Role Summary
The Accounts Officer is a pivotal operational and financial role within the London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT). The post holder will manage accurate financial transactions, ledger maintenance, and day‑to‑day administration. In addition to core accounting duties, the role supports the Operations Director with administrative, analytical and project coordination tasks to ensure operational objectives are met efficiently and rigorously.
Role Overview
- Job Title: Accounts Officer
- Department: Finance & Operations
- Reporting To: Operations Director
- Location: Tower Bridge Business Centre, 46–48 East Smithfield, London E1W 1AW
- Contract Type: Full‑Time, Permanent
- Salary Band: Competitive – commensurate with experience
- DBS Check Required: Standard
Key Responsibilities – Financial Management
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date financial records, including accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger entries.
- Process supplier invoices, staff expense claims and student fee transactions in a timely and compliant manner.
- Perform monthly bank reconciliations and produce reconciliation reports for review by the Operations Director.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts, budget monitoring reports and variance analyses.
- Support the preparation of end‑of‑year accounts and liaise with external auditors as required.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC obligations including VAT returns, PAYE and other statutory financial reporting requirements.
- Monitor outstanding debtors and creditors, escalating unresolved matters to the Operations Director.
- Maintain financial filing systems – both electronic and paper‑based – ensuring audit readiness at all times.
- Process payroll data inputs in coordination with HR and verify accuracy prior to submission.
- Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of financial processes and internal controls.
Key Responsibilities – Operations Director Support
- Provide high‑level administrative and operational support, including diary management, meeting preparation and briefing documentation.
- Assist the Operations Director in monitoring institutional KPIs and producing regular progress reports.
- Coordinate cross‑departmental operational projects, tracking action items, deadlines and deliverables on behalf of the Operations Director.
- Draft and review correspondence, internal policies, procedural documents and board papers as directed.
- Act as a first point of contact for operational queries escalated to the Operations Director, triaging and resolving where appropriate.
- Facilitate internal communication between Finance, Academic and Support departments to ensure alignment with operational priorities.
- Assist in the planning and administration of Governors' meetings, Academic Board meetings and other key institutional committees.
- Support the Operations Director in managing supplier and third‑party contracts, monitoring SLAs and renewal schedules.
- Undertake research and horizon‑scanning tasks to inform operational strategy and planning as directed.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive institutional, financial and personnel information at all times.
Person Specification
Essential
- AAT Level 3 or above / equivalent accounting qualification
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a finance or accounts role
- Experience supporting a senior manager or Director
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Sage)
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High degree of accuracy, numeracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
- Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information
- Knowledge of VAT, PAYE and basic HMRC compliance
- Experience with payroll processing or HR administration
Desirable
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field
- ACCA / CIMA part‑qualified or actively studying
- Experience in the education or public sector
- Experience with payroll processing or HR administration
Core Behaviours & Competencies
- Strategic Awareness – align operational activities with LAAT's strategic objectives.
- Professional Discretion – demonstrate sound judgement and confidentiality.
- Proactive Problem‑Solving – anticipate challenges and resolve issues with minimal direction.
- Effective Communication – communicate with clarity and professionalism.
- Reliability and Accountability – meet deadlines and take ownership of tasks.
- Adaptability – respond flexibly to shifting priorities and demands.
- Collaborative Working – build constructive relationships across departments and with stakeholders.
LAAT Values & Commitment
- Excellence – commit to high standards of service, accuracy and professionalism.
- Integrity – maintain ethical conduct and transparency.
- Inclusivity – embrace diversity and foster respect.
- Innovation – continuously improve processes and systems.
- Student‑Centricity – serve the academy's student community in all activities.
Application & Equal Opportunities
LAAT is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. To apply, please submit a current curriculum vitae and a supporting statement of no more than 500 words addressing the person specification to hr@laat.ac.uk, quoting the reference AO/OPS/2026 in the subject line.
