At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day financial operations and support budget holders at the Students' Union.
- Company: Join the vibrant Students' Union at the University of Bath.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while making a real impact on student life.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 £ per year.
Are you an experienced accountant and finance manager looking for a new challenge? Do you lead and encourage in a helpful and supportive manner and are motivated to deliver improvements whilst contributing to the team's success? Shape the future of finance within The Student's Union at the University of Bath.
About the role
You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations of the SU. Working as part of a busy team at the heart of the SU, you will be the first point of contact for budget holders ensuring good practice, building a culture of financial literacy to support good budgetary control. With our finance processes now transferred onto our new digital Iplicit finance system, you will lead on the ongoing success of these implemented changes. You will be responsible for ensuring the organisation has up to date and reliable management information, as well as finance policies and processes being fit for purpose and followed throughout the charity. You will support staff and students in having the financial advice and support they need to deliver our charitable purpose. This role sits within the Finance Team in the Students Union, reporting to the Head of Operations. We offer a vibrant and fun working environment and flexibility to enable your work-life balance. We are open to offering this role on a part-time basis (0.8FTE) with a negotiable working pattern to suit you and us.
More than just a job, this is an opportunity for committed and ambitious people to help shape our organisation and the lives of the students we represent. Join us and be part of our story!
About you
We are looking for an experienced accountant with fantastic interpersonal skills. You’ll have a can-do attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. Excellent analytical and Excel skills and attention to detail are welcomed. Within this role, you’ll be student-led and empathetic with the cause, mission and values of The SU.
Our ideal candidate will be:
- Part qualified (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or Level 4 AAT with experience
- An experienced Finance Manager who can work on their own initiative to deliver objectives to agreed targets and a high standard
- Experienced in leading teams and growing talent
About SU
The SU is an independent charity based at the University of Bath. We help students shape their experience at Bath University so they get the most out of their time here. At our heart, we believe that being student-led achieves the best student experience, for the benefit of students, the University and society at large. Students' Unions are a place to work like no other; inclusive, progressive and community-driven, we exist to bring the best out of each other and the people we represent. No two days are the same, and no SU is the same; with a network of over 600 UK-based Unions, there is a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself and build your career.
Further information
For any informal enquiries about the role, please contact Ryan Bird, Chief Executive or Fiona Slaven, Strategic Finance Lead.
Application information
Please ensure that your application is submitted via the University website and includes a copy of your CV, along with a supporting statement of no more than 800 words detailing your suitability for the role.
Selection process
If you are longlisted, you will be contacted by a member of the HR team to complete a short pre-screening evaluation. If you are shortlisted following the pre-screening stage, you will be contacted by the Finance Lead to complete an online finance skills assessment on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Candidates who successfully progress through the shortlisting stage will be invited to attend the interview stages:
- First interview Qualifying round: Monday 28 September 2026 (in person)
- Second interview Final round: Monday 5 October 2026 (in person)
Candidates who are successful at the qualifying interview will be invited to attend the final interview.
What we can offer you
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality, receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader, and an autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
We are committed to continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us on X for more information.
Right to Work in the UK:
We do not assess immigration or right to work status until the offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship, and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Anonymous shortlisting:
We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.
Finance Manager employer: University of Bath
SETsquared Bath is an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive professional development opportunities, generous benefits, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of Bath, our team enjoys a family-friendly workplace with a focus on wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨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 University of Bath. 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
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 University of Bath.
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 University of Bath'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 University of Bath
✨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 University of Bath.
✨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 University of Bath 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 University of Bath 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.
