At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team as an Assistant Accountant, supporting financial and management accounting tasks.
- Company: Abertay University is a modern institution with a global outlook and strong community ties.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience in finance while contributing to impactful projects at a respected university.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have financial knowledge and a professional attitude; experience is a plus.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time position with opportunities for growth within the finance sector.
The predicted salary is between 26942 - 37174 £ per year.
Abertay is a modern university with a global outlook, rooted in its local and national communities. We have made our mark with high quality, well-directed teaching and research, and a stimulating and enriching experience for our students.
The Finance, Infrastructure and Corporate Services directorate brings together the following functions: Finance, Procurement, IT and Corporate Information Systems, Estates development and sustainability, Facilities Management and Commercial Services.
The University now seeks to appoint an Assistant Accountant. Reporting to the Financial Accountant you will support the Finance team in both financial accounting and management accounting. The role requires an individual who will bring financial knowledge and a professional attitude to join a busy Finance team.
Key Responsibilities:- Maintain and administer finance systems, including setting up cost centres, account codes, and authorised signatories.
- Support the preparation of management accounts, including accruals, prepayments, and reallocation journals.
- Assist with financial reporting and external audit requirements (e.g. HESA, TRAC, SFC).
- Perform balance sheet reconciliations and investigate anomalies.
- Contribute to the Online Store product setup and reporting.
- Provide financial advice to budget holders and support internal/external audit preparations.
- Deliver variance analysis and collaborate on improving financial business partnering across the University.
- Respond to FOI requests, statutory returns, and undertake other ad hoc financial tasks as required.
- Lead on project-related financial setup and complex journal entries.
- Provide guidance to team members and offer more independent business partnering support.
- Take a lead role in variance analysis and explaining the University's financial position.
If you believe you have the skills and experience for this exciting and challenging role, please submit your application through our online recruitment system.
Committed to Equal Opportunities. Abertay University is a Scottish Registered Charity, No: SC016040.
Assistant Accountant employer: ABERTAY UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
ABERTAY UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial systems and software used in universities. Understanding tools like SAP or Oracle can give you an edge, as you'll be able to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Abertay University. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of financial reporting standards and regulations relevant to higher education. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with variance analysis and financial advice. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to financial decision-making in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in finance and accounting. Use bullet points to make it easy to read, and include specific examples of your achievements that relate to the role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should complement your CV by providing more context about your motivation for applying and how you can contribute to the Finance team. Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your financial knowledge.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an accounting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ABERTAY UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Accountant, you'll be dealing with financial data regularly. Brush up on key accounting principles and be prepared to discuss your experience with financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and management accounts during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
This role requires a keen eye for detail, especially when it comes to maintaining finance systems and investigating anomalies. Be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured accuracy in your previous roles or projects.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
The Finance team works closely together, so it's important to highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you've successfully partnered with others, particularly in financial contexts, to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and how you handle financial challenges. Think of specific scenarios from your past work where you had to analyse variances or support budget holders, and be ready to discuss your approach.