Management Accountant

Management Accountant

£41,064, rising to £44,746

Full Time, Fixed Term - Professional Services

Based at our Buckley Building (Headington Campus) and reporting to the Head of Management Accounts, the Management Accountant is a pivotal role within our Finance Directorate.

This 6‑month temporary position is designed for a data‑driven professional who excels at transforming complex financial information into actionable insight.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to operational need and the short duration of the contract, the interview panel are looking for a candidate available for immediate start, and candidates will therefore be required to have existing RTW in the UK.

• Develop and maintain complex financial models to monitor the performance of Faculties, Directorates, and individual projects.
• Analyse spend breakdowns and trend reporting to ensure resources are deployed effectively and cost‑improvement projects are tracked accurately.
• Prepare accurate monthly reports, provide deep‑dive variance analysis, and offer insight to “challenge” forecasts in collaboration with Senior Management Accountants.
• Work with cross‑university groups to optimise budgeting tools, workload planning systems, and internal control procedures.
• Ensure all financial positions are submitted in line with HE SORP and FRS 102 standards, maintaining high levels of accuracy for internal and external audits.
• Oversee post‑award monitoring, ensuring compliance with funders (e.g., OfS, Research Councils) and maximising income recovery.
• Provide task‑based guidance and mentoring to Assistant Management Accountants and Officers.

• Advanced Excel & Data Handling:
  Highly proficient in Excel, with the ability to handle large datasets, create complex formulas, and build robust financial models. (Essential).
• Financial Analysis & Rationalisation:
  Proven experience in variance analysis, trend identification, and the ability to rationalise cost centres to improve financial clarity. (Essential).
• Process Improvement:
  Proactive approach to identifying system inefficiencies and implementing improvements in financial reporting and budgeting workflows. (Essential).
• Detail Orientation:
  Exceptional accuracy in managing general ledgers and preparing year‑end financial positions. (Essential).
• Qualifications:
  
  CCAB or equivalent part‑qualified status, or significant experience in a management accounting role. (Essential).
• Communication:
  Ability to translate complex financial data into “plain English” for non‑finance stakeholders. (Essential).
• Sector Knowledge:
  Experience with in the Higher Education sector or knowledge of e5/Business Objects. (Desirable).

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 3rd August 2026.

Based at our Headington campus in the Buckley Building, you’ll experience a vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport.

This role is Agile, typically requiring a 50/50 split between home and office working to ensure team collaboration while supporting your work‑life balance.

As an Oxford Brookes employee you will enjoy a total of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the well‑being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on‑site Nursery
• Discounted travel options
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community – Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community.

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.