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- Tasks: Support financial operations and contribute to the university's financial success.
- Company: UHI, the UK's leading integrated university with a vibrant finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain broad experience in finance while making a real impact on the university.
- Qualifications: Interest in finance and strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 27876 - 30462 £ per year.
Overview
UHI is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. Based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, our distinctive partnership of 12 independent colleges and research institutions is locally based and rooted in communities, but with national and international reach, as part of a regional university structure.
To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:
Role
Finance
The Finance Directorate is responsible for overseeing the organisation\’s financial management and strategy, providing expert advice and professional services to the University Executive Office and to the wider Academic Partnership.
The Finance team is a vibrant and high-performing function at the heart of the university’s operations. Operating in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, the team delivers high-quality financial insights and strategic guidance to senior stakeholders across the institution. It plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the university’s financial sustainability, enabling informed decision-making, and ensuring the smooth and accurate management of income and expenditure. With a strong focus on compliance and regulatory standards, the team supports both day-to-day financial processes and long-term strategic planning. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the university’s financial success, working alongside experienced professionals to support growth, innovation, and excellence.
The Assistant Accountant is a pivotal role within the Finance Department, providing support across both the Management Accounts and Financial Accounts teams. This dual-facing position offers a unique opportunity to gain broad experience in financial operations and contribute meaningfully to the university’s financial success. The role is central to delivering accurate, timely, and compliant financial information across both functions, and is instrumental in improving operational efficiency and enabling strategic decision-making. Key responsibilities include the effective processing of core financial transactions, reconciliation of academic time allocation data, and the consolidation of critical institutional financial information.
Pay and Benefits
This role is linked to grade 5 on the UHI payscale.
The starting salary for this position will normally be in the range £27,876 to £30,462 per annum. For exceptional candidates a higher salary up to the top of the grade (currently £34,285 per annum) may be available.
This post is full time and will involve working 35 hours per week on a working pattern as agreed with your line manager.
Interviews
The deadline for submitting your application is 26 October 2025 at 11.59pm. Shortlisting will take place the week commencing tbc. Interviews will be held week commencing tbc.
If you have any queries about the application process please contact the HR Office at HR@uhi.ac.uk.
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Assistant Accountant employer: University of the Highlands and Islands
Contact Detail:
University of the Highlands and Islands Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work at UHI or similar institutions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding UHI's mission. We want you to show how your skills align with their goals, so do your homework!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to accounting and finance. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable with your responses.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the UHI team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Accountant role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in financial operations and compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your achievements in finance and how they align with our mission at UHI.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the Highlands and Islands
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on key financial concepts and terminology relevant to the role of Assistant Accountant. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied these in previous roles or during your studies, as this will show your understanding of the financial landscape.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since the Finance team operates in a collaborative environment, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with others to achieve financial goals or improve processes, demonstrating that you can thrive in a vibrant team setting.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the focus on compliance and regulatory standards, anticipate questions about your knowledge of financial regulations. Familiarise yourself with relevant laws and guidelines, and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the Finance Directorate's strategic goals or how the Assistant Accountant role contributes to the university’s financial sustainability. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.