Director of Finance

About the Role

JOB PURPOSE

Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team the Director of Finance will provide financial strategic direction and operational leadership to a range of teams whilst ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the College.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Support the financial sustainability of the College through developing and delivering a clear financial strategy in line with the College’s Strategic Plans.

Maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the funding environment, including Government policy in relation to tertiary education to inform financial planning and forecasting.

Prepare and present annual budgets in consultation with department managers, and lead on the development and reporting of KPIs across the organisation, in conjunction with annual Departmental Operational Plans.

Provide support to all Managers regarding budgets and grants.  This includes working with managers on the costings for research and education projects and ensuring there is a standardised methodology for ensuring full cost recovery on all project work

Ensure monthly management accounts are prepared accurately and on a timely basis, providing financial analysis, cashflow monitoring and updated forecasts for the year at least on a quarterly basis to the management team and relevant Board committees.

Submit all mandatory returns to the Scottish Funding Council and to UHI as required, as well as other financial reports as required to donors / other funding bodies.

Assist with the College’s Annual Outcome Agreement with the Scottish Funding Council

Support the Head of Research in ensuring timely and accurate Research Excellence Fund Reporting over the REF time period.

Ensure that the College has effective management and control systems in place for all financial transactions and processes, and that these are fit for purpose and cost and time effective.

Ensure both Internal and External Audits are carried out to provide  assurance of the College’s management and control systems and compliance.

Report to the College Board and Board Committees, acting as the Lead officer to the Audit Committee.

Work with the relevant teams to ensure effective income generation from commercial business within the College, from setting fees and rates for students and other courses, conferencing, room lettings and other commercial activities.

Provide effective financial advice, scrutiny and support on all capital developments, including supporting the Head of Estates on the effective financial management of the annual Capital Maintenance Grant, ensuring compliance with SFC terms.

Please see the job description below