Head of Finance - Projects - (8801)

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is looking for an experienced accountant to lead their Project Accounting team. The role requires overseeing end-to-end project accounting processes and delivering high-quality financial reports to support strategic decisions. Applicants should possess substantial experience in management accounting, strong leadership skills, and a relevant professional accountancy qualification. A collaborative approach and the ability to drive improvements in financial systems are crucial. The university promotes inclusivity and offers flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Mentoring programmes

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in project accounting and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to drive improvements in financial systems.
• Experience in leading teams and managing multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project accounting processes and financial reporting.
• Deliver financial reports and insights for decision-making.
• Lead development of Oracle Projects accounting processes.
• Collaborate across departments for coordinated project management.

Skills

Project accounting

Financial management

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

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

Job description

The Role

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.

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.

Key responsibilities

• 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 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.

Required qualifications and experience

• 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.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages) that clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description. Use your cover letter to provide specific examples of your skills and experience relevant to the role.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.