Job Description

College Finance Assistant Manager

(

Job Number:

25000779

)

Finance
Grade 6: - 30,805 - 37,174 per annum
Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time

Contract Duration

:

N/A

Contracted Hours per Week

:

35

Working Arrangements

:

Hybrid

Closing Date

:

29-Jun-2025, 5:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement

:

Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.


Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.


We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.



Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department

The position will take ownership of the financial postings and budgetary planning for assigned colleges being involved in forward-looking forecasting as well as facilitating financial compliance, timeliness and accuracy of postings. The role will also be involved in change management and continuous improvement as the University continues to implement new financial systems and associated financial processes.



The Assistant Finance Manager position will play a subject matter expert (SME) role for rented & third-party managed colleges, ensuring the accounts are reviewed for accuracy and that operational financial processes are followed, and also play an SME role for the college bars.



The College Finance Assistant Manager will have line management responsibilities and ensure the day-to-day operations take place efficiently and effectively.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:



27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. We offer generous pension schemes. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.



We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisknext to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.


Your application should cover the following criteria:

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Experience

1. Finance qualification e.g. AAT level 4, or ACCA part-qualified.



2. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.



3. Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of finance and administrative services.
4. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.

5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.



6. Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification.



7. Experience of managing time of self and others and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

8. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.



9. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 Office applications, financial systems and reporting tools.



10. Committed to continuing professional development.



11. Ability to plan and organise events, activities and training involving the service.



12. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.



13. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.

Desirable criteria

14. Experience of Oracle Fusion finance system or similar ERP.

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).



While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails

What you are required to submit:

A CV A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

Contact details

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Julian Hatton would be happy to speak to you. julian.o.hatton@durham.ac.uk

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery

Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.

Ensure that any procedures and expectations that apply throughout the University are reflected in all aspects of the service provided by the team and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.

Provide specialist advice and resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible.

Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role such and make recommendations based on your findings.

Implement and monitor protocols, procedures, processes and regulations to improve financial accounting and reporting accuracy and oversight.

Provide the best possible service to staff, students and other colleagues you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.

Collect and record data and information accurately and provide reports to senior colleagues.

Implement any changes or processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data and information.

Provide financial account reconciliations as requested.

Contribute to specific Colleges Finance projects when required.

Planning and Organisation

Responsible for organising and overseeing all day-to-day aspects of the Colleges Finance services.

Plan and organise operational activities carried out by the Colleges Finance team which you are responsible for.

Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services and provide related advice and guidance to other staff.

Team Development

Supervise team members and any other people/resources that are assigned to you and provide an initial response to any related HR issues.

Explain systems and procedures to induct new starters into the team and provide specialist advice and guidance including any training.

Contribute to performance review processes by providing feedback on individual and team objectives and expectations and considering any development needs.

Communication/Liaison

Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.

Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers.

Build relationships with College leadership and management staff to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.

Any other reasonable duties.




Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.