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- Tasks: Support financial reporting and compliance in a dynamic university environment.
- Company: Join SOAS, a culturally rich and academically diverse institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 44 days of holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial excellence while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified finance professional with strong communication and initiative.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a part-qualified finance professional to contribute to a knowledgeable and dedicated team. You will be responsible for supporting SOAS's statutory reporting, financial control environment and compliance obligations. This includes supporting the university's external financial reporting, VAT and corporation tax compliance and endowment portfolio. Collaborating with teams across Financial Systems, Operations, and Finance Business Partnering, you will play a supportive role in ensuring financial excellence.
You will support the preparation of the year-end financial statements and other compliance reports as well as perform the financial administration for all capital projects and endowment portfolio. This is your opportunity to contribute to the financial leadership within one of the world's most culturally rich and academically diverse institutions.
Reporting directly to the Head of Financial Compliance, and working alongside another Accounting Officer, the Accounting Officer will:
- Maintain the School's bank mandate, process updates, and manage KYC requests.
- Complete endowment investment accounting and reporting including monthly income, gains/losses, and reconciliations.
- Calculate Total Return information and update the ledger.
- Administer the endowment portfolio including fund setup and documentation.
- Provide financial advice to Advancement and the Scholarships Officer.
- Reconcile payroll suspense accounts and support Payroll with coding queries.
- Review new cost centres for compliance.
- Produce Gift Aid reclaims and interpret applicable charity law.
- Invoice external organisations.
- Assist with year-end financial statements and audit processes.
- Support capital budgeting requests and maintain the fixed asset register.
- Support Wood Green Hall finance administration.
- Assist with VAT and Corporation Tax returns.
- Manage the Students' Union loan and salary recharges.
- Liaise with Students' Union auditors.
- Control internal Faculty Research Grants.
- Provide cover for the Banking Administrator.
- Complete monthly income and quarterly ONS returns.
- Submit SOAS International Ltd Annual Return to Companies House.
- Follow up outstanding travel advances.
- Assist the Head of Financial Compliance, and Accounting Officer.
We are looking for a part-qualified or equivalent experienced finance professional who combines strategic insight with operational expertise. You will have/be:
- Relevant and appropriate experience in finance and management obtained in a complex organisation.
- An excellent communicator who can influence at all levels within the organisation.
- Ability to work on own initiative, assess priorities and be proactive.
- Experience working in Higher Education or similar setting desirable including knowledge of endowment or fund accounting.
We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:
- Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
- Generous occupational pension scheme.
- Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
- Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
- Discounted Gym Membership.
This role is subject to a Basic DBS check. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the United Kingdom or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
Accounting Officer employer: School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Contact Detail:
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in higher education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SOAS and its financial operations. Understand their compliance obligations and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience in financial reporting and compliance clearly. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨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 engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accounting Officer role. Highlight relevant experience in finance and management, especially in a complex organisation like ours. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our financial excellence. Be sure to mention any experience in higher education or fund accounting.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an excellent communicator, you’ll need to influence at all levels. In your application, give examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information in the past. We love seeing those skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounting Officer, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on key financial concepts, especially those related to endowment and fund accounting. Be ready to discuss how you've handled financial reporting or compliance in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires excellent communication skills to influence at all levels. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. Think about times when your advice made a difference in decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
The job description highlights the need for someone who can work on their own initiative. Come prepared with examples of how you've identified issues before they became problems and taken proactive steps to resolve them. This will show your potential employer that you can think ahead.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance
Since you'll be supporting statutory reporting and compliance obligations, it's crucial to understand relevant regulations. Research VAT and corporation tax compliance, and be ready to discuss how you've navigated similar requirements in past roles.