Group Accountant

The City of Liverpool College; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational institution in Liverpool is seeking a Group Accountant to provide financial support and ensure compliance with College policies. The ideal candidate will have an accountancy qualification, extensive experience in management and financial accounting, and strong analytical skills. This role offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits including professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Accountancy qualification CCAB or qualified by experience.
• Relevant management and financial accounting experience.
• Proficient in developing and using financial models.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Function with completion of finance processes.
• Prepare monthly journals, accruals, and prepayments.
• Complete all monthly balance sheet reconciliations.

Skills

Accountancy qualification CCAB

Relevant management and financial accounting experience

Problem-solving skills

Excellent team player

Proficiency in developing financial models (Excel)

Strong numerical and analytical skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Accountancy qualification CCAB (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or qualified by experience

Tools

Financial systems

Excel

Job description

Group Accountant

Application Deadline: 31 August 2025

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Liverpool

Compensation: GBP 42,115 - GBP 44,667 / year

Description

Working for Shared Services, this role provides financial support to the organisation in line with College policies and financial regulations. Reporting to the Head of Finance (HoF) and working with the Assistant Accountant (AA), this role involves the preparation of monthly accounting figures, performance reports for budget holders, balance sheet reconciliations, annual statutory accounts, audit preparation, quality control, and quarterly taxation returns (VAT).

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Function with the completion of all key finance processes to the agreed finance timetable, including monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts.
• Preparation of monthly journals, accruals, and prepayments, posting and reconciliation, working alongside the AA.
• Ensure the completion of all monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Completion of daily cashflow process in the absence of the AA.
• Responsible for monitoring the accuracy of the daily cashflow and cashflow forecasts, alerting the HoF of any issues.
• Completion of quarterly Group VAT returns.
• Monitor capital programs for the Group to agreed budgets and maintain records for audit purposes.
• Completion and management of monthly deferred capital grants process.
• Preparation of audit evidence and responding to queries for the annual external audit.
• Provide financial reporting and support to senior managers to facilitate effective decision making.
• Ensure that financial policies, procedures, and controls remain effective.
• Attendance at relevant finance and budget holder meetings as required.
• Quality control of financial data and processes.
• Ensuring intercompany transactions and recharges are carried out in a timely fashion.
• Provide technical accounting support and training to the AA and the Transactions team as required.
• Assist with the preparation of ad-hoc management accounting information and queries as needed.
• Identify and implement system and process developments benefiting the College.
• Take responsibility for personal professional development, Health & Safety, and regulatory compliances (e.g., GDPR, DPA, Safeguarding).
• Support cross-college activities during key periods like enrolment and invigilation.
• Perform other duties as reasonably required within the scope of the role.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Essential Criteria

• Accountancy qualification CCAB (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or qualified by experience.
• Relevant management and financial accounting experience.
• Innovative, creative, problem-solving skills.
• Excellent team player.
• Ability to manage complex information effectively.
• Proficiency in developing and using financial models (Excel).
• Excellent computer literacy and experience with financial systems.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to support business needs during peak periods.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to personal development/CPD.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in providing solutions and influencing business outcomes.

Benefits

Join The City of Liverpool College and enjoy a range of benefits including generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, employee benefits platform, health and wellbeing support, Medicash health plans, life assurance, travel discounts, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.