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- Tasks: Join our Finance Transformation team to enhance our Workday system and streamline financial processes.
- Company: The University of York, a leading institution focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising financial systems and supporting effective teams.
- Qualifications: Part or fully qualified accountant with a knack for problem-solving and data analysis.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract for up to 18 months with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The University of York is looking for a proactive, tech-savvy part or fully qualified accountant to join our Finance Transformation team. You won’t just be crunching numbers; you’ll be working with our transformation team to ensure our Workday system is robust, scalable, and provides the business with the data it needs to grow. This isn’t a "business as usual" role-it’s a high-impact position designed for a financial expert who excels in getting the best out of systems to deliver efficient processes and support effective teams. If you have a sharp eye for detail and the ability to visualise, design, implement and train financial system processes then we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- System design, testing and maintenance: Advice on hierarchies, schedules of delegated authority and the foundational data model. Support for user acceptance test planning and delivery.
- Process Improvement: Identify "pain points" in the current finance workflow and help design automated solutions to reduce manual data entry and improve financial control.
- Reporting & BI: Work with the Programme team to develop and maintain advanced reports and dashboards using Workday tools.
- Engagement: Work with the programme team including University of York representatives, Workday specialists and the design team to deliver required programme outcomes.
- Implementation Support: Assist in system implementation, User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and training.
- Data Integrity: Data transition planning and execution (with programme team) including reconciliations and control checks between current (Agresso) and new (Workday) system.
- Training and support: Act as the first point of contact for finance team queries and provide training to non-technical staff on system best practices. Support the wider Finance team with both transformation and key day to day work.
Key Requirements
- Part or fully Qualified Accountant: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification with a solid understanding of financial accounting, month-end close, and statutory requirements.
- ERP management and data structures: previous experience or a strong interest in ERP management and data structures. Familiarity with Agresso/Unit4 or Workday Adaptive Planning (Desirable).
- A natural problem-solver who doesn’t just ask "how" but "why": You should be comfortable explaining technical concepts to non-technical colleagues.
- Analytical Excellence: Proven ability to gather, interpret, and report complex financial data for senior stakeholders.
- Project Expertise: A solid grasp of delivery within a complex project environment.
- Ambition: A desire to develop skills in Workday and a drive to embrace organisational change.
- Experience within the Higher Education sector. (Desirable).
This is a fixed-term contract for up to 18 months. Interview date: to be confirmed.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Ali Henley-Jones, Deputy Director of Finance, at ali.henley-jones@york.ac.uk.
Systems Accountant employer: University of York
Contact Detail:
University of York Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of York or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to systems accounting and financial processes. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers—it's all about showcasing your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech-savvy side! Be ready to discuss how you've used ERP systems like Workday or Agresso in the past. Highlight any projects where you improved processes or data integrity—this will make you stand out.
✨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 you're genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Systems Accountant role. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you're ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, and showcase any relevant experience with ERP systems like Workday or Agresso.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Finance Transformation team. Mention your problem-solving skills and how you can help improve financial processes, as this role is all about making things better.
Showcase Your Tech Savvy: Since this role involves working with systems, don’t forget to mention your tech skills! Talk about your experience with data structures and any tools you've used to create reports or dashboards. We love a candidate who can bridge the gap between finance and technology.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of York
✨Know Your Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ERP systems, especially Workday and Agresso. Be ready to discuss how you've used these systems in the past or how you would approach learning them. This shows you're proactive and tech-savvy, just like the role requires!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified 'pain points' in financial workflows and implemented solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your analytical excellence and ability to improve processes.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with non-technical colleagues. Think of ways to explain complex concepts simply and clearly, showing that you can bridge the gap between finance and technology.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the Finance Transformation team and their goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your ambition to contribute to the team's success and embrace organisational change.