Senior Financial Accountant

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to manage financial activities in line with tax obligations and accounting standards. The role requires a recognized accountancy qualification, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic environment, with a competitive salary range of £46,735 to £57,422. Join a diverse and inclusive university that values innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

33 days annual leave plus 9 bank holidays

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of post-qualification accounting experience.
• Experience with VAT and Corporation Tax.
• Strong professional expertise in accounting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure financial integrity of transactions associated with tax obligations.
• Provide technical accounting support to ensure correct accounting.
• Support year-end audit and statutory accounts process.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Presentation Skills

Customer Service Skills

Planning Skills

Education

Recognized accountancy qualification (CA, ACA, CPFA, CIMA, ACCA)

Tools

Relevant IT packages

Job description

Job Description

Role: Senior Financial Accountant

Grade and Salary: Grade 8, £46,735 - £57,422 per annum

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 bank holidays (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Purpose of Role

The purpose of the role is to:

• Ensure the financial integrity of the transactions associated with all aspects of the University's tax obligations.
• Ensure the University's income and costs are accounted for in accordance with accounting standards, internal policies, and relevant legislation, ensuring all associated tax is accurately recorded. Provide technical expertise to the Finance Directorate and the wider University on taxation-related accounting matters.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain the financial integrity of transactions related to the University's activities, keeping clear and accurate records for audit purposes, in compliance with regulations, sponsor requirements, accounting standards, and legislation.
• Serve as an expert and key contact on various accounting matters for the Finance Directorate and the wider University, attending meetings with senior management as appropriate.
• Provide technical accounting support to ensure income and expenditure are correctly accounted for.
• Embed appropriate financial controls within accounting and ERP processes, with monitoring and testing regimes to assure transaction integrity.
• Review and prepare journals, accruals, and prepayments.
• Prepare timely reconciliations and escalate issues to senior management when necessary.
• Support the year-end audit and statutory accounts process.
• Provide financial information and interpretation for external bodies as required.
• Liaise with external partners, including collaborating institutions, funding bodies, and auditors.
• Prepare and submit reports to external bodies to support funding applications.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports with financial data and narratives, involving detailed analysis as needed.
• Interact regularly with colleagues at all levels, including senior leadership, auditors, and finance teams.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential

• Minimum five years of post-qualification financial and management accounting experience within a large, complex organization. Recognized accountancy qualification (e.g., CA, ACA, CPFA, CIMA, ACCA).
• Experience in similar environments, including VAT (partial exemption, non-UK trading) and Corporation Tax.
• Proficiency with relevant IT packages.
• Strong professional expertise in accounting.
• Good understanding of legal, statutory, and governance frameworks, with practical application.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and presentation skills, capable of communicating complex issues effectively.
• Ability to persuade, motivate, and influence stakeholders.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to work accurately and flexibly in a dynamic, pressured environment.
• Experience working with stakeholders across all organizational levels.
• Strong research, analysis, and presentation skills with attention to detail.
• Good planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize major tasks.
• Proactive and professional approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

How to Apply

Applications close at midnight (UK time) on Wednesday 18th June 2025.

Please submit your CV and cover letter via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment portal.

Flexible working patterns, including part-time and job sharing, are welcomed.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equality and diversity and encourages applications from all sectors of society, especially underrepresented groups. For more information, see our equality and diversity page and Disability Inclusive Science Careers.

Use our total rewards calculator to see the benefits offered.

About the Team

The Finance team supports the University's mission through delivering financial operations such as transactional processing, management accounting, and financial reporting. It also plays a key role in strategic financial planning and sustainable funding initiatives.

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt values its diverse, global community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Our research delivers real-world impact, supported by a talented international team. Join us to thrive in a balanced, inclusive environment that encourages creativity and solutions-oriented work.