Associate Accountant (on-site)
| Posting date: | 08 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £32,172 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 January 2026 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Suffolk New College |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Associate Accountant (on-site)
Starting salary is £32,172 per annum
37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
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, 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 Level 2 ICT or equivalent.
• 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 25th January 2026 at midnight
Interview dates: Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th February 2026
Suffolk New College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As part of our ongoing commitment to Equality and Diversity, we guarantee 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 a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
We do not recognise any agencies or search agencies acting on our behalf unless officially engaged. Applicants should apply directly to us.
Starting salary is £32,172 per annum
37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
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, 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 Level 2 ICT or equivalent.
• 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 25th January 2026 at midnight
Interview dates: Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th February 2026
Suffolk New College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As part of our ongoing commitment to Equality and Diversity, we guarantee 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 a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
We do not recognise any agencies or search agencies acting on our behalf unless officially engaged. Applicants should apply directly to us.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.