At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and manage a dynamic finance team at a unique university.
- Company: The University of Buckingham, a small but vibrant independent university.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, on-site gym, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Beautiful campuses, excellent networking opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a friendly community and make a real impact in higher education finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial reporting, team management, and strong technical accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 58105 - 64246 € per year.
The University of Buckingham has a unique atmosphere, unlike that of any other higher educational institution. Despite being one of the UK's smallest universities and the only independent university to hold a Royal Charter, Buckingham has staff from over 60 countries, making it a truly distinctive work environment. Whichever of our locations you find yourself working in, you will be sure to feel a part of our friendly community. Our size enables us to foster a very personalised, supportive, inclusive and collaborative environment, with lots of opportunity for development, something which we are very proud of.
The Corporate and Professional Services departments are the cornerstone of the University. They each provide essential and valuable support to both each other and the Academic departments, helping the University to function in the most efficient and productive way, ensuring that the students' experience is second to none.
We are seeking an experienced finance professional to lead statutory reporting, technical accounting and financial control across the University and Group. The role will manage the financial accounting team, oversee consolidated accounts, audit delivery, VAT and corporation tax compliance, regulatory reporting and month end processes, while supporting the development of financial controls and systems.
Key experience required:
- Leading preparation of group statutory consolidations accounts in line with the HE SORP, Charity SORP and regulatory requirements
- Team management
- Audit and regulatory reporting
- VAT and corporation tax
- Higher education and/or charity sector experience desirable
- Strong technical accounting and Excel skills
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong financial reporting experience within a complex organisation.
What can we offer you?
- Beautiful working environments across our campuses in Buckingham and Crewe, with plenty of space
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Christmas closure
- On-site gym and exercise classes
- On-site catering facilities
- University bookshop with staff discount
- Free on-site parking
- Excellent opportunities to network and continue learning across a variety of departments
- Discount of courses for staff and their families
Please note: if successful, any offer is subject to standard checks, including qualifications, eligibility to work in the UK on a permanent basis and DBS (if applicable). The closing date for applications is 29 May 2026, and it is anticipated that interviews will be held the week commencing 1 June 2026.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website here.
Lead Financial Accountant in Buckingham employer: University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is an exceptional employer, offering a unique and supportive work environment that fosters personal and professional growth. With a diverse community of staff from over 60 countries, employees benefit from a collaborative culture, beautiful campuses, and a range of perks including an Aviva Pension scheme, on-site gym, and opportunities for continuous learning. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the higher education sector while enjoying a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Financial Accountant in Buckingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Buckingham on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's values and recent news. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about being part of our unique community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around financial reporting and team management. We want to see your expertise shine through, so be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Financial Accountant in Buckingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your financial reporting experience and any relevant skills that align with what we're looking for, like team management and technical accounting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Lead Financial Accountant role. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since strong technical accounting and Excel skills are crucial for this role, make sure to mention any relevant software or tools you’ve used. If you have experience with HE SORP or Charity SORP, don’t forget to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Buckingham
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Financial Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and technical accounting. Brush up on the key financial metrics relevant to the university sector, especially those related to HE SORP and Charity SORP. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a financial accounting team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed audits, or improved financial controls. This will show that you can foster a collaborative environment, just like the one at Buckingham.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into VAT, corporation tax compliance, and regulatory reporting. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex financial scenarios in the past. This will demonstrate your readiness for the challenges of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Given the unique atmosphere at the University of Buckingham, showcasing your ability to adapt to different environments is key. Share experiences where you've thrived in diverse teams or tackled challenges in a smaller organisation. This will resonate well with their inclusive and supportive culture.
