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- Tasks: Lead the Finance team and manage key financial processes for the Union.
- Company: Join the University of Portsmouth Students' Union, a friendly and forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, flexible working, and access to great staff benefits.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong attention to detail and experience in finance management preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with regular training and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Finance Manager is responsible for the operational leadership of the Finance function, managing a team of two coordinators and facilitating and developing the Union's Finance activity.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivery of month and year end processes
- Production of management accounts
- Review, development and implementation of financial processes
- Management of bank reconciliations and sales & purchase ledger
- Overseeing the Union's payroll processes
- Working with external partners such as financial and payroll experts
The Person:
- Excellent attention to detail
- Organised approach to work, with the ability to prioritise competing priorities
- Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work well with others
- Enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment
- Ability to be flexible
- Excellent IT and Microsoft skills, in particular with Excel
- Experience leading and managing teams
- Experience overseeing and delivering key financial processes
- Experience producing management accounts (desirable but not essential)
- Experience delivering payroll (desirable but not essential)
- Experience working with a cloud‑based accounting system (desirable but not essential)
What we offer:
- Strong team mentality, supportive and sociable workplace
- Regular training opportunities and team development days
- 38 days holiday (30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown)
- Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering)
- 35 hour week
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
- Access to University staff benefits: discounted gym membership, free library membership, bike safe
- Employee Assistance Programme
The Organisation:
The University of Portsmouth Students' Union (The Union or UPSU for short) is a forward thinking, friendly organisation with a vision of "delivering a positive impact with every Portsmouth student". As a charity led by its values and guided by its members, we offer a wide range of services and activities to support and enrich the lives of our students. UPSU employs approximately 30 career staff, a further 40 student staff and works with over 1000 registered student volunteers and over 100 student groups.
Further Information:
For more information on this opportunity and how to apply, please visit www.upsu.net/careers. For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Cherelyn Cuthbert, Director of Central Services, on cherelyn.cuthbert@upsu.net or 02392 843102.
Closing date for applications: Midday, 12th January 2026. Interviews will be held on date: 22nd January 2026.
Application Instructions:
We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website. Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview. Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and, as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
Mental Well‑Being Support:
The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.
Finance Manager in Portsmouth employer: National Union of Students
Contact Detail:
National Union of Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on UPSU. Understand their values and how they impact students. This will help you connect your experience with what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to finance management and team leadership. We can even help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your interpersonal skills! During the interview, be sure to highlight your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or collaborated on projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics at UPSU. It shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start filling out the application form, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Finance Manager and how your skills align with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: When answering the application questions, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward answers that highlight your relevant experience without unnecessary fluff.
Show Your Team Spirit: Since we value teamwork, make sure to mention any experiences where you've successfully worked with others. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you can contribute to our supportive and sociable workplace.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so don’t forget to submit your application form there. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Union of Students
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and processes relevant to the role, like month-end closing and management accounts. Be ready to discuss how you've handled these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a team, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance. This will show that you can foster a strong team mentality.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think of scenarios where you've had to prioritise competing tasks or adapt to changes quickly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cloud Accounting
While experience with cloud-based accounting systems is desirable but not essential, showing that you're tech-savvy can set you apart. If you have any experience with such systems, be prepared to discuss it. If not, do a bit of research to understand how they work.
