Accountancy Assistant

Accountancy Assistant Apply

Accountancy Assistant Apply

The Post

The postholder will provide specialist financial advice, guidance and support on financial policies, procedures, and regulations across a portfolio of designated areas of responsibility, which may include Academic Faculties, Professional Services, and/or Commercial Services.

The postholder will lead on the provision of financial management support, including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting and variance analysis in relation to income, staffing costs and other operating expenditure. They will work proactively with Heads and senior colleagues within their areas of responsibility to support effective financial planning, management, and decision-making.

Description of Duties

• Prepare for the annual budget-setting process for designated areas of responsibility, covering income, staffing costs and other operating expenditure. Work proactively with Heads of relevant areas to establish financial requirements, taking account of available resources and changing operational activities
• Monitor income and expenditure against approved budgets throughout the financial year, providing appropriate financial advice and support to budgetholders to promote effective budget management. Identify areas of concern and collaborate with relevant colleagues to agree appropriate corrective action
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly and quarterly management accounts for designated areas of responsibility, liaising with relevant colleagues to investigate and resolve issues and providing meaningful variance analysis and commentary
• Support the preparation of year-end financial accounts, working closely with relevant areas and external auditors and providing clear explanations and supporting information as required
• Maintain and update financial forecasts throughout the year, investigating significant changes and variances, identifying emerging financial pressures or opportunities, and collaborating with relevant colleagues to agree appropriate corrective action. Ensure that all known commitments are appropriately identified and reflected within forecasts
• Prepare and provide high-quality financial management information to support financial planning, analysis and informed decision making, including contributions to the University’s Strategic Planning process
• Prepare, review, and validate financial information and returns submitted to external stakeholders, ensuring that information is accurate, complete, and submitted within required timescales
• Provide support to the Service Accountant in the delivery of the above responsibilities and contribute to the effective operation of the wider Finance function
• Provide timely and appropriate financial advice and guidance to staff within designated areas of responsibility, ensuring the correct and consistent application of the University's Financial Regulations, policies, and procedures
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes, reporting and procedures within the areas of responsibility, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the quality of financial information

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

• HNC or HND in Accounting, or currently working towards an AAT qualification, or demonstrable relevant experience and ability to operate effectively at an equivalent level

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of financial procedures, processes, and controls
• Good understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Strong IT skills, with the ability to use Microsoft Office applications effectively, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Ability to analyse financial information, identify issues and provide clear and meaningful commentary to support decision-making

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to colleagues at a range of levels
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, budget holders, and stakeholders across the University
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also taking ownership and responsibility for individual areas of work

Personal Effectiveness

• Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive information
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload effectively
• Ability to work independently and consistently, demonstrating initiative and maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to remain focused and effective when working under pressure, managing frequent interruptions, and competing priorities
• Commitment to providing a responsive, professional, and customer-focused financial service

Additional Information

Full time
Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 27 September 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This post may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 4122.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

1. Managing self and personal skills
   Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
2. Delivering excellent service
   Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
3. Finding solutions
   Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
4. Embracing change
   Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
5. Using resources effectively
   Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
6. Engaging with the wider context
   Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
7. Developing self and others
   Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
8. Working together
   Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
9. Achieving Results
   Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture
(2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Job number

SERV02121

Contract Type

Open Ended

Posting End Date

27-Sep-2026

Location:

Stirling Campus

Salary

Grade6 £31,236 - £37,694 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Finance

The Post

The postholder will provide specialist financial advice, guidance and support on financial policies, procedures, and regulations across a portfolio of designated areas of responsibility, which may include Academic Faculties, Professional Services, and/or Commercial Services.

The postholder will lead on the provision of financial management support, including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting and variance analysis in relation to income, staffing costs and other operating expenditure. They will work proactively with Heads and senior colleagues within their areas of responsibility to support effective financial planning, management, and decision-making.

Description of Duties

• Prepare for the annual budget-setting process for designated areas of responsibility, covering income, staffing costs and other operating expenditure. Work proactively with Heads of relevant areas to establish financial requirements, taking account of available resources and changing operational activities
• Monitor income and expenditure against approved budgets throughout the financial year, providing appropriate financial advice and support to budgetholders to promote effective budget management. Identify areas of concern and collaborate with relevant colleagues to agree appropriate corrective action
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly and quarterly management accounts for designated areas of responsibility, liaising with relevant colleagues to investigate and resolve issues and providing meaningful variance analysis and commentary
• Support the preparation of year-end financial accounts, working closely with relevant areas and external auditors and providing clear explanations and supporting information as required
• Maintain and update financial forecasts throughout the year, investigating significant changes and variances, identifying emerging financial pressures or opportunities, and collaborating with relevant colleagues to agree appropriate corrective action. Ensure that all known commitments are appropriately identified and reflected within forecasts
• Prepare and provide high-quality financial management information to support financial planning, analysis and informed decision making, including contributions to the University’s Strategic Planning process
• Prepare, review, and validate financial information and returns submitted to external stakeholders, ensuring that information is accurate, complete, and submitted within required timescales
• Provide support to the Service Accountant in the delivery of the above responsibilities and contribute to the effective operation of the wider Finance function
• Provide timely and appropriate financial advice and guidance to staff within designated areas of responsibility, ensuring the correct and consistent application of the University's Financial Regulations, policies, and procedures
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes, reporting and procedures within the areas of responsibility, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the quality of financial information

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

• HNC or HND in Accounting, or currently working towards an AAT qualification, or demonstrable relevant experience and ability to operate effectively at an equivalent level

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of financial procedures, processes, and controls
• Good understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Strong IT skills, with the ability to use Microsoft Office applications effectively, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Ability to analyse financial information, identify issues and provide clear and meaningful commentary to support decision-making

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to colleagues at a range of levels
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, budget holders, and stakeholders across the University
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also taking ownership and responsibility for individual areas of work

Personal Effectiveness

• Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive information
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload effectively
• Ability to work independently and consistently, demonstrating initiative and maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to remain focused and effective when working under pressure, managing frequent interruptions, and competing priorities
• Commitment to providing a responsive, professional, and customer-focused financial service

Additional Information

Full time
Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 27 September 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This post may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 4122.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

1. Managing self and personal skills
   Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
2. Delivering excellent service
   Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
3. Finding solutions
   Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
4. Embracing change
   Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
5. Using resources effectively
   Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
6. Engaging with the wider context
   Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
7. Developing self and others
   Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
8. Working together
   Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
9. Achieving Results
   Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture
(2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni

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