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including:
- Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher's Pension Scheme).
- Enhanced paid leave – 41 – 46 days depending on the role (Full Time).
- Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on‑site nursery, and a sector‑leading enhanced maternity scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on‑demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling.
- Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work.
- Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through an easy‑to‑use app.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Financial Controller in Bath employer: Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, enhanced paid leave, and flexible working arrangements, we empower our staff to thrive both personally and professionally in a vibrant academic environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact in higher education while enjoying a fulfilling career in the beautiful city of Bath.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Bath
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Bath Spa University. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Bath Spa University.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Bath Spa University. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Bath Spa University and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Bath Spa University how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath Spa University
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Bath Spa University.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Bath Spa University's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
