Robert Half is delighted to partner exclusively with Merton College in the search for a Deputy College Accountant. This central Oxford based role offers a salary between £50-55,000 depending on skills and experience, along with excellent benefits.
The Company
Merton College was founded in 1264, and is the third oldest College in Oxford. It is well-known for the outstanding achievements of its undergraduates, and the high performance of its graduates. Its buildings and grounds are widely acknowledged as among the most beautiful in Oxford. It has a strong sense of identity with a reputation as a very friendly community. The College has 300 undergraduates and a similar number of graduate students. It has a Governing Body of around 60 Fellows, supported by more than a hundred staff.
To find out more about the community at Merton College visit the website: www.merton.ox.ac.uk
The Role
The Deputy College Accountant will play a key role in meeting the College's financial reporting needs while leading finance transformation projects. In addition to leading strategic change, this position involves core accounting and operational duties, such as supporting month-end and year-end processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting with the preparation of financial accounting information, including balance sheet reconciliations, control account reconciliations and reviewing subsidiary ledgers
- Deliver accurate management reports providing explanations for variances or trends
- Enhance cash flow forecasting, helping establish and maintain effective forecasting and reporting procedures
- Maintaining the chart of accounts for the College and its subsidiaries
- Enhance operational procedures by assisting in creating and implementing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Support in reviewing and refining financial processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness to the College's needs
- Oversee budgeting processes, assisting in the annual budgeting process and ensuring all relevant data and reports are prepared and distributed promptly
- Develop and implement automated reporting tools and dashboards
- Oversee the accounts payables process ensuring purchase invoices have been authorised and coded correctly
- Oversee the College rent ledger, ensuring that new tenants, leavers, rent increases and deposits are correctly recorded
- Prepare quarterly VAT returns
- Analyse, prepare and post payroll Journals and carry out reconciliations on all payroll balance sheet codes
- Support and maintain the College investment records, reconciling against supporting documents, and preparing nominal journal entries as required
- Maintaining records of donations received and ensuring that gift aid claims are submitted as appropriate on a timely basis
- Maintaining the College's fixed asset register, and processing of depreciation journals
- Contribute to year-end processes and audits
- Deputising for the College Accountant in their absence and team supervision if required.
About You
- Hold a relevant professional qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Demonstrate experience leading finance system improvements
- Previous experience in a similar position
- Extremely well-organised and able to work under pressure while maintaining a sharp eye for detail
- Highly motivated with excellent communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Able to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues
- Previous experience of working in a Higher Education institution (desirable)
Benefits & Perks
- 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Free lunch in Hall when on duty
- Contributory Pension Scheme (OSPS)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Use of the College Fitness Room
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice Scheme
- Loans for the purchase of seasonal travel passes.
For more details please read the Further Particulars.
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