The University of Huddersfield
Deputy Director of Finance
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DEPUTY DIRECTOR - FINANCIAL CONTROL & OPERATIONS UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD
37 YEARS. ONE POSTHOLDER. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.
Some roles come up every couple of years. This one has come up once in nearly four decades. Our current Deputy Director is retiring after 37 years of service to the University offering a genuinely extraordinary opportunity for whoever comes next.
This is a rare chance to take the reins of a well-established, respected finance function and make it your own. Whilst the legacy of the previous post holder is strong, in 2026 we know too well that finance and income generation in Higher Education continues to be evolving and challenging everyone. You will need to bring fresh thinking to a function that already works well but needs ongoing continuous investment and improvement. You’ll be shaping the University’s financial control environment to ensure stability for the years ahead.
Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and sitting on the Financial Services leadership team, you’ll lead the University’s financial control and core operations. You’ll lead everything from technical accounting and statutory reporting through to research finance, payments and the systems that hold it all together. It’s a senior finance role with real breadth: one day you’re shaping the TRAC return and the annual financial statements, the next you’re advising Deans and Pro Vice-Chancellors on tax or partnering with Research and Innovation to keep post-award finance running cleanly.
You’ll also deputise for the Director of Finance when needed, so this is a role with a genuine line of sight to the most senior finance leadership. An ideal opportunity for someone ready to step up and be seen.
What You’ll Be Leading
- Financial control and technical accounting - Own the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts, deliver clean month-end and year-end, and keep the University and its subsidiaries audit-ready and compliant with FEHE SORP 26, the Companies Act and Charity SORP
- External reporting - Lead the OfS Annual Financial Return, the TRAC return and other key submissions, with the governance and timeliness they demand
- Trusted technical advice - Be the go-to on tax (VAT, corporation tax, PAYE/NIC, global mobility) for Deputy and Pro Vice-Chancellors, Deans and Directors, and manage relationships with external tax advisors, pension actuaries and investment fund managers
- Research finance - Partner with Research and Innovation to run a joined-up post-award service: award set-up, budget control, eligible-cost validation, claims, funder variations and clean close-out that minimises clawback and disallowable costs
- Payments, AP and cash - Oversee end-to-end accounts payable, expenses and payment runs with proper segregation of duties and fraud prevention, while optimising working capital and managing banking relationships
- Systems and continuous improvement - Act as systems owner for the University’s finance systems, championing modernisation, data governance and the digital-first agenda
- Leadership - Build and develop high-performing teams, deputise for the Director of Finance on key committees, and help set the direction of Financial Services in line with the University’s strategy
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WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- A full accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience and demonstrable CPD
- A track record of delivering a strong financial control and operational framework in a large and/or complex organisation
- Proven financial leadership and change management, with a genuine talent for developing people and embedding a culture of improvement
- Substantial experience of funding and research finance in a higher education institution or similar environment
- Expertise in the application of FRS 102 in the charitable/education sector (FEHE SORP), with a good appreciation of wider compliance including tax and procurement
- Financial systems expertise, including the delivery of systems improvements and development
- Experience of proactively managing cash and liaising with investment fund managers
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills, the emotional intelligence to constructively challenge senior managers, and a genuine commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
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WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- A University of Huddersfield Grade 10 salary which has a range of £72,227 - £93,867
- A senior leadership role with a direct line to the Director of Finance and the chance to deputise at the most senior level
- Generous University pension scheme with substantial employer contributions
- Excellent annual leave entitlement including bank holidays and Christmas closure
- Sponsored Chartered Management Institute membership and professional development
- Health Shield benefits package, Give as You Earn and childcare vouchers
- Access to University facilities including the sports and fitness centre
- Metrocard discount, Northern Rail Season Ticket and Travel Season Ticket loans
- A modern working environment in the heart of Huddersfield, with excellent transport links and affordable parking (c.£4 per day)
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Opportunities like this don’t come around often - clearly. If you’re a technically excellent finance leader looking for a role with real breadth, genuine influence and the space to leave your own mark, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply using the links provided, or get in touch with Lucy Rider for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.
TIMESCALES
- Closing date - 13/09/26
- Shortlisting - 16/09/26
- Interviews - 25/09/26
The University of Huddersfield is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
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