Finance Analyst

Job Purpose 

Reporting to the Head of Finance for University Services, play a supporting role in the provision of comprehensive, effective and efficient management accounting support and direction to the leadership team of University Services and the Finance Division. Ensure the provision of professional, effective and solutions focused finance services aligned to the achievement of the University’s Strategy. Provide high quality technical support through insightful analysis and issue resolution and continuously improve processes and procedures to support efficient and effective operations within a strong internal control environment. Support and develop enhanced liaison between the finance team and the wider University Services directorate teams ensuring accurate, timely, relevant and reliable information allowing delivery of a customer service focus.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Support the University Services Head of Finance, with the financial budgeting and planning process, including liaising with senior management, consolidation of financial information, production of commentary and reporting packs and ensuring that proposed budgets have been evaluated and challenged.

2. Manage the departmental month-end reporting process for assigned directorates, including preparation of monthly accounts, reporting packs, financial performance indicators and commentaries ensuring there is a “no surprises” culture.

3. Be responsible for the financial integrity of all financial data within the Agresso accounting system, ensuring all appropriate financial reconciliations are carried out with variances investigated and corrective action taken. 4. Provide expert professional advice and guidance to staff across the University Services, including coaching and support to non-finance staff.
5. Assist in the preparation of options appraisals and business plans in respect of capital developments and strategies, including providing financial challenge, variances from budget and escalating issues/concerns to senior colleagues where required.

6. Work with the central University Finance Team to ensure service compliance with all financial policies, procedures and controls.

7. Work with the Service to ensure that transactional support is effectively and efficiently delivered utilising the appropriate corporate systems and processes.

8.  Manage and deal with enquiries from internal and external customers, resolving queries and liaising, where required, with other University colleagues.
9.  Monitor departmental accounts, ensuring that, where necessary, explanations and remedial actions for projected variances are provided by budget holders.

10. Contribute to the work and activities of the University wide financial community and the development of University wide financial solutions, working with relevant colleagues.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Knowledge / Qualifications 

Essential: 

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles, or, Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2 Qualified or working towards qualification with a recognised CCAB accounting professional body.

A3 Strong evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.

A4 Detailed operational knowledge of business processes, management information systems and value drivers of management accounting.

A5 A sound understanding of Inland Revenue VAT requirements.

A6 Thorough understanding of budgeting and strategic planning within a large complex environment.

A7 Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint.

Desirable 

B1 Knowledge of financial governance and regulation in the HE sector.

B2 Post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline.

Skills 

Essential 

C1 Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare and present financial management reports and commentary.

C2 Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels and with the confidence and capability to challenge assumptions and practices.

C3 Demonstrable customer service skills with the ability to evidence a strategic solution focused approach that is adaptable to the needs of the customer and the continued success of the department.

C4 Self-motivated with the ability to effectively plan, prioritise and organise workload in response to business needs, working effectively under pressure to ensure that competing deadlines are met.

C5 Logical and analytical thinker with astute decision-making, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

C6 Excellent IT skills with the ability to develop and enhance computerised management systems, analyse and manipulate data and present meaningful management information using a range of industry standard and accounting software.

C7 An ability to demystify complex financial concepts for non-financial colleagues.

Experience 

Essential 

E1 Significant experience in a similar or related role(s) within a large and complex financial environment.

E2 Extensive experience of working with non-financial managers to drive improvements in financial analysis leading to additional insight and improved decision-making.

E3 Experience of supporting the preparation of business cases with non-financial professionals.

E4 Extensive experience of operating at a senior finance level, with a track record of success in influencing senior management.

E5 Demonstrable experience of presenting and explaining financial data to both financial and non-financial colleagues such that it is fully understood.

E6 Experience of successfully leading continuous financial process improvement and change with demonstrable operational and financial efficiencies delivered.

Terms and Conditions 

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 – £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours p/w).and open ended. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

Terms and Conditions 

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 – £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.