At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, analysis, and reporting for the University, guiding strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join a respected not-for-profit organisation dedicated to education and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial sustainability while working with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualified accountant with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
A member of the Financial Planning and Analysis team managing 7 members of staff, the role of Finance Manager will provide University wide management accounting information including accurate forecasting, analysis, reporting and budgeting which will be used to inform fact-based decision making that will directly impact the University's financial sustainability.
Responsibilities
- Accountable for the preparation and analysis of the monthly management accounts, forecast and 5-year Income and Expenditure and Capital budget/plan for their business areas.
- Provide business finance support to budget holders, own the numbers and understand the drivers of the variances, presenting at the Finance internal review meeting.
- Create, review and challenge small / medium scale business cases, options appraisals and external returns including capital expenditure for their business area.
- Provide support to the Academic and Operations Finance Partners for larger scale, more strategic opportunities.
- Be an active member of the Finance Department and senior management teams for their assigned areas, representing Finance in the development of strategy.
- Educate non-Finance staff in Finance processes while establishing a strong and effective control environment within their business area, ensuring compliance with University Financial Regulations.
- Assist in designing and implementing all internal financial reports pertaining to their business area, ensuring accuracy and robustness of all information.
- Identify continuous improvement opportunities in processes, reporting and cost saving. Implement as appropriate.
- Cultivate a culture of value for money.
- Providing Business Finance support and analysis within their respective business area.
- Accountable for leading and delivering month end, forecasts and management information for their assigned area within the University agreed timetable ensuring information is accurate and robust.
- Prepare and own annual budget and forecast profiling. Using prior year data to look for trends and agree profile with budget holders.
- Provide the process framework and delivery support for the 5-year strategic plan submission.
- Play a leading role in constructing the financial strategy and capital plan.
- Influencing strategic decision making both at department and University level.
- Report on month end, forecast and budget outputs at senior management level, offering guidance and developmental support where identified.
- Work with a high degree of independent professional autonomy, organising their time to ensure deadlines are met and sufficient time has been allocated to review / challenge financial information.
- Work in a proactive, flexible and independent manner to effectively manage their workload, and that of the team members for which they have line management responsibility.
- Engage with key stakeholders to produce the business areas budget, capital plan and financial plan which will be submitted to Executive Board (EB).
- Responsible for analysing variances and providing targeted advice and solutions to achieve agreed financial targets.
- Networking and building strong business relationships with the University's senior managers to influence decision making.
- Advise and represent their business areas in the wider University.
- Analysing, reporting and acting upon key management information.
- Provide and interpret financial information to ensure fact-based decision making to optimise the financial position.
- Identify gaps in information and conduct analysis to solve/resolve problems and issues.
- Provide decision making support and associated due diligence work for new small / medium scale opportunities, including the creation and review of new programmes, business cases and applications for capital expenditure.
- Support the Academic and Operations Finance Partners with larger scale / more strategic initiatives.
Qualifications
- ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified accountant.
- Proven ability to build excellent working relationships / partnerships with business areas.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of the work practices, processes and procedures relevant to the role, which may include broader sector/commercial awareness.
- Knowledge of the systems/services for own area, across functions and their relationships.
- Knowledge of the principles and practice of finance.
- Experience of the higher education sector and the commercial sector.
Benefits / Offer
- A competitive salary ranging from £60,000 to £70,000 per annum.
- Comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and career development.
- Opportunities to work within a respected organisation in the not-for-profit sector.
- A permanent role based in Guildford with a professional and supportive team.
Finance Manager in Guildford employer: Michael Page
As a Finance Manager at our esteemed University in Guildford, you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and value for money, empowering you to make impactful financial decisions that contribute to the University's sustainability. Join us to be part of a respected institution where your expertise will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Guildford
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Michael Page. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Michael Page.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Michael Page's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Michael Page.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Michael Page will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Michael Page employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
