Finance System Change Support Lead (Subsidiaries)

Finance System Change Support - Subsidiaries Lead

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 our subsidiaries with the data and functionality they need to grow.  This isn't a "business as usual" role—it’s a high-impact position designed for someone 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 and schedules of delegated authority and how these are applied in small subsidiary teams. 
• Process Improvement: Identify "pain points" in the current subsidiary finance workflows and help design automated solutions to reduce manual data entry and improve financial control.
• Reporting & BI: Work with the Subsidiaries to develop and maintain reports and dashboards using Workday tools.
• Engagement: Work with the programme team including University of York and subsidiary 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/Sage) and new (Workday) system.
• Training and support: Act as the first point of contact for subsidiary finance team queries and provide training to non-technical staff on system best practices.  Support the wider subsidiary teams 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, Sage 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 project environment.
• Ambition: A desire to develop skills in Workday and a drive to embrace organisational change.
• Experience within the Higher Education sector. (Desirable).

Why Join the University of York?

We provide a supportive, inclusive environment where professional development is prioritised alongside personal wellbeing. Our benefits include:

• Salary: Up to £56,535 per annum.
• Hybrid working:  Minimum of two days required on campus, flexibility to work from home up to three days per week
• Family-friendly policies. Part-time options are open for discussion.
• Generous Leave: 38 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Excellent Pension: 14.50% employer contribution
• Travel Incentives: Ride to Work and season ticket loans available

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Ali Henley-Jones, Deputy Director of Finance, at ali.henley-jones@york.ac.uk.