Accounts Officer

The Accounts Officer is a pivotal operational and financial role within the London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT). The post-holder will be responsible for the accurate management of financial transactions ledger maintenance and the day-to-day financial administration of the addition to core accounting duties this role includes a dedicated operational support function to the Operations Director providing administrative analytical and project coordination assistance to ensure that the operational objectives of the Academy are met with efficiency and rigour.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records including accounts payable accounts receivable and general ledger entries.

Process supplier invoices staff expense claims and student fee transactions in a timely and compliant manner.

Perform monthly bank reconciliations and produce reconciliation reports for review by the Operations Director.

Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts budget monitoring reports and variance analyses.

Support the preparation of end-of-year accounts and liaise with external auditors as required.

Ensure compliance with HMRC obligations including VAT returns PAYE and other statutory financial reporting requirements.

Monitor outstanding debtors and creditors and escalate unresolved matters to the Operations Director.

Maintain financial filing systems both electronic and paper-based ensuring audit readiness at all times.

Process payroll data inputs in coordination with the HR function and verify accuracy prior to submission.

Contribute to the review and continuous improvement of financial processes and internal controls.

Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the Operations Director including diary management meeting preparation and briefing documentation.

Assist the Operations Director in monitoring institutional KPIs and operational dashboards producing regular progress reports.

Coordinate cross-departmental operational projects tracking action items deadlines and deliverables on behalf of the Operations Director.

Draft and review correspondence internal policies procedural documents and board papers as directed.

Act as a first point of contact for operational queries escalated to the Operations Director triaging and resolving where appropriate.

Facilitate internal communication between Finance Academic and Support departments to ensure alignment with operational priorities.

Assist in the planning and administration of Governors meetings Academic Board meetings and other key institutional committees.

Support the Operations Director in managing supplier and third-party contracts including monitoring SLAs and renewal schedules.

Undertake research and horizon-scanning tasks to inform operational strategy and planning as directed.

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive institutional financial and personnel information at all times.

The Accounts Officer occupies a dual-function role that extends beyond traditional financial administration. A significant and strategic element of this post involves providing dedicated high-quality operational support to the Operations Director of the London Academy for Applied Technology.

This support function is designed to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the Operations Director in fulfilling institutional governance strategic planning and day-to-day management obligations. The post-holder will therefore be expected to demonstrate not only strong financial competence but also the professional acumen communication skills and organisational intelligence required to function at the operational leadership level.

Core Behaviours & Competencies Required for this Profile

Strategic Awareness: Ability to understand the broader institutional context and align operational activities with LAATs strategic objectives.

Professional Discretion: Demonstrates sound judgement and confidentiality in the handling of sensitive operational financial and personnel matters.

Proactive Problem-Solving: Anticipates operational challenges and takes initiative to resolve issues with minimal direction.

Effective Communication: Communicates with clarity professionalism and appropriate formality in written and verbal interactions at all levels.

Reliability and Accountability: Consistently meets deadlines and takes ownership of assigned tasks providing timely updates to the Operations Director.

Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in responding to shifting institutional priorities and evolving operational demands.

Collaborative Working: Builds constructive relationships across departments and with external stakeholders fostering a culture of collegiate professionalism.

All staff at LAAT are expected to uphold and champion the institutions core values in all aspects of their work:

Excellence: A commitment to delivering the highest standards of service accuracy and professionalism.

Integrity: Maintaining ethical conduct and transparency in all financial and operational matters.

Inclusivity: Embracing diversity and fostering an environment of respect and equal opportunity.

Innovation: Contributing to the continuous improvement of processes systems and institutional practice.

Student-Centricity: Recognising that all operational and financial activities ultimately serve the academys student community.

LAAT is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from candidates regardless of age disability gender reassignment marriage and civil partnership pregnancy and maternity race religion or belief sex or sexual orientation.

To apply please submit a current curriculum vitae and a supporting statement of no more than 500 words addressing the person specification to: quoting the reference AO/OPS/2026 in the subject line.