Finance Business Partner

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.  
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here

The Role and Department

The Finance Business Partner will report to the Assistant Director (Financial Planning & Reporting). This is a business facing role, supporting the primary Financial Plan Owners (UEC members) and their senior management teams (the Financial Plan Holders) on all aspects of the financial management, financial performance and financial control of their business units to ensure that the financial resources of those business units are managed appropriately in order to achieve and/or outperform the required financial outcomes and forecasts set. The role will also be forward-facing, taking the lead in the development of financial planning for their business unit and providing key input and decision-making into the strategic direction of the business unit through the planning round.

In fulfilling this role, the FBP be highly visible and will partner with colleagues at all levels across the University, particularly the wider team within Financial Planning & Reporting, and also with other colleagues in their assigned business unit/s to ensure that inter-departmental and cross-departmental working is achieved as the University moves towards the achievement of its strategic goals. There will also be the opportunity for involvement in key implementation projects and a leadership role in change management.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description and in the Specific Role Expectations document.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

•    30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.  

•    The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
•    We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into this University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
•    On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays. 
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
•    A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
•    If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality,  diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification    

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.    
  
Your application should cover the following criteria:

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Experience

1.      An accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA and/or bachelor’s degree, or working towards.

2.      Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge and expertise to influence service delivery, events and activities within the organisation.

3.      Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.

4.      Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University’s reputation.

5.      Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements.

6.      Track record of management and development experience and/or an enhanced management qualification applied across a large service team or teams.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

7.      Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally

8.      Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, financial & non-financial business systems.

9.      Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.

10.   Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.

11.   Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels.

12.   Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. 

How to apply
  
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.   
  
Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
  
What you need to submit   

•    A CV: and   
•    A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.    

 
Contact details   
  
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Will Argyle, Assistant Director (Financial Planning & Reporting) on 07749 045 322.

Service Delivery/Development

·        Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

·        Develop and apply an in-depth understanding of university policy and external developments when carrying out your role.

·        Ensure that policy and regulatory standards are met by ensuring all colleagues adhere to approved financial and procurement activities and processes that are carried out in services you are responsible for.

·        Use your professional knowledge and experience as a qualified Finance professional to  understand, explain and contribute to improved University performance and provide subject matter expertise and advice.

·        Use your managerial and leadership expertise to identify priorities and shape the assigned business unit/s to achieve the required financial outcomes.

·        Look for ways to continually improve services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of assigned policies, processes and standards.

·        Initiate and manage business process reviews to improve the service in your area.

·        Ensure data (commercially sensitive and/or personal) is appropriately stored and managed.

·        Manage quality and regulatory audits of systems and procedures.

·        Support the welfare, wellbeing and employment of your staff by providing professional guidance.

Planning and Organisation

·        Contribute to the development of operational plans relevant to your area.

·        Oversee the analysis of data about the service levels provided by your area make recommendations for improvement in reports to senior managers and committees.

·        Allocate and monitor designated budgets, expenditure and resources.

Team Development

·        Manage and develop the people, performance and resources of your assigned team to ensure that a customer focussed service is provided.

·        Help shape the skills and expertise needed to deliver a professional service by recruiting, inducting and training team members and structuring the team in way that will best meet operational and strategic priorities.

·        Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members.

·        Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and expectations and identify any development needs.

·        Handle most HR issues and support the welfare and wellbeing of your team referring more complex issues to specialist services or more senior managers.

Communication/Liaison

·        Use your professional knowledge to identify and recommend priorities for long-term business plans.

·        Provide professional guidance and advice when managing  Finance & Procurement services.

·        Design creative and innovative communications to promote and increase engagement relating to Finance & Procurement Services

·        Influence University policy, standards and governance by leading operational business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.

·        Create strong working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills, swap information with peers and positively influence the University’s reputation.

·        Represent Finance & Procurement Services, the assigned business unit/s and the University at promotional events.

·        Identify opportunities to develop and increase participation in special interest groups.

·        Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices – Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.