Finance Manager supporting the University of Surrey, Gift City, India

University of Surrey, UK :: Finance Manager, GIFT City, India

Introducti on to University of Surrey (UOS)

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. We are proud to find ourselves ranked consistently as one of the best universities for study in the UK and globally. We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee. Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

• About UOS GIFT City Campus
• The University of Surrey GIFT City campus is a key part of the University's international strategy, extending Surrey's global presence and delivering a world-class student experience in one of India's leading international technology and business hubs. As a newly established campus, we are entering an exciting phase of growth and development, providing opportunities to help shape systems, processes and ways of working that will support its long-term success. Professional and operational services will play a critical role in supporting the campus's academic mission, ensuring the effective delivery of services to students, staff and external stakeholders.

About the Role

The Finance Manager GIFT City Campus will be the first in-country finance appointment supporting the establishment and operation of the University’s GIFT City campus in India. The post holder will be a qualified accountant and strong all-round finance professional who is comfortable operating in a start-up environment. They will initially undertake a broad range of operational, financial control, compliance and transactional activities whilst helping to establish scalable finance processes and systems for future growth.

The role will support the Head of Operations and Dean on all finance related matters and act as a key liaison point between the India operation and the UK Finance team. Responsibilities will include accounts payable and receivable processing, statutory registrations and returns, local compliance requirements, financial reporting, budgeting support, cash management, controls implementation and support for external advisors, auditors and banking relationships.

Reporting:

The post holder will report to the Head of Operations for the GIFT City campus, with a functional reporting relationship into the University Finance team in the UK. The role will work closely with the Dean, academic colleagues, professional services teams and external advisors in both India and the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Planning and Organising :

Manage multiple operational and financial priorities simultaneously within a developing start-up environment.

Ensure all statutory returns, filings and compliance activities are completed accurately and on time.

Support implementation timelines associated with campus mobilisation and operational readiness.

Organise workload independently and proactively identify issues, risks or process improvements.

Problem Solving and Decision Making:

Resolve operational finance issues pragmatically within a changing environment with evolving processes and systems.

Interpret local regulatory requirements and work with advisors to ensure compliance.

Identify control gaps, process inefficiencies or operational risks and recommend appropriate solutions.

Provide financial insight and support to operational decision making.

Continuous Improvement:

Support the development of scalable finance processes suitable for future campus growth.

Identify opportunities for process automation, efficiency and improved reporting.

Contribute to the ongoing development of governance and control frameworks.

Accountability:

Accountable for establishing and maintaining a robust financial control and compliance environment for the GIFT City campus during thestart-up phase.

Accountable for ensuring all statutory registrations, filings, tax returns and local regulatory requirements are completed accurately and on time.

Accountable for the accurate processing and oversight of transactional finance activities including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and cash management.

Accountable for preparing timely and accurate financial reporting, reconciliations and management information for local management and the UK Finance team.

Accountable for identifying financial and operational risks, supporting effective governance and helping develop a scalable finance function as the campus grows.

Additional information:

The post holder has no budgetary responsibility.

The role is expected to evolve significantly as the campus grows. Initially the post holder will operate as a hands-on finance lead covering a broad range of finance and operational activities. Over time, the role is expected to support the development of a wider local finance team and more specialist functional responsibilities.

Occasional travel within India and to the UK may be required.

The role forms part of the initial professional services structure supporting the establishment and operation of the University’s GIFT City campus in India. The post holder will play a key role in supporting operational readiness, financial control, compliance and the development of scalable finance processes to support future growth.

The Finance function seeks to provide strong financial stewardship, operational support and effective governance aligned to the University strategy, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability and successful operation of the India campus.

Qualifications

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or Indian equivalent such as CA) with experience operating in a broad finance role or

Experience within an international, education, start-up or multi-entity environment would be advantageous.

Technical Competencies

Strong all-round finance experience including transactional finance, financial reporting and compliance.

Knowledge of Indian statutory and regulatory finance requirements including GST and local reporting obligations.

Experience of working independently within a growing or changing organisation.

Strong Excel and financial systems capability.

Ability to build effective relationships with operational and academic stakeholders.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Most important traits to succeed

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Planning and Organising

Continuous Improvement

Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills

Managing and Developing Performance

Creative and Analytical Thinking

Influencing, Persuasion and Negotiation Skills

Strategic Thinking and Leadership

Flexibility to work/travel occasional evenings and weekends may be required to support campus events and operational needs.

"Please note that this vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment"

Hiring Support for this position is being provided by Grok Global Services.

About Grok Global Services

Founded in 2005, Grok Global Services is a best-in-class provider of international engagement services for higher education institutions. By joining our team, you will be working in a supportive environment full of like-minded professionals, each committed to advancing the internationalization of higher education institutions from around the world.

A pioneer of in-country staffing in the international education sector, Grok remains at the forefront of this model and currently delivers this service across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The company also boasts industry-leading divisions in digital marketing and strategic consult