Deputy Head of Management Accounts

**Job Purpose**
This senior role will lead strategic project work and external reporting within the Finance team as requested by the Director of Finance, the Deputy Director of Finance and the Head of Management Accounts.

Reporting to the Head of Management Accounts and working closely with the Director/ Deputy Director of Finance they will lead on projects across the finance directorate to provide comprehensive, effective and efficient financial management, governance, support, challenge and direction. They will contribute as a senior manager to ensure the provision of a strategic, professional, effective and solution focused finance services which aligns to the achievement of the University's Finance Strategy.

The role will lead on providing high quality technical and analytical support through the development and implementation of a Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) function for the Finance Directorate, producing insightful analysis and issue resolution and continuously improve processes and procedures to support efficient and effective operations within a strong internal control environment.

The Deputy Head Management Accounts (Projects and External Reporting) will have responsibility for 2 direct reports and will require to build strong working relationships with business partners and senior leaders across the University.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
1. **Project Work**

Lead project work within the Finance team as requested by the Director of Finance, Deputy Director of Finance and Head of Management Accounts. This includes leading initiatives involving internal teams and external advisors to deliver strategic University wide projects related to process improvement and implementation of the University strategy.

Provide specialist financial support and advice to project boards as required, leading on detailed business cases and other analyses for senior management, challenging and testing the data provided and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of reports. Taking a lead role in all relevant project meetings and working groups.

2. **Financial Planning & Analysis**

Shape and lead the future of the University's Financial Planning & Analysis function within the Management Accounts team, providing strategic oversight and direct support to the Director/ Deputy Director of Finance for ad hoc requests and expert analysis to support decision making and development of strategy. Provide leadership in the creation and oversight of the FP&A portfolio framework designed to test and challenge: KPIs; strategic, tactical and operational objectives; financial risk; and financial governance. This will include sourcing, analysing and evaluating financial information from across the University, using insight and expertise to draw conclusions and make recommendations. Present findings and recommendations to inform and support strategic decision making at Senior Management Group, Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Court and to external stakeholders.

Lead an on-going programme of financial analysis and review of all departmental financial management information, tools, templates and reporting processes, ensuring recommendations for continuous improvement are reported, considered, implemented and measured. This will include managing a cross functional team including central finance, college finance, systems and external providers to specify, develop and implement an integrated budget and forecasting solution.

Develop and manage robust financial data and leverage this to provide sound business and financial management information to senior leadership including identifying strategic action plans to ensure our return on investment. Lead the development of the University's FP&A reporting blueprint defining when and how the strategic objectives will be baselined and tracked. Identify and proactively mitigate the major strategic risks relating to FP&A activities.

3. **External Management Reporting Requirements.**

Manage the External Management Reporting Requirements of The University.

Lead on the preparation of external reporting information such as TRAC and SFC financial forecasting. This will require working closely with the Deputy Head of Management Accounting. This will include collating, reviewing and interpreting data for submission to ensure accurate and presented in accordance with issued guidelines and timelines. Consideration will also need to be given to identifying areas of process improvement and system automation opportunities.

4. **People Management**

Support the Head of Management Accounts in leading, motivating and developing the Management Accounts team, ensuring behaviours and attitudes reflect University values. In doing so promote a continuous improvement approach, ensuring that the team applies appropriate professional standards and demonstrates a culture of ownership and accountability to ensure the delivery of excellent services and financial awareness and governance.

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