Assistant Accountant

Bath College; Bath; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension scheme (LG)

Laptop Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Private Healthcare Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Bath College is seeking an Assistant Accountant to strengthen the Finance Team. The post focuses on producing accurate financial reporting, analysis and compliance, while supporting budget holders and senior leaders with insightful information.

You will collaborate closely with the CFO and Interim Head of Finance to uphold strong financial controls across the college. Ideal candidates will hold an AAT Level 4 and have substantial experience in management accounting and financial reporting, plus

Qualifications

• AAT Level 4 qualification (or equivalent).
• Significant experience in management accounting and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical, financial modelling and Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Knowledge of financial controls, governance and audit requirements.
• Proactive approach with the ability to work independently and solve problems.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and high customer service standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate financial reporting, analysis and compliance activities.
• Support budget holders and senior leaders with meaningful financial insights.
• Maintain robust financial controls and governance.

Skills

AAT Level 4

Management accounting

Financial reporting

Excel

Stakeholder management

Financial controls

Problem solving

Education

AAT Level 4 qualification

Tools

Access Financials

Job description

Application Deadline: 11 October 2026

Department: FIN - Finance Team

Location: Dual Campus

Compensation: £33,140.10 - £35,883.75 / year

Description

Permanent contract, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Monday - Thursday 8:30 am 5:00 pm
Friday - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Interview date: 19 October at our City Centre Campus in Bath

Are you a skilled accounting professional who wants to make a real difference to the young people in our region?

We are seeking an ambitious and proactive Assistant Accountant to join our Finance team at an exciting time for the College.

Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and Interim Head of Finance, you will provide high-quality accounting support, helping ensure financial sustainability while contributing to the College's mission to deliver high-quality education, values and training that prepares learners for bright meaningful futures.

Why join us?

At our College, finance is more than numbers. We are looking for someone who wants to be a trusted partner to managers across the organisation, helping leaders make informed decisions that directly support our students, apprentices and local communities.

In return, you'll join a collaborative and supportive team where your ideas will be valued, your professional development encouraged, and your work will have a visible impact.

Safeguarding

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.

Equality, Diversity, Belonging and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

About the Role

You will play a central role in delivering accurate financial reporting, analysis and compliance activities. You will support budget holders and senior leaders with meaningful financial insights while helping maintain robust financial controls and governance.

Please see attached for the full Job Description

About You

We are looking for an organised, analytical and adaptable finance professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and building positive relationships with stakeholders.

You will have:

• AAT Level 4 qualification (or equivalent)
• Significant experience in management accounting and financial reporting
• Strong analytical, financial modelling and Excel skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Knowledge of financial controls, governance and audit requirements
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and solve problems
• A commitment to continuous professional development and high standards of customer service

It would be great if you also have

• Experience within Further Education, Higher Education, Academies or the wider education sector
• Knowledge of ESFA, DfE or FE funding frameworks
• Experience of preparing VAT and statutory returns
• Experience of using Access Financials
• Knowledge of data analysis tools, reporting dashboards and the application of AI in finance processes

Please see attached for the full Person Specification

Staff Benefits

• The opportunity to contribute to an organisation that changes lives through education, offering our young people real futures
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 30 days, exclusive of College closure days and public holidays. Pro rata for part time roles.
• One Selfie Day per year
• Contributory salary pension scheme (Local Government)
• Laptop Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Private Healthcare Scheme
• £500 Refer a friend and earn a reward
• Subsidised cafes - at both campuses
• Employee Assistance Programme – Staff have access to this programme. It is a free and strictly confidential short-term counselling and support service (up to six meetings after an initial assessment session with a qualified counselor)
• The College offers an eye sight test for anyone who meets the criteria as described within the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.
• Progressive family friendly policies (exceeding statutory requirements) that supports a health work/life balance, all staff are entitled to request flexible working.
• Discounted treatments at the Academy, Bath Campus
• Free parking at the Somer Valley Campus in Radstock