Financial Accountant

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is seeking a Financial Accountant to join the Financial Reporting and Compliance (FRC) team within the Finance Division. The role is fixed-term for 2.5 years, with potential to become permanent.

You will oversee financial accounting, controls, and balance sheet reconciliation, reporting on subsidiaries, and supervising up to 3 staff. Salary ranges from £53,949 to £62,160 per year, with potential progression to £69,073 including London

Qualifications

• Substantial financial accounting experience & skills.
• ACA/ACCA recognised accountancy qualification.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good oral and written communication skills; ability to explain financial issues to non-financial staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (look-up functions, if/sum-if, pivot tables).

Responsibilities

• Manage financial accounting, implement and review financial controls, and reconcile balance sheet items.
• Report on subsidiaries' financial performance and supervise up to 3 staff.
• Support year-end audit process, treasury management, and monthly balance sheet & cashflow reports.

Skills

Substantial financial accounting

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

ACA/ACCA

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Finance Division

Financial Accountant

Salary from £53,949 to £62,160 pa inclusive with potential to progress to £69,073 pa inclusive of London allowance.

A market supplement will also be applied.

This is a fixed term appointment for 2.5 years.

There is a possibility that this role may be made permanent at the end of the 2.5 years.

The Financial Accountant is part of the Financial Reporting and Compliance (FRC) team within the wider Finance Division. The FRC team are responsible for the financial statement preparation, management of the year-end audit process, supporting the School’s treasury management as well as preparation & reconciliation of the monthly balance sheet & cashflow reports for LSE, its subsidiaries & other related entities.

You would report to the Group Financial Accountant and would be responsible for effective and efficient financial accounting, implementing & reviewing financial controls, reconciling and managing the School’s balance sheet items, reporting on the School’s subsidiaries financial performance and supervising a team of up to 3 staff.

Candidates should have-

• Substantial financial accounting experience & skills
• Hold a recognised accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA)
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Good oral and written communication skillsExperience in communicating financial issues in a straightforward and succinct way to non-financially trained staff (orally and in written form)
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel (look-up functions, if/sum-if, pivot tables)

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working, and excellent training and development opportunities.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 th October 2026 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

First round interviews are planned for 6 th and 9 th November 2026. Second round interviews are planned for 11 th and 13 th November 2026.