CIMA Finance Apprentice

Description

Objectives of the post

To assist and support the Financial Planning and Strategy and Financial Operations and Control teams in the provision of financial and performance information for internal and external reporting, in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of financial information held on the finance system (Agresso) and in the preparation of annual budgets / quarterly forecasts.

Tasks

1. Management Information and Analysis:

• To assist in the production and distribution of the budget holder financial and KPI performance reporting in line with the month end timetable.
• To assist in the preparation of financial information for the monthly management accounts.
• Support the preparation of statutory reports including annual accounts, HESA returns and Transparent Approach to Costing.
• Produce reports to support the preparation of management accounts.
• Prepare data for projects and other ad-hoc requirements, as required by Finance Business Partners or the Head of Financial Planning and Strategy / Financial Operations and Control.

2. Business Planning:

• Prepare and post budget and forecast adjustments throughout the year on a timely basis.
• Assist in the preparation of budget and forecast templates.

3. Financial Processes and Controls:

• Ensure funding authorisation forms for new staff and contract changes are processed and update the Human Resources/Payroll system with funding details.
• Help keep an up-to-date, complete and accurate budget approval and reporting access rights record on Agresso.
• Assist in the financial management of non-research related grants that are managed by ICR corporate teams.
• Ensure payroll control accounts are cleared for all Generally Funded posts each month.
• Prepare and post adjustments to the General Ledger, under the guidance of the Finance Business Partners.
• Maintenance of standing data in Agresso, including project codes and grant codes.
• Maintain allocation spreadsheet for Funding Body (OfS/Research England) income.
• Aid with the monthly review and processing of expenditure accruals and prepayments.
• Ensure that monthly interdepartmental recharges are received and are posted in line with the month end timetable.
• Support the Research Business Partner processing and reconciling studentship tuition fees and recharges for PhD and MSc courses and assist in day-to-day financial management of studentship.
• Monitor adherence to the journal approval process by the finance team through reconciliation and sample testing.

4. Grant Tracking & Planning:

• Prepare and post budget adjustments throughout the year on a timely basis.
• Prepare and post journals and adjustments.
• Assist in the preparation of grant budget templates for new awards.

5. Financial Operations and Control:

• As advised by Head of Financial Operations and Control.

6. Business Relationships and Decision Support:

• Assist in resolving budget holder queries.

7. Other Undertake other activities as required by the Head of Financial Planning & Strategy and Financial Operations & Control.