OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE Business Support is responsible for producing the budgets, forecasts management accounts and other information of the Client. As such it is the key business-facing function within the Finance Department ("Finance"). The Business Support function consists of the Head of Business Support, the Senior Management Accountant, two management accountants, the Finance Systems team and the Payroll function. The Management Accountant is a key interface between Finance and other University departments and is responsible for providing a business partnering service to non-Finance departments ensuring these departments receive an effective and efficient service in terms of the generation, distribution and understanding of financial-related management information. As such, the Management Accountant is expected to lead by example in demonstrating certain of the core values of the Finance Department, notably: Displaying a POSITIVE 'can do' attitude and pro-active approach to issues / challenges Being INFORMATIVE in terms of providing information required to meet the needs of users of the services of the Business Support function Providing robust, but constructive CHALLENGE in performing tasks / responsibilities. The Assistant Management Accountant will be required to use accountancy and technical (financial and other) expertise to support the key duties / areas for which they have responsibility. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Whilst reporting to the Head of Business Support, the role of Management Accountant will have a high degree of autonomy, actively contributing to financial and strategic thinking. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties and responsibilities are not intended to be exhaustive but to give an indication of those aspects of the work of the Finance Department for which the role holder has primary responsibility. General Attend meetings, as necessary, including, in particular, regular monthly meetings with Heads of Departments / Services and with the Senior Management Team when required (e.g. during budget and planning meetings) The role holder will be nominated to attend certain committees / groups as the representative for Finance Be responsible for assisting and mentoring the work of the Finance Officer or have responsibility for overseeing the financial aspects of one or more of the subsidiaries of the University Management Information Reporting / Corporate Planning / Business Support Prepare discreet elements of the annual budget, in-year forecasts and the medium term financial plan in conformance with the timetable to meet appropriate Committee and Board sign offs, taking the lead for a number of clients assigned to this role, as well as assisting with the consolidation As part of the above work: Assist the Head of Business Support in developing and issuing reporting templates and assist Cost Centre managers in the completion of these templates and in the preparation of their business plans and budgets in accordance with deadlines and other requirements set by the Director of Finance Conduct regular meetings with Line managers and Cost Centre managers, analysing variances against budget / forecast and exploring potential opportunities and problems and their solutions, making appropriate recommendations and advising of the impact on the business Challenge senior managers to deliver their services efficiently and ensure that all activities of the Business are budgeted for at an appropriate level Ensure non-finance departments have a full understanding and take appropriate 'ownership' for their departmental budgets / forecasts etc. Produce monthly management information packs for the areas for which the role holder has financial responsibility, from trial balance, on a timely basis for review by the Head of Business support, ensuring that all relevant accruals and prepayments have been taken into account and all journals are recorded in time to meet reporting deadlines Develop more insightful analysis and reporting of profitability , assisting business managers to properly understand the income and costs of their department Provide financial and commercial input to on-going and ad hoc business decisions with financial implications. Where relevant, provide appropriate financial modelling and other support, in particular provide assistance to academic staff with research / consultancy project bid preparation (and subsequent monitoring of successful bids) Work with the Human Resources function and with Registry in order to enhance reporting on staffing and related costs and student numbers and income allocation Encourage adherence to financial policy and procedures, demystifying financial matters at all levels within the organisation (user friendly financial advice, contributing to the development of financial training for non-financial managers and academic staff)