Financial Accountant

Manchester Metropolitan University – Business Planning & Reporting Services

Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the UK's most ambitious and progressive universities. We are now looking to appoint a highly skilled and qualified Financial Accountant to join our Business Planning and Reporting Services team.

This is a key role within Finance and Procurement, primarily taking responsibility for the University's financial reporting and statutory returns.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Financial Accounting, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the University's financial reporting obligations are delivered to the highest standard.

Key responsibilities include:

• Taking a lead role in the production of the University's annual statutory accounts and management of the year-end process.
• Preparing additional Higher Education statutory returns
• Providing specialist advice on statutory reporting requirements to senior stakeholders across the University.
• Acting as a key point of contact for internal and external auditors, responding to queries, and supporting audit processes.
• Leading and supporting colleagues across Finance and Procurement, including training on systems and reporting tools (e.g. Oracle, Excel).
• Interrogating the general ledger, correcting errors and mapping out new processes to prevent future errors.

2025/26 is the first year of reporting in Oracle Fusion. Therefore, a major part of the role will be working on the transition from SAP to Oracle fusion.

About You

The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:

• A professional accountancy qualification (ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience preparing statutory accounts for a large and complex organisation or experience of working in external audit.
• Strong knowledge of statutory accounts preparation and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and consult confidently with senior colleagues and external partners.
• Experience using financial systems, including Oracle, and advanced use of Excel and reporting tools.
• Experience within the higher education or public sector environment.

You will also demonstrate a proactive approach to continuous improvement, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality financial services.

How to Apply

Please apply via our online recruitment system, submitting your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.