Financial Accountant

Finance Division

We’re seeking a qualified accountant with strong financial reporting expertise to take ownership of accounts and reporting relating to a number of trusts, spin-outs,investments and endowments here at the University. Reporting to the Director of Financial Reporting, you’ll lead statutory and management reporting, oversee reconciliations and supervise junior accountants

Location: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford With the option of some hybrid/remote working

Salary: £56,623 - £65,336 per annum

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

Integral to the University, the Finance Division aims to enable world-class research and education by collaborating on sound financial strategy to provide long-term resources, underpinned by excellent operational and professional services. For more information please visit: https://finance.admin.ox.ac.uk/

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.

• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.

• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.

• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This position will suit a highly skilled qualified accountant with a strong understanding of financial accounting in a complex environment and with excellent IT skills. Reporting to the Director of Financial Reporting, this role is responsible for all aspects of the management and statutory reporting for the University’s trusts, investments and endowments. This includes monthly reconciliations of the Oxford Endowment Fund and Oxford Capital Fund. The role includes the supervision of the assistant financial accountant for investments and assistant financial accountant for trusts.

Working closely with the Director of Financial Reporting, this role will be responsible for ensuring that the University is compliant with all Office for Student (OfS), HESA and legal reporting requirements. This includes the preparation of parts of the University’s Financial Statements for external audit purposes, as well as the provision of management accounts for the University.

• Lead statutory and management reporting for the University’s trusts, investments and endowments

• Prepare reconciliations, financial statements and support external audit requirements

• Produce quarterly reports and analysis for the CFO and Trusts Management Board

• Oversee trust statements, forecasts and respond to departmental queries

• Work with Oxford Endowment Management and Oxford University Innovation on valuations and investment reporting

• Supervise and develop two direct reports, driving process improvements and ensuring compliance

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

About You

• Hold an accounting qualification such as ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA.

• Relevant post qualified accounting experience in a range of accounting functions, including in a financial or management accounting role.

• Experience in a large complex accounting environment with proven and demonstrable technical accounting skills, including understanding and interpreting financial policies, regulations and reporting requirements.

• Proven leadership and teamwork skills, especially in communicating with and developing other staff.

• Strong IT understanding of financial systems, including experience of using such systems, ideally Oracle Financials.

• Strong excel skills and willingness to learn new reporting tools like Power BI.

• High levels of personal effectiveness, particularly co-ordination, organization, and the ability to focus on achieving deadlines, ensuring that timetables/project plans can be met.

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of Oracle Financials

• Staff supervision experience

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement

• Your CV

• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 18th September

Interviews will take place on w/c 22nd September, and will be held face to face in Oxford