At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and lead finance transformation projects at a prestigious college.
- Company: Join one of the University of Oxford's oldest and most distinguished colleges.
- Benefits: Generous salary, excellent benefits, free lunches, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy ~30 days annual leave, free parking, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial processes while working in a historic institution.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with strong technical knowledge and process improvement experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are partnering exclusively with one of the University of Oxford’s oldest and most distinguished colleges, in the recruitment of a Deputy College Accountant to play a key role in its finance function.
This is a broad and visible position combining technical accounting, team oversight, and the opportunity to contribute to significant finance transformation projects, including the implementation of a new finance system and development of enhanced reporting tools.
Working closely with the College Accountant and Finance Bursar, you will act as a trusted deputy, supporting strategic and operational financial management across the College. You will take ownership of core financial processes while helping modernise and improve how finance operates across the College.
- Deputising for the College Accountant and supporting supervision of the finance team
- Supporting month-end and year-end processes, including statutory reporting and audit preparation
- Producing high-quality management accounts with clear commentary on variances and trends
- Strengthening financial controls through balance sheet and control account reconciliations
- Supporting budgeting and cash flow forecasting processes
- Leading improvements in financial processes, including SOP development and automation
- Contributing to the implementation of a new finance system and enhanced reporting capability
- Overseeing transactional areas including accounts payable and the rent ledger
- Maintaining key financial records including fixed assets, investments, and donations
Requirements:
- A professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Strong Technical Accounting Knowledge, including financial reporting and controls
- Experience of improving processes and ideally supporting systems implementation or automation
- Advanced Excel and confidence working with financial systems
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
Benefits:
- Generous pension scheme
- ~30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- ~ Free parking in City Centre Oxford
- ~ Cycle to work
- ~ Electric car scheme
- ~ Private medical insurance
- ~ Free lunches on site when working
- ~ Bus pass scheme
Accountant {College (Permanent) in Oxford employer: Hays
As a Deputy College Accountant at one of the University of Oxford’s oldest colleges, you will join a prestigious institution that values professional growth and innovation in finance. With a generous benefits package including ~30 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and free lunches, the college fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. This role not only offers the chance to enhance your technical skills but also to contribute to transformative projects that modernise financial operations within a historic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant {College (Permanent) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have ties to the University of Oxford. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical accounting knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in past roles, as this will show you're the right fit for their finance transformation projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Excel skills! Bring examples of how you've used advanced Excel functions in your previous jobs. This will demonstrate your ability to handle financial reporting and analysis effectively.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant {College (Permanent) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Deputy College Accountant role. Highlight your technical accounting knowledge and any experience with financial systems or process improvements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your qualifications and how you can contribute to the finance transformation projects at the college.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes or lead teams. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As an aspiring Deputy College Accountant, it's crucial to brush up on your technical accounting knowledge. Be prepared to discuss financial reporting, controls, and any relevant experience you have with budgeting and cash flow forecasting. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
The college is looking for someone who can lead improvements in financial processes. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented changes or automation in previous roles. Be ready to explain how these changes benefited the organisation, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach to finance management.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. During the interview, try to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely, ensuring that even those without a finance background can understand your points.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the college's finance transformation projects and the new finance system they’re implementing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
