Key Purpose of Role

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The main purpose of the role is to lead the Finance Department and support the CFO to develop and deliver the University’s financial strategy and targets. This will entail supporting the

University senior management team, providing timely advice to optimise income and expenditure and identify investment requirement to help deliver the 2030 Mission and Vision.

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The role will include responsibility for leading a Finance Team across a number of financial

disciplines, therefore strong team development and leadership skills are crucial. The diverse

aspects of the role include ownership of financial planning and analysis, management accounting and reporting, compliance and statutory requirements, investment evaluation, as well as managing external interfaces with banks and other financial institutions. There is also a strong focus on cost control, to ensure our business has the right foundations for future growth. In addition, you will be responsible for the ongoing development of financial Systems (Agresso) to further simplify and optimise accounting processes and financial controls.

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Not only will this role "own the day to day numbers" and provide insight to commercial decision

making, it will also play the pivotal role in transitioning finance from a reactive support function to pro-active business partner to the University driving internal excellence and growth.

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Reports to

The Chief Financial Officer

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Positions of Responsibility / Committee Memberships

• The post holder will be invited to attend, either as a member or a stakeholder, a number of the University’s strategic committees.

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Direct Reports

• All Finance including financial planning, the business partners, financial services and financial accounting, Tax and treasury

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Key Internal Stakeholders

• All members of the Executive Board, Departmental and Directorate Heads.

• Key relationship with Vice Chancellor, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellors, CFO, Head of Planning and Risk, CIO, DCOs and Head of Estates / Capital Projects, Director of Procurement

• Programme and Project Directors for all key strategic change projects.

• Council, Finance Committee, Audit Committee

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Key External Stakeholders

• Network within the HE Sector.

• Suppliers, and partners for the University.

• Member of the British Universities Finance Directors Group

• The University’s auditors, bankers and financial and other professional advisors

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Key duties:

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Key Responsibilities in this role will include:

 

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• Build and oversee the Finance team into a customer focused adding value Business partnering team

• Define and develop University wide management practices, developing this into a centre of excellence for Finance business partnering

• Ensure effective governance: standards, processes, metrics ensuring Brunel has a common set of practices, principles and way of working

• Define, track, communicate budgets effectively, efficiently and consistently

• Ensure effective financial controls

• Support the CFO to develop a comprehensive financial strategy and funding plan

• Partner with University leaders and other key stakeholders to define opportunities , identify and prioritise projects based on clear criteria (e.g. ROI, productivity, compliance,)

• To develop a “university standard” best practice approach and understanding Finance and owning budgets

• Ensure continuous improvement through disciplined reflection and lessons learned 

• Be an ambassador for the institution, sharing best practice for the benefit of the Higher Education Sector

• Undertake any reasonable additional duties that might be required as a senior member of the University

• Adhere to and comply with all University policies and processes and codes of conduct

• Commit to a learning culture and actively participate in ongoing personal and professional development as required.

• As a trusted Business partner to the board, provide financial governance and support

• Deliver solutions to minimise financial and commercial risk on existing contracts and improve efficiency, profitability and cash flow

• Provide appropriate analysis and recommendations to influence the decision making process

• Ensure that changes in commercial and financial requirements are communicated and implemented promptly

• Build solid relationships with both external and internal customers to foster collaboration, networking & best practice

• Support the operations team with funding, projects and strategic opportunities ensuring commercial propositions are developed and implemented

• Ensure financial and customer reporting & forecasting aids decision making and monitors progress

• Ensure financial controls are highly effective and compliant with group policies and are maintained and communicated

• Ensure first class financial reporting in adherence to group policies, and internal and external deadlines

• Identify and manage financial and commercial risk through a thorough understanding of commercial terms, on-going performance, and other influencing factors

• Understand and manage sources of profit delivery including flex budgets, gain share, KPIs, pricing mechanisms etc.

• Create, drive & manage improvement programmes to aid business efficiency and profitability.

• As required support the preparation of contracts & business cases from a commercial & financial perspective, working with other stakeholders (e.g. legal, risk, property, tax) to ensure profit optimisation & risk mitigation. (Where not supported by the commercial team).

• Provide papers and reporting as required for University Committees and Council 

• Ensuring your team provides adequate finance information and training to non finance staff where relevant

 

Team Management

• Responsible for the acquisition, performance, development and retention of the team members that you lead.

• Growing your team and lead them to be instigators of best practice in procedure and policy and also lead them to raise questions and implement change where this will help the reporting process and the agency

• Creating a Business partnering, collaborative and secure team working environment

• Setting out clear objectives for the team which are in line with University’s objectives and business goals and are clearly measurable

• Working closely with your immediate team on workload planning and suggestions for changes and improvements across the University

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University Employment Policy:

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• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.

• Adhere to and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act in accordance with University policies.

• Undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with the rules and regulations encompassing equal opportunities to help foster a diverse workforce.

• Adhere, comply and work in accordance with University and Departmental policies, procedures and codes of conduct.

• Promote the University’s Environmental Policy and demonstrate commitment to it through actions and decision making.

• Actively participate in on-going professional development activities as requested

 

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Directorate Chart

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