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- Tasks: Manage financial reporting and oversee audits while leading a small team.
- Company: Abertay University is a modern institution with a global perspective and strong community ties.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including remote work for UK residents.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in higher education finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience, with a background in higher education finance.
- Other info: Applications must be submitted through our online recruitment system.
The predicted salary is between 38700 - 44600 £ 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.
Reporting to the Head of Finance, the purpose of this role is to oversee all Abertay Financial and taxation reporting – specifically Statutory Accounts, HESA, SFC, TRAC, VAT and Corporation reporting, ensuring that all financial transactions behind these returns are accurate. The role holder will oversee an Assistant Accountant (G5) and a Payroll Officer (G6).
The specific duties and responsibilities include:
- Prepare and submit all Abertay Financial Reporting, including preparation of Statutory Accounts, HESA and SFC financial returns.
- Responsible for the external audit, and key liaison with external auditors.
- Review of quarterly Balance Sheet reconciliations, including responsibility for monthly Investment portfolio reconciliations and related adjustments.
- Prepare and submit other taxation returns, including quarterly VAT, and annual Corporation Tax. Assist payroll officer with Pension Reporting.
- Prepare and submit annual TRAC returns, and in liaison with School Deans, ensure workload plan data is consistent with this.
- Oversee the University’s Capital Reporting, including maintaining the asset register and physical verification of assets.
- Prepare/report monthly cashflow forecasts, including Capital spend forecasts, and advise on investing surplus funds via bank/term deposit opportunities.
- Responsibility for authorisation of payment files, including BACs and any other payments.
- Undertake due diligence of partner/potential partners, liaising with our International Office, through review of their financial statements/provided data, and communicate this back through committee structure.
- Liaise with external employment, tax/VAT advisors to answer ad hoc internal queries/assurance requirements throughout the year, providing/organising training as required.
- Provide ad hoc support to other members of the University as required.
About you:
- You are a qualified accountant or qualified by experience.
- You have extensive experience in a Higher Education setting.
- You have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- You can explain technical accounting concepts to non-finance professionals in a clear and understandable manner.
- You have good interpersonal skills, developing effective working relationships with colleagues and key external contacts.
The post is a full-time post, and as the University supports flexible working, this role would be considered for a home working role, although some Dundee office presence would be required throughout the post, dependent on specific work at that time. Please note that we can only support remote working for those that reside within the UK for this role. If you believe you have the skills and experience for this exciting and challenging role, please submit your application through our online recruitment system. Please note that we will only accept applications through our online recruitment system.
Committed to Equal Opportunities. Abertay University is a Scottish Registered Charity, No: SC016040.
Financial Accountant employer: ABERTAY UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
ABERTAY UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions. Understanding Statutory Accounts, HESA, and SFC returns will give you a significant edge in discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the higher education finance sector. Attend relevant seminars or webinars to connect with others in the field, which could lead to valuable insights and recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled complex financial issues in the past, as this role requires strong analytical capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to communicate technical accounting concepts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully explained complex information to non-finance colleagues, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial accounting, particularly in a higher education setting. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly explains why you are a suitable candidate for the Financial Accountant position. Address how your skills in financial reporting, external audits, and taxation align with the duties mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your analytical and problem-solving skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex accounting concepts to non-finance professionals, as this is a key requirement for the role.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application through the specified online recruitment system. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is complete before hitting 'submit'.
How to prepare for a job interview at ABERTAY UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Financial Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and reporting requirements relevant to higher education institutions, such as HESA and SFC. Being able to discuss these in detail will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves overseeing an Assistant Accountant and a Payroll Officer, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to financial reporting, taxation, and auditing processes. Brush up on your knowledge of statutory accounts and VAT returns, and be ready to explain complex concepts in simple terms.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Highlight your ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and external contacts. Prepare examples of how you've communicated financial information to non-finance professionals, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
