Assistant Accountant at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

07 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

08 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Yes

Skills

Management accounting, Financial reporting, Variance analysis, Budgeting, Reconciliations, Journal processing, Accruals, Prepayments, Audit support, Microsoft Excel, Financial guidance, Stakeholder management, Problem solving, Communication skills, Continuous improvement

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page. The Role and the Department The Assistant Accountant sits within the newly formed Management Accounting and Reporting team within Finance at the University. The role is responsible for assisting the Senior Finance Manager with the development and operational requirements of the University’s management accounting and reporting function. The role will have a key focus on providing accounting and reporting support to non-financial colleagues and budget holders across the role’s remit and, as such, will build strong working relationships with budget holders and finance teams, offering clear financial guidance across all levels of seniority to communicate, guide and educate our colleagues in our management accounting requirements. Duties will include, but not be limited to: • Assisting in preparation, review and commentary of the monthly management reporting pack including variance analysis against budget, forecast and prior periods highlighting key drivers and risks. • Ensure that budget holders are informed with regular reporting and engaging directly with budget holders to ensure that their financials are understood. • To actively support the Senior Finance Manager with system improvement and process enhancements to the management accounting and reporting function, including project involvement as required. • To lead on the processing of journals within the role’s remit and to manage month-end and year-end activities including accruals and prepayments. • Prepare and review general ledger reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls. • Investigate and resolve reconciling items promptly, maintaining clear audit trails. • Produce management reports and ad-hoc analysis for stakeholders and funding bodies. • Assist with internal and external audits and liaise with auditors as required. • Undertake additional finance projects or tasks as required. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: • You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. • We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance. • We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. • We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. • You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. • Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. • If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. AAT level 4, or part qualified CIMA / ACCA / equivalent’ 2. Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in management accounting or similar financial role. 3. Strong attention to detail and strong technical accounting skills, handling reconciliations, journals, accruals, prepayments. 4. Experience of providing financial and technical advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, with the ability to simplify financial information for non-financial colleagues. 5. Proactive, self-motivated, flexible, with a continuous improvement mindset. 6. Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 7. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally. 8. Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency; competent with accounting software programmes, and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Teams and Powerpoint. 9. Committed to continuing professional development. 10. Able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines 11. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. 12. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information. Desirable Criteria 13. Experience within the Higher Education sector within the UK. 14. Knowledge and experience of PowerBI and Oracle Fusion. How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails What you are required to submit: • A CV • A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the essential criteria within the Person Specification of the job description. Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Will Argyle (Assistant Director, Financial Planning & Reporting) would be happy to speak to you. He can be found on 07749 045 322 or william.argyle@durham.ac.uk Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery • Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. • Ensure that any procedures and expectations that apply throughout the University are reflected in all aspects of the service provided by the team and adapt ways of working where this is not evident. • Provide specialist advice and resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible for. • Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role and make recommendations based on your findings. • Provide the best possible service to colleagues by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service. • Collect and record data and information accurately and provide reports to senior colleagues. • Implement any changes or processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data and information. Planning and Organisation • Plan and organise operational activities carried out by the Management Accounting team which you are responsible for. • Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services and provide related advice and guidance to other staff. Team Development • Supervise team members and any other people/resources that are assigned to you and provide an initial response to any related HR issues. • Explain systems and procedures to induct new starters into the team and provide specialist advice and guidance including any training. • Contribute to performance review processes by providing feedback on individual and team objectives and expectations and considering any development needs. Communication/Liaison • Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees. • Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers. • Build relationships with colleagues, including those in a similar role to you, to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives. • Any other reasonable duties. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Accountant supports the Senior Finance Manager with management accounting, reporting, and budget holder guidance. Key duties include preparing monthly management packs, managing month-end activities, and ensuring financial compliance through reconciliations and audit support.