Accountant

Aspen People; Motherwell; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

New College Lanarkshire is seeking an experienced Accountant to support financial planning, governance, and compliance within the Finance Team.

You will prepare management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and financial plans, while ensuring robust controls and regulatory compliance across the college. Collaborate with budget holders and senior managers to drive informed decisions.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with experience in financial planning and reporting.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with ability to engage stakeholders.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Monitor budgets and provide financial analysis to support business decisions.
• Assist with the preparation of statutory accounts and financial returns.
• Maintain effective financial controls and support internal and external audit processes.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
• Drive improvements in financial systems, reporting tools, and business processes.
• Provide financial advice to budget holders and support project and investment evaluations.
• Mentor and support finance colleagues to encourage continuous professional development.
• Promote health and safety, equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of the role.

Skills

Management reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ICAS

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

New College Lanarkshire

Accountant

Salary £47,155 per annum

Join Our Finance Team

New College Lanarkshire is seeking a motivated and experienced Accountant to play a key role in supporting the College's financial management, governance, and compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional who is passionate about delivering high-quality financial reporting, and driving continuous improvement.

About the Role

As an Accountant, you will support the College's financial planning and management by preparing accurate financial reports, maintaining robust financial controls, and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with budget holders and senior managers, providing expert financial guidance to support informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Monitor budgets and provide financial analysis to support business decisions.
• Assist with the preparation of statutory accounts and financial returns.
• Maintain effective financial controls and support internal and external audit processes.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
• Drive improvements in financial systems, reporting tools, and business processes.
• Provide financial advice to budget holders and support project and investment evaluations.
• Mentor and support finance colleagues to encourage continuous professional development.
• Promote health and safety, equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of the role.

About You

You will be a fully qualified accountant with a proven track record in financial management and reporting. You will have excellent analytical and communication skills and be confident working with a range of stakeholders.

Essential Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ICAS, or equivalent).
• Minimum of three years' post-qualification experience.
• Strong experience in management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of financial systems, audit processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• A proactive approach to improving processes and promoting financial best practice.

Why Join New College Lanarkshire?

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Scotland's leading colleges, supporting financial excellence while helping to deliver outstanding education and services to our communities. If you are a collaborative, forward-thinking finance professional looking to make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date

midnight on Monday 7th September 2026

Interviews:

First stage (virtual) w/c 14th September date TBC

Final stage (in person) 29th or 30th September date TBC