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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making across the University.
- Company: Birmingham City University, a progressive institution with a rich legacy of education and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, plus opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic finance team and make a real impact in the higher education sector.
- Qualifications: Degree in a numerate subject and part-qualified accountant with relevant experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 38050 - 44131 £ per year.
Department: Financial Planning and Reporting
Location: Joseph Priestley Building
Salary: £38,050 to £44,131 per annum
Post Type: Permanent, Full Time
Release Date: 29 January 2026
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 16 February 2026
Reference: F126003
For almost two centuries, Birmingham City University has transformed lives, helped shape a city, influenced the region and made an impact far beyond. We are now seeking a Senior Finance Officer (Corporate) to join our Finance team. This is a key role in delivering high-quality financial reporting, analysis and insight to support effective decision-making across the University.
You will provide financial and accounting support to Central and Group Finance, advising stakeholders on budget and forecast management across income, pay and non-pay. The role involves monitoring performance, producing high-quality management information, maintaining robust reporting and audit evidence, and supporting internal and external financial reporting.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring Central and Group income and expenditure, including revenue and capital, and escalating issues as appropriate.
- Preparing, reviewing and maintaining accurate budgets and forecasts in line with University requirements.
- Analysing performance against budget and forecast, identifying risks and variances.
- Ensuring financial data is accurately recorded, coded and maintained within University financial systems.
- Producing high-quality financial reports to support informed decision-making.
- Supporting the development and improvement of financial controls, processes and reporting.
- Assisting with the preparation of internal and statutory financial returns.
- Representing the Finance function in meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations and funding requirements, while managing workloads to meet reporting deadlines.
You will hold a degree (or equivalent) in a numerate subject and be a part-qualified accountant with a professional qualification recognised by CCAB or CIMA. You will have relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the higher education sector. You will also demonstrate strong IT skills, with the confidence to use and develop systems and solutions that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy and promote efficient ways of working.
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 enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.
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.
Senior Finance Officer (Corporate) employer: BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer (Corporate)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's financial strategies and recent developments. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to financial reporting and analysis. We want you to feel confident and articulate when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer (Corporate)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial reporting and analysis, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role at Birmingham City University. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences directly to the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your IT Skills: Since strong IT skills are essential for this position, make sure to highlight your proficiency with financial systems and any tools you've used to streamline processes. This will show us that you can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can hit the ground running!
✨Understand the University’s Financial Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Birmingham City University's financial structure and recent developments. Being able to reference specific initiatives or challenges the university faces will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific financial scenarios, such as budget variances or stakeholder management. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations and be ready to share them.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
With strong IT skills being a requirement, be prepared to discuss the financial systems you've worked with. Highlight any experience you have in streamlining processes or improving reporting through technology, as this aligns perfectly with the role's expectations.
