Assistant Director of Finance

To support the Director of Finance in providing leadership across the University
on all financial and resource matters.
To support the Director of Finance in ensuring that the University complies with
all relevant internal and external policies, regulations, guidance, accounting
standards, and governance requirements.
To work alongside the Finance Director, as part of the Departments Senior
Management Team, to lead all aspects of the University’s planning, management
and reporting of its financial performance.

**KeyResponsibilities**
**and Accountabilities**:
**Generic**:
To support the Director of Finance in achieving University and Department based
objectives.
To contribute to the leadership and management of the University beyond the
Finance Department and providing advice and guidance on all areas of financial
governance to Audit Committee, Finance Development and Resources
Committee and other Boards and working groups.
To support the Director of Finance in leading the management and development
of the Finance service and its staff.
To ensure that appropriate structures are in place for, and provide leadership and
development to, all staff within areas of responsibility.
To deputise for the Director of Finance as required, including at Board-level
committees, and to represent the Finance Department when liaising or
collaborating with Faculties and Services.
To lead and promote a culture in the Finance Department focussed on delivering
University and Departmental strategic objectives, that includes a responsive
customer-focused service; a collaborative and proactive approach, that allows for
constructive challenge, and a ‘can do’ attitude.
To work with the Director of Finance and the Departments Senior Management
Team on the development of the finance service plan, and lead on its
implementation for own areas of responsibility.
To provide financial information and advice as required in support of the
development and delivery of the University’s strategy including to the Director of
Finance, Vice-Chancellor, and other members of the University Executive.

**Role Specific**:
This role will work alongside the Director of Finance, Deputy Director of Finance
(Planning) and Financial Controller to form the Finance Department’s Senior
Management Team. These duties cover the key areas of responsibility for the role in
delivering effective planning, management and reporting of the University’s financial
change in discussion with the Director of Finance.

**Financial Strategy and Forecasting **- To provide strategic input into the
development and delivery of medium-to-long term Financial Strategy and Plans
that support the delivery of the University’s strategic priorities.
**Budgeting and Annual Planning **- To lead the Finance Departments input,
working closely with the Deputy Director (Planning) and the University Executive,
into the annual planning and budgeting cycle, ensuring that this aligns with the
University strategy and allows for the effective allocation of financial resources.
**Management Accounting **- To lead the effective production and communication
of monthly financial performance, ensuring the monthly accounts are delivered
on a timely, and informative basis for all stakeholders.
**Business Partnering **- To lead a cohesive and effective Business Partnering
approach for the University that underpins effective financial management and
awareness across the University Executive, Faculties and Services and supports
the delivery of University objectives.
**Quarterly Forecasting **- As part of the University’s financial management and
control, lead a robust, in year quarterly forecasting process that has the
commitment of all Faculties and Services.
**Investment Planning **- To work with colleagues in Finance and across the
University to ensure that the University’s capital investment plans and associated
expenditure are well co-ordinated at all stages of investment from pre-approval to
post investment appraisal, and deliver value for money.
**Project Costing **- To lead on the further development of the University’s
approach to the costing of its activities and the embedding of a wider
understanding across the University of the cost to deliver its services.
**External Returns **- To ensure that effective arrangements are in place for the
timely and accurate submission of all external returns relating to the area of
responsibility.

**Special**
**Circumstances**:
University of Sunderland
**Role Profile**
Part 2

**Part 2A: Essential and DesirableCriteria**

**Competencies are**
**assessed at the**
**interview/selection**
**testing stage**

**Essential**:
**Qualifications and Professional Memberships**:
Relevant professional qualification and evidence of up to date continuing
professional development

**Knowledge and Experience**
Knowledge of current accounting standards and regulations
Significant post qualification experience working in a senior finance role
Experience of leaders