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- Tasks: Manage finance operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and month-end processing.
- 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 in a role with varied responsibilities and real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong accountancy skills and a passion for finance are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a unique work environment where no two days are the same.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 67000 £ 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.
Please read the full role profile before applying, as well as our guide to recruitment.
- Salary: Circa £50K to 60K per year, dependant on experience
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 35 hours per week
Recruitment Timeline:
- Applications opened: 19/12/2025
- Interviews: 26/01/2026
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: You can contact the People Team with any questions regarding this vacancy or our recruitment process. Email: jobs.su@manchester.ac.uk Phone: 0161 306 3279
You can contact the hiring manager with any questions regarding this vacancy or our recruitment process.
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Finance and Sales
- Industry: Higher Education
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
Get to know the organisation! Research the University of Manchester Students' Union and understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events in Manchester. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common finance-related questions and scenarios. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, especially around management accounting and budgeting. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that you’re serious about the opportunity. Remember, the sooner you apply, the better your chances are, so don’t wait around!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Finance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description carefully. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for in an Associate Director of Finance, and understanding these will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit.
Showcase 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 sharing your achievements!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who is passionate about finance and eager to shape the role. Share your motivations and what excites you about working with us at UMSU – we love to see genuine enthusiasm.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible. Head over to our website to get started – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Manchester Students' Union
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your management accounting skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss month-end processing, balance sheet management, and VAT. Having specific examples of how you've handled these tasks in the past will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of the role.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
This role involves developing strategic finance capabilities, so think about how you can demonstrate your experience with long-term financial modelling. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects where you've worked with Boards or committees, as this will highlight your ability to contribute at a higher level.
✨Embrace the Hybrid Model
Since the role is hybrid, be ready to talk about how you manage your time effectively between remote work and being in the office. Share examples of how you've successfully balanced flexibility with productivity in previous roles, as this will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Passion for Finance
Let your enthusiasm for finance shine through during the interview. Be prepared to discuss why you're passionate about the field and how you plan to shape the role to make it your own. This will help convey your commitment to contributing positively to the University of Manchester Students' Union.
