Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance Administrator to join our team at the School of Optometry. Working closely with the Finance Manager and supervising a Finance Assistant, you will have the opportunity of undertaking a wide-range of finance tasks, ranging from processing of orders and invoices to budgeting and reporting. The post will suit someone who is adaptable, motivated and enjoys the challenge of dealing with a variety of finance tasks in complex or differing environments.
This position is full time and fixed-term to cover a secondment until 13th December 2021. Part-time applications are also welcomed and we ask that you please specify on your application if you wish to apply for a part-time arrangement and the number of hours per week that you're looking to work. The post is available immediately.

Key Duties

• To undertake a wide variety of finance duties for the School, ranging from processing and monitoring orders, internal trade, invoices, budget monitoring and reconciliation, reports, dealing with queries from staff, students and stakeholders.
• Raise and monitor inter-departmental transfers, miscellaneous payment requests, and salary payment claims (including casual staff and overtime).
• Supervise the Finance Assistant, including the allocation of work tasks, production of work schedules, providing pastoral care, and support where necessary.
• Gather and analyze data to inform decisions, establishing basic trends and patterns in data and creating reports as appropriate.
• Assist with the management of research grant and student fee reporting.
• Review and approve Oracle purchase requisitions and act as final approver for orders, expense claims and payment grids up to the value of £1000, escalating requests for non-standard or hazardous items, ensuring validity and compliance with the Financial Regulations and Procedures.
• Check and process payment grids and travel claims, ensuring validity and compliance with the Financial Policy and Procedures on expense claims.
• To manage and be responsible for the Oracle Open Order and Invoice on Hold reports, (checking transactions and resolving any issues by liaising with end users and external suppliers).
• Provide detailed advice and guidance on financial processes and procedures to internal and external customers, using judgment and creativity to suggest the most appropriate course of action where appropriate, contributing to the resolution of more complex issues.
• Collaborate with others in order to make recommendations for developments of established processes and procedures.
• Establish working relationships with key contacts to help improve service levels, developing appropriate communication links in the School and the wider University, and outside bodies as required.

General Duties

• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• Undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to the role and which will enhance performance.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• You may be asked to perform other duties occasionally that are not included above to meet wider School objectives.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

NVQ 3/A-Levels or equivalent experience. Substantial experience of working in a finance administrative role. Proficient in the use of current Microsoft Office programmes, including Excel and Word. Ability to set up standard office systems and procedures and make improvements as appropriate. Ability to communicate specialist and complex information effectively and professionally to a range of customers with varying levels of understanding. Previous experience of supervising the work of others to motivate and develop individuals and focus team efforts. Evidence of ability to work independently, as part of a team and explore customers’ needs and adapt the service accordingly to ensure delivery of a quality service. Evidence of ability to solve problems using initiative and creativity; identify and propose practical solutions and to resolve problems where there are a range of potential options available. Evidence of ability to analyze processes and procedures and advise on improvements. Evidence of ability to work unsupervised to deadlines, planning and monitoring individual and group priorities. Degree in a finance-related discipline, an equivalent qualification or equivalent work-related experience. Experience of working in a Higher Education environment. Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.