College accountant jobs in holborn, greater london
The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting KCLSU's finance operations, maintaining strong financial controls, and ensuring accurate financial reporting across the organisation.
Main Tasks
- Process and reconcile purchase invoices, sales invoices, and supplier payments, maintaining accurate ledgers.
- Reconcile daily income from multiple systems to banking records and update the finance system accordingly.
- Support month-end processes, including bank reconciliations, journal postings, and assisting with management accounts.
- Assist with reconciling Balance Sheet accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
- Generate financial reports and data extracts from the finance system to support financial reporting.
- Support the maintenance of internal financial controls and ensure compliance with relevant financial procedures and regulations.
- Respond professionally to financial queries from staff, students, and suppliers, providing accurate and timely information.
- Other finance-related ad hoc tasks
General Responsibilities
• Support the efficient operation of the Finance Department, ensuring organisation and professionalism. Provide cover for colleagues where necessary, contributing to a cohesive team environment.
• Develop a strong understanding of Finance Business Partnering, providing financial advice and insights to internal budget holders, aiding informed decision-making and improved financial performance.
• Lead or contribute to projects supporting the implementation of KCLSU’s Finance Strategy, driving process improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with KCLSU’s financial regulations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, addressing finance-related queries and providing accurate, timely information.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, ensuring sound financial controls and best practices are in place.
• Represent KCLSU professionally, supporting its objectives and upholding its positive reputation.
• Adapt flexibly to evolving responsibilities, assisting with tasks that support the wider needs of the organisation.
• Collaborate across departments, adopting a team-oriented approach to support the overall functioning of KCLSU.
Other Responsibilities
• Assist in the delivery of finance systems and procedures training for over 400 student groups, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
Working Hours
• The role requires 35 hours per week. On occasion, working hours may exceed this, including evening or weekend work to meet deadlines. These additional hours are included in the role's grading and contract.
Additional Information
• This job description is accurate as of 28th April 2025 and outlines the core responsibilities of the role. It is intended to assist both the post holder and KCLSU in understanding the position’s primary duties.
• The description is not exhaustive, and duties may evolve over time. The post holder may be required to work at various King’s College London sites.
• KCLSU operates a hybrid working policy, requiring employees to work in the office at least once a week and five days per month.
• KCLSU reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities after consultation with the post holder.
• Please note that the starting salary for this role is £31,041 with annual increases.
Candidate Specification
Qualifications
• A finance-related qualification (such as part-qualified Chartered Accountant or equivalent) is highly desirable, with at least two years of relevant finance experience, ideally within a student union or higher education environment, though other sectors will be considered.
• Alternatively, candidates with strong hands-on financial experience in a similar setting, or who are working towards a finance qualification, are also encouraged to apply.
Experience
• Proven, hands-on experience working with integrated accounting systems.
• Demonstrable experience managing all aspects of financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Experience in finance business partnering or providing financial advice and support to non-finance staff is highly desirable.
• Experience in presenting financial information clearly and effectively to senior management is desirable.
• Any experience in treasurer or fund investment management is an additional advantage but not essential.
Knowledge
• Solid understanding of accounting concepts, financial reporting, and VAT regulations, ensuring compliance and accurate financial operations.
• A working knowledge of data protection requirements, particularly in the context of a membership organisation, is beneficial.
Skills
• Excellent multitasking ability and a keen eye for detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced IT skills, including proficiency with Excel (intermediate to advanced), and strong Office 365 competency to produce reports and manage data efficiently.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact diplomatically with staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently under pressure, demonstrating initiative and a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
The list above is not exhaustive. We recommend that you read through the Job Pack to understand the scope of what the role entails.
Application Process
To apply, please visit our website, download and complete the application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form below and email your completed application directly to our HR email address.
Once shortlisting is completed, we will contact you and inform you of your progress.
At KCLSU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of everything we do and we endeavour to ensure equal treatment of all candidates. We welcome a diverse range of applicants and are open to discussing flexibility with the right candidate. Reasonable adjustments will be made for candidates with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment and selection process, and to ensure that a successful candidate with a disability can undertake the post.
As you will also see on our Job Pack that we are an equal opportunities employer and live by our 4 main values: Inclusive, Collaborative, Open and Brave. KCLSU is a fun, social and flexible work environment which offers opportunities for development as well as great staff benefits.
Benefits of Working for KCLSU include:
- Hybrid Working Policy
- Pension Contribution
- Interest Free Season Ticket Loan & Computer Loan
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
- Eye Tests & single focal glasses allowance
- 25 days holiday entitlement & bank holidays & discretionary closure days per annum
- Discounts on KCLSU venues
- Employee Assistance Programme
- "No meeting Friday" ethos
- KEATS Learning Platform & LinkedIn Learning subscription
- Death in Service
- Access to Kings Libraries
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this role you must:
- Be eligible to work in the UK, and provide proof of this (i.e. a passport/visa) prior to your start date. Please note that KCLSU is unable to provide a visa sponsorship.
- Not be a trustee of King’s College London Students’ Union
- Have a National Insurance number, or be in the process of applying for one
Thank you for applying with us. We look forward to bringing your talent onboard and working with you!
Registered Charity
101 - 500
KCLSU is an independent charitable organisation that works to further the interests of approximately 36000 students at King's College London. Join us!
Thank you!
Ivy Rock Partners is proud to be working in partnership with King’s College London, a world-renowned institution, to recruit a passionate and collaborative Associate Finance Business Partner.
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a role that blends financial analysis, strategic partnership, and stakeholder engagement in a dynamic and purpose-driven academic environment.
The Role
In this pivotal role, you’ll work closely with the faculties of King’s Business School and King’s Education, supporting them with insightful financial reporting, forecasting, and strategic analysis. As an AFBP, you’ll act as the go-to financial adviser for key stakeholders, ensuring sound financial decision-making across a diverse and impactful portfolio.
You’ll be supported by Senior Finance Business Partners while also taking ownership of significant reporting cycles and playing a central role in shaping future budgeting and forecasting.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with faculty and operational leaders to advise on financial strategy and performance
- Deliver robust financial reports, forecasts, and variance analysis
- Help develop business cases and financial models for new initiatives
- Guide stakeholders through budgeting and financial planning
- Identify risks and opportunities, recommending practical financial solutions
- Champion finance at the heart of decision-making
About You
- Part-qualified or newly qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, or equivalent)
- Strong experience in management accounting and financial planning
- Excellent communication skills—able to make the complex simple
- Experience working with a variety of stakeholders in a collaborative way
- A naturally analytical, curious, and enthusiastic problem-solver
- Proficient in Excel and confident with financial systems
- This role offers not just challenge and variety, but a real opportunity to make an impact in higher education and support world-class teaching and research through excellent financial management.
Benefits Include:
- 30 days annual leave (not including bank holidays)
- Generous pension scheme
- Flexible hybrid working model
- An inclusive, supportive and forward-thinking team culture
- Central London office location (Lavington Street), with excellent transport links
- Commitment to development and internal career progression
Ready to play a key role in a forward-thinking finance team at one of the UK’s top universities? Please get in contact with Charlotte Dow for a confidential conversation about the role.
Thank you!
We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and the Global Majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single specification. If you’re excited about the role but your experience or qualifications don’t perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as the global majority, LGBTQA+, those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions.
The role:
This is a key role within the Executive Leadership team, with accountability for Finance, Procurement and IT at the Globe. You will work collaboratively with the CEO and Executive leadership team to drive strong business as usual delivery, and provide provide balanced insight to Executive Leadership Team and the Senior Leadership Group so that they can take responsibility for questioning routines and rituals, and for streamlining processes that improve efficiency.
The Finance Director is the lead on the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and is a key part of other relevant committees. You will also attend and report at Board meetings, developing strong working relationships with Board members, the Artistic Director, Executive Leadership members, members of the Senior Leadership Group (SLG), the Finance and Procurement team, the Globe’s IT contractor, and colleagues throughout the Globe.
The skills:
· Chartered Accountant.
· Extensive Director level business experience in a complex organisation.
· A strategic thinker with entrepreneurial instincts
· Demonstrable experience in managing contracts.
· Experience within the charities sector including understanding of the relevant accounting, taxation and other regulatory requirements this presents.
· Empathy with the work, aims and mission of the Globe including an appreciation of the balance between the charitable purpose and commercial imperatives.
· An effective and flexible leadership and management style with demonstrable ability to inspire, motivate, coach and develop a team.
· Credibility and authority to work effectively and liaise internally with senior staff and externally with Trustees and other stakeholders.
· An excellent negotiator and influencer with string emotional intelligence and good communication skills.
· Analytical problem-solving ability with the appetite and energy to evaluate, challenge and change the status quo.
· Experience in financial and risk compliance and governance issues.
· Accessible and inclusive report writing and presentation skills demonstrated as a part of Board level reporting.
· Positive, determined, pragmatic, and resilient – able to inspire confidence and respect.
· The ability to work flexibly in a creative, fast-moving environment and understand the importance of artistic risk taking and to respond positively to it.
· Experience in, or a personal interest in the arts, heritage/museum, or creative industries.
· Experience of managing IT contracts or IT staff.
The team:
The Finance Department provides timely and accurate financial information to key stakeholders while protecting Shakespeare’s Globe assets and ensures compliance with laws and regulations in relation to financial and taxation matters. Serving as a key partner on topics requiring economic, financial and value for money inputs and expertise, the Finance Department manages Accounting and Financial Reporting, Tax, Banking Relationships, Procurement, Financial Risk Management, Contracts, Management Reporting, and external audit partners
Shakespeare’s Globe:
We celebrate Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world by conducting a radical theatrical experiment. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, our diverse programme of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to pivot their professional journey towards creating a regenerative, equitable and just future.
Key info:
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Based in London, UK
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Full-time (4.5 days at placement & one half day training weekly)
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£27,010 per annum salary
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Programme dates: October 2025 - September 2026 (49 weeks)
About On Purpose:
On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.
Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.
Programme summary:
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Two 6 month placements:
Through work placements with leading purpose-driven organisations, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Save the Children, BAFTA and Sustainable Ventures.
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Expert-led learning:
Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. This blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change.
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1-2-1 mentoring & coaching:
Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.
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Join a supportive, impactful community:
You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of 20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.
Benefits:
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Earn while you learn: On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs, all the while offering extensive learning and development.
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Develop your ability to make an impact: Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. You’ll join nearly 1000 purpose-driven alumni who are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.
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Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities: Our Associates have moved into a whole range of sustainability jobs and social impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former music label business owner now the CEO of Hubbub, a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK and a former civil servant now Climate Lead at Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
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Standard UK holiday allowance
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A 3-day residential (all expenses paid)
Who we’re looking for:
This programme is ideal for:
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Individuals seeking a career change into the environment and social impact sector.
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Individuals already in the impact sector who want to develop new skills, have the opportunity to work in more commercial organisations, or to join an engaged network of people who share your values and are working toward the same goal.
Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:
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A minimum of three years full-time professional experience
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The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme
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Fluency in English
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Office environment experience
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Skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.
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Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
How to apply:
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Read our Associate Programme brochure for more information.
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Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.
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Closing date for applications: Monday 19 May, 9:00 am (BST).
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Interviews will be held in mid-late June.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.