Senior Project Accountant
- Recruiter
- University of Glasgow
- Location
- Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom
- Salary
- GBP 44,045.00 - 51,034.00 per year
- Posted
- 14 Apr 2021
- Closes
- 13 May 2021
- Ref
- 054246
- Job role
- Accountant
- Sector
- Education and training
- Experience level
- Qualified accountant
Job Details
Senior Project Accountant
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Head of Project Accounting and working closely with the University Services Finance, Information Services and Project Managers, play a key role in the provision of comprehensive, effective and efficient project financial management support and direction to the leadership team and project management team. Ensure the provision of professional, effective and solutions focused finance services aligned to the achievement of the University£s Technology 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.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide expert financial advice, guidance and challenge to development and project managers, including developing robust financial appraisals, leading regular project forecast activity and producing robust project financial reports and analyses together with expert recommendations on key areas of focus.
2. As a key member of the finance team lead by example and motivate, ensuring behaviours and attitudes reflect University values. In doing so promote a continuous improvement approach, ensuring appropriate professional standards and demonstrate a culture of ownership and accountability to ensure the delivery of excellent services.
3. Provide timely management information for both strategic and operational purposes, including strategic financial planning, financial governance and control, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and reporting.
4. Work with the Head of Project Accounting to manage the financial management of the IT Capital Plan (circa £130m over the next 5 years), ensuring early identification of any deviance from budget, the preparation of impact analyses and reports on revenue/capital cash-flow planning, and providing expert support on appropriate risk management plans.
5. Assist the Head of Project Accounting to develop and implement a capital project financial governance structure and associated processes and procedures, ensuring alignment with the University£s corporate financial processes and that the evolving needs of a continuously growing and developing campus estate are met.
6. Continuously develop the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of financial reports, management information and the financial tools and templates associated with costing, business evaluation, cash flow planning and financial risk management.
7. Play a key role in the development of options appraisals and business plans/business cases in respect of development of a multi-million pound capital programme, providing robust financial challenge and ensuring that all business cases progressed withstand scrutiny and contain measurable delivery criteria.
8. Attend project boards and Information Services operational meetings as required, preparing detailed business cases and other analyses for senior management, challenging and testing the data provided and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of reports. Actively contribute to all relevant project meetings and working groups.
9. Provide appropriate input to the monthly management accounts, commentaries and monthly financial performance indicators, providing the necessary reports and information to the Information Services Leadership Team and Head of Finance (University Services) to ensure all parties have access, ensuring a "no surprises" culture.
10. Support the Head of Project Accounting in an on-going programme of review of capital project financial management, reporting and governance processes, ensuring recommendations for continuous improvement are reported, considered, implemented and measured.
11. Promote financial awareness and a culture of financial accountability across the Information Services department to ensure financial sustainability is central to all business activities.
12. Act as a contact in relation to internal audit and procurement matters, ensuring compliance with all legislative, best practice and University corporate financial requirements and procedures.
13. Work with the University£s Procurement team to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in relation to the procurement of contractors.
14. Participate fully in the work and activities of the University-wide finance community and contribute to the development of University wide finance solutions, working with finance colleagues in University Services, Central Finance and across the Colleges.
15. Work closely with the central university finance function to ensure all policies and procedures are complied with and transactional support is delivered in an effective and efficient manner utilising the appropriate corporate system and process and all staff comply with the inherent financial controls.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1 Educated to degree level.
A2 Membership of a recognised CCAB accounting professional body.
A3 Strong evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.
A4 Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning, budgets and forecasts.
A5 Good working knowledge of VAT and its application in large capital projects.
Desirable
B1 Post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
B2 Knowledge of financial governance and regulation in the HE sector.
B3 Knowledge of financial governance and administration associated with NEC3 contracts.
Skills
Essential
C1 Experience of managing the activities of self and/or others..
C2 High level influencing and interpersonal skills, able to quickly build credibility and deliver impact at all levels.
C3 Ability to drive forward and deliver change in line with strategic and operational objectives and priorities C4 Ability to constructively challenge the status quo, influence change and present arguments based on sound professional judgement and expertise.
C5 Good commercial awareness with a clear understanding of key business drivers and the ability to quickly understand the strategic corporate agenda in order to work effectively in partnership with senior managers.
C6 Well-developed report writing and presentation skills with the ability to present and translate comprehensive and often complex information and financial concepts for non-financial colleagues.
C7 Proven analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to make well-considered decisions, resolve conflicts and demonstrate sound, professional judgement.
C8 A self-motivated individual with the ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight timescales with an aptitude for prioritising priorities and manage competing demands C9 Advanced skills in the use of industry standard and specialist financial and accounting software packages including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Experience
Essential
E1 Demonstrable post-qualification financial and management accounting experience with a proven track record in managing the financial planning, reporting and governance on large capital projects within a large complex environment.
E2 Demonstrable experience of working with and influencing across all levels of an organisation including senior management operating in a political or highly complex environment £ providing direction, delivering results, building on relationships and capability and demonstrating personal resilience.
E3 Proven experience of imputing to the building of robust business cases with non-financial professionals and presenting these at board level.
E4 Proven experience of working as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, providing financial leadership, support and challenge.
E5 Proven experience of successfully contributing to continuous financial process improvement and change with demonstrable operational and financial efficiencies delivered.
Desirable
F1 Proven project management experience on IT projects, providing leadership, innovative thinking and delivery against set objectives and timelines.
F2 Experience of working within the finance team of an organisation with a focus on IT Job Features.
Dimensions
The Senior Project Accountant will provide financial project accounting support within a major strategic department with business-critical impact. The scope and impact of the role is University wide in the context of a major investment in the University IT Infrastructure which is pivotal to the achievement of the University£s strategic objectives. As such the expectation is that the post holder will be a strong influencer who plays a crucial role in the development and delivery of the University£s Technology Strategy, with a key financial role in the management of the Technology Development budget.
Planning and Organising
£ Work with project managers to drive all cash flow planning and budgeting activity for Technology Development projects, forecasting in detail for the next 12 months and also providing high level projections for the life of the projects.
£ Involved in the development and planning of Technology Development projects that impact across the Department. The planning horizon can range from several months to more than one year.
£ Ability to balance competing workload priorities from diverse sources often at short notice.
£ Work closely with the Programme Manager and Programme Office to ensure all reports and paperwork are produced, reviewed and challenged and submitted to relevant governance boards and working groups in accordance with required deadlines and timetables.
Decision Making
£ Influence and challenge the decision-making of senior colleagues within the department and on project boards by providing professional financial expertise.
£ Responsible for making decisions about appropriate business processes and the appropriate approach to implementation
£ Facilitate solutions where disagreement exists across a range of stakeholders
£ Determining appropriate financial controls and financial risk management practices ensuring that key risks are identified, evaluated and controlled
£ Ensure identified issues/risks are thoroughly investigated and escalated where appropriate.
Internal/External Relationships
£ Work closely and effectively with the department Programme Office, development managers and Project Managers to ensure the delivery of capital projects within budget, set timelines and governance structures reporting risks as appropriate. Able to work effectively with staff at all levels, frequent interaction with Department leadership team, other senior finance professionals, corporate procurement team
£ Represent Information Services on Project Delivery Boards and other key committees
£ Effective liaison with a broad range of external parties, including contractors, professional advisors, internal and external audit functions, University taxation advisors and other relevant external bodies.
Problem Solving
£ Required to make judgements on financial decisions and financial governance and risk and whether other leading opinions may conflict
£ Address on a regular basis a wide range of complex financial, commercial and operational issues and be able to identify actionable solutions
£ Deal with conflict between the differing requirements of processes, such as balancing efficiency against sound financial control. This also involves managing cultural change to deliver consistent, optimum process for financial management and control.
Terms & Conditions
Salary will be on the Management, Professional and Administrative Grade, level 8, £44,045 - £51,034 per annum.
This post is offered on a full time (35 hours) and open-ended basis.
New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.
The successful applicant will be eligible to join the Universities£ Superannuation Scheme.
Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.
Vacancy reference: 054246; closing date 9 May 2021
It is the University of Glasgow£s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.
We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.
Vacancy Ref : 054246 Close Date : 09-May-2021 23:45
Senior Project Accountant
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Head of Project Accounting and working closely with the University Services Finance, Information Services and Project Managers, play a key role in the provision of comprehensive, effective and efficient project financial management support and direction to the leadership team and project management team. Ensure the provision of professional, effective and solutions focused finance services aligned to the achievement of the University£s Technology 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.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide expert financial advice, guidance and challenge to development and project managers, including developing robust financial appraisals, leading regular project forecast activity and producing robust project financial reports and analyses together with expert recommendations on key areas of focus.
2. As a key member of the finance team lead by example and motivate, ensuring behaviours and attitudes reflect University values. In doing so promote a continuous improvement approach, ensuring appropriate professional standards and demonstrate a culture of ownership and accountability to ensure the delivery of excellent services.
3. Provide timely management information for both strategic and operational purposes, including strategic financial planning, financial governance and control, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and reporting.
4. Work with the Head of Project Accounting to manage the financial management of the IT Capital Plan (circa £130m over the next 5 years), ensuring early identification of any deviance from budget, the preparation of impact analyses and reports on revenue/capital cash-flow planning, and providing expert support on appropriate risk management plans.
5. Assist the Head of Project Accounting to develop and implement a capital project financial governance structure and associated processes and procedures, ensuring alignment with the University£s corporate financial processes and that the evolving needs of a continuously growing and developing campus estate are met.
6. Continuously develop the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of financial reports, management information and the financial tools and templates associated with costing, business evaluation, cash flow planning and financial risk management.
7. Play a key role in the development of options appraisals and business plans/business cases in respect of development of a multi-million pound capital programme, providing robust financial challenge and ensuring that all business cases progressed withstand scrutiny and contain measurable delivery criteria.
8. Attend project boards and Information Services operational meetings as required, preparing detailed business cases and other analyses for senior management, challenging and testing the data provided and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of reports. Actively contribute to all relevant project meetings and working groups.
9. Provide appropriate input to the monthly management accounts, commentaries and monthly financial performance indicators, providing the necessary reports and information to the Information Services Leadership Team and Head of Finance (University Services) to ensure all parties have access, ensuring a "no surprises" culture.
10. Support the Head of Project Accounting in an on-going programme of review of capital project financial management, reporting and governance processes, ensuring recommendations for continuous improvement are reported, considered, implemented and measured.
11. Promote financial awareness and a culture of financial accountability across the Information Services department to ensure financial sustainability is central to all business activities.
12. Act as a contact in relation to internal audit and procurement matters, ensuring compliance with all legislative, best practice and University corporate financial requirements and procedures.
13. Work with the University£s Procurement team to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in relation to the procurement of contractors.
14. Participate fully in the work and activities of the University-wide finance community and contribute to the development of University wide finance solutions, working with finance colleagues in University Services, Central Finance and across the Colleges.
15. Work closely with the central university finance function to ensure all policies and procedures are complied with and transactional support is delivered in an effective and efficient manner utilising the appropriate corporate system and process and all staff comply with the inherent financial controls.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1 Educated to degree level.
A2 Membership of a recognised CCAB accounting professional body.
A3 Strong evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.
A4 Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning, budgets and forecasts.
A5 Good working knowledge of VAT and its application in large capital projects.
Desirable
B1 Post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
B2 Knowledge of financial governance and regulation in the HE sector.
B3 Knowledge of financial governance and administration associated with NEC3 contracts.
Skills
Essential
C1 Experience of managing the activities of self and/or others..
C2 High level influencing and interpersonal skills, able to quickly build credibility and deliver impact at all levels.
C3 Ability to drive forward and deliver change in line with strategic and operational objectives and priorities C4 Ability to constructively challenge the status quo, influence change and present arguments based on sound professional judgement and expertise.
C5 Good commercial awareness with a clear understanding of key business drivers and the ability to quickly understand the strategic corporate agenda in order to work effectively in partnership with senior managers.
C6 Well-developed report writing and presentation skills with the ability to present and translate comprehensive and often complex information and financial concepts for non-financial colleagues.
C7 Proven analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to make well-considered decisions, resolve conflicts and demonstrate sound, professional judgement.
C8 A self-motivated individual with the ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight timescales with an aptitude for prioritising priorities and manage competing demands C9 Advanced skills in the use of industry standard and specialist financial and accounting software packages including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Experience
Essential
E1 Demonstrable post-qualification financial and management accounting experience with a proven track record in managing the financial planning, reporting and governance on large capital projects within a large complex environment.
E2 Demonstrable experience of working with and influencing across all levels of an organisation including senior management operating in a political or highly complex environment £ providing direction, delivering results, building on relationships and capability and demonstrating personal resilience.
E3 Proven experience of imputing to the building of robust business cases with non-financial professionals and presenting these at board level.
E4 Proven experience of working as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, providing financial leadership, support and challenge.
E5 Proven experience of successfully contributing to continuous financial process improvement and change with demonstrable operational and financial efficiencies delivered.
Desirable
F1 Proven project management experience on IT projects, providing leadership, innovative thinking and delivery against set objectives and timelines.
F2 Experience of working within the finance team of an organisation with a focus on IT Job Features.
Dimensions
The Senior Project Accountant will provide financial project accounting support within a major strategic department with business-critical impact. The scope and impact of the role is University wide in the context of a major investment in the University IT Infrastructure which is pivotal to the achievement of the University£s strategic objectives. As such the expectation is that the post holder will be a strong influencer who plays a crucial role in the development and delivery of the University£s Technology Strategy, with a key financial role in the management of the Technology Development budget.
Planning and Organising
£ Work with project managers to drive all cash flow planning and budgeting activity for Technology Development projects, forecasting in detail for the next 12 months and also providing high level projections for the life of the projects.
£ Involved in the development and planning of Technology Development projects that impact across the Department. The planning horizon can range from several months to more than one year.
£ Ability to balance competing workload priorities from diverse sources often at short notice.
£ Work closely with the Programme Manager and Programme Office to ensure all reports and paperwork are produced, reviewed and challenged and submitted to relevant governance boards and working groups in accordance with required deadlines and timetables.
Decision Making
£ Influence and challenge the decision-making of senior colleagues within the department and on project boards by providing professional financial expertise.
£ Responsible for making decisions about appropriate business processes and the appropriate approach to implementation
£ Facilitate solutions where disagreement exists across a range of stakeholders
£ Determining appropriate financial controls and financial risk management practices ensuring that key risks are identified, evaluated and controlled
£ Ensure identified issues/risks are thoroughly investigated and escalated where appropriate.
Internal/External Relationships
£ Work closely and effectively with the department Programme Office, development managers and Project Managers to ensure the delivery of capital projects within budget, set timelines and governance structures reporting risks as appropriate. Able to work effectively with staff at all levels, frequent interaction with Department leadership team, other senior finance professionals, corporate procurement team
£ Represent Information Services on Project Delivery Boards and other key committees
£ Effective liaison with a broad range of external parties, including contractors, professional advisors, internal and external audit functions, University taxation advisors and other relevant external bodies.
Problem Solving
£ Required to make judgements on financial decisions and financial governance and risk and whether other leading opinions may conflict
£ Address on a regular basis a wide range of complex financial, commercial and operational issues and be able to identify actionable solutions
£ Deal with conflict between the differing requirements of processes, such as balancing efficiency against sound financial control. This also involves managing cultural change to deliver consistent, optimum process for financial management and control.
Terms & Conditions
Salary will be on the Management, Professional and Administrative Grade, level 8, £44,045 - £51,034 per annum.
This post is offered on a full time (35 hours) and open-ended basis.
New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.
The successful applicant will be eligible to join the Universities£ Superannuation Scheme.
Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.
Vacancy reference: 054246; closing date 9 May 2021
It is the University of Glasgow£s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.
We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.
Vacancy Ref : 054246 Close Date : 09-May-2021 23:45
Similar jobs
-
New
-
New