Financial Accountant

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Financial Accountant to join a well‑established higher education institution in London. The role will support statutory accounts, financial reporting and finance transformation initiatives while working closely with senior finance stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Support the timely preparation of statutory accounts, including schedules, reconciliations, and analytical reviews.
• Prepare and maintain balance‑sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial records.
• Validate and reconcile financial data migrations between finance systems, resolve discrepancies and support testing activities.
• Assist with finance transformation and system implementation projects, including process improvements and data mapping.
• Support the development and maintenance of financial controls, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors and assist with implementing audit recommendations.
• Produce financial reports, forecasts, and management information for senior stakeholders.
• Support budgeting and long‑term financial planning processes.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end financial activities, ensuring deadlines are achieved.
• Conduct financial analysis, benchmarking exercises, and ad‑hoc project work to support strategic decision‑making.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the organisation to provide financial advice and support.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.

Required profile

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Experience preparing statutory financial statements.
• Previous experience within the higher education sector.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with financial systems, data migration, reconciliation, and finance transformation projects.
• Experience using Oracle Financials and Horizon finance systems.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to analyse and manipulate large datasets.

Required skills

• Oracle Financials
• Horizon
• Excel