Senior Finance Officer, Income and Payments

1. You will work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders in the Schools, Professional Services and Student Services Department to ensure we are supporting the diverse requirements of our student body and the business. 
2. In addition, the University offers highly competitive terms and conditions including Flexible and remote working opportunities.
3. We offer Award winning sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership, plus subsidised physiotherapy/complementary therapy/sports massage.

To work alongside, and deputise for when required, the Head of Income and Payments to deliver an efficient and effective service to students, customers and suppliers. You will work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders in the Schools, Professional Services and Student Services Department to ensure we are supporting the diverse requirements of our student body and the business. 

The role is suited to someone with good IT skills, who is proactive and can work to a very high degree of accuracy while managing conflicting tasks/ priorities within a busy service, providing cover and leadership to address workload peaks and staff absence, whilst ensuring consistent delivery of a professional and effective service.

What you’ll do – key duties

• Help lead the Income and Payment Teams with direct line management responsibility for the Credit Controller and Accounts Payable Team Leader.
• Manage service level provision within the Income and Payment sections to ensure the highest service standards are met and maintained.
• Assist with the development of policies and procedures to enhance the work of the department in consultation with Schools and Professional Services.
• Rectify any weaknesses in internal systems and lead on the implementation of improvements to business processes.
• Act as a point of escalation for any queries or complaints received within the department.
• Navigate varying payment systems to provide daily updates to the databases used to support the work of the Credit Control Team.
• Complete regular analysis of all outstanding debt ensuring that the strict debtor procedure timelines are adhered to.
• Support projects with relevant stakeholders that improve/enhance both receivables and payables; to include upgrades and implementations to large corporate systems.
• Contribute to the regular review and enhancement of the work of the Credit Control team with a view to continuous improvement, working collaboratively with colleagues across the University.
• Deputise for the Head of Income and Payments.

 What we are looking for

• Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• A high level of evidenced IT skills.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Financial Regulations, Procedures and Processes.
• Excellent communication skills: an ability to express yourself clearly on the telephone and face-to-face; and to write clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to identify and solve problems effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to relay financial information to customers and suppliers in a clear and concise way.
• Ability to work to demanding deadlines with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to act with discretion and a commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• Significant experience of working in a financial related function within a large, complex organisation.
• Significant experience of computerised accounting systems.
• Experience of delivering change or system implementation.
• Experience of documenting procedures.
• Experience of managing staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build good working relationships.
• Flexibility to work efficiently with colleagues and students with either a financial or non-financial background.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

In 2020, the University was named The Sunday Times ‘Welsh University of the Year 2021’; in 2021 it became the Times Higher Education ‘UK and Ireland University of the Year 2022’; and in 2022 it was ranked the top university in the UK in the People and Planet Green League. We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support each other, we are kind to one another, and we are one team; we are One Cardiff Met. We encourage and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best.

In addition, the University offers highly competitive terms and conditions including:

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Flexible and remote working opportunities.
• Excellent family friendly policies.
• Award winning sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership, plus subsidised physiotherapy/complementary therapy/sports massage.
• Access to all library facilities.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.