Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Financial Accounts Assistant to join our Finance team. The purpose of the role is to assist the Financial Accountant with a variety of duties which are detailed in the job description which you can find either below (or on our website). You must have a good understanding of accounting principles, excellent numeracy skills, and excellent communication skills both verbal and written and the ability to work to strict deadlines.

• To carry out monthly financial accounting activities including, but not limited to, purchase orders, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets and balance sheet reconciliations
• To complete statutory returns such as ONS, VAT, FOI requests
• To assist in the year end process including the year end audit
• To deputise where required for the Financial Accountant in order to provide continuity in her absence
• To create efficient relationships between the Finance Department and other departments providing a high level of service at all times
• Preparation of all monthly accruals and Prepayments. Posting necessary journals and liaising with the Finance Business Partners on requirements.
• Carry out regular data input and processing to the asset register, ensuring that new assets, capital programme items, WIP, impairments, disposals and category maintenance are all up-to-date and accurate. Reconcile the Asset Register to the General Ledger figures each month
• Run the monthly depreciation for all assets for all companies. Reconcile the figures in terms of the depreciation itself and the subsequent asset reporting
• Keep up-to-date with current accounting regulations, carry out research where necessary on the implication of new legislation.
• Assist in the coordination of the audit
• Support in the preparation of the year end accounts
• Support and cover the Financial Accountant
• Ensure AR and AP ledgers reconcile to control accounts at month end
• Raising of purchase orders and sales invoices
• Regular review of open purchase orders
• Maintenance of funding register
• Completion of returns for ONS (Office for National Statistics)
• Completion of requests for FOI (Freedom of Information)
• Assist in preparation of monthly balance sheet account reconciliations
• Preparation of VAT returns for each company, for review by Financial Accountant to make associated adjustments for partial exemption and capital goods scheme
• Ensure University policies are implemented to provide an improved and cost effective service
• Assist in coordination of all the audit schedules in conjunction with the Financial Accountant and FC
• Contribute to new ways of working between IT and Finance directorates
• Any other ad hoc and regular tasks as may be required from the role

What we offer:

• A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & a set amount of closure days between Christmas and New Year, dependent on when they fall each year.)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme (defined benefits scheme)
• Discounted gym membership to the on-site gym
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a good standard of general education
• Accounting Qualification – PQ – AAT, CIMA, ACCA
• Experience of working within a Finance department
• Good understanding of accounting principles, and their practical application
• Experience in engaging with senior managers on finance matters.
• Experience in preparing accounting schedules and providing analysis of data.
• Experienced in complex multi-ledger systems – double-entry postings, maintenance and reconciliations and reporting.
• Experienced and competence in internal and external computer systems; recognize, recommend and be active in the development of systems to support operations.
• Experience working in Higher Education.
• Experience dealing with Auditors and preparation and coordination of audit schedules
• Must remain professional and calm in pressure situations
• Ability to work effectively within teams
• Adaptable to changing policies and procedures
• Excellent numeracy skills
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written in order to deal with a wide range of customers/stakeholders
• Ability to work to strict deadlines and meet performance targets whilst maintaining accuracy