At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team to support budgeting, reporting, and project costing.
- Company: Be part of the University of St Andrews, a prestigious institution with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days of leave, hybrid work options, and discounts on local services.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant Accountancy Qualification required; studying towards CCAB is a plus.
- Other info: Full training provided; this is a full-time role until December 2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
A self-motivated and conscientious individual is required to work within the Financial Advice & Support section within central Finance at the University of St Andrews. This role is focused within the University’s Finance Business Partnering and Management Accounting team.
The ideal candidate will have experience of business partnering, budget forecasting and planning, developing reports, project or product costing, variance analysis and a commitment to continual improvement. An excellent communicator, with good prioritisation skills, the post-holder will have support a Senior Management Accountant to ensure a seamless finance advice and support service to a selection of Schools and Units within the University.
The ideal candidate will have a relevant Accountancy Qualification (HND, HNC or Degree) and either be studying towards or looking to start a CCAB qualification.
You should thrive on challenge and variety, have a positive attitude, be extremely well organised and be able to prioritise your workload so that strict deadlines are met. You should also possess good IT skills, including a sound knowledge of Excel, the Internet and E-mail. Knowledge of Oracle Fusion beneficial but not essential. Full training of the University’s account system will be given.
Accounting knowledge and experience are essential.
This a full-time post working 36.25 hours per week on a fixed term contract until 31 December 2025.
Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:
Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy, a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters
This post will be primarily based at the Eden Campus at Guardbridge, a state-of-the-art working environment for professional services units
Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Kathryn Davidson, email: kd26@st-andrews.ac.uk, This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Assistant Accountant employer: University of St Andrews
Contact Detail:
University of St Andrews Recruiting Team
hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific financial systems used at the University of St Andrews, especially Oracle Fusion if you can. Even though it's not essential, having a basic understanding can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in business partnering and budget forecasting during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. This will demonstrate your relevant skills and show that you understand the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss examples of how you've contributed to continual improvement in previous roles. This aligns well with the university's focus on enhancing their finance advice and support services.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to showcase your excellent communication and prioritization skills in any discussions. Being able to articulate how you manage deadlines and communicate effectively with various stakeholders is crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Accountant position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the skills that the University of St Andrews is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any previous experience you have in business partnering, budget forecasting, and management accounting. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background aligns with the requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your IT skills, particularly your proficiency in Excel and any experience with Oracle Fusion. Mention your ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, as these are crucial for this position.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the University. Discuss your commitment to continual improvement and how you can contribute to the Finance Business Partnering and Management Accounting team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of St Andrews
✨Showcase Your Accounting Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your accounting qualifications and any relevant experience you have. Highlight your understanding of budget forecasting, variance analysis, and project costing, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As an Assistant Accountant, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, and be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.
✨Emphasize Organizational Abilities
The ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines is crucial. Prepare to discuss specific strategies you use to stay organized and manage your workload efficiently, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Relevant Software
While knowledge of Oracle Fusion is beneficial but not essential, having a strong command of Excel is important. Be ready to discuss your IT skills and any experience you have with financial software or tools that can aid in your role.