Financial Accountant

British Geological Survey - BGS Finance

Job Description:

Contract Type: 1 year fixed term

Hours: Full time – 37 hours a week is preferred (Part-time will be considered for a minimum of 30 hours p/w and a small amount of remote working is possible, but this role does require regular onsite attendance)

Location: BGS Keyworth, Nottingham

Interview date: 24th April 2026

A great benefits package is offered! including an outstanding pension scheme (with an generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays!

About the role

The post holder will work closely with the finance team, primarily using information from Oracle Fusion and other corporate systems. The role also involves liaising with the wider BGS workforce, external customers, funding bodies and suppliers when required.

They will provide support and guidance on complex accounting matters, exercising sound judgement in reconciling control accounts, reviewing revenue generation and analysing income, referring issues to management where appropriate.

The role requires some independent decision making, particularly around accruals, revenue analysis, form completion and resolving complex issues. However, much of the work will involve following established BGS, NERC and UKRI processes and procedures. The post holder will apply their accounting knowledge to ensure transactions are processed appropriately.

About you

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual to make an immediate contribution to the finance team and the wider organisation.

Working flexibly within a small team, you must demonstrate excellent communication skills as part of the role will require you to be able to explain and present financial information in an understandable way to non-finance professionals.

The following specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

Essential

• Part Qualified Accountant (CCAB or CIMA) or AAT Qualified or Substantial relevant finance experience (S)
• Very good working knowledge of basic financial accounting functions, such as accruals, prepayments, debits, credits, journals etc as well as control accounts (S&I)
• Good experience of working at a high level in a complex financial environment, with a computerised finance system including production of reports and exporting to Excel / Word and using Microsoft Excel to at least intermediate level, including lookups, pivots etc (S&I)
• Proven ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines & adapt to changing priorities, by using problem solving and attention to detail skills (S&I)
• Must be able to build good working relationships with colleagues at all levels of the organisation, whilst displaying enthusiasm for the role and continuing any professional development (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Desirable

• Experience of not for profit and/ or science research organisations (S)
• Knowledge of relevant accounting standards and principles (S&I)
• Knowledge of VAT legislation and application (S&I)
• Knowledge of Oracle Fusion reporting systems (S)

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.