Location: Brighton, UK
Salary: £38,249 – £45,413 per annum (Grade 7)
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours/week (Flexible working options considered)
Contract Type: Permanent
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa Available
Closing Date: June 3, 2025, 11:59 PM
Role Overview
The University of Sussex invites applications for the role of Assistant Management Accountant to become an integral part of its expanding Capital Programme Finance team. This is a strategic and technically engaging opportunity ideal for ambitious finance professionals looking to progress within a world-class, research-driven university setting. The successful candidate will support the management of capital project portfolios and major investment programs, ensuring comprehensive financial governance and analytical rigor throughout the project lifecycle.
You’ll have the chance to work across the university’s departments, leveraging financial systems like IBM Planning Analytics, supporting business partners with actionable insights, and driving improvements in planning, reporting, and operational efficiency. This position offers both professional development and job satisfaction in a collaborative, innovative environment.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Finance Support and Project Accounting
- Partner with senior stakeholders to oversee major capital and revenue investment initiatives.
- Deliver detailed financial analysis, including forecasting, budget setting, and spend reviews.
- Contribute to risk assessments and ensure compliance with internal controls and university policy.
- Track financial progress on high-value infrastructure and innovation projects.
- Support funding applications with robust financial business cases and sensitivity analyses.
Systems Management and Continuous Improvement
- Maintain and enhance the IBM Planning Analytics platform to meet reporting demands.
- Support cross-functional teams to leverage finance tools for data-driven decisions.
- Identify and implement process improvements and systems automation.
- Work alongside IT teams on the technical implementation of system upgrades and enhancements.
- Develop intuitive dashboards and KPI reporting templates to improve access to financial data.
Month-End, Year-End, and General Accounting
- Prepare and post journals, including prepayments and accruals, for both operating and capital budgets.
- Assist with statutory returns and ensure accurate completion of internal and external reports.
- Ensure timely reconciliations of control accounts, ledgers, and grant allocations.
- Facilitate group reporting and contribute to interim and year-end audits.
- Support the maintenance and integrity of the chart of accounts and cost centre structure.
Business Partnering and Financial Advisory
- Collaborate with university schools and departments to align resources with strategic priorities.
- Present financial updates, cost-benefit analysis, and risk appraisals in clear, understandable formats.
- Train departmental staff on budget monitoring, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Provide tailored advice to senior managers on investment decisions and policy compliance.
- Act as liaison between finance and planning teams for cross-cutting project work.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Academic & Professional Credentials
- Part-qualified or currently pursuing ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, or equivalent recognised UK accounting body.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience & Technical Expertise
- Demonstrated experience in management accounting, budgeting, and reporting in large, complex organisations.
- Competency using enterprise-level finance systems (e.g., Unit4, Oracle, SAP).
- Prior exposure to IBM Planning Analytics, TM1, or similar BI/reporting platforms.
- Advanced Excel user: comfortable with SUMIF, VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, conditional formatting, PivotTables.
- Experience developing financial models and supporting investment decision-making processes.
- Familiarity with UK university finance structures, HEFCE funding models, and TRAC methodology is a plus.
Key Competencies and Attributes
- Strong problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
- High numerical literacy and aptitude for translating data into insight.
- Confident communicator able to build strong internal and external relationships.
- Ability to manage conflicting deadlines in a high-volume environment.
- Enthusiastic team player who can also work independently and take initiative.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and best practice in finance.
Why Choose the University of Sussex?
Career Advancement and CPD
The University of Sussex fosters a culture of continuous learning and career progression. Finance staff benefit from:
- Funded exam support for ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA
- Access to in-house leadership and project management training
- Opportunities for internal promotion and lateral moves across departments
- Active participation in finance-related working groups and committees
Diverse and Inclusive Work Environment
Diversity and inclusion are central to the university’s values. Staff are encouraged to be their authentic selves, and you’ll work within a finance department that supports equity, accessibility, and belonging. Training is regularly provided to reinforce these commitments.
Extensive Benefits Package
- Excellent university pension scheme
- Annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays and additional university closure days
- Cycle-to-work scheme and subsidised public transport options
- Discounted access to university gyms, cafes, and retail partners
- Enhanced family leave, wellbeing support, and professional coaching services
Finance Division Overview
Your Role in a Strategic Function
As part of the 80-person Finance Division, your role will impact core areas of the university’s operations, teaching, and research missions. The division’s vision includes:
- Enabling sustainable financial growth
- Managing investment and capital plans
- Enhancing procurement efficiency
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making
The Assistant Management Accountant is a key contributor to realising these goals, fostering a culture of collaboration, agility, and accountability.
Working at the Sussex Campus
Prime Location and Green Living
The University of Sussex is located within the picturesque South Downs National Park. Its 150-acre campus combines natural beauty with high-functioning academic and administrative facilities.
Commuting Made Easy
- Five-minute walk from Falmer train station, linking you to Brighton and London
- Multiple bus services and dedicated shuttle services
- Secure bike storage, showers, and locker facilities for cyclists
- On-site parking for eligible staff
Modern On-Campus Amenities
- Cutting-edge library and digital learning spaces
- Staff-only cafés and lounges
- On-site GP surgery and pharmacy
- Childcare services and nursery provision
Visa Sponsorship Details
The University of Sussex is proud to be an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker Visa scheme. Qualified international applicants are welcome to apply and will receive full support throughout the visa process.
- All applicants must meet the requirements set by the UK Home Office.
- This role meets the salary threshold and occupation requirements for visa sponsorship.
- Detailed guidance is available on our Skilled Worker Visa Information Page.
Application Process
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the University of Sussex Vacancies Page to complete the online application form.
Need More Information?
Contact: Carolyn Gibsey
Email: c.r.gibsey@sussex.ac.uk
Application Deadline: June 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM BS
Applicants are reminded that the university can only employ individuals who are legally permitted to work in the UK.
Final Notes
The University of Sussex is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups in finance and higher education.
If you’re an ambitious, detail-oriented finance professional ready to make a meaningful contribution to a globally recognised academic institution, this is your opportunity. Join a future-forward organisation committed to excellence, inclusion, and innovation.
Apply now and take your finance career to the next level with the University of Sussex.