Head of Financial Accounting

The Head of Financial Accounting is a pivotal senior leadership role within the Finance Department, reporting directly to the Director of Finance and playing a critical part in safeguarding the University's financial integrity, regulatory compliance and reputation.

As the University's lead technical accounting expert, the postholder is responsible for leading the Financial Accounting function, encompassing financial reporting, treasury and cash management, balance sheet oversight, financial controls and the management of the external audit relationship. The role is fundamental to maintaining a robust financial control environment and ensuring compliance with all relevant accounting standards, regulatory requirements, governance obligations and sector-specific reporting frameworks.

As a member of the Finance Department Senior Leadership Team, the postholder provides strategic advice and expert guidance on complex accounting, financial governance and compliance matters, helping to support informed decision-making and effective risk management across the institution. The role is particularly important in a period of increasing regulatory scrutiny and significant change within the higher education sector.

The postholder will lead the University's response to evolving accounting and reporting requirements, ensuring the continued integrity, accuracy and timeliness of financial information used for statutory reporting, regulatory submissions, management decision-making and external stakeholder assurance.

The postholder leads a team of 13 professional staff, with 3 direct reports, and is responsible for ensuring the team delivers a high-quality, efficient and resilient service that underpins the University's financial stewardship, compliance obligations and long-term strategic objectives.

The role offers hybrid working with a minimum of 40% office based per week, however may increase to meet business needs, e.g. month end, audit etc. The base location for this role is Boldon House, situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me.

Key Responsibilities:

Acting as the University's lead technical accounting adviser, supporting the Director of Finance in ensuring compliance with all relevant accounting standards, regulatory requirements and sector guidance.

Ensuring the University maintains strong financial governance, effective internal controls and compliance with internal policies and delegated authorities.

Providing strategic leadership as a member of the Finance Department Senior Leadership Team and contributing to the wider financial strategy of the institution.

Maintaining the integrity, accuracy and relevance of financial information, statutory accounts, regulatory returns and balance sheet reporting.

Leading the external audit process and fostering effective relationships with auditors, regulators and other external stakeholders.

Developing and continuously improving professional, customer-focused financial accounting services, systems, processes and controls across the University.

Delivering high-quality financial management, technical advice and assurance to support sound decision-making and institutional sustainability.

Service Delivery/Development:

Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. Oversee and manage professional and regulatory standards and policies relating to activities carried out by the Finance Service. Use leadership and management expertise to implement significant changes optimally, in collaboration with other senior managers and specialists. Lead on the development of new areas of work or activities including scoping, planning and implementing changes. Look for innovative ways to continually improve services provided to stakeholders. Develop and implement new or improved policies, processes and standards. Use professional knowledge and experience as a professionally qualified accountant to resolve problems, shape processes and activities, develop systems and provide subject matter expertise and advice. Support quality and regulatory audits to ensure systems and processes are operating in an optimal and compliant way. Meet the professional development needs of stakeholders by ensuring a programme of training and learning activities is designed and delivered by the Finance Service.

Planning and Organisation:

Use expertise to help develop strategic plans and business plans covering a wide range of operational activities. Define what needs to be achieved so that other colleagues can scope, plan and implement large-scale/university-wide initiatives. Ensure services are performing at the optimal level by setting clear standards and introducing measurable performance indicators. Allocate and monitor designated budgets, expenditure and resources.

Leadership and Team Development:

Set operational and strategic objectives and use leadership and management skills to develop the people in the team and ensure high standards of performance. Help shape the skills and expertise needed to deliver a professional service by recruiting, inducting and training team members. Ensure the team can deliver the required services by delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members and considering succession plans. Carry out regular performance reviews with colleagues to provide feedback on objectives and identify any development needs. Handle most HR issues and support the welfare and wellbeing of the team.

Communication/Liaison:

Lead internal and external meetings and committees to influence University policy, standards and governance. Build and lead an influential network of internal and external contacts to increase knowledge and skills and improve the Finance Service. Identify opportunities to build relationships with external organisations to support the delivery of strategic-level objectives. Research new approaches being taken by internal and external stakeholders including governing bodies, professional bodies and other agencies.

Essential Criteria:

1. Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience.
2. Professional practitioner with significant specialist knowledge and expertise in financial accounting, technical accounting, financial reporting and financial control, with the ability to influence service delivery, strategy and organisational decision-making.
3. Experience of providing specialist technical accounting advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including senior leaders, executive colleagues, external auditors and governing bodies.
4. Significant experience of ensuring compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, organisational policies, governance frameworks and financial control requirements within a large and complex organisation.
5. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University's reputation.
6. Experience of implementing policies, procedures and financial controls and leading service improvements that strengthen governance, efficiency and effectiveness.
7. Track record of leadership, management and development of professional finance teams and of delivering services across a large and complex organisation.
8. Significant experience of financial reporting, statutory accounts preparation, balance sheet management and external audit processes.
9. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships and communicate complex financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences.
10. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications, financial systems and business reporting tools.
11. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
12. Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory, statutory and organisational policies, procedures and guidelines.
13. Extensive knowledge of financial accounting standards, financial reporting requirements, internal controls, governance and risk management frameworks.
14. Ability to contribute to planning and decision-making at operational and strategic levels.
15. Ability to solve complex problems, exercise sound professional judgement and determine and implement appropriate solutions.
16. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information and provide insight to support strategic decision-making.
17. Ability to influence, challenge and support senior stakeholders while maintaining effective professional relationships.

Desirable Criteria:

1. Experience of working within the Higher Education sector or another large, complex and highly regulated organisation.
2. Experience of leading significant organisational change, financial transformation or systems improvement projects.
3. Experience of treasury management, cash management and investment activities.
4. Experience of developing and implementing financial policies and governance frameworks across a large organisation.

Benefits:

30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year (42 days total). The University closes between Christmas and New Year. Generous pension scheme with automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). Ample parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, discount with local bus and train companies, and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicle leasing. Comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications. Wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Generous family-friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave. Volunteering opportunities. Exclusive discounts via benefits portal. Salary sacrifice schemes. Relocation support including help with removal costs, house hunting and schools. Visa cost coverage and interest-free loan scheme for dependant visas.