InFrame project Finance Manager

Job Purpose Play a leading role in the provision of comprehensive, effective, and efficient management accounting support and direction to a large-scale multi-partner project: ‘InFrame’ (Inclusive Framework for Research Leadership). The post holder will be the strategic lead for all project finances across three partner universities (Glasgow, St Andrews & Edinburgh) and hold all financial accountability for the 2-year project. Working in partnership with the InFrame Project Lead and the InFrame Project Manager, lead on strategic delivery and financial reporting, offering issue resolution and high-quality technical support for all project finances to deliver strategic project objectives. Main Duties and Responsibilities1. Lead on all InFrame finances for across three Universities, utilising a business partner approach to deliver the projects’ strategic objectives. Lead, develop, gain agreement on, and deliver a finance management plan that aligns with the strategic delivery of the project, and ensures financial leadership and influence across a complex three university structure.2. Provide strategic accounting leadership, challenging and supporting the InFrame project team with regards to central financial concerns, and the projects funded through the Culture Catalyst Fund (CCF), to assure work is co-ordinated in line with strategic requirements of the three universities and the InFrame Project. This includes responsibility for providing professional, specialised expertise and leading advice across three universities, offering strategic guidance on all financial aspects of the InFrame project and the projects being delivered by InFrame partners.3. Provide insight, expert commentary, and analysis for all reporting requirements, providing strategic financial leadership across the three partner institutes. Develop and lead on procedures and controls to assure all reporting across a complex partnership. Prepare accurate forecast data ensuring that the process and related reports are continually improved both in terms of data quality and analytical insight.4. Provide oversight of the CCF to assure financial strategic aims are met. Apply professional expertise to provide robust financial challenge and financial due diligence, providing recommendations for level of support, and ensuring that all proposals progressed withstand scrutiny and contain measurable delivery criteria. Lead on the development and dissemination of protocols across the three universities and oversee the smooth operation of processes related to funding decisions and funds management in adherence to policies particularly for transferring funds between partner universities. Provide strategic advice and amendments to funding agreements for the CCF, including options analysis for deliverable workstreams. Ensure appropriate records and procedures are maintained for the financial management of the grant in line with complex landscape of all three partner Universities' Financial Regulations, and the funder Terms and Conditions.5. Lead on the financial management reporting for both strategic and operational purposes, including strategic financial planning, financial governance and control, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and reporting. Lead on the analysis and interpretation of financial data to meet all portfolio management, governance, risk and compliance reporting requirements, strategically advising the Project Lead and Project Manager.6. Ensure all financial operational and strategic planning and processes contribute to successful matrix management of the 13 members of the Project Team working closely to steer the work of the three institutional Project Coordinators, leading on individual and cross-university financial inputs in the short and long-term, working towards strategic objectives.7. Lead on building strong relationships with key people, teams, communities and networks across the three partner universities, working productively across different levels, job families, and management structures. Work as an engaged team player who is cooperative, communicative and builds trust and the support of colleagues and partners through respectful collaboration and building consensus.8. Implement a strategically aligned project-wide financial risk framework to manage and mitigate financial risks. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in relation to the procurement of products, services and contractors. Utilising insights and analysis lead on elicit change to maximise quality, efficiency and continuity across the three-university partnership.9. Be accountable for the integrity of financial data within the Agresso accounting system, ensuring all appropriate financial reconciliations are carried out with variances investigated and corrective action taken. Act as the key point of contact with the University Services Finance Team across the three universities.10. Lead on the management and strategic alignment of the project budget across the three institutions, providing financial leadership for all procurement exercises that require alignment with the funder requirements, and three university’s procurement and finance teams. Provide strategic direction to Project Coordinators to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in relation to the procurement of products, services and contractors.11. Keep abreast of the financial policy, legislative and funding changes and the implications on project interdependencies and emerging needs, providing evidence for, and making, change to facilitate the projects strategic objectives.12. 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. Proactively identify, undertake, and share opportunities for ongoing professional development, both for yourself and for colleagues in the Project Team.13. 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.14. Perform other duties as requested, consistent with the grade level of the position and agreeing appropriate prioritisation of work with line management or other relevant stakeholders as needed. Knowledge, qualifications, skills and experienceKnowledge/qualifications Essential:A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a management role(s).A2 Membership of a recognised CCAB/CIMA accounting professional body.A3 Comprehensive knowledge of business processes.A4 Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning, budgets, and forecasts. Desirable:B1 Knowledge of financial governance and regulation in the HE sector.B2 Continuing engagement with current practice and developing knowledge. SkillsEssential:C1 Excellent leadership and management skills.C2 Proven high level communication skills obtained through representational, influencing and/or negotiating activities.C3 Proven ability to develop and implement financial management plans with strategic alignment.C4 Ability to drive forward and deliver change in line with strategic and operational objectives and priorities.C5 Ability to constructively challenge the status quo, influence change and present arguments based on sound professional judgement and expertise.C6 Strong 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.C7 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.C8 Outstanding and proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make well-considered decisions, resolve conflicts and demonstrate sound, professional judgement.C9 A self-motivated individual with the ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight timescales with an aptitude for prioritising work and manage competing demands.C10 Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft packages such as Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint. ExperienceEssential:E1 Substantial post-qualification management accounting experience with a proven track record in leading and managing the financial planning, reporting and governance 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 building robust business cases with non-financial professionals and presenting these to senior management.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.E6 Demonstrable experience in a similar management/project accounting role within a large complex environment. Desirable:F1 Experience of managing grant funding projects or programmes from initiation to conclusion and/or related funding mechanisms such as tax incentives.F2 Understanding of relevant health and safety policies and procedures relative to the role, and the quality outputs and standards required. Closing date: 22 August 2024 Terms and ConditionsSalary will be Grade 8, £48,350 - £56,021 per annum. This post is full time and fixed term for up to 2 years from start date The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship. As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 3 A flexible approach to working.