Finance Manager / Accounts Manager

This role is based in the UK and will be working on site in our UK based College. Hybrid is an option for this post, and we can be flexible regarding the home site. There will be some travel expected as you may cover multiple sites and there will be requirement to attend meetings on various sites too.

As a senior member of the Finance department, you will be responsible for supervision of business areas, business partnering both Campus and Central Functions and assist with the preparation of forecasts and the monthly Management Accounts, as well as the annual Financial Statements, in line with the Colleges Financial Planning Calendar.

• To support and provide information and advice to budget holders and administrators, working with them proactively to help improve financial performance, effectiveness and control.
• To prepare the monthly Management Accounts for own areas of responsibility, including in year forecasts, monthly accounting adjustments, capital budget reporting and the commentary.
• To assist in the preparation of the College Budget and Financial Plan.
• To maximise financial performance by implementing controls to ensure income received is accurate, monitored and regularly reconciled, and that all income is invoiced on a timely basis.
• To understand the strategic direction of the College to ensure that the Finance Team delivers a service that adds value and helps the organisation achieve its strategic objectives.
• Act as the key financial reporting contact within the College and reviewer for the various business areas, providing expert financial reporting and advice, technical accounting, analysis and business-planning support.
• Provide financial reports and statistics to governors, senior leadership and managers as required.
• Monitor and report on financial performance, identifying areas of improvement or concern, and providing guidance and support to department heads.
• Carry out assigned month-end procedures on a timely basis including reconciliation of balance sheet accounts and processing of journals.
• Ensure the processes and accounting methods used within the team are appropriate, accurate and efficient in nature.
• Act as a subject matter expert on accounting and reporting, adding value to projects run by other departments within the College.
• Supporting the development of financial plans including budgeting and forecasting for the short and medium-term, with a particular focus on cash flow.
• Support the preparation of the Colleges (and its subsidiaries) annual statutory accounts, monthly management accounts, regulatory returns to the DfE and others, forecasts and the annual budget.

As one of two Senior Finance Managers other duties may include:

• Line management and leadership of the Accounts Payable and Procurement team.
• There is a requirement to conduct annual reflection (appraisal), regular 1-2-1s, succession planning.
• Oversee procurement management activities, including developing and implementing procurement strategies and policies, supporting the end-to-end procurement process and ensuring compliance and value for money.
• Manage the Fixed Asset Register and capital budgets.
• Business Partner for the Director of Strategic Estates and Projects, providing support with the financial management of externally funded capital and revenue projects.

The College will provide training. Our offer of work will be conditional upon a number of mandatory pre-employment checks, to include but not limited to: DBS, Barred List check, right to work check, internet search, TRA check (academic posts).

Part or fully qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACA, CIPFA or ACCA) is required. Experience managing financial control activities to the highest standards within a finance function (producing management and statutory accounts for financial audit).