Please note that this vacancy is only open to current University of Glasgow employees.

Job Purpose

The postholder will support the Director of The Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), which sits within the University of Glasgow’s College of Science and Engineering, in delivering comprehensive, effective, and efficient management accounting services across the Centre. This includes leading key financial cycles such as month-end reporting, forecasting and providing regular, insightful financial analysis to support the achievement of SUERC’s strategic objectives. The role also supports the SUERC Centre Executive Group in enhancing financial awareness and understanding of key performance drivers, while continuously improving financial processes and controls to ensure consistency, efficiency, and operational effectiveness. Additionally, the postholder will contribute to delivering a high-quality financial service to SUERC’s internal and external stakeholders.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Month-End Financial Reporting and Analysis

*  Responsible for month end processes and the timely production of accurate monthly management accounts with relevant commentary for SUERCs Management and Research Groups.

*  Provide supporting analysis on variances to budget and forecast and liaise with the SUERC Director and budget holders on corrective follow up actions.

*  Support the development and implementation of a standard monthly financial performance reporting pack, providing support to budget holders in interpreting and understanding their financial performance.

*  Ensure financial data structure is accurate and regularly reviewed/maintained through liaison with key stakeholders.

2.  Budgeting and Forecasting

*  Support the preparation of the annual SUERC budgets in line with set timescales, including analysis of designated areas of income/expenditure and impact on KPIs.

*  Provide standard budget reports with the SUERC Director at Research Group, Centre and College level with support on interpretation and understanding.

*  Ensure robust quarterly forecasts at Centre level with full analysis and commentary on variances to budget.

*  Support Director in conducting six monthly reviews with budget holders.

3.  Project Costing and Financial Compliance

*  Work with Research Leaders in preparing costings for research, industrial and commercial projects.

*  Understand financial requirements and regulations of different research councils and charitable bodies for establishment of research contracts and collaborative agreements.

*  Support the UofG Legal and Contracts department for construction and execution of contracts.

*  Work with other members of the UofG Research and Innovation team as well the College of Science and Engineering team for coordination of non-SUERC centric money.

4.  Financial and Operational Metrics Reporting

*  In conjunction with colleagues, prepare reporting and analysis of Centre operational metrics and targets that align to delivery of SUERCs KPI’s.

*  Using analytical insight identify existing or anticipate gaps and opportunities not fully exploited to support the delivery of key metrics and targets.

*  Work closely with the Centre Executive Group to develop action plans and support strategic improvements.

5.  Process Improvement and Efficiency

*  Identify inefficiencies across financial functions and partner with key stakeholders to streamline processes.

*  Ensure that processes are continually improved in terms of relevance, efficiency, data quality and analytical insight.

6.  Financial System Implementation and Transition

*  Support the implementation and transition to the University of Glasgow’s new financial system, replacing the existing Sage accounting system.

*  Work closely with relevant teams to ensure data migration accuracy and system optimisation.

*   Provide training and support to colleagues, ensuring effective adoption and utilisation of the new system.

*   Identify and resolve potential challenges during system rollout, ensuring seamless integration into financial operations.

7.  Financial Training and Awareness

*   Support with the development and delivery of a programme of training and support that delivers a step change in the financial awareness and capability of academic colleagues across the Centre.

8.  Other Duties

*   Ex Officio Member of the SUERC Centre Executive Group.

*   Provide cover for key month end activities for other financial support staff across the Centre during periods of absence (SUERC Purchase and Sales Ledgers).

*   Provide high quality and specialist advice and guidance as required on financial information and university policy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, SVQ level 4) or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training) and experience of personal development in a similar or related role.

A2. Understanding of how to use IT systems such as MS products and financial accounting software, including Sage and Agresso.

A3. Knowledge of financial and accounting policy and procedures.

A4. Comprehensive knowledge of business processes and the relevance to financial operations.

Desirable

B1. Completion of a recognised accounting qualification.

Skills

Essential

C1. Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities and is proactive in putting forward ideas and Solutions.

C2. Effective team worker, able to influence across formal organisational reporting lines.

C3. Highly effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge assumptions and practices with diplomacy.

C4. Able to prioritise workload to deliver to tight deadlines and manage competing demands from various stakeholders.

C5. Proactive and resilient, able to maintain momentum in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

C6. Proven analytical and problem-solving capability, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

C7. An ability to demystify complex financial concepts for non-financial colleagues.

C8. Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft packages such as Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint; and accounting software packages.

Experience

Essential

E1 Experience, or evidence of progression and development gained through relevant work experience, gained within a large, complex organisation.

E2 Successful track record of working with non-financial managers to drive improvements in decision-making and financial performance.

E3 Significant practical experience of using computerised finance systems.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent).

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date:  11 February 2026