Finance Manager, TRAC and Central Costs

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in the UK seeks an experienced financial planner to support its Finance Division in modernising academic and financial planning. The role involves developing a financial planning model, managing TRAC submissions, and contributing to significant transformation projects. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in both higher education and the private sector, with a strong background in financial management and stakeholder communication. The position offers hybrid working options and attractive benefits, including 41 days of annual leave and career development opportunities.

Benefits

41 days annual leave

Defined benefits pension schemes

Flexible working options

Family-friendly initiatives

Career development opportunities

Rental deposit scheme

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply a new financial planning model for the University.
• Responsible for the Transparent Approach to Costing return submission.
• Contribute to Finance Transformation Programme and Enhanced Financial Transparency project.
• Support continuity during the transition from legacy financial processes.

Skills

Managing an accounting and finance team

Presenting complex financial information

Communicating change in accounting practices

Developing accounting tools for Activity Based Costing

Experience in Higher Education/Public Sector and commercial environments

Education

Degree level/level 7 vocational qualification

Chartered accountant or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for your next challenge, utilising your skills and experience to support the University of Cambridge Finance Division modernise its approach to academic and financial planning? Join us on our exciting Enhanced Financial Transparency (EFT) Project which is highly significant and will have a University-wide impact. The project forms part of an overall Finance Transformation Programme (FTP). You will work within Academic and Financial Planning and Analysis who supports the University's Academic Mission by enabling the development, prioritisation, implementation, and achievement of academic and strategic plans within an affordable financial framework. Within AFPA, this role is part of Financial Planning and Performance.

The Role

• You will be instrumental in the development and application of a new financial planning model for use across the whole University.
• You will be responsible for the University's Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) return submission to the Office for Students, a return which heavily influences the financial performance appraisal of the University's activities.
• As a subject matter expert, and using knowledge gained from the TRAC return, you will contribute to the delivery of the Finance Transformation Programme with a particular focus on the Enhanced Financial Transparency project.
• You will contribute to the continuity and evolution of business-as-usual activity during the transition away from legacy financial planning and budgeting processes.

Your Skills

You will have:

• Significant relevant experience, ideally gained in both the Higher Education/Public Sector and commercial environments.
• Experience of managing an accounting and finance team who review, challenge and improve the delivery of financial information.
• Experience of presenting complex financial information in ways to make it easily understood to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience of managing and communicating change in accounting practices with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience of developing accounting tools to deliver an Activity Based Costing management accounting solution.

You will be:

• Educated to degree level/ level 7 vocational qualification.
• Chartered accountant or have equivalent level of experience.

Benefits

• 41 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Defined benefits pension schemes
• Flexible working options
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Rental deposit scheme

Location

The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This arrangement is subject to change and will not form a part of the contractual terms of the role.

Recruitment

Funding for this post is permanent. Please quote reference AG48205 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. We plan to hold a recruitment day for this role on Friday 23 January 2026 and you will be contacted before this date to confirm if you have been invited to interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.