At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial objectives through accurate reporting and insightful analysis.
- Company: Join a global education group dedicated to creating better futures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while supporting education and research.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified with experience in management accounting and strong numerical skills.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32942 - 37087 £ per year.
Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. We are driven by our passionate belief in the transformational power of education and research to enable and empower our students, colleagues and partners and to improve the world around them. Our people are key to our success and each role contributes to the Group’s ongoing progress in communities around the world.
The Role
We are seeking a motivated Assistant Accountant to support the University Group’s financial and operational objectives through accurate reporting and insightful analysis. Working within the Financial Planning & Control team, you will assist in preparing management accounts, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring appropriate accounting treatments and high-quality financial information. You will analyse financial performance, identify trends and variances, and support income and cost analysis, including deferrals, accruals, and prepayments. You will also contribute to business case development, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and help improve financial processes and reporting.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assist in preparing accurate and timely management accounts, including I&E, balance sheets
- Support the preparation of budgets and forecasts, ensuring financial data is up to date
- Analyse financial performance, identifying trends, variances, and insights
- Assist with income analysis, ensuring correct treatments such as income deferrals
- Support cost analysis, including accruals and prepayments, and investigate variances
- Help identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, policies, and regulations
- Recommend and support improvements to financial processes and reporting
- Work collaboratively with finance colleagues and support junior staff
Our Successful Candidate
The successful candidate will be part-qualified (or equivalent) and have experience in management accounting, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. You will demonstrate strong numerical ability, advanced spreadsheet skills, and the capacity to manage competing deadlines, while proactively identifying ways to enhance financial reporting and improve processes. Experience within the Higher Education sector or using Agresso would be an advantage. You are a strong team player with clear, confident communication skills, able to explain financial information to diverse stakeholders. You support junior colleagues when needed and take a solutions‑focused approach to evolving business needs.
The Benefits
As a staff member of CU Corporate Services Ltd, you will have access to a wide range of industry leading rewards and benefits which includes:
- Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
- 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
- Life Assurance 4 x Salary
- BUPA Cash Plan
- 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
- CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
- Cycle To work scheme
Our Culture
As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.
Closing date: 15 March 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.
Assistant Accountant in Coventry employer: Coventry University
Contact Detail:
Coventry University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the lookout for an Assistant Accountant role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Since Coventry University Group is all about creating better futures, think about how your skills can contribute to that mission. Tailor your answers to show you're a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on common questions for Assistant Accountants, and don’t forget to highlight your experience with budgeting and financial analysis.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Coventry University Group team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Accountant role. Highlight your experience in management accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our mission of Creating Better Futures. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your advanced spreadsheet skills and numerical ability. Mention any relevant software experience, especially if you've worked with Agresso or similar tools. We love seeing those skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry University
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your numerical prowess. Brush up on key financial concepts like budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Familiarity with accounting software is crucial. If you have experience with Agresso or similar tools, make sure to highlight this during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've used spreadsheets to analyse data or improve reporting processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you identified cost-saving opportunities or improved financial processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be working with diverse stakeholders, so strong communication skills are a must. Practice explaining complex financial information in simple terms. This will show your ability to collaborate effectively and support junior colleagues when needed.