Anglia Ruskin University Finance Office

The Finance Office at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) plays a critical role in managing the institution's financial resources and ensuring its financial stability. It's the central hub for all financial transactions, reporting, and compliance within the university.

Key Responsibilities

The scope of the Finance Office is broad, encompassing several key areas:

• Financial Accounting & Reporting: Preparing accurate and timely financial statements, adhering to relevant accounting standards and regulations. This includes managing the general ledger, reconciliation of accounts, and ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
• Management Accounting: Providing financial information to support strategic decision-making, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis. This involves working with departments across the university to develop and monitor budgets, track financial performance, and identify areas for improvement.
• Treasury Management: Overseeing cash flow, investments, and debt management. This aims to maximize returns on investments while managing financial risks. It also involves handling banking relationships and managing the university's liquidity.
• Payroll: Processing salaries and wages for all university employees, ensuring accurate and timely payments, and complying with all relevant tax regulations. This includes managing employee benefits, deductions, and pension contributions.
• Procurement: Managing the university's purchasing processes, ensuring value for money and compliance with procurement regulations. This involves negotiating contracts with suppliers, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring efficient procurement processes.
• Student Finance: Administering student fees, loans, and bursaries. This includes providing advice and support to students regarding their financial obligations and ensuring timely collection of fees.
• Research Grants & Contracts: Managing the financial aspects of research grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and providing financial reporting.

Internal Controls & Compliance

A crucial aspect of the Finance Office's function is maintaining strong internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud. This includes implementing policies and procedures to ensure financial transactions are properly authorized, recorded, and reconciled. The office is also responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, including those related to tax, charity law, and data protection.

Technology & Systems

The Finance Office relies on various technologies and systems to manage its operations, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, accounting software, and online banking platforms. These systems facilitate efficient data processing, reporting, and analysis, enabling the office to provide timely and accurate financial information.

Contacting the Finance Office

Students and staff can usually contact the Finance Office through various channels, including email, phone, and in-person visits to designated service points. The university website typically provides contact details and information about specific services offered.