At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting for the University, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Join a dynamic and inclusive University environment focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial governance while developing your career in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and strong knowledge of financial reporting and controls.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Financial Controller. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the University’s financial control, statutory reporting and technical accounting arrangements. Working collaboratively across Finance and the wider University, you will ensure that financial information is accurate, complete and supported by proportionate, effective controls, while delivering high-quality financial statements, regulatory returns and authoritative accounting advice within a dynamic and inclusive environment.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading and continuously improving the University’s financial control framework, ensuring controls are proportionate, documented, consistently applied and effective across the University and its subsidiaries.
- Overseeing the integrity of the accounting ledgers and balance sheet, including high-quality reconciliations, clear ownership of balances, timely resolution of outstanding items and meaningful reporting of risks and exceptions.
- Delivering the University’s annual consolidated financial statements and complex accounting disclosures, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and statutory requirements.
- Leading the University’s relationships with internal and external auditors for non-research matters, coordinating audit planning and delivery, preparing colleagues and ensuring issues are addressed effectively.
- Leading and developing the financial control, capital finance, subsidiary finance, central accounts and UMW finance business partnering teams, setting clear priorities and supporting high performance, collaboration and professional development.
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification.
- Educated to degree level.
- Expert knowledge of statutory financial reporting, technical accounting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements.
- Strong knowledge of financial control frameworks, balance sheet management, audit and financial governance in a large, complex organisation.
- Leading a senior financial control or financial reporting function in a large, complex organisation with subsidiary entities and consolidation requirements.
Desirable Criteria:
- Delivering statutory financial statements and regulatory returns to demanding quality and timetable requirements.
- Leading relationships with internal and external auditors and coordinating complex audits from planning through to completion.
- Advising and influencing senior financial and non-financial stakeholders on complex, sensitive or high-risk matters.
- Leading, motivating and developing multidisciplinary finance teams and delivering service and process improvement.
- Advanced digital and data skills, including the ability to analyse large and complex datasets and use financial systems and spreadsheet tools effectively.
Our benefits include:
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here. We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions.
Financial Controller employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. As a Sport Centre Assistant, you'll enjoy flexible shifts while contributing to a dynamic environment that prioritises high-quality experiences for all users. With ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, working at our esteemed institution allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨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 The University of Manchester. 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 Financial Controller
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 The University of Manchester.
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 The University of Manchester'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 The University of Manchester
✨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 The University of Manchester.
✨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 The University of Manchester 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 The University of Manchester 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.
