At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and reporting for university research activities.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and promotes a positive work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong skills in budgeting, forecasting, and finance systems.
- Other info: Fixed-term role from August 2025 to July 2026; part-time hours considered.
The predicted salary is between 46735 - 55755 £ per year.
We’re looking for an Accountant to join our team on a fixed-term basis to take the lead on the financial accounting and reporting of the University’s research activities. You’ll play a key role in ensuring accurate financial management, compliance, and insightful reporting, while also acting as a trusted business partner to Research Institutes and Core Research Facilities.
What We’re Looking For
- A qualified accountant with experience or an interest in the Higher Education sector and how universities are funded.
- Strong accounting skills including budgeting, forecasting and other reporting.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across academic and administrative teams.
- Good excel skills and experience of using finance systems.
You will provide backfill support for the current postholder while they support other projects.
About Us
The Finance and Procurement Office is responsible for handling the University’s income, expenditure, financial performance and procurement processes, ensuring value for money in its financial activities. In addition, the department provides high quality management accounting support as well as compliance with statutory and regulatory bodies. We provide financial support to Academic and Professional Services departments, with responsibility for planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting. The department is based in the Virgil Building in the centre of Bath and there will be a requirement to work on the main campus at times, however, hybrid working is one of the many ways we recognise the importance of achieving a positive work life balance. Whilst the exact days you can work remotely will differ between teams and departments, it should provide you with greater flexibility, provided you are in the UK.
Further information
This is a fixed-term role from August 2025 to July 2026, offered on a full-time basis, however, part-time hours will be considered.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Lisa Dorney, Head of Management Accounting at lmd66@bath.ac.uk.
What we can offer you
- Free counselling services through Health Assured.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees.
- Staff discount on language courses.
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance.
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more.
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
- Local discounts and more.
- A family-friendly workplace.
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
- Relocation allowance.
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.
We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us.
Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.
Closing Date: 24 Jun 2025
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Salary: £46,735 to £55,755 pro rata
Accountant (Research) (CC12787) employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
lmd66@bath.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant (Research) (CC12787)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the funding mechanisms of higher education institutions. Understanding how universities are funded will give you an edge in discussions and demonstrate your interest in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly in financial modelling and reporting. Being proficient in Excel can set you apart, as it’s a crucial tool for budgeting and forecasting in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the higher education finance sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences. This role requires working across various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant (Research) (CC12787)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your accounting qualifications and any relevant experience in the Higher Education sector. Emphasise skills like budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for financial management in research activities. Mention specific examples of how your skills can benefit the Finance and Procurement Office and support the university's goals.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires collaboration across teams, include examples in your application that demonstrate your excellent communication and analytical skills. This could be through past experiences where you worked with diverse groups.
Showcase Technical Proficiency: Mention your proficiency in Excel and any finance systems you've used. If you have experience with specific software relevant to the role, be sure to include that as well to strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Accountant position, especially in relation to financial accounting and reporting for research activities. Familiarise yourself with how universities are funded and the specific financial processes involved.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your strong accounting skills, particularly in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Be prepared to discuss your experience with finance systems and Excel, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview. Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in a way that is easy to understand, as you'll need to collaborate with both academic and administrative teams.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with Research Institutes and Core Research Facilities, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. This will show your ability to be a trusted business partner.