Senior Finance Manager at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

20 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Yes

Skills

Management accounting, Financial reporting, Budgeting, Forecasting, Financial analysis, Strategic leadership, Financial controls, Team management, Continuous improvement, Stakeholder management, Digital competency, ERP systems, Regulatory compliance, Communication skills, Problem solving, Analytical skills

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page. The Role and the Department The Senior Finance Manager (SFM) role sits within the Finance Service at Durham University and forms part of the Management Reporting function, which is responsible for producing high-quality, accurate, timely and insightful monthly management accounts. The role provides strategic and operational leadership of the management reporting activities supporting the Professional Services and College divisions. The Senior Finance Manager is responsible for leading the provision of high-quality management accounting, financial reporting and analysis, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support effective decision-making. The role also plays a key part in strengthening financial controls, improving management information and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the Finance Service. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance (Management Reporting) and working closely with Finance Business Partners and other senior finance colleagues to support the development of budgets and forecasts. The role provides critical financial insight to budget holders, ensuring financial information supports informed decision-making aligned with the University’s strategic objectives. The Senior Finance Manager will lead and develop a high-performing management accounting team, embedding high standards of technical competence, customer service and continuous improvement across the function. The base location for this role is Boldon House, our professional services hub located on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings together a number of professional services teams in a vibrant environment designed to support collaborative and hybrid working. Further information can be found on the Boldon House project webpage: Boldon House – Durham University. The role offers hybrid working with a minimum of 40%25 office-based attendance per week, which may increase to meet business needs during key periods such as month end, year end or audit. Please note the expected interview date is approximately 22nd May 2026. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: • You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. • We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance. • We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. • We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Our family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. • You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. • Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. • If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest-free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA) or qualified by experience of 5+ years in a similar role. 2. Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge and expertise to influence service delivery, events and activities within the organisation. 3. Significant management accounting experience within a large, complex organisation producing and reviewing management accounts, budgets, and forecasts. 4. Experience of partnering and providing high quality specialist financial advice, insights and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues. 5. Demonstrable experience of managing and developing finance teams and/or an enhanced management qualification applied across a service team or teams. 6. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements with evidence of leading a continuous improvement programme with demonstrable success in improving efficiency and automation in financial processes, reporting or systems. 7. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University’s reputation. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 8. Excellent interpersonal, spoken and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively along with maintaining effective working relationships, both internally and externally. 9. Advanced digital competency (Microsoft 365, ERP finance systems, reporting tools, analytics) with demonstrable experience of how digital skills have brought efficiency improvements and detailed insights to stakeholders. 10. Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, financial controls and organisational policy and guidelines. 11. Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels and managing team workload across multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 12. Ability to solve problems and demonstrate analytical skills, to decide on and plan appropriate solutions and drive improvements. 13. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition. 14. Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels. Desirable Criteria 15. Experience within the Higher Education or public/not-for-profit sector. 16. Knowledge of FRS102 and HE SORP. 17. Experience working with Oracle Fusion or similar ERP systems. 18. Experience supporting large-scale change or transformation projects. How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What you need to submit • A CV: and • A supporting statement which outlines how you specifically meet all the criteria within the Person Specification. Contact details For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Chloe Lawson, Head of Finance (Management Reporting) at chloe.lawson@durham.ac.uk. Typical Role Requirements Core Responsibilities · Lead the preparation, review, and delivery of high-quality, accurate and timely monthly management accounts for your area of responsibility · Prepare monthly budget / forecast variance analysis and narrative commentary that provides clear insight, explanation, and recommendations. · Work with Systems Accounting and the FP&A reporting team to develop and enhance financial dashboards and optimise reporting tools and management information to support operational and strategic decision-making across the University. · Provide technical financial guidance to your team and stakeholders to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of financial postings and cost allocations. · Build strong relationships across academic and non-academic communities, promoting a culture of financial awareness, accountability, and transparency. · Work collaboratively with Finance Business Partners to support annual budgeting and in year forecasting for your area and lead on the monthly phasing by department. · Manage workload planning and prioritisation within your team to ensure delivery against multiple deadlines including month end, year end and internal / external audit requirements. Service Delivery and Development · Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. · Develop and apply an in-depth understanding of university policy and external developments when carrying out your role. · Ensure the integrity, completeness and accuracy of financial data, postings and cost allocations, maintaining strong financial controls ensuring compliance with University policies, accounting standards and regulatory requirements that are carried out in services you are responsible for. · Use your professional financial knowledge and experience to resolve complex financial issues and support the development of improved financial reporting processes and systems and provide subject matter expertise and advice in management accounting and financial analysis, ensuring consistent application of financial policies, procedures and standards. · Use your managerial and leadership expertise to identify priorities and shape the Management Reporting Service to achieve the required outcomes. · Look for ways to continually improve the Management Reporting services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of assigned policies, processes and standards. · Initiate and manage business process reviews to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of management reporting services. · Ensure data (commercially sensitive and/or personal) is appropriately stored and managed. · Manage quality and regulatory audits of systems and procedures by internal or external auditors ensuring appropriate documentation and evidence is maintained. · Support the welfare, wellbeing and employment of your staff by providing professional guidance. Planning and Organisation · Contribute to the development and delivery of operational financial plans relevant to your area. · Oversee the analysis of data about the service levels provided by your area and make recommendations for improvement in reports to senior managers and committees. · Allocate and monitor designated budgets, expenditure and resources identifying key risks, opportunities and cost pressures and providing recommendations to senior finance colleagues. Team Development · Manage, lead and develop the people, performance and resources of your management reporting team to ensure that a high-quality, customer-focused finance service is provided. · Help shape the skills and expertise needed to deliver a professional finance service by recruiting, inducting and training team members and structuring the team in a way that will best meet operational and strategic priorities. · Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members team to ensure efficient delivery of work and development of staff capability. · Carry out regular 1-2-1’s, Team Meetings and quarterly Check In performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and expectations and identify any development needs · Handle most HR issues and support the welfare and wellbeing of your team, referring more complex issues to specialist services or more senior managers. · Promote professional development, including support for professional accounting qualifications and development of systems, analytical and digital capabilities. Communication and Liaison · Use your professional knowledge to identify and recommend priorities for long-term business plans. · Provide clear professional guidance, financial advice and insight to budget holders to support informed decision-making when managing the Management Reporting service, you are responsible for. · Influence University policy, standards and governance by leading financial and operational business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. · Create strong working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills, swap information with peers and positively influence the University’s reputation. · Represent Finance team and the University at promotional events. · Identify opportunities to develop and increase participation in special interest groups. Additional Duties · Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade of the role Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Responsibilities

The Senior Finance Manager leads the management reporting function, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making. They are responsible for managing a high-performing team, overseeing budgets and forecasts, and driving continuous improvement in financial processes.