Liverpool John Moores University’s (LJMU) Finance Office plays a crucial role in managing the institution’s financial resources, ensuring its smooth operation and strategic growth. Located primarily within the Student Life Building and accessible through online portals, the Finance Office handles a wide array of responsibilities, encompassing both internal and external financial matters.
For students, the Finance Office is often the first point of contact for queries regarding tuition fees, payment plans, scholarships, and bursaries. They provide guidance on various payment options, including direct debit, online transfers, and payment through international banking systems. The team is dedicated to assisting students in understanding their financial obligations and navigating the complexities of student finance. They also administer hardship funds and provide information on external sources of financial support, aiming to ensure that financial difficulties do not hinder a student’s academic progress.
Beyond student finance, the Finance Office is responsible for the overall financial management of the university. This includes budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. They work closely with various departments across the university to develop and monitor budgets, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support teaching, research, and other key activities. They are also responsible for managing the university’s investments and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.
The office also handles procurement and payments to suppliers. They are tasked with ensuring that all purchasing activities are conducted in a transparent and compliant manner, adhering to the university’s financial policies and procedures. This includes managing contracts, processing invoices, and making payments to vendors who provide goods and services to the university.
The Finance Office utilizes various software systems to manage its operations, including accounting software, budgeting tools, and payment processing systems. The team is committed to utilizing technology to improve efficiency and accuracy in its financial processes. This includes implementing online portals for students and staff to access financial information and submit requests.
Furthermore, the Finance Office plays a vital role in the university’s strategic planning process. They provide financial analysis and projections to support decision-making at the highest levels of the university. This includes assessing the financial impact of new initiatives, evaluating investment opportunities, and developing long-term financial plans to ensure the university’s financial sustainability.
The team is composed of qualified accountants, financial analysts, and administrative staff who possess expertise in various areas of finance. They are committed to providing a high level of service to students, staff, and external stakeholders. The Finance Office continually strives to improve its processes and enhance its services to support the university’s mission and objectives.