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- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, forecasting, and enhance financial processes at a progressive university.
- Company: Join Manchester Metropolitan University, a forward-thinking institution committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and experience in large accounting environments required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and involvement in strategic financial planning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the UK's most ambitious and progressive universities. We are now looking to appoint a highly skilled and qualified Financial Accountant to join our Business Planning and Reporting Services team. This is a key role within Finance and Procurement, taking responsibility for the University's financial reporting, forecasting and statutory returns, while also leading on development work to enhance financial processes, controls and systems.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Financial Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the University's financial reporting obligations are delivered to the highest standard. Key responsibilities include:
- Taking a lead role in the production of the University's annual statutory accounts and management of the year-end process.
- Preparing financial forecasts, detailed management reports and statutory returns.
- Providing specialist advice on statutory reporting requirements to senior stakeholders across the University.
- Acting as a key point of contact for internal and external auditors, responding to queries and supporting audit processes.
- Developing and maintaining robust financial models to support forecasting, scenario planning and strategic decision-making.
- Contributing to the ongoing development of the University's Finance Strategy, policies and procedures.
- Leading and supporting colleagues across Finance and Procurement, including training on systems and reporting tools (e.g. Oracle, Excel).
- Building strong working relationships with academic and professional services colleagues to support effective financial planning, reporting and control.
2025/26 is the first year of reporting in Oracle Fusion. Therefore, a major part of the role will be working on the transition from SAP to Oracle fusion. You will also contribute to project work and continuous improvement initiatives across the Directorate, ensuring financial processes evolve in line with the University's strategic goals.
About You
You will be a professionally qualified accountant (ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience, ideally within a large and complex organisation. You will bring:
Essential criteria:- A professional accountancy qualification (ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and evidence of continuing professional development.
- Significant experience within a large accounting environment, ideally in a devolved budgeting context.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting, forecasting and statutory accounts production.
- Advanced analytical and financial modelling skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and present it clearly to senior stakeholders.
- Experience of leading staff, projects or cross-team initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and liaise confidently with senior colleagues and external partners.
- Experience using financial systems, including Oracle, and advanced use of Excel and reporting tools.
- Experience within the higher education or public sector environment.
- Experience contributing to strategic financial planning and large-scale transformation projects.
You will also demonstrate a proactive approach to continuous improvement, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality financial services.
How to Apply
Please apply via our online recruitment system, submitting your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Interviews will take place the week commencing 19th January.
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.
Financial Accountant in Manchester employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Contact Detail:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work at universities or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial reporting knowledge and the specific systems mentioned in the job description, like Oracle and Excel. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in financial modelling and forecasting during interviews. Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your analytical prowess and ability to present complex data clearly to stakeholders.
✨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 and engaged with our recruitment process.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial reporting and forecasting, and don’t forget to mention your professional qualifications like ICAEW or ACCA.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to back up your claims.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! If you have advanced analytical skills or experience with Oracle and Excel, make sure to provide examples of how you've used these in previous roles to achieve results.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our online recruitment system. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, you’ll need to be on top of your game with financial reporting and forecasting. Brush up on the key financial metrics relevant to the university sector and be ready to discuss how you’ve handled similar responsibilities in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Systems Savvy
With the transition from SAP to Oracle Fusion, it’s crucial to demonstrate your experience with financial systems. Be prepared to talk about your proficiency in Oracle and Excel, and share examples of how you've used these tools to enhance financial processes or reporting.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll be liaising with senior stakeholders and auditors, so strong communication skills are a must. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, and think of examples where you’ve successfully influenced decisions or resolved queries.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The role involves contributing to ongoing development initiatives, so highlight your proactive approach to improving financial processes. Share specific instances where you’ve led projects or implemented changes that resulted in better efficiency or accuracy in financial reporting.
