Assistant Accountant - DurhamThe Role and the Department The Assistant Accountant sits within the newly formed Management Accounting and Reporting team within Finance at the University. The role is responsible for assisting the Senior Finance Manager with the development and operational requirements of the University's management accounting and reporting function. The role will have a key focus on providing accounting and reporting support to non-financial colleagues and budget holders across the role's remit and, as such, will build strong working relationships with budget holders and finance teams, offering clear financial guidance across all levels of seniority to communicate, guide and educate our colleagues in our management accounting requirements. Duties will include, but not be limited to: * Assisting in preparation, review and commentary of the monthly management reporting pack including variance analysis against budget, forecast and prior periods highlighting key drivers and risks. * Ensure that budget holders are informed with regular reporting and engaging directly with budget holders to ensure that their financials are understood. * To actively support the Senior Finance Manager with system improvement and process enhancements to the management accounting and reporting function, including project involvement as required. * To lead on the processing of journals within the role's remit and to manage month-end and year-end activities including accruals and prepayments. * Prepare and review general ledger reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls. * Investigate and resolve reconciling items promptly, maintaining clear audit trails. * Produce management reports and ad-hoc analysis for stakeholders and funding bodies. * Assist with internal and external audits and liaise with auditors as required. * Undertake additional finance projects or tasks as required.