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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and manage payroll while driving transformation projects.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a diverse institution with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in higher education and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial systems and team management.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 46735 - 55755 £ per year.
Join the University of Bath as a Finance Manager for Operations & Transformation. In this pivotal role, you'll combine being part of the CLEAR Project which aims to modernise our financial operations with management of the University’s payroll and pensions team. You'll work with colleagues across the university to implement positive change and ensure efficient financial processes.
Why You’ll Thrive in This Role
You will be part of the team driving the implementation of Agresso into the cloud. This will allow you to help shape the future of financial operations whilst guiding a collaborative payroll team. Additionally, you will build and maintain important relationships with pension providers and regulatory bodies. Engaging with diverse colleagues will enable you to influence decision-making and share standard processes. Finally, you will contribute to innovation in higher education finance. This role involves a hybrid working pattern with an expectation of 2 days on campus per week, although flexibility on this will be required.
Key Responsibilities
- CLEAR Programme: You will partner with the Director of Financial Operations to be part of the successful delivery of the cloud migration of Agresso. Collaborating across departments, you will be part of the team enhancing systems, processes, and controls. Ensuring that operational reporting needs are integrated into programme delivery will be a crucial part of your role. Additionally, you will collaborate with Finance colleagues and partners to ensure training resources and procedures for cloud-based solutions are updated and implemented.
- Operational Finance Management: You will guide the Payroll and Pensions team with a focus on compliance and accuracy. Coordinating relationships with pension providers and regulatory bodies will be a key responsibility. Additionally, you will lead statutory reporting and year-end processes. Supporting finance operations during transformation to maintain service excellence will be essential to your role.
- Engagement & Collaboration: You will represent Finance in cross-functional initiatives and committees. By creating alignment between the CLEAR Programme, finance leadership, and operational staff, you will ensure cohesive and effective operations. Additionally, you will develop networks with higher education peers to exchange innovations. Communicating complex financial changes clearly to diverse audiences will be a key part of your role.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Qualified accountant credentials
- Experience with financial accounting, payroll/pension management and financial systems
- Knowledge of cloud migrations (valuable but not required)
- A track record of supporting collaborative teams and managing diverse collaborators
- The ability to balance competing priorities in a complex organisation
- A proactive approach with strong relationship-building capabilities
- Experience with change initiatives (desirable but not essential)
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 equality 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, so we 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 are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; 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 to better support you and enhance your experience with us.
Closing Date: 11 May 2025
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Salary: £46,735 to £55,755
Finance Manager - Operations & Transformation (FM12642) employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Operations & Transformation (FM12642)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Agresso system and cloud migration processes. Understanding these technical aspects will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in higher education finance, especially those who have experience with payroll and pensions management. Engaging with peers can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing diverse teams and collaborating across departments. Highlight specific examples where you successfully influenced decision-making or implemented change initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the University of Bath's values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits their culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Operations & Transformation (FM12642)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as an accountant and your experience with financial accounting, payroll, and pension management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage diverse teams and support collaborative initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the University of Bath. Discuss how your background aligns with the CLEAR Project and your experience in cloud migrations, even if it's not extensive. Highlight your proactive approach and relationship-building skills.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate to operational finance management and change initiatives. Mention any specific projects where you contributed to system enhancements or compliance improvements, especially in a higher education context.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with financial systems and your approach to managing competing priorities. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex financial changes to diverse audiences in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Understand the CLEAR Project
Familiarise yourself with the objectives and goals of the CLEAR Project. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with modernising financial operations and how you can contribute to the successful delivery of the cloud migration of Agresso.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Highlight your ability to build and maintain relationships with pension providers and regulatory bodies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams in the past, as this role requires strong engagement and collaboration across departments.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your qualifications and experience in financial accounting, payroll, and pension management. Provide specific examples of how you've ensured compliance and accuracy in previous roles, as these are key responsibilities for the Finance Manager position.
✨Prepare for Change Management Discussions
Since the role involves supporting change initiatives, think about your experiences with transformation projects. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed competing priorities and supported collaborative teams during times of change, showcasing your proactive approach.
