Assistant Financial Accountant in London

Assistant Financial Accountant in London

London Full-Time 43000 - 50500 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial reporting, compliance, and accounting for a leading higher education institution.
  • Company: Reputable higher education institution with a focus on academic excellence and social impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Great career development opportunities in a supportive and collaborative workplace.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic finance team and enhance your skills in a complex, regulated environment.
  • Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with strong reconciliation and reporting experience.

The predicted salary is between 43000 - 50500 £ per year.

Salary: £43,000 – £50,500

Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week)

Working pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office

Location: Central London (near Euston Station)

About the Organisation

This organisation is a specialist higher education institution with a strong global reputation for academic excellence, cultural awareness, and social impact. As part of its central professional services, the Finance function plays a critical role in safeguarding financial integrity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting sound decision-making across the institution.

About the Role

The Accounting Officer plays a key role in statutory reporting, financial control, and compliance activities. Reporting to a senior finance lead, the postholder will support year-end, audit, tax, and specialist accounting areas, including endowment and fund accounting. This is an excellent opportunity for a part-qualified accountant or finance professional with strong reconciliation and reporting experience, looking to deepen their technical expertise within a complex, regulated organisation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Statutory Reporting & Compliance
  • Support year-end financial statements and external audit processes
  • Assist with VAT and Corporation Tax returns
  • Prepare regulatory and statutory returns, including ONS and Companies House submissions
  • Maintain strong financial controls and compliance with accounting standards
  • Endowment, Funds & Income Accounting
    • Complete accounting and reporting for endowment and investment portfolios
    • Calculate and post monthly income, gains/losses, and total return information
    • Administer endowment funds, including set-up, documentation, and reconciliation
    • Produce Gift Aid reclaims in line with charity law
  • Financial Operations & Controls
    • Reconcile payroll suspense accounts and support payroll queries
    • Maintain the fixed asset register and support capital accounting
    • Review new cost centres and ensure compliance
    • Invoice external organisations and manage internal recharges
    • Provide cover for core banking activities when required

    About You

    Essential

    • Part-qualified accountant or equivalent relevant experience
    • Strong experience preparing reconciliations and accounting reports
    • Understanding of financial controls and compliance
    • Strong Excel skills and confidence analysing financial data
    • Clear communicator, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues

    Desirable

    • Experience of endowment, fund, or charity accounting
    • Knowledge of Gift Aid, charity law, or SORP requirements
    • Experience in higher education or the not-for-profit sector
    • Familiarity with finance systems such as Agresso (or similar ERPs)
    • Experience working with auditors

    Assistant Financial Accountant in London employer: Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment

    As a leading higher education institution located in the heart of Central London, this organisation offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and social impact, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities to deepen their financial expertise while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of education.
    Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment

    Contact Detail:

    Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Assistant Financial Accountant in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in higher education or not-for-profit organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of financial controls. Be ready to discuss your experience with reconciliations and statutory reporting, as these are key areas for the Assistant Financial Accountant role.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your Excel skills! During interviews, be prepared to demonstrate how you've used Excel for financial analysis and reporting. This will highlight your ability to handle data effectively, which is crucial for this position.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd!

    We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Financial Accountant in London

    Statutory Reporting
    Financial Control
    Compliance Activities
    Reconciliation
    Accounting Reports
    VAT Returns
    Corporation Tax Returns
    Financial Data Analysis
    Excel Skills
    Endowment Accounting
    Fund Accounting
    Gift Aid Knowledge
    Charity Law Understanding
    Experience with Finance Systems
    Communication Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Financial Accountant role. Highlight your reconciliation and reporting experience, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or projects that showcase your financial expertise.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the organisation's mission. Be sure to mention your understanding of financial controls and compliance, as these are key for us.

    Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel skills are essential for this position, consider including specific examples of how you've used Excel in your previous roles. Whether it's for data analysis or financial reporting, we want to see your proficiency in action!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment

    ✨Know Your Numbers

    Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around statutory reporting and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience with reconciliations and accounting reports, as this role heavily relies on these skills.

    ✨Showcase Your Excel Skills

    Since strong Excel skills are essential for this position, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. You might be asked to solve a problem or analyse data on the spot, so practice using functions and formulas that are relevant to financial analysis.

    ✨Understand the Organisation's Values

    This organisation prides itself on academic excellence and social impact. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will help you articulate why you want to work there.

    ✨Prepare Questions

    Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. Consider asking about their approach to financial compliance or how they support professional development for accountants.

    Assistant Financial Accountant in London
    Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment
    Location: London
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