Accounts Officer

ROLE SUMMARY

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 institution. In 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.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Job Title Accounts Officer Department Finance & Operations Reporting To Operations Director Location Tower Bridge Business Centre, 46–48 East Smithfield, London E1W 1AW Contract Type Full-Time, Permanent Salary Band Competitive – commensurate with experience DBS Check Required Standard

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – OPERATIONS DIRECTOR SUPPORT

• 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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria Essential Desirable AAT Level 3 or above / equivalent accounting qualification ✓

Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field

✓ ACCA / CIMA part-qualified or actively studying

✓ Minimum 2 years' experience in a finance or accounts role ✓

Experience supporting a senior manager or Director

✓ Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Sage) ✓

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas) ✓

Experience in the education or public sector

✓ Strong written and verbal communication skills ✓

High degree of accuracy, numeracy and attention to detail ✓

Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities ✓

Discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information ✓

Knowledge of VAT, PAYE and basic HMRC compliance ✓

Experience with payroll processing or HR administration

✓

ROLE PROFILE – OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO THE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

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 LAAT's 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.

LAAT VALUES & COMMITMENT

All staff at LAAT are expected to uphold and champion the institution's 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 academy's student community.

APPLICATION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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: hr@laat.ac.uk, quoting the reference AO/OPS/2026 in the subject line.