Functional Lead

Role Description

About the University of York

A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of York is a world-class institution committed to research excellence and inspiring teaching. We are currently embarking on a major strategic transformation to modernize our HR and Finance services by implementing a unified, cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform (Workday).

Main Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) to act as the Functional Lead for Group Finance in the delivery of our new Workday ERP system. Acting as the critical bridge between Corporate Finance, IT, and external implementation partners, you will lead work to translate complex university accounting requirements into scalable system workflows. You will ensure data integrity throughout conversion and drive post-go-live adoption, culminating in the delivery of our first set of statutory accounts from the new system.

This is a dynamic, high-visibility role where your work will evolve month-to-month—ideal for an experienced finance professional looking to make a lasting impact on a complex, prestigious organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Core Workstreams: Direct functional streams including Foundational Data Model (Chart of Accounts), Financial Accounts, Banking & Settlement, Accounting Centre, and Taxation.
• System Oversight & Configuration: Maintain oversight of configuration decisions to ensure alignment with institutional needs and best practice.
• Statutory Reporting & Compliance: Guarantee key statutory returns from Workday (Annual Financial Accounts, HESA, HEBCI, and VAT returns).
• Data Migration & Reconciliation: Oversee General Ledger conversion, data cleansing, and mapping from our legacy finance system to Workday.
• External Integration & Banking: Manage relationships with banks and external partners regarding system integration and cutover.
• Process Optimization: Unlock efficiency gains through full utilization of the Workday 'Accounting Centre' module.
• Control Frameworks & Audit: Shape financial controls (segregation of duties, delegations) and lead discussions with internal and external auditors.
• First-Year Accounts Production: Lead the delivery of the first set of University, subsidiary, and group financial accounts directly out of Workday.
• Stakeholder Enablement: Deliver targeted training to internal teams and build strong networks across the University to share best practice.

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Professional Qualification: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience (PQE).
• ERP Implementation Track Record: Proven experience playing a lead finance role in at least one full lifecycle ERP / Finance System implementation (e.g., Workday, Oracle Cloud, Agresso/Unit4).
• Technical Mastery: Deep understanding of double-entry mechanics, financial consolidation, multi-entity/multi-currency accounting, and robust internal control frameworks.
• Stakeholder Management: Outstanding ability to articulate complex financial concepts to IT engineers and implementation consultants, and technical system details to business teams.

Why Join the University of York?

We provide a supportive, inclusive environment where professional development is prioritised alongside personal wellbeing. Our benefits include:

• Salary: Up to £67,468 per annum.
• Hybrid working:  Minimum of two days required on campus, flexibility to work from home up to three days per week
• Family-friendly policies. Part-time options are open for discussion.
• Generous Leave: 38 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Excellent Pension: 14.50% employer contribution
• Travel Incentives: Ride to Work and season ticket loans available

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Adele Christie at adele.christie@york.ac.uk.

Interviews will be held 18-21 August 2026.

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as  Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We also encourage applications from women for senior roles. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.