Associate Accountant (on-site)

Job description

Associate Accountant

Salary within the range: £33,459 to £36,528 per annum *

*Starting salary is subject to college salary assessment process

37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Location: Suffolk New College

Ready to launch your finance career?

Suffolk New College is seeking a motivated, ambitious Associate Accountant to join our dynamic Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to build a career in accountancy, gain hands-on experience, and work towards a professional qualification in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

As an Associate Accountant, you will play a key role in supporting the financial operations of our multi-campus College. You will work alongside experienced finance professionals, contribute to a range of projects, and help ensure the College's financial sustainability and growth.

What you will do

• Financial Operations & Compliance: Produce accurate VAT returns, maintain financial records, assist with credit control and ensure data integrity within our finance systems.
• Banking, Reconciliation & Asset Management: Reconcile bank and control accounts, manage the asset register, and support monthly and annual financial processes.
• Management Accounts & Reporting: Prepare management accounts, support budget cycles, and work with budget holders to provide financial insights.
• Procurement & Supplier Management: Support procurement activities, assist with tendering, and promote best practice in supplier management.
• Project & Grant Support: Collaborate with colleagues on projects and grants, ensuring accurate documentation and timely claims.
• Teamwork & College Engagement: Be an active member of the finance team, contribute to process improvements, and participate in College events.
• Digital Transformation & Sustainability: Drive efficiency by embracing technology and automation to streamline finance processes.
• Process Automation & Efficiency: Drive efficiency improvements by identifying opportunities to automate routine finance processes through the use of digital tools and technology, ensuring more streamlined and effective operations.
• Compliance & Professionalism: Uphold College policies, maintain confidentiality, and adapt to new challenges as they arise.

What we are looking for

Essential:

• Level 4 AAT (Technician level) or a degree in a relevant subject.
• Minimum 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English and Maths) and
• Experience of working in a finance or accounting environment (including placements or internships).
• Strong IT skills, especially in Excel and databases.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding.

Desirable:

• Studying towards a professional accounting qualification (CIPFA/CIMA/ACCA).
• Level 2 ICT or equivalent.
• Relevant procurement qualification.
• Experience in an education environment.

Why join us?

• Professional Growth: Full support for professional qualifications and access to development opportunities.
• Supportive Culture: Join a collaborative, innovative team where your ideas are valued.
• Excellent Benefits: Career average pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and modern campus facilities.
• BeSNC: At Suffolk New College, we are committed to providing the best possible environment for our learners and staff to thrive.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are passionate about starting your career in finance and making a real impact, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and join Suffolk New College's Finance team!

Closing date: Sunday 11 th October 2026 at 12:00 Midnight

Interview dates: Friday 23 rd October 2026

The College reserves the right to close this advert early.

Kindly be advised that we are unable to provide skilled worker sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the country without the need for sponsorship.

You may use AI tools to support your application but all information must truthfully reflect your own skills and experience. You may be asked to discuss the details during the recruitment process.

This College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As part of our on-going commitment to Equality and Diversity, Suffolk New College guarantees to shortlist all applicants from a black or ethnic minority group who meet the essential criteria and all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. All appointments are subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks.

We do not recognise any agencies or search agencies acting on our behalf unless they have been officially engaged. Applicants should apply to us directly and not be persuaded to go via an agency.

The college will not recognise any agency fees for recruitment activities unless an active engagement linked to a specific role has been agreed.

The college will not pay fees associated with CVs or applicants who are sent to the college via agencies on a speculative basis or in response to college adverts.

Agencies should refrain from sending CVs to anyone working for the college on a speculative basis. The college will make approaches to agencies via our HR team if we feel that we need assistance with a post.