Financial Accountant

University of Chester; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a detail-oriented Financial Accountant to join the Finance Department. This role will involve leading financial accounting and overseeing year-end processes, ensuring effective financial controls, and managing the preparation of financial statements. Candidates should possess a CCAB qualification and relevant experience, with a strong focus on communication and interpersonal skills. The university offers a supportive and flexible hybrid working environment with numerous benefits, including professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme

Flexible working environment

Training and professional development opportunities

Staff discounts and wellbeing services

Free on-site parking

Business improvement project opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven technical accounting experience in a similar role.
• Ability to explain financial processes to non-financial staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial accounting and year end processes.
• Oversee the year end close down of accounts.
• Manage the preparation and submission of external reporting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Technical accounting experience

Strong communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

CCAB or equivalent qualified accountant

Job description

Financial Accountant

The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Financial Accountant to join our professional Finance Department based on the Exton Park campus in Chester city centre. In this role, you will focus on the effective financial reporting and controls.

You will

• Lead financial accounting, and year end processes at the University
• Oversee the year end close down of accounts and lead the preparation of the University Financial Statements and Annual Report
• Lead and manage the preparation and submission of a range of external reporting to regulators and statutory bodies
• Provide effective financial controls including regular balance sheet account and process reviews

What you will bring

The ideal candidate will have excellent attention to detail, proven technical accounting experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to providing outstanding service.

Essential

• CCAB or equivalent qualified accountant
• Substantial and relevant experience in a similar role
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to explain financial processes to non-financial staff

What we offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme
• A supportive and flexible working environment
• Hybrid working, with three days a week based in our Finance office
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Access to staff discounts and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking
• Opportunities to work on business improvement projects

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.