Deputy Director of Finance

In this newly created role of Deputy Director of Finance you will lead, manage and develop the services of the Finance department in order that all the financial management processes of the University are delivered in accordance with the highest governance and professional standards and all decisions are made with the benefit of clear and timely financial information and advice.You will work with and advise the Executive Director of Finance, members of the Professional Services Leadership Team and Academic Leadership Team on actions to improve financial performance, make best use of assets and resources and deliver Value for Money.The post carries a high degree of management, advisory and developmental responsibility for the professional and efficient administration of the University's financial support service, which not only provides regulatory assurance, but also enhances financial performance• Develop and implement systems and structures that underpin the day to day financial administration of the University and be accountable for the effective delivery of a cost effective, timely and relevant finance service that meets the needs of the University. • Maintain an appropriate and efficient system of financial control.• Ensure the production of the statutory annual accounts for the University, ensuring completeness and accuracy.• Ensure the timely and accurate production of all financial and statutory returns to funding bodies and relevant other parties.• Ensure full regulatory and legal compliance and that appropriate financial records are maintained to meet external requirements, including Tax, VAT and PAYE.• Ensure an efficient system of financial accounting and transaction processing including payroll, purchasing, treasury management, cash flow forecasting, invoicing, accounts receivable and fixed assets.• Ensure that appropriate systems, policies and procedures are in place in relation to procurement and the selection and control of suppliers and service providers. • Work with the Executive Director of Finance on the annual budget setting process, ensuring effective collaboration and liaison between the staff in the Finance department and budget holders.• Ensure the timely and accurate production of monthly accounts and periodic forecasts for departments and schools and produce monthly financial performance reports, including forecast outturn, balance sheet, cash flow and KPIs for the Executive Board, Professional Services Leadership Team and Academic Leadership Team.• With the Executive Director of Finance continually maintain an up-to-date five-year financial forecast that will facilitate the delivery of the Strategic Plan.• Play a key role in University-wide business decisions through appropriate costing and pricing models and engagement in contract negotiations. • Provide strategic and operational leadership for the finance team to ensure the delivery and achievement of strategic objectives.• A professional accounting qualification and evidence of CPD• A successful track record in financial, human resource and project management at a senior level, including the development of strategies and the delivery of annual operating plans.• Demonstrable experience of managing and bringing about positive change • Successful experience of preparing corporate budgets and management & statutory accounts for a complex organisation• Knowledge and understanding of relevant statutory issues, such as PAYE, VAT and Tax• Able to lead and effect change and to take a strategic and innovative approach to issues• Excellent critical and analytical skills with an attention to detail and focus on accuracy.• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with non-finance professionalsReed Specialist Recruitment Limited is an employment agency and employment business