Accounting Officer

Job title: Accounting Officer

Department: Finance & Procurement

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Grade: 7

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, WC1H 0XG.

Hours: 35 hours per week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. 

About the Role

This role offers a unique opportunity for a part-qualified finance professional to contribute to a knowledgeable and dedicated team.  You will be responsible supporting SOAS’s statutory reporting, financial control environment and compliance obligations.  This includes supporting the university’s external financial reporting, VAT and corporation tax compliance and endowment portfolio.  Collaborating with teams across Financial Systems, Operations, and Finance Business Partnering, you will play a supportive role in ensuring financial excellence.

You will support the preparation of the year-end financial statements and other compliance reports as well as perform the financial administration for all capital projects and endowment portfolio.  This is your opportunity to contribute to the financial leadership within one of the world’s most culturally rich and academically diverse institutions.

Reporting directly to the Head of Financial Compliance, and working alongside another Accounting Officer, the Accounting Officer will:
- Maintain the School’s bank mandate, process updates, and manage KYC requests.
- Complete endowment investment accounting and reporting including monthly income, gains/losses, and reconciliations.
- Calculate Total Return information and update the ledger.
- Administer the endowment portfolio including fund setup and documentation.
- Provide financial advice to Advancement and the Scholarships Officer.
- Reconcile payroll suspense accounts and support Payroll with coding queries.
- Review new cost centres for compliance.
- Produce Gift Aid reclaims and interpret applicable charity law.
- Invoice external organisations.
- Assist with year-end financial statements and audit processes.
- Support capital budgeting requests and maintain the fixed asset register.
- Support Wood Green Hall finance administration.
- Assist with VAT and Corporation Tax returns.
- Manage the Students’ Union loan and salary recharges.
- Liaise with Students’ Union auditors.
- Control internal Faculty Research Grants.
- Provide cover for the Banking Administrator.
- Complete monthly income and quarterly ONS returns.
- Submit SOAS International Ltd Annual Return to Companies House.
- Follow up outstanding travel advances.
- Assist the Head of Financial Compliance, and Accounting Officer.

About you

We are looking for a part-qualified or equivalent experienced finance professional who combines strategic insight with operational expertise.  You will have/be:
- Relevant and appropriate experience in finance and management obtained in a complex organisation
- An excellent communicator who can influence at all levels within the organisation.
- Ability to work on own initiative, assess priorities and be proactive.
- Experience working in Higher Education or similar setting desirable including knowledge of endowment or fund accounting.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement. 

Closing date: Tuesday 05th May 2026                                

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity.

Further information

We are committed to providing a safe environment for all students and staff and therefore this role is subject to a Basic DBS check.

Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. 

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.