Head Of Group Accounting & Compliance

Are you a dynamic financial leader seeking a challenging role? The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) is actively recruiting for a new Head of Group Accounting & Compliance. This is an exciting time to join UCLAN, with this role being instrumental in delivering several key projects such as an ERP system implementation and Campus redevelopment. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will be a dynamic leader, and as a valued member of the Senior Finance Management team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of this prestigious institution.

THE ROLE

You will be at the forefront of financial stewardship, overseeing critical functions to ensure the University's fiscal health and compliance. In this role, you will lead the financial accounting function, oversee the preparation of statutory financial statements, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. You will also be responsible for developing and maintaining financial regulations, engaging with external audit functions, and directing the evolution of finance information systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, support, and develop team members, ensuring they are equipped to fulfil their responsibilities and identifying talent for succession management
• Determine and refine the structure of the chart of accounts for the University and its subsidiaries
• Provide assurance that all information required for statutory financial statements adheres to prevailing standards and SORPs
• Direct and coordinate the University’s engagement in external audit activity
• Design and direct month-end and year-end control procedures for efficient, accurate, and timely financial reporting
• Develop, maintain, and implement a comprehensive set of Financial Regulations for the University and Group
• Coordinate system development activity with other key stakeholders across the University
• Establish efficient issue handling and escalation processes for key financial management information systems
• Direct the financial management of Training 2000 Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary, ensuring financial control and management support

THE PERSON

• Fully Qualified member of a professional accounting body (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA )
• Excellent leadership skills, and the ability to motivate and develop a finance team, setting clear objectives and monitoring performance
• Experience in leading and managing financial teams and overseeing audit and compliance processes
• Comfortable working with senior managers and the ability to develop excellent working relationships whilst providing high level technical advice
• Confident in decision making and able to communicate and negotiate with others, building strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Working in a complex multi-faceted organisation

THE PACKAGE

• Salary £71,664 p.a.
• Defined Contribution pension scheme (Employer contribution 10%)
• Excellent holidays – 30 days + 4 Christmas Close down + Bank Holidays
• Hybrid of 3/2 (Preston campus/WFH)
• Subsidised car parking
• Various discount schemes (Sports, Travel etc)

Bayman Atkinson Smythe Ltd is acting as a trusted recruitment partner to UCLAN.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Claire Bayman or Tracy Topping for a confidential discussion.