The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Durham University The Role and Department The Financial Accountant (Treasury & Cash Management) is part of the Financial Transactional Services team which represents the larger part (50.6 FTE) of the Finance Department and includes the transactional processing and compliance functions including Financial Accounting, Capital Management, Treasury & Cash Management, Accounts Payable, Student Billing and Credit Control. The Financial Accountant (Treasury & Cash Management) is a key role within the FTS team and reports to the Senior Financial Accounting Manager. The role is responsible for the Treasury and Cash Management teams which includes cashflow planning and forecast modelling, operating in line with the Treasury Policy, complex balance sheet reconciliations and building relationships with key stakeholders. The role will include identifying improvements and optimisation in Oracle Fusion and working cross functionally to drive efficiencies and collaboration. The Financial Accountant will lead a team of 7 with 1 direct report and ensure the day-to-day operations take place efficiently and effectively to meet current service levels. The role offers hybrid working with a minimum of 40% office based per week however may increase to meet business needs, eg month end, audit etc. From early 2025 the base location for this role will change from our Durham City Centre site to our exciting new professional services hub based at Boldon House. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House will bring a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. To find out more about this project, please visit this webpage: Boldon House - Durham University. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: • 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year. • The University closes between Christmas and New Year • We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into this University Superannuation Scheme (USS). • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. • There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. • A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. • If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. Qualified accountant with significant relevant professional experience within a similar role. 2. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues to influence service delivery. 3. 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. 4. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements. 5. Experience of preparing cashflow forecasts and models, and related treasury experience. 6. Experience of preparing complex balance sheet reconciliations. 7. Experience of working with external auditors and supporting with year-end close and external audit. 8. Experience of managing and developing a team. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 9. Excellent spoken and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally 10. Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, Oracle Fusion. 11. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition. 12. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines. 13. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. Desirable Criteria 1. Experience within Higher Education Organisations. 2. Understanding of Endowments. 3. Experience of high volume of transactions in a large organisation. 4. Preparation of financial statements under US GAAP 5. Experience with large financial systems like Oracle/SAP or similar. How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from oure-recruitmentsystem. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What you need to submit • A CV: and • A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification. Contact details For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Sue Jarvis (susan.jarvisdurham.ac.uk) Typical Role Requirements Core Responsibilities • Responsible for the cashflow planning models and lead the weekly short term cashflow review call providing detailed insights and recommendations. • Monitor and report on compliance with covenants including sensitivity analysis and identifying options to optimise covenant performance. • Build relationships with key stakeholders to understand cashflow implications of business decisions and support with driving a culture of cashflow knowledge and accountability. • Develop KPI reporting in line with the Treasury Policy. • Monthly complex balance sheet reconciliations and review of team balance sheet reconciliations. • Support with year-end external audit, ensuring all deadlines are met to bring audit to a successful conclusion. • Lead on continuous improvement activity, support with process review and implementing efficiencies by developing digital skills. • Support the Cash Management Assistant Manager with developing a continuous improvement framework. • Support the Senior Financial Accounting Manager with other financial duties within the wider Financial Transactional Services team. Service Delivery/Development • Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. • Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University's frameworks and Regulations. • Manage the delivery of Treasury and Cash Management services across the University to a high standard. • Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from staff and others who you work with and contribute to ideas and service improvements. • Work with your team to look for ways to improve processes, techniques and outputs/results across all areas of your work to ensure financial control is optimised. Planning and Organisation • Manage the delivery of operational activities carried out by the Treasury and Cash Management team which you are responsible for. • Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your Department. • Review data on the level of service provided by your area to recommend areas for future improvement. Team Development • Manage and monitor the performance, workload and expected outcomes of the Treasury and Cash Management team and take action to respond to anything that impacts on the service level provided. • Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members. • Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and expectations and identify any development needs. • Ensure that your team continues to develop by coaching and mentoring team members and delivering any training needs. • Support the welfare and wellbeing of your team referring more complex issues to specialist services. Communication/Liaison • Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University's policies, procedures and regulations are complied with. • Use your operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. • Coordinate and oversee committees and other business meetings and deal with any related complaints. • Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes. • Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers. • Any other reasonable duties. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.