Financial Accountant (Financial Aid)

Our Client

Mackie Myers have partnered with a well established higher education institution based in central London. The University has experienced significant growth in recent years, supported by major investment in its academic offering, student experience, and operational infrastructure. As part of its continued expansion, the Finance Team is strengthening its capacity to ensure excellent financial stewardship and high?quality support for students accessing financial aid.

The Role

This role combines core financial accounting responsibilities with specialist oversight of student financial aid. You will work closely with the Finance Manager to deliver accurate, timely, and well?controlled finance operations, while also administering bursaries, student loan programmes, and financial aid processes.

The position plays a critical part in ensuring that financial information is robust, students receive the correct support, and regulatory requirements are met. It offers a rare blend of hands on accounting, stakeholder engagement, and meaningful impact on students’ access to education.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support the Finance Manager with all month?end and year?end accounting activities
  • Ensure accurate income recognition and oversee student billing cycles
  • Lead credit control activity and support students with payment plans
  • Line?manage the Accounts Receivable team member
  • Complete periodic bank reconciliations for income accounts
  • Manage intercompany billing and monthly reconciliations with the parent organisation
  • Administer institutional bursary schemes, including eligibility review, award notifications and record keeping
  • Maintain up?to?date knowledge of student financial aid regulations and adjust processes accordingly
  • Work collaboratively with internal teams such as Student Support to ensure smooth financial aid processing
  • Prepare and file accurate ONS monthly returns
  • Assist with HMRC, OfS, Charity Commission and other regulatory submissions
  • Support annual audit processes and statutory account preparation
  • Monitor debt levels and ensure adherence to debt related policies
  • Regularly review and update policies related to withdrawals, debt collection, and bursaries
The Successful Candidate
  • At least two years’ experience in a finance or financial?aid?related role
  • Highly computer literate, with advanced Microsoft Office capability
  • Comfortable working with accounting software and financial systems
  • Qualified or part qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA) 
What’s on Offer?
  • Salary of up to £46,000 per annum 
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Generous benefits including 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, pension, life assurance, income protection and optional private healthcare
  • Opportunity to contribute to a growing and forward?thinking university
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion We believe that diverse teams create stronger, more innovative organisations. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and building inclusive workplaces where everyone feels respected and valued. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and actively encourage diversity in every recruitment process we support.