Our client, a highly respected educational institution, is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Assistant Accountant to join their finance department. This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a collaborative team that values precision, efficiency, and strong interpersonal communication.

You will report directly to the senior finance lead and work closely with other team members to support the financial operations of the institution, which encompasses multiple educational establishments.

This is a full-time office-based position. In return, the organisation offers a generous pension scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, a cycle-to-work programme, and access to a comprehensive employee wellbeing service.

Key Responsibilities

Reconcile bank statements and maintain accurate financial records
Process student-related financial transactions, including trip payments and deposits
Handle cash, cheques, and petty cash in line with finance procedures
Manage credit card transactions and monthly reconciliations
Raise and issue sales invoices as required
Assist with inputting purchase invoices and verifying authorisations
Prepare VAT claims and submit them to HMRC
Maintain and reconcile fixed asset registers and calculate depreciation
Assist with bursary fund reconciliations and journal postings
Produce accounts and reconciliations for a subsidiary lettings entity
Support in the preparation of year-end audit documentation and periodic financial returns
Contribute to annual budget planning and forecasting
Provide absence cover for finance team colleagues as needed
Undertake any additional finance-related duties as directed by the senior finance team

Candidate Profile

Essential:

Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, AAT or equivalent) or qualified by experience
A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role
Strong understanding of bookkeeping principles, including double entry
Solid experience in sales and purchase ledger processing
Competent with bank reconciliations and fixed asset accounting
Skilled in using accounting software and Excel spreadsheets
Confident communicator with excellent organisational skills
Ability to prioritise tasks and work accurately under time pressure
Team player with a positive and professional attitude
Strong sense of confidentiality and discretion

Desirable:

Previous experience in the education or charity sector
Familiarity with PSF accounting software