At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting projects and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- Company: UCL, a top global university with a strong focus on financial integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days holiday, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a commitment to excellence and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on UCL's financial reporting 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.
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.
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.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits.
Financial Accounting Projects Lead in London employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development within the financial accounting sector. With significant investment in the Financial Accounting team, employees benefit from a culture of collaboration and innovation, alongside generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday and competitive salary packages. Working at UCL not only provides the opportunity to contribute to a prestigious institution but also to engage in meaningful projects that support the university's strategic objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accounting Projects Lead in London
✨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 organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can confidently discuss FRS102, IFRS, and your experience with Oracle or similar ERPs. We want to see that you can handle the complex stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on delivery experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled financial reporting challenges or improved compliance in previous roles. We love a candidate who can demonstrate their impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accounting Projects Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. Make sure you understand what UCL is looking for in a candidate and tailor your application to highlight how you meet those essential and desirable criteria.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, be specific! Use examples that demonstrate your expertise in audit and accounting, especially with complex schedules and statutory financial statements. We want to see how your background aligns with the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial reporting knowledge, especially around FRS102 and IFRS. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous roles, as well as any complex accounting schedules you've prepared.
✨Audit Awareness
Familiarise yourself with external audit methodologies. Be prepared to explain your understanding of sampling approaches and materiality, and share examples of how you've navigated audits in the past.
✨Showcase Your ERP Skills
If you've worked with Oracle or similar ERPs, be ready to talk about your experience extracting data and how it has contributed to your financial reporting success. Specific examples will help demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Align with UCL's Values
Research UCL's strategic objectives and think about how your role can support them. Showing that you understand the bigger picture and are committed to safeguarding financial integrity will set you apart from other candidates.
