Head of Finance - Projects

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in the UK is seeking an experienced accountant to lead their Project Accounting team. The role involves managing end-to-end project accounting processes, delivering financial reports to stakeholders, and optimizing Oracle accounting systems. Candidates should possess substantial experience in financial management and hold a professional accountancy qualification. This is an exciting opportunity to drive improvements and achieve excellence within a large organization.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of project accounting and financial management.
• Experience using financial systems for reporting and control improvements.
• Ability to interpret complex information for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end project accounting processes and internal controls.
• Deliver high-quality financial reports and dashboards for stakeholders.
• Lead development and optimization of accounting processes and controls.

Skills

Project accounting

Financial management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Professional accountancy qualification (ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled and motivated accountant to lead our Project Accounting team. This is a new and exciting opportunity, arising from the implementation of Oracle Fusion, with responsibility to drive value from the system and ensure its capabilities are fully leveraged.

The Role

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance – Financial Management you will be the process owner for the Oracle Projects module and, as a senior member of the Financial Management team, contribute to the development of University wide strategic plans and operations.

You will :

• Be responsible for end-to-end project accounting processes, ensuring effective management, robust internal controls, and timely and accurate accounting and financial reporting for project activity.
• Deliver high-quality financial reports, dashboards, analysis and insight to advise senior stakeholders, governance committees and boards in making informed decisions to support the delivery of the University's Research strategy and value-for-money outcomes.
• Provide proactive leadership and support to enable the Project Accounting function to achieve the highest standards of excellence.
• Lead the development and optimisation of Oracle Project sub-ledger accounting processes, systems and controls. Drive continuous improvement through leveraging automation, ERP enhancements and best practice to deliver process efficiency and robust internal controls.
• Work collaboratively across the University, developing and maintaining relationships to ensure a co-ordinated approach to project activities.
• Lead the preparation and co-ordination of external statutory financial reporting on Research and Innovation activities.
• Support in establishing regular University forecasts for project related activities at key reporting deadlines.

About the you :

We are seeking a strategic finance leader with substantial experience in management and financial accounting within a large organisation. Leadership skills and experience are essential for this role.

To be successful in this role you will have :

• In-depth knowledge of project accounting, financial management and reporting.
• Demonstrable experience of using financial systems to drive improvements in reporting, planning and control.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at all levels.
• The ability to interpret and convey complex information to a range of diverse audiences.
• A proven ability to lead the work of a team and multiple projects.
• Excellent analytical skills including the ability to evaluate complex sets of information, draw conclusions and recommend practical solutions.
• A professional accountancy qualification (ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and evidence of continuing professional development.