Financial Analyst

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Deputy 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 and 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…