Assistant Financial Accountant

University of East London; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a proactive individual to support financial accounts operations. The successful candidate will collaborate with finance teams to provide advice and analysis to both internal and external stakeholders. Strong financial accounting experience and technical accounting capabilities are essential. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, including flexible working arrangements and a subsidised gym membership.

Benefits

20% pension contribution

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Subsidised gym membership

Cashback healthcare scheme

Discounts on various products and services

Qualifications

• Proactive and innovative with attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards and regulations.
• Familiarity with VAT regulations in Higher Education.

Responsibilities

• Support Financial Accounts operations and collaborate with other finance teams.
• Provide financial advice and analysis to stakeholders.
• Engage with schools and services across the university.

Skills

Financial accounting experience

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Technical accounting capability

Knowledge of fixed assets

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

University of East London

Founded in 1898, we at the University of East London (UEL) are proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We're committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

About Us

The Finance Department at the University of East London plays a key role in managing the University's financial resources to ensure stability, efficiency, and strategic investment in its future, aligned with Vision 2028. We provide a comprehensive range of financial services, including budgeting, financial and tax planning, compliance, and advisory support, ensuring the University operates smoothly. Our responsibilities also include the preparation of annual financial statements, statutory reporting, and regulatory submissions. We work proactively with schools and services staff, and students to offer financial guidance, maintain compliance, and drive value for money across all operations.

About the Job

This is a key role in supporting Financial Accounts operations, working collaboratively with other Finance teams, including Income & Credit control, Financial Management, Finance Systems, Accounts Payable, and Procurement. The role involves proactively engaging with schools and services across the University to provide financial advice, guidance, and analysis to both internal and external stakeholders.

About You

You are proactive, innovative, result-focused, attention to detail individual, with excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, and strong technical accounting capability.

• Substantial financial accounting experience
• Strong understanding of fixed assets, including lease accounting under FRS 102, and knowledge of the latest developments in relevant accounting standards.
• Experience in the preparation of balance sheet reconciliations and ability to resolve and correct reconciling items.
• Experience in financial month and year-end processes.
• Sound knowledge of double entry bookkeeping.
• Experience in applying accounting standards and financial regulations.
• Basic knowledge of VAT as it applies to Higher Education Institutions.
• Experience of treasury management.
• Previous experience using ERP systems.

Benefits Package

Here at UEL we understand it's about more than just a salary. It's about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We know the market rates for this vacancy and will offer a genuinely competitive salary DOE.

We care deeply about your wellbeing and our benefits includes: 20% pension (4% from you, 16% from us), 25 days holiday (plus 3 days over Christmas) plus bank holidays, hybrid working for most positions, and we’re always open to consider flexible working arrangements. We have a subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme and wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on: Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.

Equal Opportunities

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and are proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity achievements, including: zero gender pay gap, members of Stonewall and have won Athena Swan awards. We expect all employees of UEL to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

Further Details

Job Description & Person Specification

To contact the recruitment team please phone [phone] x 4600 or e‑mail [e-mail].

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.