Assistant Director of Finance Shared Services

Assistant Director of Finance Shared Services

Castlefield Recruitment are partnering with the University of York on their search to recruit an Assistant Director of Finance Shared Services on a fixed term contract until December 2026. The University of York exists for public good, combining academic excellence with social purpose. As a world-leading institution and a member of the prestigious Russell Group, they combine outstanding research and teaching with purposeful community engagement.

Due to an ongoing system implementation across corporate functions, the University require an experienced Assistant Director of Finance Shared Services to support their team.

The Assistant Director, Finance Shared Services leads the delivery of efficient, accurate, and compliant financial operations across the university. This includes oversight of key transactional processes such as accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. The role is central to driving consistency, standardisation, and process improvement across finance functions, while ensuring alignment with sector-specific regulatory requirements, audit standards, and institutional policies. By promoting service excellence and operational efficiency, this role supports the university’s financial sustainability and contributes to its strategic goals in a complex and evolving Higher Education environment.

The Role

• Lead and manage the Finance Shared Services team, ensuring effective staffing, development, and performance management to foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Oversee the delivery of core transactional services, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, staff expenses, relevant general ledger maintenance and systems improvement
• Ensure timely and accurate processing in line with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Maintain robust internal financial controls, ensuring compliance with university policies, external audit requirements, and statutory obligations (e.g., HMRC, VAT, pensions).
• Support risk management by identifying control weaknesses and implementing mitigation measures.
• Collaborate with Academic and Professional Services department colleagues to ensure finance services meet institutional needs.
• Contribute to business planning, budget preparation, and the development of shared services strategies.

The Benefits

• 38 days annual leave
• Generous pension scheme
• Access to various discounts and services
• Flexi working
• Onsite gym/ nursery
• Health and Wellbeing schemes

The Person

• A Professional Accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
• Experience of providing excellent financial business partnering to senior leaders
• Extensive knowledge of UK GAAP
• Change Management experience would be beneficial

For further information on applying, Please contact Hugh Fox or Henry Blythe on LinkedIn

Please note that direct approaches and speculative CV’s will be directed to Castlefield Recruitment to be included in the recruitment process.