At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, modernise practices, and provide strategic financial insights.
- Company: Falmouth University, a vibrant creative community with 120 years of experience.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, 35 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education while developing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with management accounting experience and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a dynamic Management Accountant to deliver high-quality financial and management accounting for Falmouth University and our partners, Falmouth Exeter Plus. This is your opportunity to influence strategic decisions, modernise financial practices, and make a visible difference. You’ll lead the finance operations for a defined portfolio, combining hands-on delivery with value-adding partnership to senior stakeholders.
You will:
- Own and modernise day-to-day finance operations across your area, ensuring a seamless, accurate and efficient service with consistent standards and strong controls.
- Partner leaders across academic and professional services, providing timely, commercial advice that informs operational and strategic decisions.
- Produce high-quality monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis, lead regular budget-holder reviews, and provide accurate income & expenditure forecasts.
- Shape plans and cases: support capital and revenue planning, full-economic-costing and investment appraisals to enable long-term sustainability.
- Lead and develop a team, coaching for consistency, service excellence and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance and readiness for audit; contribute to statutory returns and annual financial statements, improving policies, processes and systems where needed.
- Drive cross-University projects, bringing financial insight to transformation and performance improvement.
You’ll work at the intersection of higher education and commercial operations, gaining breadth across multi-entity/group finance.
About You
You’ll bring sharp analytical skills, strong professional judgement and the confidence to engage at all levels. We’re looking for someone who is:
- A qualified accountant (e.g., ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA)
- Experienced in management or financial accounting within a complex organisation, operating at both operational and strategic levels
- Skilled in communicating financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
- Proficient with integrated finance systems, Excel and current financial regulations; proactive about process improvement and change
- Experienced in leading or supervising teams and building a collaborative high-performing culture
Experience in Higher Education and/or multi-entity organisations together with VAT and Corporation Tax knowledge is an advantage.
This is a permanent, full time, 35 hours a week position across Monday-Friday. We operate a hybrid flexible approach to working with the opportunity to work from home and either our Penryn or Falmouth campus. An on-campus presence will be required for at least 2 days per week.
In return for your hard work and commitment, we offer the successful candidate for this role a range of benefits, including:
- Employer Pension Contribution up to 12%
- 35 days + 8 days bank holiday
- Relocation Assistance to 10% of salary
- Annual salary increments (Until top of grade reached)
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Pay
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Tusker)
- Salary Sacrifice Cycle Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Home & Tech Scheme
- Life Assurance
Full details on our employee benefits can be found on our careers page www.falmouth.ac.uk/jobs. Alongside these benefits we offer a first class working environment across our campuses with all the facilities you would expect from a leading University.
Falmouth University welcomes and encourages job applications from people of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those under-represented and/or marginalised, as it is important we have a diverse range of candidates to consider.
Management Accountant (Finance Operations Lead) employer: Falmouth Careers
Contact Detail:
Falmouth Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant (Finance Operations Lead)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Falmouth University or similar organisations on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in finance operations, especially in higher education. Show us you’re not just a numbers person but someone who understands the bigger picture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills can modernise finance operations and add value. We want to see your passion for making a difference in our financial practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Falmouth University.
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant (Finance Operations Lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Management Accountant role. We want to see how you can influence strategic decisions and modernise financial practices!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since sharp analytical skills are key for this position, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex financial challenges!
Communicate Clearly: Remember, you’ll be communicating financial information to non-finance colleagues. Use clear and straightforward language in your application to demonstrate your ability to make complex concepts accessible.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Falmouth Careers
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Management Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how your insights have influenced strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, think about your leadership style and be prepared to share specific instances where you've coached or developed team members. Highlight how you foster a collaborative culture and drive continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be working with non-finance colleagues, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you've successfully communicated financial information to stakeholders without a finance background.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with Falmouth University and its financial operations. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.