Group Finance Manager

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. With over 5,000 staff and a global alumni network exceeding 170,000 across 180+ countries it boasts a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework for its outstanding education and was ranked 20th overall in the Times Good University Guide (2026). The University also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, ranking in the top 2% globally (QS Sustainability Rankings 2025) and within the world's top 100 for Climate Action (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025) and is currently completing a major strategic transformation to modernize HR and Finance services through the implementation of a unified, cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform (Workday).

Main Purpose of the Role

Are you a skilled manager and technical accountant ready to take on a pivotal role at one of the UK's leading higher education institutions? At the University of York we are seeking a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) to head our Group Financial Accounts team and oversee the corporate reporting process. This role is integral to ensuring that the University meets its regulatory financial reporting obligations while setting the standard for excellence in financial controls and procedures.

Your key responsibilities will include overseeing the production of consolidated financial statements, including the coordination of strategic reports and supporting notes. You will lead the preparation of government returns, balance sheet monitoring, forecasting, and Board and Committee reporting. You will also manage and inspire a team of finance professionals, including direct line management of several individuals.

This is a key role, ideal for an experienced finance professional looking to make a lasting impact on a complex, prestigious organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Statutory Reporting & Compliance: Lead the delivery of the University and group financial accounts and other key statutory returns (HESA, HEBCI, and VAT returns).
• External Integration & Banking: Manage relationships with banks and external partners.
• Lead Core Work Areas: Financial Accounts, Banking & Settlement, Strategic Projects, and Taxation.
• System Oversight & Configuration: Maintain finance expert oversight of our Foundational Data Model (Chart of Accounts) and system configuration decisions to ensure alignment with institutional needs and best practice.
• Process Optimization: Unlock efficiency gains through full utilization of the Workday ERP.
• Control Frameworks & Audit: Shape and oversee financial controls (segregation of duties, delegations, etc.) and lead discussions with internal and external auditors.
• Stakeholder Enablement: Deliver targeted training to internal teams and build strong networks across the University to share best practice.
• 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.

Key Qualifications & Experience

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 £68,817 per annum, permanent role
• 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: Cycle to Work and season ticket loans available

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Ali Henley-Jones, Deputy Director of Finance, ali.henley-jones@york.ac.uk

Interviews will be held 8-10 Dec 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.