Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and reporting for university research activities.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact in higher education finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong skills in budgeting, forecasting, and communication.
- Other info: Fixed-term role from August 2025 to July 2026; part-time hours considered.
The predicted salary is between 36700 - 44500 £ per year.
We’re looking for an Accountant to join our team on a fixed-term basis to take the lead on the financial accounting and reporting of the University’s research activities.
You’ll play a key role in ensuring accurate financial management, compliance, and insightful reporting, while also acting as a trusted business partner to Research Institutes and Core Research Facilities.
What we’re looking for:
- A qualified accountant with experience or an interest in the Higher Education sector and how universities are funded
- Strong accounting skills including budgeting, forecasting, and other reporting
- Excellent communication and analytical skills
- Ability to work collaboratively across academic and administrative teams
- Good Excel skills and experience of using finance systems
You will provide backfill support for the current postholder while they support other projects.
The Finance and Procurement Office is responsible for handling the University’s income, expenditure, financial performance and procurement processes, ensuring value for money in its financial activities. In addition, the department provides high-quality management accounting support as well as compliance with statutory and regulatory bodies.
We provide financial support to Academic and Professional Services departments, with responsibility for planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting. The department is based in the Virgil Building in the centre of Bath and there will be a requirement to work on the main campus at times, however, hybrid working is one of the many ways we recognise the importance of achieving a positive work-life balance.
This is a fixed-term role from August 2025 to July 2026, offered on a full-time basis, however, part-time hours will be considered.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lisa Dorney, Head of Management Accounting.
What we can offer you:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work-life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
- We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us.
We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process.
Contact Detail:
Webrecruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant (Research)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the funding mechanisms in higher education. Understanding how universities are funded will give you an edge in discussions and demonstrate your interest in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in budgeting and forecasting. Being proficient in these areas will not only help you in the role but also impress during any practical assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the finance and higher education sectors. Engaging with current employees or attending relevant events can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples where you've worked collaboratively across teams. Highlighting your communication skills and teamwork will resonate well with the hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant (Research)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your accounting qualifications and relevant experience, especially in the Higher Education sector. Emphasise skills like budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the university's mission. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your analytical and communication skills, as well as your ability to work collaboratively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong Excel skills and experience with finance systems. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to support financial management and reporting.
Showcase Your Interest in Research: Express your interest in the research activities of the university. Discuss any previous experience you have in supporting research projects or how you understand the funding mechanisms in Higher Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit
✨Understand the Higher Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with how universities are funded and the specific financial challenges they face. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest in the sector and your ability to contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Accounting Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your strong accounting skills and how they can benefit the university's research activities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in a way that non-financial colleagues can understand, showcasing your ability to work collaboratively.
✨Demonstrate Excel Proficiency
Brush up on your Excel skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used Excel in previous roles, particularly in financial analysis or reporting, as this will be crucial for the position.
