The University of Manchester are seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced Head of School Finance (Senior Finance Business Partner) to join their Finance Team. The Head of School/Directorate Finance is a member of the Directorate of Finance working under the guidance of the Deputy Director of Faculty Finance. You will work alongside Heads of School/Directors/Senior leadership teams as a business partner to provide operational and strategic support on all financial matters. You will be responsible for managing the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes for your area of responsibility. This will include analysis of performance and highlighting remedial action where required. You will develop and continuously improve management information to assist School/Directorate budget holders This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual looking to advance their career in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Key Responsibilities: Actively work with the Heads of School/PS Directors to develop their financial awareness and understanding of their area in the context of the University, and to help them drive appropriate actions Work with the Heads of School/PS Directors in all financial planning, budget and forecast processes and consolidate results for their areas Prepare and review the monthly management accounts School/Directors/Senior Managers, provide insightful management information and financial analysis and deliver to tight deadlines Provide support to the Deputy Director of Faculty Finance on the commercial areas of the Faculty/Directorate with financial analysis/modelling of commercial deals and decision support Work with the Heads of School/PS Directors and the School/Directorate Leadership Teams to take appropriate action to deliver budget results and to ensure that the full financial implications of initiatives, including financial risks, are fully understood and appropriately managed Work with the Directorate/School teams to develop a clear understanding of the drivers of business performance in order to enhance financial forecasting and decision making, including the optimal prioritisation of resources Work with the Heads of School/PS Directors and their Heads of School Operations/Leadership teams to ensure that School/Directorate financial operations run efficiently and effectively, in compliance with University financial regulations, and to ensure up to date, accurate, and technically correct accounting Line manage members of the finance team, providing developmental support or training as necessary and be actively involved in line management and training of the wider team where appropriate in conjunction with the Deputy Director of Faculty Finance Essential skills: Possess a recognised CCAB professional accountancy qualification or equivalent Experience of working within finance in a large, complex organisation demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and proactively across organisational boundaries Experienced in leading, managing and developing teams across various locations, with the ability to think in strategic terms and exercise leadership Experience of working in a business partnering role and delivering an exceptional customer service to stakeholders Significant experience of working in an accounts preparation role with strong analytical skills to enable production of meaningful financial reporting Motivation to streamline processes and identify and implement continuous improvement Strong IT skills, particularly accounting systems and high level excel skills, including data manipulation and interrogation Ability to convert data into management information easily understood by non-accountants and colleagues alike Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills to engage colleagues at all levels, including those without financial expertise As one of the leading Universities our employees enjoy exclusive access to excellent benefits and schemes including: Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family Well-being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities Learning and development opportunities Season ticket loans for public transport Cycle to Work Scheme Workplace nursery scheme Staff recognition schemes Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings The University of Manchester is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and research innovation and discovery. As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit. We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants. Any CV’s submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift. Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Name: Jen Pass, Talent Acquisition Business Partner Email: Jennifer.pass@manchester.ac.uk General enquiries: Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk Technical support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.