Finance, Planning and Data Insight SectionThe Finance, Planning and Data Insight section is responsible for managing the University's income and expenditure, ensuring we get value for money in all financial activity and that we comply with all statutory and regulatory requests. Our responsibility extends to the collection and sharing of information and understanding to help the University achieve its strategic aims.
Purpose and Duties of the roleThe Finance Business Partner (Professional Services) post provides high quality Business Partner support to the Registrar and Secretary, Directors of Sections and other budget holders within the Professional Services group.
The duties of the role are varied and include all aspects of Management Accounting, Financial Management and Modelling, and an oversight of the Risk Management process. Jointly with a team of Senior Financial Accountants, you will deputise for the Head of Professional Services Accounting either in meetings or in presenting information to various forums, and in the delivery of training.
A full list of duties and responsibilities of the role can be found within the job pack.
Qualifications and skills requiredYou must be qualified to AAT, hold an equivalent level qualification or have substantial professional experience. Holding an honours degree (or equivalent) and/or being CCAB qualified (or actively studying towards a CCAB qualification) would be an advantage.
You should have strong IT skills, especially regarding the use of spreadsheets and financial management systems, and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
You should have demonstrable experience of budget preparation, reporting processes and the preparation of management accounts on a regular basis; the preparation, production and monitoring annual budgets; and the production and review of monthly management accounts.
You will use your strong communication skills to train and work with senior budget holders to improve their understanding of their Section’s finances, and to identify efficiencies and cost savings.
Whilst this is a full-time role, we would welcome applications from candidates who are able to work part-time (minimum of 0.8fte, equivalent to 4 days per week). Please indicate clearly on your application if your preference is for full-time or part-time working.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please email the Resourcing Team (resourcing@essex.ac.uk).
*More information: Working at the University