Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic finance projects and provide technical financial support across the University.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of York's Finance Department.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, and a competitive salary up to £56,535.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on key projects while developing your accounting skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with experience in financial reporting.
- Other info: Be part of a family-friendly, inclusive environment with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Finance Department aims to provide:
- high quality management information to support decision making
- efficient transaction services for our students, staff, departments and external stakeholders
- a professional purchasing service for departments, ensuring we achieve value for money
- a reporting and control framework to support all the University's financial activities
This role sits within the Group Financial Accounting team who are responsible for financial reporting, statutory returns, financial policy and taxation at the University of York.
About the Role
Are you an experienced, qualified accountant looking for a challenging and rewarding role in a prestigious, complex organisation? The University of York is seeking a highly skilled Senior Financial Accountant (Projects) to join our Group Financial Accounts Team based in the Finance Department to lead technical and strategic finance work across the University of York in the delivery of key strategic projects. The post holder will provide technical financial support to teams developing and delivering key strategic projects for the University of York providing accurate financial information to guide project decisions and supporting technical financial aspects of large scale/complex projects.
This role will lead on areas including project costing, guidance on statutory account treatment for complex transactions, financial risk analysis for new ventures and liaison with technical and third party experts. As a senior member of the team, you will be pivotal in ensuring that the University maximises the impact of new workstreams and projects. The work will be diverse and will vary from month to month with priorities to include:
- Financial management: Project budget setting and monitoring
- Technical expertise: Advice on accounting treatment for complex projects
- Stakeholder management: Engagement with specialist advisers representing areas including tax and project financing. Engagement with stakeholders both in the UK and overseas
- Leadership: To be a senior member of the Group Financial Accounts Team, who are responsible for financial reporting, statutory returns, taxation and control
- Teamwork: Support the wider Finance team with both transformation and key day to day work
What You'll Bring (Essential Requirements)
- Qualification: A recognised Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with some experience and a desire to develop your skills in international accounting requirements.
- Experience: Proven experience in the preparation of financial reports and commentary for senior stakeholders.
- Skills: A high degree of attention to detail, a solution-oriented approach, and the ability to gather, analyse, interpret, and report complex data/information.
- Knowledge: Strong understanding of accounting practices and procedures used in complex projects. A desire to embrace and drive change.
Experience with line management, knowledge of the Higher Education Sector, and familiarity with Agresso/Workday Adaptive Planner are desirable, but not essential.
What we offer:
- Hybrid working: flexibility to work from home up to 3 days per week
- Generous Holidays: up to 38 Days (including bank holidays)
- Salary of up to £56,535
- A Family-Friendly and Inclusive Environment with part time options considered
Interview date: w/c 12 January 2026
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact: Ali Henley-Jones, Deputy Director of Finance ali.henley-jones@york.ac.uk. Please note that emails will only be checked intermittently over the Christmas and New Year period.
Senior Accountant (Strategic Projects) employer: University of York
Contact Detail:
University of York Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant (Strategic Projects)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with strategic projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of York and its financial projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience with complex financial reporting and stakeholder management. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles and what makes you the perfect fit for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the University of York.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant (Strategic Projects)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications, especially your accounting credentials, and any relevant experience in financial reporting or project management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Accountant role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly around strategic projects.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As an accountant, attention to detail is crucial. Ensure your application is free from typos and errors. This not only reflects your professionalism but also your ability to manage complex data accurately.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of York
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets or provided financial insights that influenced decision-making.
✨Understand the University’s Financial Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the financial practices specific to the Higher Education sector, especially those relevant to the University of York. Research their recent strategic projects and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around complex accounting treatments and project costing. Review relevant accounting standards and be prepared to explain how you would approach financial risk analysis for new ventures. This is your chance to showcase your technical expertise!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key in this role, think about how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss your communication strategies and how you’ve navigated complex discussions, especially with external advisers or technical experts.
