At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting projects and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- Company: UCL, a prestigious university known for its commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovation and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on UCL's financial integrity and governance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with deep audit and accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
UCL is one of the world's leading universities, with high expectations for financial reporting, governance and control across a large and complex organisation. The Financial Accounting function is responsible for delivery of the UCL Group annual financial statements, management of the statutory audit, and compliance with accounting standards and other regulatory requirements. The team plays a central role in safeguarding the integrity of UCL's financial reporting and supporting the university's wider strategic objectives.
About the role
The Financial Accounting team has recently received significant investment to strengthen its capability and support succession planning. As the expanded team embeds and develops, additional capacity is required to manage immediate delivery risk. This is a fixed term role for a period of twelve months. In this job you'll provide specialist expertise to support delivery of the 31 July 2026 year end and statutory audit, with responsibility to prepare and deliver key schedules and deliverables as part of the year-end, lead key elements of the new accounting framework transition project (new FRS 102 and the move to IFRS-based revenue and leasing rules), increase financial compliance, and address prior year audit findings. This will create the headroom needed for the Head and Deputy Head of Financial Accounting to focus on overall leadership, audit oversight and the Financial Controls Improvement Programme, while ensuring that complex schedules for the year end are prepared and delivered to the required technical standard. The role will also ensure the external audit is delivered in accordance with strict timelines.
The role provides senior technical and programme expertise within Financial Accounting, with direct accountability for delivery of complex and high-risk elements of the UCL Group annual financial statements and statutory audit.
Salary for this role is likely to be between £80,000 and £85,000, plus excellent benefits. We may be able to pay a little more for an exceptional candidate.
About you
We're looking for a qualified accountant with first class technical skills and commitment to hands on delivery. You'll need to have deep experience in audit and accounting, including preparing complex accounting schedules and statutory financial statements. You'll understand external audit methodology (such as sampling approaches, materiality, extrapolation methodologies) and have experience of extracting data from Oracle or similar ERPs. You’ll certainly have worked in a complex, devolved environment, and have strong understanding of FRS102 or IFRS. Experience of SORP, and working with Oracle R12, would be useful.
Please read our Job Description, paying particular attention to the Essential and Desirable criteria, and ensure these are covered in your application.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Financial Accounting Projects Lead employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development within the financial accounting sector. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, UCL provides generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for career advancement, making it an attractive place for qualified accountants seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a prestigious institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accounting Projects Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with UCL or similar institutions. 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 knowledge of FRS102 and IFRS. We want you to showcase your expertise in financial reporting and audit methodologies, so be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex accounting challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, focus on specific projects where you’ve prepared complex schedules or managed statutory audits. This will show that you’re not just book-smart but also practical.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the UCL team. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accounting Projects Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what UCL is looking for in a Financial Accounting Projects Lead and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience match their needs.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires first-class technical skills, don’t hold back! Clearly outline your experience with audit and accounting, especially your familiarity with FRS102 or IFRS. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in preparing complex schedules and financial statements.
Address the Essential Criteria:UCL has listed essential and desirable criteria for this role, so make sure you address these directly in your application. Use bullet points or headings to make it easy for the hiring team to see how you meet each requirement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and stands out in the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial reporting skills and be ready to discuss complex accounting schedules. Familiarise yourself with FRS 102 and IFRS standards, as well as any recent changes in regulations that might affect UCL's financial statements.
✨Audit Awareness
Understand the external audit methodology inside out. Be prepared to explain sampling approaches, materiality, and extrapolation methodologies. This will show that you not only have the technical skills but also the practical knowledge needed for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed statutory audits or complex financial reporting tasks. Highlight your experience with Oracle or similar ERPs, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
UCL values diversity and inclusion, so be ready to discuss how your background and experiences align with their commitment to equality. Show enthusiasm for being part of a diverse team and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment.
