Overview
The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) finance team develops and implements dynamic, future‑focused financial strategies to support the University’s aims, while maintaining sound financial oversight and administration of the University’s financial affairs. The team works closely with AMRC research groups and professional services departments.
This role is a Finance Business Partner for the AMRC. You will be directly involved in providing sound financial advice and support to departments, ensuring the effective management and monitoring of departmental funds, including operational budgets, research projects and other external activities. Responsibilities include budgeting, monitoring, reporting and forecasting; month‑end, quarter‑end and year‑end routines; portfolio oversight; and line management.
Responsibilities
* Work with AMRC research groups and professional services to provide finance support, ensuring the AMRC’s financial plan sustainability and identification and management of financial risks.
* Provide expert financial support, guidance and management information, delivering excellent customer service.
* Prepare accurate income and expenditure forecasts monthly and quarterly, analysing and explaining variances with recommendations for action or mitigation.
* Prepare quarterly and year‑end reconciliations, including reserves and other provisions, and coordinate year‑end procedures across departments.
* Advise on budgetary control and activity forecasting for all external income streams, offering solutions to minimise risk or conflict with University financial regulations.
* Review and prepare financial expenditure statements or award claims for all external funding, coordinate external audit of financial returns, and act as the point of contact throughout the audit process.
* Support finance staff to work to the highest professional standards, encouraging continuous professional development and identifying improvements in processes and activities to maximise effectiveness.
* Collaborate with other Finance Business Partners and the Finance Manager to plan workload allocations across the team, ensuring objectives and deadlines are achieved and productivity optimised.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
* Demonstrate sound knowledge of financial management principles, including financial forecasting, budget monitoring and control, and month‑end routines. (Essential)
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, relationship‑building and influencing skills. Credibility to operate as a finance leader and advisor, generating confidence in stakeholders. (Essential)
* Leadership skills in managing, motivating and developing a team and motivating high performance in line with the department’s vision and values. (Essential)
* Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret and evaluate financial and business information to inform decisions. (Essential)
* Qualified or part‑qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent). (Essential)
* Proven ability to communicate complex financial information to a non‑financial audience, including production of high‑quality financial reports. (Essential)
* Excellent IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel and experience of using finance systems and reporting solutions in an operational environment. (Essential)
* Proactive with the ability to work to multiple deadlines, organise team resources and prioritise workloads. (Essential)
* Part‑qualified Advanced level (e.g., CIMA Managerial level plus case study or equivalent for ACCA). (Desirable)
* Awareness and interest in issues facing the higher education sector and experience in financial management of funding from external bodies. (Desirable)
Benefits
* 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro‑rata), with the option to purchase additional days.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for suitable roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Wide range of discounts and rewards for shopping, eating out and travel.
* Staff networks providing social interaction, peer support and personal development.
* Recognition awards for exceptional performance.
* Commitment to professional development, including learning and mentoring schemes, and shared skills resources.
* Family‑friendly policies, including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for menopause, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.
Further Information
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,784 – £47,389 per annum
* Work arrangement: Full time, 35 hours per week
* Line manager: AMRC Finance Manager
* Direct reports: Assistant Finance Business Partner
* Advancement site: https://sheffield.ac.uk/finance
* Informal enquiries: s.d.oneill@sheffield.ac.uk
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