Financial Accountant Heriot Watt University

The Finance team is one of the University’s key Professional Services which supports the University’s delivery of its mission, strategic priorities and business objectives. Heriot Watt University (Dubai Campus) is currently seeking a Financial Accountant to join their Dubai Team. The selected candidate is responsible to reporting to the Head of Finance, Dubai. Managing the month end accounting process and reporting. Working with the Finance Business Partner to obtain schools and professional services data to manage forecasts and financial planning for the University. Working with the Finance Operations Manager and Accounts Receivable Manager to ensure accurate and efficiently produced data is obtained from the operational functions. Ensuring compliance with regulatory audit requirements. Maintaining accurate financial records to support the operational and strategic decisions of the University.

Responsibilities of Financial Accountant

• Managing the overall month end process by ensuring that deadlines are met for all processing, review and reporting of month end accounting.
• Management of 2 Accounts Assistants, review and approval of journals to support month end, ensuring accuracy of numbers,  financial coding, reporting, and compliance with accounting principles and regulations.
• Collaborating with the Accounts Receivable and Finance Operations Manager to ensure the accurate accounting of finance sub ledgers.
• Management and review of balance sheet reconciliations, to be prepared on a monthly basis. Highlighting any inaccuracies to the Head of Finance and taking the necessary corrective action.
• Development of effective budgeting, forecasting and planning processes. Validating data accuracy from the Finance Business Partner and Accounts Assistants.
• Supporting overall campus, schools and professional services teams with ad hoc analysis as requested by the Finance Business Partner.
• Management of the external audit, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery of all requests and reports. Identification of financial discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision making and business growth.
• Assist in the preparation of corporation tax returns, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and maximizing tax efficiency.
• Assist in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
• Stay updated on industry trends, changes in accounting regulations, and best practices in financial management.
• Provide financial guidance and support to Head of Finance, Dubai and key stakeholders within the Edinburgh and Malaysia campuses.

Job Requirements of Financial Accountant

• Educated to First Degree or equivalent practical experience in the workplace.
• Qualified Professional Accountant with 5 or more years previous experience of managing an Accounting function. Demonstrate substantial professional expertise in Accounting.
• Experience in the ability to motivate a team, including setting objectives and managing workload.
• Experience in working in Higher Education.
• Experience of working with Oracle Fusion.

Skills & Knowledge Desired

• Well developed understanding of relevant legal, statutory and governance applications and turning them into good practice.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills. The ability to research, analyse, understand and present complex issues effectively, with good attention to detail.
• Strong IT skills including ERP type systems and Microsoft products.
• Demonstrable excellent customer service.
• Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment. Using high level planning and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment.
• Demonstrable professional and proactive approach. Working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.

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