At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and reporting for research and enterprise activities at the university.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a commitment to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education finance while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in higher education and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an Accountant to join our team to take the lead on the financial accounting and reporting of the University’s research activities as well as those of Enterprise & Innovation. 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, Core Research Facilities, and Enterprise & Innovation.
About the role
We provide financial support to Academic and Professional Services departments, with responsibility for planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting. The Management Information Section sits within the wider Finance and Procurement department which is responsible for handling the University’s income, expenditure, financial performance and procurement processes and 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.
What we’re looking for
- A qualified accountant with experience of the Higher Education sector and how universities are funded.
- Experience of the intricacies of research accounting.
- 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 and PowerBI skills and experience of using finance systems.
- Knowledge of FRS 102.
Further information
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.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Mark Beattie, Head of Financial Insights and Business Partnering.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- 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.
- 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.
Closing Date: 07 May 2026
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535. A market supplement that increases the total salary up to £60,000 could be added, dependent on skills and experience.
Accountant (Research & Enterprise) (CC13585) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant (Research & Enterprise) (CC13585) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Bath on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your application on the top of the pile.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's financial practices and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their research and enterprise goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an accountant, you’ll need to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Try explaining your past experiences to a friend or family member to get comfortable with it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant (Research & Enterprise) (CC13585) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accountant role. Highlight your experience in financial accounting, especially within the Higher Education sector, and showcase your skills in budgeting and reporting. We want to see how your background aligns 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 team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your analytical and communication skills, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Excel and PowerBI, as well as any finance systems you've used. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these tools in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accountant, it's crucial to be well-versed in financial accounting and reporting. Brush up on your knowledge of FRS 102 and the intricacies of research accounting. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your strong accounting skills, especially in budgeting and forecasting.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll be acting as a trusted business partner, so excellent communication is key. Think about how you can convey complex financial information clearly and concisely. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully collaborated with academic and administrative teams to achieve financial goals.
✨Excel and PowerBI Proficiency
Since good Excel and PowerBI skills are essential for this role, make sure you're comfortable discussing your experience with these tools. Consider preparing a few examples of how you've used them to enhance financial reporting or analysis in previous roles.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
The University values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Be ready to discuss how your unique background and experiences can contribute to a more inclusive workplace. This shows that you align with their commitment to celebrating differences and fostering a positive environment.