Associate Accountant (on-site)

Suffolk New College; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Ipswich is looking for a motivated Associate Accountant to join its finance team. This role offers an opportunity to support financial operations while pursuing professional qualifications in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate should have relevant academic qualifications and strong IT skills. Benefits include excellent growth opportunities, a supportive culture, and a range of generous perks. If you're passionate about advancing your finance career, apply today!

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Access to development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance or accounting environment preferred.
• Studying towards a professional accounting qualification is a plus.
• Commitment to equality and diversity practices required.

Responsibilities

• Produce VAT returns and maintain financial records.
• Reconcile bank accounts and manage the asset register.
• Prepare management accounts and assist budget holders.

Skills

Strong IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Education

Level 4 AAT or relevant degree

Minimum 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above

Tools

Excel

Databases

Job description

Associate Accountant (on-site)

Starting salary is £32,172 per annum. 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Ready to launch your finance career?

Suffolk New College is seeking a motivated, ambitious Associate Accountant to join our dynamic Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to build a career in accountancy, gain hands‑on experience, and work towards a professional qualification in a supportive and forward‑thinking environment.

As an Associate Accountant, you will play a key role in supporting the financial operations of our multi‑campus College. You will work alongside experienced finance professionals, contribute to a range of projects, and help ensure the College’s financial sustainability and growth.

What you will do

• Produce accurate VAT returns, maintain financial records, and ensure data integrity within our finance systems.
• Reconcile bank and control accounts, manage the asset register, and support monthly and annual financial processes.
• Prepare management accounts, support budget cycles, and work with budget holders to provide financial insights.
• Support procurement activities, assist with tendering, and promote best practice in supplier management.
• Collaborate with colleagues on projects and grants, ensuring accurate documentation and timely claims.
• Be an active member of the finance team, contribute to process improvements, and participate in College events.
• Drive efficiency by embracing technology and automation to streamline finance processes.
• Drive efficiency improvements by identifying opportunities to automate routine finance processes through the use of digital tools and technology, ensuring more streamlined and effective operations.
• Uphold College policies, maintain confidentiality, and adapt to new challenges as they arise.

What we are looking for

Essential:

• Level 4 AAT (Technician level) or a degree in a relevant subject.
• Minimum 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English and Maths) and Level 2 ICT or equivalent.
• Experience of working in a finance or accounting environment (including placements or internships).
• Strong IT skills, especially in Excel and databases.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding.

Desirable:

• Studying towards a professional accounting qualification (CIPFA/CIMA/ACCA).
• Level 2 ICT or equivalent.
• Relevant procurement qualification.
• Experience in an education environment.

Why join us

• Professional Growth: Full support for professional qualifications and access to development opportunities.
• Supportive Culture: Join a collaborative, innovative team where your ideas are valued.
• Excellent Benefits: Career average pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and modern campus facilities.
• BeSNC: At Suffolk New College, we are committed to providing the best possible environment for our learners and staff to thrive.

Closing date: Sunday 25th January 2026 at midnight
Interview dates: Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th February 2026

Equality, diversity and safeguarding

Suffolk New College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As part of our ongoing commitment to Equality and Diversity, we guarantee to shortlist all applicants from a black or ethnic minority group who meet the essential criteria and all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. All appointments are subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you are passionate about starting your career in finance and making a real impact, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and join Suffolk New College’s Finance team!