Oxford Brookes University is distinctive. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgement of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The role
Based at our Buckley Building (Headington Campus) and reporting to the Head of Management Accounts, the Management Accountant is a pivotal role within our Finance Directorate.
This is a 6-month temporary position designed for a data-driven professional who excels at transforming complex financial information into actionable insight.
You will be responsible for the integrity of our management accounting processes, ensuring that our cost centres are rationalised and that our financial reporting is both precise and strategically aligned. This role requires a blend of technical mastery in Excel and the commercial acumen to challenge and support budget holders across the University.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to operational need, and the short duration of the contract, the interview panel are looking for a candidate available for immediate start, and candidates will therefore be required to have existing RTW in the UK.
About the team
The Finance and Legal Services Directorate is a central pillar of the University’s operational success. Our Management Accounting team acts as a bridge between the numbers and the people, working closely with Faculty Heads and Senior Management to ensure financial sustainability. We are currently focused on enhancing our reporting automation and improving financial awareness across the institution, offering a collaborative environment for someone who enjoys process improvement and technical problem-solving.
What will I be doing?
- Advanced Data Handling: Developing and maintaining complex financial models to monitor the performance of Faculties, Directorates, and individual projects.
- Cost Centre Rationalisation: Analysing spend breakdowns and trend reporting to ensure resources are deployed effectively and cost-improvement projects are tracked accurately.
- Financial Analysis: Preparing accurate monthly reports, providing deep-dive variance analysis, and offering insight to “challenge” forecasts in collaboration with Senior Management Accountants.
- Process Improvement: Working with cross-university groups to optimise budgeting tools, workload planning systems, and internal control procedures.
- Statutory Compliance: Ensuring all financial positions are submitted in line with HE SORP and FRS 102 standards, maintaining high levels of accuracy for internal and external audits.
- Research & Project Finance: Overseeing post-award monitoring, ensuring compliance with funders (e.g., OfS, Research Councils) and maximising income recovery.
- Team Supervision: Providing task-based guidance and mentoring to Assistant Management Accountants and Officers.
What skills do I need?
- Advanced Excel & Data Handling: You must be highly proficient in Excel, with the ability to handle large datasets, create complex formulas, and build robust financial models. (Essential).
- Financial Analysis & Rationalisation: Proven experience in variance analysis, trend identification, and the ability to rationalise cost centres to improve financial clarity. (Essential).
- Process Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying system inefficiencies and implementing improvements in financial reporting and budgeting workflows. (Essential).
- Detail Orientation: Exceptional accuracy in managing general ledgers and preparing year-end financial positions. (Essential).
- Qualifications: CCAB or equivalent part-qualified status, or significant experience in a management accounting role. (Essential).
- Communication: The ability to translate complex financial data into “plain English” for non-finance stakeholders. (Essential).
- Sector Knowledge: Experience within the Higher Education sector or knowledge of e5/Business Objects. (Desirable).
Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 3rd August 2026.
About the location
Based at our Headington campus in the Buckley Building, you’ll experience a vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport.
This role is Agile, typically requiring a 50/50 split between home and office working to ensure team collaboration while supporting your work-life balance.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee you will enjoy a total of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
- Brookes on-site Nursery
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
- Training and development opportunities
- Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
