Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference: 11007
Job title: Business Services Manager
Reports to: Director of Operations
Salary: £38,511 - £45,954
Terms and conditions: Academic Related Staff
Grade: G8
Duration of post: Permanent
Working hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Milton Keynes
Closing date: Noon on 19 February 2015
Type of application form accepted: Full Application form and covering letter Number of referees required: 3
2. Summary of duties
Brief Outline
To assist the Director in the development of the Unit’s financial policy and the management of the Unit’s budgets and resources.
To ensure that the Unit’s financial plan adequately reflects the resources required and is responsive to the changing internal and external environment and effectively adapts its business planning processes.
To provide performance information to monitor and evaluate the effective use of resources to SRF’s Senior Management Team.
Specific Responsibilities
This is not intended as an exhaustive list of duties or a restrictive definition of the post but rather should read as a guide to the main priorities and typical areas of activity of the post-holder. These activities are subject to amendment over time as priorities and requirements evolve and as such it may be amended at any time by the line manager following discussion with the post holder.
1. To assist the Director in the management of the Unit’s budgets and resources, with responsibility for coordinating and managing the budget setting, forecasting and year end cycles in Student Recruitment & Fees.
2. To be the principal link between the Unit and Finance Division and to work with the Unit’s accountant to ensure that University Financial Regulations and guidelines are followed. 3. Work with the accountant and budget monitors to submit accurate and timely figures relating
to the quarterly forecasts and the year- end process, including the preparation of a detailed commentary for each highlighting the main issues of importance to the University.
4. Work with the Director and the accountant to produce the annual Financial Plan, including the preparation of a detailed commentary highlighting the main issues of importance to SRF and the University.
5. To provide leadership, managing performance to ensure correct procedures are in place. Ensuring management information on the funding position and income targets is readily available to support the decision-making of the Director.
6. To provide advice and support on financial planning processes and to be responsible for the provision of financial performance information which links resources to activities and which enables the Unit to model alternative scenarios and undertake medium to long term planning.
7. To ensure that the Unit has the necessary systems and processes available for producing business analysis as well as routine financial information in order to ensure that the Unit achieves a good understanding of its business performance against agreed performance indicators and achieves a high level of detailed financial control; providing reports as appropriate to the Planning and Resources Officer (PRO) and Senior Management Team. 8. To be responsible for supporting the budget work of other staff and for providing advice and
guidance with respect to their delegated responsibility for the financial control of non-staff budgets, including input into induction and training of staff with budgetary responsibilities. 9. To line manage the Staffing Manager and Administrative Assistant.
All staff are expected:
to undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required;
to take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work;
to demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.
3. Person specification
Essential Desirable
Education and Qualifications
A degree, or equivalent background education, or significant work experience at a comparable level
Finance Qualification (e.g. ACCA, AAT)
Knowledge &
Relevant
Work
Experience
Relevant administrative and management experience (preferably within the higher education sector)
Experience of managing budgets
Experience of working with standard Microsoft Office packages, particularly spreadsheets, to a high standard, as well as other in-house systems
Staff management experience
Knowledge of issues relevant to the higher education sector A strong track-record of organisation and management
Experience of working in a contact centre environment Experience of working in a back office work environment
Skills & Capabilities
Able to prioritise and remain calm under pressure Flexible and the able to work co-operatively and responsively in a variety of team environments Excellent numeracy and analytical skills
Able to provide MI reports and provide explanatory commentary to senior management
Able to assimilate and introduce ideas for change, assess their feasibility and take responsibility for their
implementation
Able to interpret policy and procedures and to disseminate information
Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills with the ability to influence others over whom there is no formal authority to take particular courses of action
Good oral and written communication skills
workable solutions
Able to prioritise and remain calm under pressure Additional
requirements
Commitment to continuing personal development
Commitment to the ideals of the OU, including equality and diversity issues
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working None at present
5. Operations
Student Recruitment & Fees (SRF)
SRF is made up of Business Services, Operations, Resource Management and Training & Quality. Operations is made up of the Student Registration (SR) and Student Fees (SF). SR is located in Milton Keynes, Nottingham and Manchester. Student Fees is located in Milton Keynes.
SRF is responsible for the quality of the enquirer experience and the delivery of services that include:
● initial enquiry with the University through to registration;
● choosing courses, modules and qualifications;
● supporting continuing students to select their next module;
● financial support;
● processes linked to student loan applications.
We are working to deliver a cost effective, best-in-class enquiry and registration service and multi-channel contact centre operation that enables the OU to achieve its student number, student profile and revenue targets.
We manage the collection process to assure fee revenues from students.
6. Application process
Please ensure that you send a completed application form to be considered for this post. You must detail how you meet the essential criteria for this post in a covering letter. This is an important part of your application and if you fail to do this you will not be considered for short listing. If you have any questions regarding the application process please email
marketing-recruitment@open.ac.uk
7. Where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University no later than 12 noon 19 February 2015. E-mail your application to: marketing-recruitment@open.ac.uk
Name/Job title: Staffing Administrator Department/Unit: SRF
Address: The Open University Hammerwood Gate Kents Hill
Milton Keynes
Post Code: MK7 6BY
8. Selection process and date of interview
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates. Applications received after the closing data will not be accepted.