Senior Finance Manager (SFM)

The Role and the Department

The Senior Finance Manager (SFM) role sits within the Finance Service at Durham University and forms part of the Management Reporting function, which is responsible for producing high-quality, accurate, timely and insightful monthly management accounts. The role provides strategic and operational leadership of the management reporting activities supporting the Professional Services and College divisions.

The Senior Finance Manager is responsible for leading the provision of high-quality management accounting, financial reporting and analysis, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support effective decision-making. The role also plays a key part in strengthening financial controls, improving management information and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the Finance Service.

Reporting directly to the Head of Finance (Management Reporting) and working closely with Finance Business Partners and other senior finance colleagues to support the development of budgets and forecasts. The role provides critical financial insight to budget holders, ensuring financial information supports informed decision-making aligned with the University's strategic objectives.

The Senior Finance Manager will lead and develop a high-performing management accounting team, embedding high standards of technical competence, customer service and continuous improvement across the function.

The base location for this role is Boldon House, our professional services hub located on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings together a number of professional services teams in a vibrant environment designed to support collaborative and hybrid working. Further information can be found on the Boldon House project webpage.

The role offers hybrid working with a minimum of 40% office-based attendance per week, which may increase to meet business needs during key periods such as month end, year end or audit.

Please note the expected interview date is approximately 22nd May 2026.