At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting to support strategic sustainability at Bath Spa University.
- Company: Join Bath Spa University, a community focused on education and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, hybrid working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Work in a stunning campus environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and team management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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
Desirable:
- 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.
At Bath Spa University, we believe in the power of education to break down barriers to opportunity and to transform lives. We are the Professionally Creative for the future. Our main Newton park campus is based in stunning countryside just a few minutes from a World Heritage City. We are also proud to offer courses to students at our other campuses around Bath, and in London at our Canary Wharf and Hackney sites. An impressive 84% of our staff said they would recommend the University to a friend as a good place to work.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community. We foster inclusivity, celebrating and respecting differences. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders.
Financial Controller in Weston-super-Mare employer: Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, enhanced leave, and flexible working arrangements, staff are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in a picturesque setting just minutes from a World Heritage City. Join a community that values respect, collaboration, and sustainability, where 84% of employees would recommend it as a great place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Weston-super-Mare
✨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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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 Bath Spa 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 Financial Controller in Weston-super-Mare
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 Bath Spa 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 Bath Spa 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 Bath Spa 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 Bath Spa 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 Bath Spa 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 Bath Spa 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.