Deputy Finance Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Finance Manager to join our Faculty team. This is a pivotal role supporting financial planning, reporting, and governance across a diverse academic environment. You will work closely with the Head of Finance, academic leaders, and professional services colleagues to deliver high-quality financial insight and ensure robust financial controls.

About the Role

As Finance Manager, you will play a key role in delivering accurate financial reporting, supporting strategic planning, and maintaining strong financial governance across the Faculty.

You will:

• Lead on monthly management reporting, including variance analysis and general ledger investigations
• Support year-end processes and financial reporting requirements
• Act as a trusted advisor to budget holders, including academic course directors
• Take responsibility for monitoring budgets, identifying variances, and recommending corrective action
• Produce clear, insightful management accounts and financial reports
• Contribute to financial planning, forecasting, and long-term strategy
• Provide financial modelling and analysis for projects, events, and funding bids
• Exercise delegated authority to approve financial and payroll transactions
• Champion financial compliance and best practice across the Faculty
• Develop and maintain financial procedures and guidance for non-finance colleagues
• Oversee financial systems access and support users across Oracle, expenses, and travel platforms
• Lead and support a network of approximately 20 financial system users and budget holders

Financial Control & Assurance

You will play a key role in maintaining financial integrity by:

• Ensuring compliance with institutional financial regulations and external funder requirements
• Supporting financial assurance processes and internal controls
• Monitoring financial processing activity and improving efficiency
• Advising on procurement, expenses, VAT, and other financial matters
• Promoting cost control and challenging practices to ensure value for money

Financial Accounting Responsibilities

• Manage month-end and quarter-end processes, including accruals and prepayments
• Investigate and resolve general ledger anomalies
• Reconcile accounts and clear suspense balances
• Ensure accurate coding of expenditure, including restricted funds
• Support year-end accounts and reporting requirements

About You

You will be a qualified (or nearly qualified) accountant with strong analytical and communication skills.

Essential requirements:

• Degree-level education with a CCAB accounting qualification (or near completion)
• Proven experience in management accounting, budgeting, and financial planning
• Strong ability to analyse complex financial data and provide actionable insights
• Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise