Senior Financial Accountant

Edinburgh, SCT, GB, United Kingdom

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 buildings closed days (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 cost are accounted for in accordance with accounting standards, internal policies, and relevant legislation to ensure all relevant associated tax is accurately recorded. In addition, provide technical expertise to the Finance Directorate and the wider University on technical accounting matters relating to taxation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities



Ensure the financial integrity of the transactions associated with all aspects of the University's activity. Maintain clear and accurate records for audit purposes, complying with University regulations, sponsors requirements, accounting standards and relevant legislation. Be an expert and key point of contact on various accounting matters to the Finance Directorate and the wider University, attending internal and external meetings with senior school management where appropriate.
Provide technical accounting support to the Finance Directorate and the wider University to ensure the University's income and costs are accounted for in accordance with accounting standards, internal policies and relevant legislation. Ensure appropriate financial controls are embedded in accounting and relevant ERP processes, with an appropriate testing regime that is monitored which allows the role-holder to provide assurance over the financial integrity of the transactions. Review/prepare journals, accruals and prepayments. Ensure reconciliations are prepared timely and escalate issues to senior management where appropriate. Support the year end audit and statutory accounts process. Provide and interpret financial information for external bodies as required. Liaise with external partners, such as collaborating Institutions, funding bodies and auditors when required. Prepare and submit reports to external bodies to support funding, when required. Prepare ad-hoc reports, the reports will include financial information and narrative as required and will involve drill-down to investigate issues. Frequent interaction with colleagues at all levels, including:
+ University Senior Leadership Team
+ Finance Senior Leadership Team
+ External Auditors
+ GCFO, Deputy Director of Finance
+ Finance colleagues

Essential & Desirable Criteria



Essential


At least five years of post-qualification financial and management accounting experience within a large, complex organisation. Nationally recognised accountancy qualification e.g., CA, ACA, CPFA, CIMA, ACCA. Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined above, experience of VAT, including partial exemption and non-UK trading

.

Corporation Tax Competent in the use of relevant IT packages Demonstrable substantial professional expertise in own specialism Well-developed understanding of relevant legal, statutory and governance applications and turning them into good practice Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively. Ability to persuade, motivate and influence. Demonstrable excellent customer service Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment. Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation Ability to research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail. High level planning and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment. Demonstrable professional and proactive approach Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

How to Apply



Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on

Wednesday 18

th

June 2025.



Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.


We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.


Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.


Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .


Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.


About the Team



The Finance team is one of the Professional Services supporting the University's mission and its strategic priorities.


On a day-to-day basis, it does this by delivering a range of financial operations:


routine financial transactional processing in payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable sound management accounting, including ensuring the availability of accurate and timely financial management reporting; and effective budgeting and planning. effective operation of financial systems effective and timely delivery of statutory financial reporting
In addition, the Finance department supports the delivery of the University's strategic plan through effective financial planning, including capital investment planning, project appraisal and identification of sustainable funding streams.


About Heriot-Watt University



At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.


Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD3174967
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Contract
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Edinburgh, SCT, GB, United Kingdom
  • Education
    Not mentioned