About us The University of York, joint 17th overall in the Times Good University Guide (2025), and established in 1963, is a high-performing Russell Group institution 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 is consistently ranked highly for research, including 10th for research excellence in the Times Higher Education's 2021 Research Excellence Framework. 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). Why York? Leadership & Impact: Take charge of producing the University's consolidated financial statements, leading a dedicated team of finance specialists, and providing expert guidance on technical accounting practices. Career Growth: Benefit from a supportive and forward-thinking environment that encourages continuous improvement and professional development. Community & Flexibility: Enjoy working in a hybrid manner with a vibrant campus-based community that offers family-friendly, flexible working arrangements. Excellent Benefits: 38 days holiday (inclusive on Bank Holidays), Generous Pension (14.5% employer contribution), Annual pay increases, Medical and Dental benefits, Cycle to Work Scheme and an onsite gym with discounted membership About 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 dynamic leader 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 four colleagues. What we are looking for: Accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with strong technical knowledge and up-to-date understanding of UK GAAP. Proven experience in team leadership, complex group consolidations and year-end financial statement preparation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with professional advisors and stakeholders. A proactive mindset with a drive to continuously improve processes and foster change across the finance function. Interested? Experience in higher education is not a prerequisite and we’re interested in hearing from candidates outside of the sector. If you would like to discuss the role informally, please contact Jamie Holliday (Finance Director) - jamie.holliday@york.ac.uk. 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