Senior Accountant (Strategic Projects)

Role Description

Stop Balancing Books. Start Building Strategy.

The University of York is seeking a Finance Technical Lead to bridge the gap between technical integrity and strategic growth. This isn't a "business as usual" role, it’s a high-impact position designed for a financial expert who thrives on variety.

• Consult, Don’t Just Report: Act as a strategic advisor on our high-value projects.
• Ownership: Lead the technical finance work that underpins the University’s road-map.
• Dynamic Scope: Your work shifts month-to-month based on the university’s most pressing and exciting initiatives.

If you have a sharp eye for detail and the ability to translate complex figures into "The Big Picture," let’s talk.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Leadership: Lead on project costing, budget setting, and ongoing financial monitoring.
• Technical Advisory: Provide expert guidance on statutory accounting treatments for complex transactions and new ventures.
• Risk Analysis: Conduct deep-dive financial risk assessments to ensure the University’s strategic goals are met securely.
• Global Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key liaison between internal teams and external specialist advisors (tax, project financing, etc.) across the UK and overseas.
• Collaborative Support: Contribute to the wider Finance Department’s transformation goals and day-to-day excellence in reporting and control.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Accountant: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification.
• Analytical Excellence: Proven ability to gather, interpret, and report complex financial data for senior stakeholders.
• Project Expertise: A solid grasp of accounting practices within a complex project environment.
• Ambition: A desire to develop skills in international accounting and a drive to embrace organisational change.
• Experience within the Higher Education sector. (Desirable)
• Familiarity with Agresso/Unit4 or Workday Adaptive Planning (Desirable)
• Line management experience (Desirable)

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 £56,535 per annum.
• Hybrid working: Flexibility to work from home up to 3 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 Ali Henley-Jones, Deputy Director of Finance, at ali.henley-jones@york.ac.uk.

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