Senior Financial Reporting and Projects Manager

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Leeds Beckett University is seeking an accomplished Senior Financial Reporting and Projects Manager to oversee statutory reporting, drive financial improvement initiatives, and play a key strategic role in organisation-wide change.

This is a key leadership post within the central finance function, responsible for shaping financial reporting, strengthening controls, and supporting major institutional programmes. The role would suit a proactive, influential finance professional with strong technical expertise and a passion for continuous improvement.

Who We're Looking For

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with significant experience in financial reporting and statutory accounts preparation, excellent technical knowledge of accounting standards with proven ability to lead on audits and engage confidently with external auditors. You will have experience delivering change, improving processes, and implementing new reporting frameworks. With excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence at a senior level. You will bring a proactive, solutions-focused approach and strong leadership capability.

The Role

As Senior Financial Reporting & Projects Manager, you will deliver:

Financial Accounting & Reporting:

• Lead the end-to-end preparation of group financial statements in line with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the main liaison for external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient audit process across the group.
• Develop and enhance financial reporting meeting both statutory obligations and internal management needs.

Strategic Projects & Partnering

• Provide high-level financial support to senior stakeholders on major change programmes, capital projects, and business cases.
• Collaborate with management accounting colleagues to deliver robust forecasts, budgets and financial insight.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead finance transformation initiatives, including process efficiency, reporting improvements and control enhancements.
• Design and implement development programmes to enhance financial capability and strengthen organisational agility.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Oversee statutory and government returns, including annual finance submissions and costing returns.
• Monitor changes in accounting and regulatory frameworks and advise senior management on impacts and implementation.

Treasury & Financial Controls

• Lead the organisation's treasury management activities, ensuring effective and efficient cash and investment management.
• Oversee key financial control areas, including reconciliations, payroll controls, policies and regulatory compliance.

Leadership & Contribution

• Manage a small technical accounting team and provide training and support across the wider finance community.
• Deputise for the Deputy Director of Finance as required and contribute to executive papers and committees.

Closing date: Tuesday 21st April 2026 (23:59)

To apply for this role, please click here

Working at our university offers access to a wide range of benefits, including generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, discounted study fees, subsidised fitness facilities, and more.

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly encourage candidates from Minority Ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under represented at this level. All appointments are made on merit.