Transactional Finance Manager - Fixed Term Contract

About UCAS

UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education. UCAS is the world's leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers. We're a successful and fast‑growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We're committed to delivering a first‑class service to all of our customers – they're at the heart of everything we do.

Business Unit description

Our Finance and Corporate Services business unit is a fusion of multiple functions – financial planning and accounting, facilities and building management, procurement, corporate governance and performance, legal and compliance. The Finance Team also defines UCAS' financial strategy.

About the role

The purpose of the role is to take overarching responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and timely delivery of UCAS' day‑to‑day financial transactions. This includes full oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashbooks and all associated reconciliations, and effective line management of 2 Finance Assistants. Ensuring high‑quality outputs, strong performance and consistent application of processes and controls.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Take full accountability for leading, managing, and developing the Finance Assistants, ensuring the team consistently delivers high‑quality, accurate, and timely outputs.
• Set clear performance expectations, monitor delivery against objectives, and provide targeted feedback to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Directly oversee the allocation and prioritisation of workloads, ensuring all transactional activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and within required deadlines.
• Embed a culture of responsibility, collaboration, and high performance, promoting a proactive approach to problem‑solving and service excellence.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet performance and control standards.

Skills, qualifications, and experience

• Qualified or part‑qualified accountant, or actively progressing a recognised professional qualification.
• Previous experience of supervising and developing junior staff within a transactional finance environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial accounting and transactional processes, including strong month‑end expertise.
• Highly proficient in finance systems and Excel, with confident use of tools such as XLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data validation.
• Demonstrated ability to operate under pressure, managing competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and control.
• Clear, confident communicator, able to translate complex financial information to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build effective cross‑functional relationships.
• Self‑sufficient and accountable, able to work with minimal supervision while contributing to a high‑performing team.
• Analytical, solutions‑focused mindset, with a track record of improving processes and strengthening financial controls.
• Robust technical understanding of UK VAT legislation and its practical application across transactional finance, including correct VAT coding, identification of anomalies, and the ability to investigate, resolve, or elevate VAT issues to ensure full compliance.

First stage interviews will be held on 10th and 11th February. Second stage interviews will be held on 16th February.

Package

• Up to £40,000 – 18‑month Fixed Term Contract
• Purpose‑driven work in a charity‑led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity
• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry‑recognised certifications through our development academies
• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35‑hour week and flexible contracts
• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave
• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools
• On‑site facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office
• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders
• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex‑gratia bonus for going above and beyond

Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still apply. If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via careers@ucas.ac.uk and one of us will be in.

Working Arrangements

Is fully remote working an option? No