Tax and Financial Accountant

Job Description

The Role
What you’ll do
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
How to apply
Benefits
Employment Visa

The Role

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.  

The purpose of this role will be to provide financial support to the Tax & Investments Manager and to ensure the financial compliance and operations of the Department are delivered effectively.  

With finance experience in financial statements or external auditing, the successful applicant must be a capable team worker and highly organised. Dealing with enquiries from across the university and outside organisations, the applicant must be an effective communicator and able to prioritise a changeable workload.  

The post-holder will be expected to work across the full range of Finance functions.  

What you’ll do

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

Responsible to: Head of Financial Operations and Compliance 

The role is part of the Tax, Compliance and Assurance team responsible for the overall financial accounting services of the institution including subsidiaries. The team is responsible for statutory financial reporting, the integrity of financial transaction, financial and taxation compliance, external regulatory and covenant compliance, and treasury management. The postholder will provide professional and specialist advice to a range of stakeholders across the institution. 

This is a wide-ranging role, and the post-holder will engage with colleagues across a range of disciplines, promoting financial decision-making, capital developments, efficiencies, and the overall sustainability of the University. The development of technological solutions, business intelligence and knowledge transfer are integral to this role. There is a focus on delivery of outcomes in this role

Main Duties & Responsibilities  

Integrity of Financial Transactions  

• Monitor the monthly reconciliation of balance sheet items, including VAT control accounts in line with Make Tax Digital for VAT legislation.  
• To monitor and manage the recording of the University Fixed Assets assessing opportunity for systemic improvement.  
• To ensure that the monthly process to ensure accuracy and completeness of income and expenditure for all departments is completed and communicated appropriately and in line with financial regulations.  
• To maintain the general ledger and to contribute to finance system process improvements where appropriate 

Statutory Financial Reporting

• Lead the day-to-day production of the University’s annual consolidated financial statements, including any changes in the FE/HE SORP and/or Medr accounts direction statements. Advising the Head of Financial Operations and Compliance where appropriate. 
• Lead on co-ordination of year end procedures and manage liaison with external auditor for the University consolidated accounts (incorporating University and its subsidiaries), escalating to the Head of Financial Operations and Compliance where needed.  
• Lead on the preparation of statistical returns including HESA Finance Return, Office of National Statistics returns, Charities Commission return and any ad-hoc returns as required.  

Internal Audit  

• Lead on the co-ordination, monitoring and reporting progress on completing recommendations made by University Internal Auditor.  
• Production of Internal Audit recommendation summary and related papers for the University’s Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee.  

Taxation Compliance  

• To support and advise the University and subsidiaries with respect to tax and VAT matters and ensure the Group remain compliant. 
• Lead on and advise the Head of Financial Operations and Compliance in the development and implementation of tax planning in collaboration with external advisors.  
• Preparing VAT and other taxation financial planning, appraisal, and oversight of designated large capital initiatives.  
• Managing engagement in multiple complex concurrent projects, providing timely support and guidance for strategic, operational and taxation planning, including the applicable tax treatment for international courses delivered both face-to-face or online. 
• Lead on the accurate and timely preparation of the VAT return and other statutory taxation returns, with support from the Tax and Compliance Officer, ensuring associated payments for the University and subsidiary companies in accordance with legal requirements.  
• The preparation and input of VAT annual adjustments.  
• To contribute and advise Departments on various taxation advice and financial policy decisions and Financial Regulations and communicate in an appropriate format in line with Department guidelines.  
• To be the first point of contact for staff to provide expert advice and guidance with respect to VAT and for other tax issues.  
• Manage the University’s relationship with HMRC, being a key point of contact 

Finance Systems  

• Drive continuous improvement of effectiveness and efficiency in financial reporting.  
• Ensure that the financial systems, regulations, procedures, and controls are in place to safeguard assets and meet the University’s internal & external reporting obligations.  
• Development of systems and approaches that maximise efficient production of quality financial information for users, deployment of new mechanisms.  
• Create operational efficiencies within the department by developing technological solutions, utilising ABW and other IT tools to deliver financial reports.  
• To work collaboratively as part of a central Finance Team, ensuring operational excellence and consistency of practice; responding effectively to stakeholder requirements and delivering support and information in a timely and efficient manner and to work flexibly with the Tax, Compliance and Assurance team as required.  

Endowments  

• Accounting for the University’s endowment transactions ensuring transparency in the reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds and reserves.  

Aberystwyth University Pension & Assurance Scheme (AUPAS)  

• Be responsible for the production of the AUPAS’s annual accounts.  
• Co-ordinate and monitor the year end procedures and liaison with external auditor for AUPAS and other pension schemes.  
• Co-ordinate the preparation of statutory returns including the AUPAS Tax Return, Annual Scheme Report, and any ad-hoc returns as required.  
• To liaise with AUPAS’s Investment Advisors and Actuary.  
• To support the bi-annual AUPAS Trustee meetings with prescribed, timely reports  

Other Duties and Responsibilities  

• Building, developing, and supporting relationships with external stakeholders, such as taxation consultants, investment advisors, auditors, and actuaries.  
• Providing analytical advice and to advise on all financial matters.  
• Implement and promote professional finance standards across the University.  
• Take decisions with others on projects, financial appraisals and resource allocation matters through participation in committees and working groups.  
• Delivering a rounded service, being accountable and taking responsibility for delivery of a high-quality service.  
• Proactively participate in Finance team meetings, bringing and delivering agenda items.  
• To organise project work relating to improvements in the quality of financial management information and resource allocation.  
• Represent the Finance Department at a range of meetings including Major Capital Project meetings, as well as University wide cross-cutting meetings, presenting financial reports and contributing to wider discussion.  
• Attending the BUFDG Welsh Tax Group meetings.  
• Work as one Finance Department and liaise with colleagues over the allocation of work.  
• Proactively deal with finance issues raised by staff inside and outside of the Department and achieve resolution.  
• Training and guiding staff in relevant financial administrative procedures e.g., Financial Regulations & Procedures and tax matters.  
• Assisting staff in becoming familiar with financial accounting, taxation, and related compliance procedures.  
• Maintaining ongoing professional development and CPD requirements.  
• Delivering or organising training events and programmes for staff in departments.  
• Be aware of health & safety issues in the workplace and undertake basic Risk Assessments, where necessary.  
• Maintaining and promote a clean and professional work area.  
• To work closely with the Cash and Compliance Manager and Head of Financial Operations and Compliance. Provide guidance and development opportunities for the Tax and Compliance Officer.  
• Create links with external bodies and participate in meetings as necessary.  
• To keep up to date with tax legislation affecting the HE sector.  
• To keep abreast of technical updates to SORP and UK generally accepted accounting principles.  
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post. • To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.  
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme. 
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.  
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

1. Qualified CCAB Accountant.
2. At least 2 years’ experience of producing financial statements; and/or experience in undertaking external financial audits.
3. Demonstrable knowledge and experience in basic direct and indirect tax matters.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and experience of both external and internal financial audits.
5. Good IT and analytical skills, being able to extract and manipulate data, in particular using Excel and Word.
6. Ability to lead and develop internal networks, actively seeking to build productive and enduring relationships between teams and to strengthen working relationships.
7. Good oral and written communication skills.
8. Experience in communicating financial issues in a straightforward and summarised way to non-financially trained staff.
9. Ability to work on their own initiative, but also contribute positively to team goals.
10. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.
11. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C1.*

Desirable

1. Experience in writing financial policies and procedures
2. Experience of working in complex financial system.
3. Knowledge in HE sector.
4. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B2.*

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid Working 
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus. 

Please keep reading

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity. Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home-based work, subject to service needs and manager approval.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

We welcome international applicants who are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.

Under the points-based system, this role meets the criteria to be sponsored by AU for an SWR application. Please be advised that AU will only support the Certificate of Sponsorship for any employment visas and will not support the payment of the employment visa for the offered candidate and/or dependants.

Any prospective candidates coming to work for AU under the SWR will require a minimum of 70 points, made up of the following:

 *Appropriate knowledge is classed as the following:

• A national of a majority English speaking country
• Having an academic degree taught in English (if an overseas degree, must be verified by NARIC)
• Completing and passing an English language test at Level B1 or above.

For more information, please visit:  https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa