Head of Finance

Job Description

Department Mission

To provide accurate Financial Information to officers and staff of the Union and to maintain the systems that ensure financial and related resources are properly accounted for.

Main Purpose of the Job

To produce accurate and timely financial management information and advice for officers and staff so that they can take sound financial decisions and ensure compliance with accounting and tax regulations.
To lead the finance staff team to ensure they are capable and focused on their part in the department’s mission establishing and keeping under review appropriate management structures and systems for the whole operation
To ensure that finance and related systems throughout the organisation are streamlined and effective.

Reporting to:the Union Director

Responsible for:

Finance department of 4 other staff and the Union’s turnover of £8m advising 10 Department heads, executive officers and section administrators.

Main areas of work

1. To produce accurate and timely financial management information for officers, staff and other stakeholders so that they can take sound financial decisions and ensure compliance with accounting and tax regulations by ensuring by:-

  • Assisting the Union Director and VP Finance Commercial services in the preparation and revision of budgets for approval by Trustee Board
  • Producing accurate and informative management accounts and information monthly by the 14th
  • Briefing budget controllers on the implications of the information and advising them on necessary steps they should take
  • Preparing returns in the required for the university finance committee which include balance sheet items
  • Preparing VAT and other statutory returns and submitting in full compliance without fail
  • Promptly preparing draft accounts for final audit in compliance with the Charitable SORP in liaison the union’s appointed auditors
  • Preparing Cash flow projections and monitoring against performance
  • Co-operating with and supporting the work of internal and financial auditors to ensure the prompt production of audited accounts.

2.To lead the finance staff team to ensure they are capable and focused on their part in the department’s mission; establishing and keeping under review appropriate management structures and systems for the whole operation. By:-

  • Monitoring the work of the team to ensure it is accurate and timely
  • Organising work flows to make best use of available staff time
  • Having regard to training needs of the team
  • To ensure that appropriate financial records are maintained.
  • To oversee and assist with the prompt and accurate payment of wages and salaries.
  • To ensure the Union make prompt payments to suppliers and receives prompt payment from debtors.

3.To ensure that finance and related systems throughout the organisation are streamlined and effective by:-

  • Monitoring and reviewing systems with department heads.
  • Making recommendation for change and improvement where appropriate
  • Reviewing and proposing revised drafts to the union financial regulations
  • Instituting and operating systems to monitor and ensure compliance with union Financial Regulations.

4.Ensure that the department supports and works well with other parts of the Union and University by

Taking part in a variety of regular and occasional joint groups and project teams. Regular ones include the promotions group, the special events group, safety committee. Project teams are often formed to work together on major up coming events e.g.conferences, capital building developments or web site development.
Ensuring that the department adheres to agreed Union-wide procedures.
Establishing good working relationships with other key managers and staff.
Promptly raising any problems with other departments with the managers concerned in a friendly and constructive way in an effort to ensure that we resolve the root cause.
Helping other departments wherever and however possible.
Developing and maintaining good relationships with key University department particularly University security.
Supporting and assisting Executive members in their work whenever possible.
Attending and playing a full part in Union Managers’ meetings.

5.Contribute to and support Union’s overall strategic and marketing objectives by

Contributing to the development and implementation of the Union’s strategic plans.
We expect all our staff and particularly senior managers to “muck in” and help when the occasion calls for it.

Terms and conditions of employment

Pay will be £40k p.a.
Hours of work will as necessary for the successful completion of the post.

Holidays are 20 annual leave days plus statutory days and 7 additional Union holidays. The post holder will be expected to work some term time Bank Holidays and time off in lieu will be given.

Union staff are entitled to use Union and University facilities and enjoy a range of discounts.

Other general Union terms and conditions of employment and benefits apply.