Accounts Officer

The Accounts Officer is a pivotal operational and financial role within the London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT). The post‑holder will be responsible for the accurate management of financial transactions, ledger maintenance, and the day‑to‑day financial administration of the institution. In addition to core accounting duties, this role includes a dedicated operational support function to the Operations Director.

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, and escalate 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 the HR function 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 to the Operations Director, including diary management, meeting preparation, and briefing documentation.
• Assist the Operations Director in monitoring institutional KPIs and operational dashboards, 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, including 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

• AAT Level 3 or above / equivalent accounting qualification.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
• ACCA / CIMA part‑qualified or actively studying.
• 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).
• Experience in the education or public sector.
• 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.

Core Behaviours & Competencies

• Strategic Awareness – understand the broader institutional context and align operational activities with LAAT's strategic objectives.
• Professional Discretion – demonstrate sound judgement and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Proactive Problem‑Solving – anticipate operational challenges and take initiative to resolve issues with minimal direction.
• Effective Communication – communicate with clarity, professionalism, and appropriate formality in written and verbal interactions at all levels.
• Reliability and Accountability – consistently meet deadlines, providing timely updates to the Operations Director.
• Adaptability – demonstrate flexibility in responding to shifting institutional priorities and evolving operational demands.
• Collaborative Working – build constructive relationships across departments and with external stakeholders, fostering a culture of collegiate professionalism.

LAAT Values & Commitment

• Excellence – commitment to delivering the highest standards of service, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Integrity – maintaining ethical conduct and transparency in all financial and operational matters.
• Inclusivity – embracing diversity and fostering an environment of respect and equal opportunity.
• Innovation – contributing to the continuous improvement of processes, systems, and institutional practice.
• Student‑Centricity – recognising that all operational and financial activities ultimately serve the academy's student community.

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.