Assistant Project Accountant

Coventry University; Coventry; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Coventry is seeking an Assistant Project Accountant to join their dynamic research-focused accounting team. The role involves managing financial compliance and risk for funded projects, preparing financial reports, and collaborating with various departments. Candidates should demonstrate strong numeracy and ICT skills, alongside effective communication. Benefits include an excellent pension, generous leave, and professional development opportunities. Closing date for applications is 5 January 2026.

Benefits

Excellent Employers Pension Contribution

30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Life Assurance 4 x Salary

50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing clear, accurate financial reports.
• Background in reconciliation of financial accounts.
• Organised, self-motivated, capable of working independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct project reviews and prepare financial statements.
• Review funder terms and ensure compliance.
• Manage claims and invoices for projects.

Skills

Strong numeracy and ICT proficiency

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage portfolio of projects independently

Tools

Unit 4 Agresso

Job description

Assistant Project Accountant

Coventry

Competitive starting salary range from £32,942 up to £37,087 per annum (dependent upon experience) with the potential to progress. A discretionary range for candidates with exceptional experience can be discussed/considered.

Our Mission

Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures.

We are committed to advancing world‑class research by ensuring robust financial management and compliance across all funded projects. Our finance team plays a vital role in supporting the University’s research agenda, safeguarding resources, and enabling innovation through accurate, transparent, and timely financial processes.

This position is based in Coventry University Corporate Services, a sister company of Coventry University.

The Role

As an Assistant Project Accountant, you will be part of a dynamic research‑focused accounting team responsible for managing financial compliance and risk across the University’s funded projects. This role involves:

• Conducting regular project reviews and preparing financial statements, including variance analysis.
• Reviewing funder terms and maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of requirements.
• Managing claims and invoices for medium to high‑risk projects, ensuring funder eligibility and deadlines are met.
• Administering external and internal audit processes for projects.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and working papers.

You will work closely with the Project Accountant and liaise with finance colleagues and other departments to ensure projects run smoothly and meet compliance standards.

Our Successful Candidate

To excel in this role, you will bring a blend of technical expertise and proactive working style. Specifically, you will demonstrate:

• Skills: Strong numeracy and ICT proficiency, particularly with spreadsheets. Ability to manage your own portfolio of projects independently, prioritising tasks and meeting dynamic internal and external deadlines. A commitment to delivering results and driving continuous improvement.
• Interpersonal Strengths: A collaborative team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Confident in investigating and resolving complex issues beyond routine tasks.
• Experience: Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, timely, and accurate financial reports. Strong background in reconciliation of financial accounts, maintaining accuracy and integrity of financial data.
• Attributes: Highly organised, self‑motivated, and capable of working independently. Flexible and adaptable, culturally aware, and committed to maintaining high professional standards.

Experience within the Higher Education sector, research/public funding environments, and familiarity with Unit 4 Agresso would be advantageous.

The Benefits

As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have access to a wide range of industry‑leading rewards and benefits which includes:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• Life Assurance 4 x Salary
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• Cycle To work scheme

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

Closing Date: 5 January 2026.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.