Purpose of Role
The role supports a range of accounting activities within the Financial Accounting team, applying technical knowledge and analytical skills to deliver high-quality financial outputs. Responsibilities include assisting with the preparation of financial statements, supporting compliance and audit processes, and contributing to the maintenance of robust financial controls. The post holder will also provide technical support and guidance to internal colleagues and, where appropriate, liaise with external stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:
To assist with the accounting tasks within the financial accounting team, such as those listed below, but not confined to these specific tasks:
1. Assist in the preparation of Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to the Accounts for all University entities
2. Support the delivery of external audit requirements by responding to assigned audit requests within agreed deadlines and contribute to audit discussions both verbally and in writing
3. Process intercompany transactions using the designated template in line with monthly deadlines
4. Complete assigned Balance Sheet reconciliations in accordance with the monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and year-end reporting timetable
5. Prepare and post journals as required to support accurate financial reporting
6. Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure they accurately reflect current processes within the Financial Accounting team
Education, Qualifications & Experience:
Essential
7. Newly or Part-qualified in a recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ICAS), or equivalent experience.
8. Experience working in a similar financial or higher education environment.
9. Proficiency in relevant IT systems and financial software packages.
10. Proven technical accounting expertise and practical experience.
11. Strong understanding of governance frameworks and the ability to translate them into effective practice.
12. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.
13. Demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.
14. Ability to work efficiently, flexibly, and accurately in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
15. Experience collaborating with stakeholders at all levels across an organisation.
16. Strong analytical skills with the ability to research and interpret complex information with attention to detail.
17. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
18. A professional, proactive, and solution-focused approach to work.
19. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Desirable
20. Degree in Accounting or equivalent qualification.
21. Experience using Oracle Fusion or a similar enterprise-level accounting system.
22. Previous experience working within the Higher Education sector.
Initiative and Problem Solving
23. Provide advice and guidance on complex and non-standard queries, using personal knowledge and experience
24. Use initiative to resolve non-standard problems using experience and reasoning to reach an effective conclusion
25. Generate original ideas and innovative solutions through the provision of specialist know-how and advice as appropriate
26. Gather and analyse requirements for systems in order to identify optimum solutions
27. Prepare and deliver training and briefing sessions to provide tools, techniques and support to relevant customers and stakeholders
Competencies, Tasks and Responsibilities
The tasks and responsibilities listed under the following Competency Headings form part of all administrative roles in the University at this level and it is expected that the role-holder will perform them to at least an effective standard at all times.
Teamwork
28. Work collaboratively and effectively within your team, department, and other university colleagues, sharing expertise and contributing to the delivery of the University's strategic plan
29. Participate in working groups within the university and externally if required, sharing ideas, experience and providing technical advice
30. Contribute to and provide support and encouragement across the team and wider university colleagues
31. Build cooperation and set example by demonstration a flexible approach
32. Cover for team members, including deputising for senior members as appropriate
Management Responsibilities
33. There will be line no management responsibilities within this position
Planning and Organising
34. Plan, prioritise and organise your own work or resources to ensure the timely delivery of agreed service objectives in line with customer needs
35. Plan, organise, co-ordinate and facilitate meetings, workshops and larger events ensuring effective use of resources and budget.
36. Monitor project status and take remedial action where necessary to ensure that projects are delivered on time.
Service Excellence
37. Provide timely and appropriate guidance on policy, procedure, legislation and local processes and contribute to policy/procedure development
38. Provide technical advice within your area of knowledge and expertise
39. Create a positive image of the University by being responsive, prompt and courteous when responding to requests or enquiries from customers
40. Proactively seek to understand and react to the needs and requirements of the customer
41. Work with colleagues within the department to contribute to the continued review and improvement of the service
42. Produce timely reports for management as requested
43. Liaise with internal and external teams to ensure an effective service
Decision Making
44. Provide timely and accurate advice to customers and stakeholders based on your technical knowledge
45. Assess the risks of various options and work with the relevant customer/stakeholder to achieve the optimum outcome
46. Provide technical advice to enable development of strategy, direction and vision
Citizenship
47. Demonstrate the University Values at all times through performance and behaviour
48. Participate in ad-hoc duties to support the team/University and for personal development
49. Support newer or inexperienced colleagues within and outside the University by offering support, help and advice
50. Positively promote the University internally and externally through positive behaviour and supporting University-wide activities
This job description is intended as a flexible framework which outlines the key general areas of activity in your position. Other activities may be required which are not outlined above but which are appropriate to the position and grade. Your personal objectives (Forward Job Plan) will also set out specific tasks and objectives for you to achieve, including objectives to help your career development.