Salary: Grade 9(£53,353 - £61,823 p.a. depending on experience). Potential market supplement

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an experienced, qualified, technical accountant who is interested in a new challenge? Are you able to develop and operate the University’s financial accounting strategy ensuring the integrity of the financial statements, understand and proactively manage balance sheet risk and consider broader impact? Are you able to provide oversight, analysis, support, guidance and challenge? Can you build and maintain effective external & internal relationships at a senior level including auditors, advisors, executive boards, to support and influence strategic direction? 

The University of Leeds is one of the top 135 universities in the world.   We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities.  Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe. 

We are looking for an experienced manager and strong technical accountant to join the Financial Services team who will be our technical expert, providing high quality advice and will take responsibility for the financial accounting service of the University and its related organisations.  Leading the financial accounting team, you will be accountable and responsible for the integrity of the financial statements and chart of accounts, have excellent analytical and investigative skills, a good understanding of risk and controls and take the lead role in shaping and implementing the approach to ensuring effective balance sheet control. The SFRM has responsibility for the preparation, accuracy and compliance of the annual financial statements and consolidation, quarterly forecasts and 5 year planning as well as monthly accounting duties in a range of areas including oversight of the month end process, capital and pension accounting. As a result, you will develop a thorough understanding of the University’s accounting system and lead its development and maintenance.

The University is embarking on an exciting project to transform its business processes and existing SAP system and developing finance operations and financial integrity will be critical to the project’s success. All managers in the finance team will be actively engaged in the project whilst maintaining the existing business as usual delivery. 

Reporting to the Financial Controller this is a senior role within the Financial Services team and you would be expected to provide professional guidance and support across the organisation. In addition to external stakeholders you will liaise and collaborate closely with finance managers and senior academic and non-academic managers across the University (including Executive level) and must demonstrate good people and team working skills, strong analytical, interpersonal and management skills. 

This post requires a standard criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and any equivalent overseas authorities where relevant.

What we offer in return

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Nicola Price, Financial Controller 

Email: [email protected]