Financial Accountant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified and experienced Financial Accountant - Tax to join a leading London-based university within its Financial Accounting, Tax & Treasury team. This role plays a key part in ensuring the University remains compliant with complex tax regulations while delivering high-quality financial accounting and treasury support across the institution and its subsidiary entities. Based on the uploaded job description.

You will act as a subject matter expert on tax matters, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide specialist advice, drive compliance, and support financial reporting activities. This is a highly visible role, offering exposure to a broad range of tax, treasury, financial accounting, and audit responsibilities.

Role Information

Job Title: Financial Accountant - Tax

Department: Finance

Salary: £50,253 per annum

Location: London (Hybrid working available)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Key Responsibilities

Tax Compliance & Reporting

Take ownership of all tax administration activities across the University and its group entities.

Manage VAT, Gift Aid, Corporation Tax, Customs & Excise duties and other tax obligations.

Prepare and submit tax returns, reports, annual adjustments, Capital Goods Scheme reviews and PESM calculations.

Liaise with HMRC, external advisors and regulatory bodies on tax-related matters.

Ensure compliance with evolving tax legislation and best practice.

Financial Accounting & Treasury

Support the delivery of financial accounting and treasury activities across the University.

Assist with cash forecasting, balance sheet management and treasury reporting.

Contribute to month-end and year-end financial processes.

Support the preparation of statutory accounts and audit requirements.

Maintain high standards of financial control and reporting accuracy.

Subsidiary Company Management

Take full responsibility for the financial administration, reporting and tax affairs of at least one University subsidiary company.

Monitor financial performance and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Support governance and financial reporting obligations across subsidiary entities.

Stakeholder Management & Advisory

Build strong working relationships with internal departments and external agencies.

Provide specialist tax and financial advice to stakeholders across the University.

Respond to complex queries and communicate financial information clearly and effectively.

Support the Senior Financial Accountant with ad hoc projects and strategic initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Change

Identify opportunities to improve tax, treasury and financial accounting processes.

Contribute to systems reviews and enhancements.

Support service improvement initiatives and the implementation of best practice procedures.

Promote a culture of accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience.

Strong experience in financial accounting, tax and treasury activities.

Demonstrable experience managing VAT, Gift Aid and Corporation Tax within a complex or partially exempt organisation.

Tax qualification (CTA or equivalent) or currently studying towards one.

Experience handling tax submissions, compliance reporting and liaising with external advisors.

Working knowledge of Oracle Fusion or a similar ERP/accounting system.

Strong understanding of financial controls, governance and regulatory compliance.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Strong organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail.

Ability to manage competing priorities and work to strict deadlines.

Benefits Include

Hybrid working arrangements available.

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure days.

Generous University pension scheme.

Season ticket loan scheme.

Access to fitness and wellbeing facilities.

Excellent professional development opportunities.

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.