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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead management accounting, budgeting, and forecasting for multiple organisations in Manchester.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester Students’ Union, a vibrant and dynamic organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape your finance career with varied responsibilities and strategic development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong accountancy skills and a passion for finance are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy in managing your time and a diverse workload.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 51000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a new role of Associate Director of Finance supporting the COO/FD. The lead employer is the University of Manchester Students’ Union who have been working on developing a shared finance service model and so it will be working across multiple organisations in Manchester.
Initially, this role will be taking over management accounting responsibility from the COO/FD. It will involve delivering hands-on management accountancy duties such as month-end processing, balance sheet management, VAT and leading on budgeting and forecasting. The role requires strong technical accountancy and reconciliation skills.
There is significant scope for development in this role once the day-to-day management accountancy aspects of the role are embedded. This will include developing strategic finance capabilities such as long-term financial modelling and working with Boards and committees.
The role is hybrid and there is a requirement to spend time in offices in Manchester; however, this can be delivered flexibly and the role holder will be given autonomy over how time is managed. UMSU is an exciting organisation and no two days are ever the same due to the varied nature of activity. This is a good opportunity for someone who likes a varied workload, is passionate about finance and has the drive to shape the role and make it their own.
Details
- Salary: Circa £50K to 60K per year, dependant on experience
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 35 hours per week
Recruitment Timeline
- Applications opened: 19/12/2025
- Applications close: 11/01/2026 23:59
- Interviews: 26/01/2026
- Role Commencing: 01/04/2026
We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.
Contact People Team:
- Email: jobs.su@manchester.ac.uk
- Phone: 0161 306 3279
Hiring Manager:
- Email: rebecca.eley@manchester.ac.uk
Associate Director Finance in Manchester employer: University of Manchester Students' Union
Contact Detail:
University of Manchester Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Finance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you know the ins and outs of the role before applying. Familiarise yourself with management accounting, budgeting, and forecasting. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or alumni from the University of Manchester. They can provide insider info about the culture and expectations, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common finance-related questions. Think about how you would handle month-end processing or balance sheet management. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We won't accept applications via email or external sites, so make sure you follow the instructions. Applying early is key, especially if you want to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Finance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with important details about what we’re looking for in an Associate Director of Finance, and it’ll help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit.
Show Off Your Skills: When writing your application, highlight your technical accountancy skills and any relevant experience you have with management accounting. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Yourself: We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also passionate about finance and ready to take on a varied workload. Let your personality shine through in your application – we want to know what makes you tick and how you can bring your unique flair to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications via our website, so make sure you submit yours there. It’s super easy, and applying early is a good idea to avoid missing out. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Manchester Students' Union
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Associate Director of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate strong technical accountancy skills. Brush up on your management accounting principles, VAT regulations, and budgeting techniques. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed these areas.
✨Understand the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the University of Manchester Students’ Union and its shared finance service model. Research their current financial strategies and challenges. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle month-end processing or balance sheet management under tight deadlines. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
This role is perfect for someone who loves a varied workload. Share your enthusiasm for finance and how you plan to shape the role. Discuss any innovative ideas you have for long-term financial modelling or strategic finance capabilities that could benefit the organisation.
