Senior Financial Accountant

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Senior Financial Accountant to join a well-established Higher Education institution within a busy and evolving finance function. This role sits within the Financial Accounts team and plays a key role in ensuring strong financial control, regulatory compliance, and accurate reporting across the organisation.

The post holder will take ownership of a broad range of financial accounting responsibilities, including tax compliance, statutory reporting, and balance sheet control, while also supporting wider finance operations and business partnering activity. The role will also involve line management responsibilities and deputising for senior leadership when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns for the University and its subsidiaries

• Complete CIS submissions for subsidiary entities

• Ensure VAT compliance and provide guidance across the wider University

• Prepare and submit P11Ds and review invoices for accurate VAT treatment

• Support corporation tax returns across the University and its subsidiaries

• Manage monthly payroll postings and ensure accuracy of entries

• Maintain grant-related general ledger accounts for funding bodies

• Produce capital expenditure reporting and analysis

• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations, including prepayments, deferred income, and intercompany accounts

• Support regulatory reporting requirements, including OfS returns (AFR, HE-BCI, ITT)

• Work closely with academic departments regarding DfE and funding returns

• Assist with year-end processes, including preparation of statutory accounts and supporting notes

• Respond to audit queries and liaise with internal and external stakeholders

• Review and update accounting policies to ensure compliance with regulatory standards

• Deputise for the Deputy Head of Financial Accounts as required

• Undertake ad hoc financial duties, including reviewing aged debts

• Line manage a Financial Accountant, including workload allocation, performance management, and development

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent)

• Strong technical knowledge, including FRS102 and UK tax compliance (VAT, CIS, P11Ds)

• Experience within the Higher Education or not-for-profit sector is highly desirable

• Proven experience preparing regulatory returns (e.g. OfS, DfE, UKRI)

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with strong attention to detail

• Experience using finance systems such as Agresso (desirable)

• Previous line management experience or demonstrable leadership capability

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage with a range of stakeholders

• Self-motivated, highly organised, and able to work independently

Location: Central London

Working Pattern: Hybrid

Hours: 35 - 40 hours per week

Contract: Permeant

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000