Finance Manager, TRAC and Central Costs

Cambridge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Finance Manager in Cambridge to lead the development of a financial planning model and ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements. You will manage and communicate complex financial information effectively while supporting necessary transitions in accounting practices. This role offers hybrid working options and an excellent benefits package including generous leave and pension schemes. Ideal candidates would have significant experience in finance, ideally within higher education or the public sector.

Benefits

41 days annual leave

Defined benefits pension schemes

Flexible working options

Family-friendly initiatives

Career development opportunities

Rental deposit scheme

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience in financial planning and management.
• Experience in supporting change management for accounting practices.
• Ability to convey complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply a new financial planning model university-wide.
• Ensure compliance with the TRAC return submission requirements.
• Support the Finance Transformation Programme focusing on financial transparency.

Skills

Experience in Higher Education/Public Sector and commercial environments

Managing an accounting and finance team

Presenting complex financial information

Managing change in accounting practices

Developing accounting tools for Activity Based Costing

Education

Degree level or level 7 vocational qualification

Chartered accountant or equivalent experience

Job description

# Finance Manager, TRAC and Central CostsJoin us on our exciting Enhanced Financial Transparency (EFT) Project which is highly significant and will have a University-wide impact. The project forms part of an overall Finance Transformation Programme (FTP). You will work within Academic and Financial Planning and Analysis who supports the University's Academic Mission by enabling the development, prioritisation, implementation, and achievement of academic and strategic plans within an affordable financial framework. Within AFPA, this role is part of Financial Planning and Performance.**The Role*** You will be instrumental in the development and application of a new financial planning model for use across the whole University.* You will be responsible for the University's Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) return submission to the Office for Students, a return which heavily influences the financial performance appraisal of the University's activities.* As a subject matter expert, and using knowledge gained from the TRAC return, you will contribute to the delivery of the Finance Transformation Programme with a particular focus on the Enhanced Financial Transparency project.* You will contribute to the continuity and evolution of business-as-usual activity during the transition away from legacy financial planning and budgeting processes.**Your Skills**You will have:* Significant relevant experience, ideally gained in both the Higher Education/Public Sector and commercial environments.* Experience of managing an accounting and finance team who review, challenge and improve the delivery of financial information.* Experience of presenting complex financial information in ways to make it easily understood to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.* Experience of managing and communicating change in accounting practices with a variety of stakeholders.* Experience of developing accounting tools to deliver an Activity Based Costing management accounting solution.You will be:* Educated to degree level/ level 7 vocational qualification.* Chartered accountant or have equivalent level of experience.**Benefits**The University offers an excellent benefit package including:* 41 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays* Defined benefits pension schemes* Flexible working options* Family-friendly initiatives* Career development opportunities* Rental deposit scheme**Location**The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This arrangement is subject to change and will not form a part of the contractual terms of the role.Funding for this post is permanent.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.If you would like more information about this role, informal enquiries can be directed by email to Joanna Walmsley at [e-mail] you have any questions the application process, please contact a Recruitment Administrator at Finhr\[e-mail] plan to hold a recruitment day for this role on Friday 23 January 2026 and you will be contacted before this date to confirm if you have been invited to interview.Please quote reference AG48205 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.### Department/location### Salary£63,606-£67,468 pro rata### ReferenceAG48205### Category### Date published19 December 2025### Closing date18 January 2026