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

The Role and Department

The Financial Controller is part of the Finance Department and includes the transactional processing areas Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Treasury & Cash Management and Capital Management as well as the Financial Accounting functions. Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a business facing role supporting the organisation as a whole and at all levels with respect to:

• Support the Finance Director in providing leadership across the University on all financial and resource matters;
• Support the Finance Director in ensuring the University complies with all relevant internal and external policies, regulations, guidance, accounting standards and governance requirements;
• Work alongside the Finance Director, as part of the Department’s Senior Management Team, to lead all aspects of the University’s financial management;
• Ensure the integrity, timeliness and relevance of financial information for statistical, regulatory and management purposes;
• Develop an accessible and professional financial support service with standard, effective and efficient procedures and promote a programme of continuous review and improvement;
• Provide high quality financial management, advice and support;
• Ensure financial compliance and accountability;
• Run effective services for financial transactions.

The Financial Controller will lead a team of 50 staff with 3 direct reports 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, for example 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.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

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

1. Qualified accountant with significant professional experience working in a senior finance role operating at a strategic / expert level.

2. Experience of financial planning, reporting and financial control at both operational and strategic level.

3. Experience of developing innovative solutions and practical implementations for strategic change.

4. Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines along with current accounting standards and regulations.

5. Experience of managing and controlling substantial budget/resources/funding and an understanding of financial management procedures.

6. Track record of cross-functional management and development experience and/or an enhanced management qualification applied across a large service team or teams.

7. Experience leading external audit and preparation of financial statements under FRS102.

Skills / Abilities

8. Demonstrable experience of leadership of large transactional diverse teams in a complex organisation.

9. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

10. Strong interpersonal skills including motivational, negotiating, influencing and networking nationally and internationally.

11. Excellent digital competence with experience in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning, financial systems, recruitment tools, auditing tools, eLearning authoring tools.

12. Experience of working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and of developing a high quality, customer focused financial service.

13. Well-developed knowledge of systems/services for own area and across functions and how they relate to the University Strategy.

14. Experience of being able to network effectively and develop strong and productive working relationships, to influence perceptions of the University.

15. Demonstrable ability to provide specialist advice and influence others at operational at strategic levels.

16. Ability to demonstrate a proactive approach to service development and a commitment to improving systems and processes.

Desirable Criteria

1. Good knowledge and understanding of the higher education environment, nationally and internationally, and the major influences on institutional success.

2. Preparation of financial statements under US GAAP

• Any other reasonable duties as required.

Useful links
If you would like further information you may find the following will help:

Annual Report and Financial Statements – Durham University

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.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.