Lead Financial Accountant

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: Finance
JOB TITLE: Lead Financial Accountant
SALARY & HOURS: Band 6: £58,105 - £64,246 35 hours

The University of Buckingham has a unique atmosphere, unlike that of any other higher educational institution. Despite being one of the UK’s smallest university and the only independent university to hold a Royal Charter, Buckingham has staff from over 60 countries, making it a truly distinctive work environment. Whichever of our locations you find yourself working in, you will be sure to feel a part of our friendly community. Our size enables us to foster a very personalised, supportive, inclusive and collaborative environment, with lots of opportunity for development, something which we are very proud of.

The Corporate and Professional Services departments are the cornerstone of the University. They each provide essential and valuable support to both each other and the Academic departments, helping the University to function in the most efficient and productive way, ensuring that the students’ experience is second to none.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to lead statutory reporting, technical accounting and financial control across the University and Group.

The role will manage the financial accounting team, oversee consolidated accounts, audit delivery, VAT and corporation tax compliance, regulatory reporting and month end processes, while supporting the development of financial controls and systems.

Key experience required:
• Leading preparation of group statutory consolidations accounts in line with the HE SORP, Charity SORP and regulatory requirements
• Team management
• Audit and regulatory reporting
• VAT and corporation tax
• Higher education and/or charity sector experience desirable
• Strong technical accounting and Excel skills

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong financial reporting experience within a complex organisation.

What can we offer you?
We might be small, but we can still offer plenty of perks! In addition to an Aviva Pension scheme, we offer:
• Beautiful working environments across our campuses in Buckingham and Crewe, with plenty of space
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Christmas closure
• On-site gym and exercise classes
• On-site catering facilities
• University bookshop with staff discount
• Free on-site parking
• Excellent opportunities to network and continue learning across a variety of departments
• Discount of courses for staff and their families

Please note: if successful, any offer is subject to standard checks, including qualifications, eligibility to work in the UK on a permanent basis and DBS (if applicable)

The closing date for applications is 29 May 2026, and it is anticipated that interviews will be held the week commencing 1 June March 2026.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/about/hr/