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For Companies 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 Northampton employer: Allen Lane
Contact Detail:
Allen Lane Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Financial Accountant in Northampton
✨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. Since this role involves statutory reporting and compliance, be ready to discuss your experience with financial controls and reconciliations. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Excel skills! Bring examples of how you've used Excel to analyse financial data or prepare reports. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the technical aspects of the Assistant Financial Accountant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Financial Accountant in Northampton
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 for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our organisation and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around reconciliations and statutory reporting. Be ready to discuss your experience with VAT, Corporation Tax, and any relevant accounting standards. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but can handle the specifics of the role.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since strong Excel skills are essential for this position, make sure you can confidently navigate spreadsheets and perform data analysis. Consider preparing a few examples of how you've used Excel in past roles to solve problems or streamline processes. This will demonstrate your technical prowess.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues, so practice articulating complex concepts in simple terms. Think of examples from your past where you successfully communicated financial data to different audiences. This will highlight your ability to bridge the gap between finance and other departments.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the institution’s mission, values, and recent news. Understanding their focus on academic excellence and social impact will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals. It’s all about making that connection!