Cost Accountant (Transparent Approach to Costing)

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Oxford seeks a part-time Cost Accountant to prepare TRAC returns and analyze income performance. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of Full Economic Costing principles and excellent IT skills. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and a modern office environment, with flexibility to work hybrid and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Discounted gym facilities

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of the principles and application of Full Economic Costing (FEC).
• Ability to translate financial data into meaningful explanations.
• Excellent IT skills including advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit the TRAC return in line with OfS guidelines.
• Analyze and report on performance of income streams.
• Review and enhance costing and pricing practices.

Skills

Influencing skills

Independent problem-solving

Excellent IT skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel modelling

Job description

Overview

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Head of Finance and Planning (Partnerships & Costing), the Cost Accountant (Transparent Approach to Costing) will lead the preparation, coordination, review, and governance of TRAC returns, ensuring they are robustly challenged and compliant before submission to the Office for Students (OfS).

This is a part time 0.74fte post, fixed term for 2 years.

The Financial Planning & Analysis department plays a central role in driving the University\'s financial sustainability and supporting decision-making across all Faculties, Directorates, and strategic partnerships. We are responsible for delivering high-quality management information, financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and insightful analysis to senior leaders, enabling them to make informed, data-driven decisions.

What will I be doing?

• Preparing and submitting the TRAC return in line with the latest OfS guidelines
• Analysing and reporting on the performance of different income streams using a Full Economic Costing (FEC) model
• Reviewing and enhancing costing and pricing practices
• Preparing papers for the Financial Sustainability Steering Group (FSSG) and other committees
• Maintaining and improving the Excel workbook used for TRAC calculations

Requirements

• In depth knowledge of the principles and application of FEC
• The ability to influence a wide range of people including senior staff and governors
• The ability to translate financial data into meaningful explanations to suit the needs of non-finance and finance staff
• Ability to work independently and to tight deadlines, taking ownership of tasks, exercising judgement and solving problems
• Excellent IT skills including advanced Microsoft Office and Excel modelling as well as experience of costing and pricing financial systems

Location and working pattern

Based at our Headington campus, you\'ll enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and a modern office environment. The campus is just one mile from the centre of Oxford, with regular public transport links. Limited staff parking is also available on site (permit required). This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with a minimum expectation of one day on campus per week.

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident: A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

Organisation

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: "shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research."

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

Benefits and wellbeing

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year). We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline. We prioritise the well-being of our employees - both physically and mentally, as well as financially. We provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

Additional benefits

• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on-site nursery
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community - Brookes has a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work

Equality, diversity and inclusion