University of Sheffield
Job Advert
Job Reference Number: 2236 Working Pattern: Full time Faculty: Professional Services Department: Department of Finance Closing Date: 22 February 2026
Are you an experienced senior finance professional and a strong communicator who demonstrates effective leadership skills and champions collaborative working? This job could be just for you.
Role
This is a key leadership role that will deliver a Finance Operations function that is fit for purpose in the context of supporting delivery of the University's overall strategy. The role will lead our Finance Operations teams which are:
* Procurement and accounts payable
* Payroll and expenses
* Pensions
* Accounts Receivable
* Finance Systems
You will lead c.75 staff creating a culture of collaboration, continual improvement, excellence and effectiveness. You will provide direction and strong scrutiny to ensure that operational activities are successfully and efficiently delivered, and within regulatory requirements.
The role will lead on developing the strategy for, and delivery of long term system improvements and developments across Finance with a view towards a new ERP system in the forthcoming years. You will work closely with other colleagues within the department, across the University, and externally. The role will work closely with the Head of Financial Control and Compliance to identify and implement a robust control environment, efficiencies, process reviews, and systems enhancements within the existing suite of systems.
You will have an extensive and proven track record of team management, with excellent personal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within and outside the Finance department. Good system knowledge and the ability to challenge the status quo and improve processes is essential. You should have extensive prior experience of managing financial processing functions, and of developing and enforcing associated policies and procedures.
What We Offer
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Find out more at and join us to become part of something special.
We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.