Internal Audit & Financial Accounting Officer in London

To support the Head of Financial Accounting in the production of all statutory financial reports and information required by external agencies, the statutory audit process and collation of high-quality information for use by the Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and other internal/external stakeholders. To lead on coordination of Internal audit activities for the College & Trust.

Client Details: Leading Surrey/South London College & Charity are looking to recruit an Internal Audit & Financial Accounting Officer candidate on a 1-year fixed term contract basis.

Description:

• Financial Accounts: Assist in preparation of year-end financial statements and assist with the audit process by gathering information and working with external auditors.
• Keep informed about changes in financial reporting rules and help apply them in the organisation, especially those relevant to the education sector.
• Support the preparation of financial returns as required.
• Provide day-to-day support to the finance team, including helping with purchase ledger, staff expenses, and general finance queries.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records, including reconciliations for VAT, intercompany balances, and other control accounts.
• Prepare the VAT returns for review and support compliance with tax rules such as gift aid and IR35, with guidance from senior staff, currently monthly.
• Prepare and review reconciliations for key balance sheet accounts including VAT, intercompany, and purchase ledger.
• Escalate any discrepancies to senior finance staff.
• Prepare files in preparation for audits as directed by the Head of Financial Accounting.
• Assist with the production of the AAR return for January submission.
• Assist with BFR for August submission.
• Assist with the ONS report for monthly submissions.
• Assist with any other external reporting.

• Internal Audit: Coordinate the visits identified in the Internal Audit plan each term and ensure the Internal Audit team have access to their required information.
• Establish processes to monitor the KPIs in the Internal Audit contract preparing termly reports to ARC on service delivery, performance and results of audits.
• Maintain the audit tracker log.
• Review operational school level, College and CT risk registers to identify emerging themes or escalating risks and advising on the rolling audit programme.
• Prepare an internal audit plan of routine checks (to ensure finance policies and procedures are followed) with the Head of Financial Accounting and other senior finance colleagues.
• Organise the visits to perform tests and prepare a termly report on activities, highlighting risks to follow up and suggested improvements.
• Visit schools and Centres too and provide training, guidance and support with compliance and internal control.
• Coordinate information to prepare the reports for Audit committees regarding Connected persons, liaising with HR, Safeguarding team and governance.
• Be aware of fraud prevention policy and identify training to be delivered across to maintain vigilance.

Profile: A successful Internal Audit & Financial Accounting Officer should have:

• AAT qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent), likely from Practice.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Knowledge of education sector financial regulations.
• Demonstrable experience in financial accounting or working within finance team.
• Exposure to audit environments and understanding of audit processes.
• Experience preparing reconciliations and supporting statutory reporting.
• Experience coordinating internal audits or compliance reviews.
• Previous experience in a multi-site or group structure.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, reconciliations, and financial controls.
• Intermediate level in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis) and accounting software.
• Knowledge of VAT, tax compliance (Gift Aid, IR35), and financial regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply changes in financial reporting standards.

Job Offer: A competitive salary ranging from £37,130 to £40,000 per annum. Hybrid working. Comprehensive benefits package. Opportunities for professional development and growth. A 1-year fixed term contract position within a respected not-for-profit organisation. A supportive and collaborative work environment in Surrey/South London.