At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and manage year-end processes for 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.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and involvement in innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and experience in large organisations required.
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.
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.
- Working on the transition from SAP to Oracle Fusion, as 2025/26 is the first year of reporting in Oracle Fusion.
- Contributing 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:
- Professional accountancy qualification 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.
Desirable criteria
- 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 - (8755) in Manchester employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and professional growth within a dynamic and supportive environment. As a Financial Accountant, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, access to mentoring programmes, and opportunities for continuous professional development, all while contributing to the financial integrity of one of the UK's most progressive universities. Join us in fostering a culture that values diversity and innovation, making a meaningful impact on the future of education.
Contact Details:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant - (8755) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Manchester Met through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial reporting knowledge. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their needs, especially around statutory accounts and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our skills with real examples! When we get the chance to talk about our experience, let’s highlight specific projects where we’ve led teams or improved processes, especially in financial modelling.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the university's website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant - (8755) 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 statutory accounts production, as this will catch our eye!
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. Be specific and give examples where possible.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your advanced analytical and financial modelling skills. We love seeing how you interpret complex data and present it clearly, so make sure to include that in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our online recruitment system. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 used these in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Master the Systems
Familiarise yourself with Oracle and Excel, as these are crucial for the role. If you have experience transitioning from one system to another, like SAP to Oracle Fusion, be sure to highlight that. It demonstrates your adaptability and technical skills, which are essential for this position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You’ll be leading projects and supporting colleagues, so prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you’ve influenced senior stakeholders or trained others on financial systems. This will illustrate your ability to communicate effectively and drive results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in financial modelling and reporting. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve had to analyse complex data and make recommendations. This will help you demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking, which are key for the role.
