Finance Manager

University of Portsmouth Students' Union; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK educational institution is seeking a detail-oriented Finance Manager to oversee financial processes, including management accounts and payroll. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong organizational skills, proficiency in Excel, and experience in managing teams. The role offers a supportive workplace, training opportunities, and 38 days of annual leave. This is a full-time position with flexible working arrangements. Interested candidates should apply through the institution's website by 12th January 2026.

Benefits

38 days holiday

Flexible working

Discounted gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong organisational approach and ability to prioritise.
• Experience producing management accounts is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver month and year-end processes, including production of management accounts.
• Review, develop, and implement financial processes.
• Manage bank reconciliations and the sales & purchase ledger.
• Oversee payroll processes with external partners.

Skills

Highly organised

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Proficient with Excel

Experience managing teams

Tools

Microsoft tools

Cloud-based accounting package

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver month and year-end processes, including production of management accounts.
• Review, develop, and implement financial processes.
• Manage bank reconciliations and the sales & purchase ledger.
• Oversee the Union’s payroll processes and work with external partners such as financial and payroll experts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Highly organised and motivated with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisational approach and ability to prioritise competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficient with digital and Microsoft tools, particularly Excel.
• Experience with a cloud‑based accounting package is desirable.
• Experience in leading, motivating and managing teams.
• Experience producing management accounts and delivering payroll processes is desirable.

What we offer

• Strong team mentality, supportive and sociable workplace.
• Regular training opportunities and team development days.
• 38 days holiday (30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown).
• Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering).
• 35 hour week.
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
• Access to University staff benefits: discounted gym membership, free library membership, bike safe.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Further Information

For more information on this opportunity and how to apply, please visit www.upsu.net/careers. For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Cherelyn Cuthbert, Director of Central Services, at [e-mail] or 02392 843102.

Closing date for applications: Midday, 12th January 2026.

Interviews will be held on: 22nd January 2026.

We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website.

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview.

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and, as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.