Operational Accountant

Job Description

Job Title: Operational Accountant

Department: Finance

Contract: Full time, Fixed Term contract 3-6 months

Grade and Salary: £47,389- £58,225

Location: Hybrid - 60/40 between campus and home based

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator:  to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University

Role Purpose

We are looking for a detail driven Operational Accountant to join our busy Finance Department. The Operational Accountant will play a key role in strengthening and overseeing the University's core financial operations. Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, the postholder will support the design, implementation and ongoing operation of robust financial controls across all operational accounting teams including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Banking, ensuring compliance with University policies, sector regulations and best practice.

This role will also contribute to the preparation & review of accurate and timely reconciliations, process improvement initiatives and the provision of high-quality financial information to support effective decision-making.

• Support the Financial Controller in overseeing and enhancing financial controls across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Banking processes.
• Assist with the implementation, documentation and monitoring of financial control frameworks to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Identify control weaknesses and inefficiencies, recommending and helping to implement improvements.

• Provide operational oversight and support for day-to-day AP and AR activities, ensuring transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist with banking activities including cash management, bank reconciliations and liaison with banking partners.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and adherence to processes, controls & approval limits.

• Prepare and review key balance sheet reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve reconciling items promptly, escalating issues where necessary.
• Contribute to month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring high standards of accuracy and completeness.

• Use advanced Excel skills to analyse financial data, support reconciliations and improve reporting efficiency.
• Support finance system enhancements, upgrades or process automation initiatives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects within the Finance function, promoting best practice and efficiency.

• Work closely with Finance colleagues and wider University stakeholders to provide operational finance support and guidance.
• Support internal and external audit processes by providing documentation, explanations and analysis as required.

• Any other ad hoc duties in relation to the operational finance needs or for the benefit of the wider finance department.

• Qualified accountant (e.g.
  ICAS, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent
  ).
• Strong experience in operational finance, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and banking processes.
• Demonstrable experience of preparing and reviewing balance sheet reconciliations.
• Excellent Excel skills, including the use of formulas, pivot tables and data analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and governance within a complex organisation.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with both finance and non-finance colleagues.

• Experience working within the higher education or public sector.
• Experience of financial systems implementation or process improvement projects.

The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements may be available in line with University policy.

Heriot-Watt…