Overview

Supporting the Deputy Director of Finance, the role will lead on the Financial Accounting, Research project accounting, Financial Systems, Treasury and Indirect Taxation aspects of the University. Responsible for ensuring all transactions within the finance system are recorded in line with current financial reporting requirements, and taxation regulations, providing a sound foundation for the production of meaningful management information and financial forecasts to support the organisation's regulatory framework.

Work with the Heads of School and Professional Service leads across all areas to maintain an efficient and effective control environment for all financial information, allowing officers to effectively discharge their duties to the maximum benefit of the organisation, and the students and staff therein. The Head of Financial and Control Management will be a member of the Financial Management Team, working with professional staff in all areas to ensure sound financial management.

Responsibilities

• Leading the financial accounting aspect of the University’s financial management, including production of annual financial statements (University and Consolidated), monthly financial reporting data, and maintaining the integrity of the financial ledger to ensure all financial information is complete, accurate, and reported in line with statutory reporting regulations.
• Ensuring that the annual financial statements are produced within the necessary timeframes with appropriate stakeholder engagement including audit, University Committees and the officers responsible for the annual report.
• Maximising the organisation's financial well-being in the short, medium and longer term through effective treasury management and management of strategic relationships with bankers and investment brokers on behalf of the University.
• Ensuring compliance with VAT regulations in recording all transactions, and managing the production and submission of indirect tax returns (including quarterly VAT returns; annual PESM return; Corporation Tax return and EC sales list) and other customs requirements; ensuring maximisation of tax recovery in line with HMRC regulations.

What you will bring to the role

• Professionally qualified with a relevant degree/postgraduate qualification (CCAB or equivalent).
• Substantial post-qualification experience in a senior financial management role in a complex organisation at a strategic and operational level.
• A comprehensive understanding of current accounting policies and standards, including HE/FE SORP, and VAT regulations, with experience of all aspects of financial management and financial reporting, including strategy planning and formulation.
• A commitment to the ambitions of the University and the values of a research-intensive institution with an appreciation of the challenges facing Higher Education in the UK and internationally.
• Experience of successfully managing a team of high-performing financial professionals and other staff, with well-developed leadership skills and a passion for developing motivated staff and strong teams.

What we can offer in return

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You’ll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: Kent

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number CSF-1097-25

*Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.