University of Stirling
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Commercial Accountant
Apply
Post Details
Full time
Open ended
The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 05 December 2023.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role under SOC code 2421.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The Post
The University is currently recruiting a Commercial Accountant. Reporting to the Head of Commercial and Financial Accounting, with line management responsibility for an accountancy assistant, the post-holder will be an experienced finance business partner who will work with leadership teams across University Commercial Services. Delivering professional finance and accounting advice, as well as proactive and value add finance support to inform decision making.
The post-holder will be business focused, highly analytical and aware of the commercial and risk environment in which the University operates. In addition to traditional accounting strengths, strong commercial awareness and the ability to challenge stakeholders are highly desirable qualities.
As the role may involve liaising with external stakeholders as well as senior members of the University’s staff it is important that the post-holder is able to build and maintain good stakeholder relationships and have excellent communication skills.
Description of Duties
- Preparation of monthly management accounts for designated areas on a timely and accurate basis. Interpreting variances from a financial, business and delivery perspective taking into account business risk factors, materiality and revenue recognition principles
- Work with designated areas to produce their in-year forecasts, annual budgets and long- term plans, ensuring they are aligned with targets for revenue, cost and contribution
- Undertake investment appraisal and financial modelling of new business propositions
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, keeping abreast of new initiatives to understand how they influence financial performance and impact upon strategic objectives
- Provide proactive financial advice and support to the relevant Senior Managers in the designated areas
- Demonstrate initiative and a pro-active mind-set in identifying improvement opportunities, investigating and resolving financial issues and challenging established ways of working
- Line management of an accountancy assistant, ensuring their performance is managed in accordance with University HR policies, motivating them and ensuring their development needs are met
- Lead or be a contributory member of internal and cross functional teams and working groups as required
- Deputise for the Head of Commercial and Financial Accounting, including representation at meetings in a financial advisory capacity and leading on or assist on project work as directed
Essential Criteria
- Full Membership of a CCAB accounting body (CA/ACCA/CIMA)
- Demonstrable experience of providing finance business partnering or equivalent within a commercial environment and building relationships across all levels of an organisation
- Successful track record of working with non-financial managers to drive improvements in decision making and financial performance
- Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities and is proactive in putting forward ideas and solutions
- Strong communication (both written and oral) and inter-personal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information or ideas in a way that colleagues can understand and act upon
- Able to prioritise workload to deliver to tight deadlines and manage competing demands from various stakeholders
- Proven analytical and problem solving capability, with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft packages such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint; and accounting software packages
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
- Job number
SERV01818
- Contract Type
Open Ended
- Posting End Date
05-Dec-2023
- Location:
Stirling Campus
- Grade
Grade8 £45,585-£54,395 p.a.
- Faculty/Service
Finance
Post Details
Full time
Open ended
The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 05 December 2023.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role under SOC code 2421.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The Post
The University is currently recruiting a Commercial Accountant. Reporting to the Head of Commercial and Financial Accounting, with line management responsibility for an accountancy assistant, the post-holder will be an experienced finance business partner who will work with leadership teams across University Commercial Services. Delivering professional finance and accounting advice, as well as proactive and value add finance support to inform decision making.
The post-holder will be business focused, highly analytical and aware of the commercial and risk environment in which the University operates. In addition to traditional accounting strengths, strong commercial awareness and the ability to challenge stakeholders are highly desirable qualities.
As the role may involve liaising with external stakeholders as well as senior members of the University’s staff it is important that the post-holder is able to build and maintain good stakeholder relationships and have excellent communication skills.
Description of Duties
- Preparation of monthly management accounts for designated areas on a timely and accurate basis. Interpreting variances from a financial, business and delivery perspective taking into account business risk factors, materiality and revenue recognition principles
- Work with designated areas to produce their in-year forecasts, annual budgets and long- term plans, ensuring they are aligned with targets for revenue, cost and contribution
- Undertake investment appraisal and financial modelling of new business propositions
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, keeping abreast of new initiatives to understand how they influence financial performance and impact upon strategic objectives
- Provide proactive financial advice and support to the relevant Senior Managers in the designated areas
- Demonstrate initiative and a pro-active mind-set in identifying improvement opportunities, investigating and resolving financial issues and challenging established ways of working
- Line management of an accountancy assistant, ensuring their performance is managed in accordance with University HR policies, motivating them and ensuring their development needs are met
- Lead or be a contributory member of internal and cross functional teams and working groups as required
- Deputise for the Head of Commercial and Financial Accounting, including representation at meetings in a financial advisory capacity and leading on or assist on project work as directed
Essential Criteria
- Full Membership of a CCAB accounting body (CA/ACCA/CIMA)
- Demonstrable experience of providing finance business partnering or equivalent within a commercial environment and building relationships across all levels of an organisation
- Successful track record of working with non-financial managers to drive improvements in decision making and financial performance
- Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities and is proactive in putting forward ideas and solutions
- Strong communication (both written and oral) and inter-personal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information or ideas in a way that colleagues can understand and act upon
- Able to prioritise workload to deliver to tight deadlines and manage competing demands from various stakeholders
- Proven analytical and problem solving capability, with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft packages such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint; and accounting software packages
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni
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