Senior Finance Officer

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world‑class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.

By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.

Role Summary

We are looking for a proactive and detail‑oriented Senior Finance Officer to join our Finance team. This is a key role providing high‑quality financial and accountancy support across Schools, Professional Service Departments (PSDs), and a diverse portfolio of projects including research and enterprise activity.

You will play a vital role in supporting financial decision‑making, ensuring robust financial management, and delivering accurate and insightful reporting to a wide range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on income and expenditure across departments and projects
• Develop and maintain accurate budgets and forecasts
• Produce timely, high‑quality financial reports to support strategic decision‑making
• Provide expert financial advice to budget holders and senior stakeholders
• Investigate variances and highlight financial risks and opportunities
• Support the development of financial business plans and project costings
• Lead project audits and ensure compliance with financial regulations
• Maintain the integrity of financial data, including journals and recharges
• Contribute to improving financial controls, processes, and reporting systems
• Prepare payroll‑related financial data and support statutory returns
• Deliver ROI analysis and support cost‑effectiveness reviews
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including auditors and funders

About You

We are seeking a motivated finance professional who can confidently partner with stakeholders and deliver high‑quality financial support.

• Part‑qualified accountant (working towards a CCAB‑recognised qualification)
• Relevant experience in a finance role
• Proven ability to provide financial advice to senior managers
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly
• Advanced IT skills, particularly in Excel and financial systems
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of budgeting and forecasting methodologies
• Experience within the higher education sector
• Knowledge of grant funding and external funding processes
• Understanding of financial management procedures and audit processes
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive improvements
• Experience in project costing and financial planning

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tania Compton, Senior Finance Business Partner at tania.compton@bcu.ac.uk

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re‑enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.

Why work for us

• Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.

Option A – May be eligible for sponsorship

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Option B – Not eligible for sponsorship

This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. We are therefore unable to consider applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.