Job Description
The University of London
The University of London is both the UK’s largest provider of international distance and online learning and the convenor of a federation of 17 renowned higher education institutions.
The federation brings together more than 250,000 learners and 50,000 staff in a collaborative community that is delivering high-quality research and education across all disciplines.
Since 1858, we have expanded access to world-class higher education. Today, around 40,000 students in more than 190 countries are part of our global learning community.
The University of London is also home to the School of Advanced Study, the national centre for the humanities, whose mission is to advocate for the discipline.
By working together, we expand access to outstanding higher education and resources, and extend their benefits to learners and researchers across the UK and around the world
The Role
Are you a part-qualified, newly qualified or qualified accountant looking to build real technical depth in a complex, purpose-driven organisation? The University of London is looking for a Financial Accountant to join Financial Accounting team.
Reporting to the Senior Financial Accountant, you'll be at the heart of the University's financial accounting. It's a genuinely broad role: you'll help prepare the monthly and annual consolidated financial statements under FRS102 and the FE/HE SORP, work alongside our external and internal auditors, and take ownership of core areas including the Balance Sheet and the Fixed Asset Register.
Day to day, you will:
- Support the preparation of monthly and year-end financial statements for the Group.
- Run month-end close to agreed deadlines, working across Financial Services, Treasury and Tax teams, and Financial Planning and Analysis.
- Reconcile control accounts, investigate discrepancies, and strengthen internal controls.
- Prepare statutory and regulatory returns, such as those to the Office for National Statistics.
- Help keep the team current on changes to accounting standards.
- Deputise for the Senior Financial Accountant when needed.
It's a role with real scope to grow - you'll be supported through your development and gain hands-on exposure to group accounts, trusts and audit that's hard to find elsewhere.
About You
You're analytical, inquisitive, and highly organised, with a sharp eye for detail and the discipline to adhere deadlines without letting standards slip. You'll bring:
- Up to date accounting knowledge and the ability to apply financial reporting standards to group accounts.
- A CCAB professional qualification, or substantial progress towards one.
- Excellent reconciliation skills and strong IT skills, including advanced Excel and experience of a complex ERP system (Unit4 Business World, Oracle or similar)
- Confidence working with large datasets, particularly at year-end.
- A commitment to continual improvement and your own professional development.
Experience of the Higher Education sector would be an advantage but isn't essential.
For a full role profile, please refer to the job description below.
Further Information
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application and CV (by clicking ‘apply for job’ at the bottom of this page) before the closing date at midnight on 15th November 2026.
The University reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the published end date should it receive sufficient applications to warrant earlier shortlisting.
The University currently operates a Hybrid Working framework involving a mix of working remotely and in the office. Typically, the majority of employees will be able to agree to work remotely for up to 60% of their working week, role dependent, however will be required to attend on specific days for training or team meetings.
The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under-represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description.
Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.