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.

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 experience working in a senior finance role operating at a strategic level.
2. Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge and expertise to influence service delivery, events and activities within the organisation.
3. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
4. 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.
5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements.
6. Extensive experience of business partnering role and influencing senior stakeholders.
7. Extensive experience of budgeting and forecasting, with the ability to turn complex financial data into actionable insights.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

1. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
2. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications (advanced excel), financial & non-financial business systems.
3. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
4. Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
5. Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels.
6. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
7. Ability to influence and constructively challenge senior stakeholders through the presentation of complex financial and commercial information.
8. Ability to operate effectively in complex environments, working collaboratively across functions and managing competing stakeholder priorities.

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 our e-recruitment system. 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
• 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 Vicki Hart at vicki.hart@durham.ac.uk.

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery/Development

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
• Develop and promote an in-depth understanding of university policy and external developments relevant to your role.
• Ensure that policy and regulatory standards are met by ensuring all colleagues adhere to approved financial and procurement activities and processes that are carried out in services you are responsible for.
• Use your professional knowledge and experience as a qualified Finance professional to understand, explain and contribute to improved University performance and provide subject matter expertise and advice.
• Provide specialist advice on the analysis and interpretation of