Financial Processes Officer

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Finance Division supports the academic, research and administrative community at the University providing sound financial advice and timely information with a range of support services including financial operations, financial reporting, financial support and professional services.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•             An excellent contributory pension scheme

•             38 days annual leave

•             A comprehensive range of childcare services

•             Family leave schemes

•             Cycle loan scheme

•             Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

•             Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs 

•             A welcoming and diverse community

About the Role

This is an exciting new post, created to support the Finance Division in driving forward excellence in financial processes with a research focus and ensuring that they are well communicated so that colleagues across the University are empowered to deliver effective financial administration.

While there is a strong focus on communication, it is critical that this is underpinned by a good understanding of the financial control framework and an ability to work independently to identify risks and issues, develop solutions and turn complex financial information into accessible materials. This post would suit a recently or part-qualified accountant, or someone with a passion for financial processes and with an interest in driving compliance with processes. You will have a strong understanding of good practice in financial administration - the why of the operation of financial controls - and while you are not expected to be an expert in all processes when you join the team, it is expected that you will be keen to learn and able to absorb detail across all our financial processes, and recognise linking challenges. It is crucial that you have a passion for communicating information to support colleagues in working effectively, and an ability to work effectively and empathetically with stakeholders.

You will report to the Financial Processes and Improvements Manager, and work closely with colleagues across the Financial Processes, Systems and Assurance Team and other colleagues in the Finance Division. You will also need to work collaboratively with stakeholders across the University, including building a good understanding of the realities of working in a department and an ability to empathise with colleagues in different working situations.

This is a new post, and offers opportunities for the post holder to drive improvements in the team’s current ways of working.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

You will be based in Hythe Bridge Street but you may be able to agree a pattern of regular remote working with your line manager.

About You

The successful candidate will have in-depth experience of financial adminstation, financial control or internal audit and a familiarity with the underpinning financial systems.

You will be capable of taking a risk-based approach to understanding finaincial process and controls based off your good knowledge of financial management, core financial processes and understanding of key financial controls.

You will possess excellent people skills, with the ability to win trust and work collaboratively and empathetically with a range of stakeholders. Your excellent written communication skills will allow you to engage with those stakeholders using clear and comprehensive text as well as presenting complex information in an engaging fashion.

Your high level of personal effectiveness and strong sense of purpose will allow you to co-ordinate, organise and focus on achieving deadlines and ensuring timetables/project plans can be met.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 28 May 2024.

Interviews will take place during week commencing 10 June 2024 and will be in person

Committed to equality and valuing diversity