Accounts Officer

Our client is a globally authority on post-graduate management education. They have an international reputation for excellence, underpinned by an accreditation service, which is recognised world-wide as the global standard for all Master in Business Administration programmes.
They currently accredit programmes at 175 business schools in 72 countries, and their accreditation portfolio is increasing rapidly due to high demand particularly from the BRIC economies.


The role involves preparing the Management Accounts and Key Issues Reports including the preparation of Trial Balances. In liaison with the Financial Controller you would be preparing and presenting a full set of the company's financial statements, which are within the company's guidelines ensuring that they are fair, accurate and complete. These should be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and meet the industry requirements.

You would also assist in the management and reporting of the annual budget including analysing and reporting on key variances. This will include:

-Playing a key role in preparation of budgets both in an advisory and supportive capacity.
-Liaising with various departments to ensure timely submission of information.
-Analysing and challenging decisions to ensure that the information is realistic, relevant and is feasible for the organisation.
-Managing, monitoring and reconciling of all financial projects events, liaise with budget holders on a regular basis and prepare variance reports.
-Provide reports to the management team as and when required to inform strategic decision-making.
-Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure that the financial reporting systems and the internal policies are functional and adequate; update and maintain internal policies and controls to ensure they are up to date and fit for purpose.
-Analyse operating data, trends and give recommendations to management to encourage savings e.g. tax-saving solutions, VAT etc.
-Understand financial impacts when operating with overseas customers and provide recommendations for cost-savings.
-Develop and implement accounting standards for all aspects of the business and maintaining these standards across the organisation.
-Maintain the operation of the Sales Ledger.
-Maintain the processes of the Purchase Ledger function.
-Manage and monitor the Association's Bank Account.

Requirements:

-A degree or diploma in Accounting or Finance.
-Substantial experience in using SAGE line 50.
-Effectively manage all bookkeeping functions.
-Solid understanding of preparing and reporting on financial statements.
-Understanding of the how the industry standards within charity and limited company sectors (i.e. VAT, Tax etc.).
-Experience of working within the finance team and preparation of management accounts and reporting on key issues to allow senior management to make strategic decisions about the company.
-Experience of working with auditors reporting on year end accounts.
-Successfully prepare and implement moderate system controls across an organisation.
-Successfully minimise the level of debt by efficient credit control operations.
-Provide new finance operating systems specific within the industry and subsequent adherence and maintenance of the system.
-Prepare a full set of company budgets and report on variances for senior management.