Assistant Accountant - University of Essex Online

Accounts Assistant
Kaplan Open Learning
Full-time, based in Leeds
£17,000 to £18,000 plus benefits including a financial training package
Kaplan Open Learning (KOL) delivers online degree courses for the University of Essex under
the brand name University of Essex Online. The University and Kaplan have been working
together since 2007 to offer high quality online courses.
University of Essex Online offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses online to both
UK and international students that enable them to benefit from a flexible approach to study. Our
structured distance learning courses allow students to work towards their degree in a unique
virtual learning environment and still have access to all the support and facilities they would
expect to receive on campus.
KOL success is directly related to our ability to recruit and retain highly qualified and motivated
individuals who are rewarded for individual and team-oriented accomplishments. The KOL work
environment is entrepreneurial in spirit and offers the excitement and creativity of a fast-paced
culture with the respected reputation and reliability of a blue-chip company.
Primary Objective of Role

Under general supervision, undertake financial tasks and projects within the accounting
and student finance functions of Kaplan Open Learning and provide administrative
support to the wider team.
Duties and Essential Job Functions










Assist in the preparation of monthly and annual accounts
Record discounts using a student management system
Assist with posting revenue charges to students’ accounts on a monthly basis. Ensure all
revenue charges applied are accurate and correct each month.
Carry out detailed regular reviews of revenue charges and ledger card balances to ensure
all change of circumstances are updated.
Maintain accurate records for each agency partner. Carry out regular reconciliations of
payments due to be received and commission payable. Calculate accruals and
prepayments in relation to this, on a monthly basis.
Liaise with Student Advisers, Head of Student Finance and Financial Administrator to
monitor and chase student debt
Assist with the month-end process as required
Assist with the Annual external Audit.
Carry out routine tasks within the student finance function
Other duties as required
Person Specification


Qualified Accounting Technician with the ambition to qualify as a Certified (ACCA) or
Management (CIMA) Accountant
Educated to GCSE level including English and Maths at grade C or above. A-levels at
English and/or Maths are an advantage.

Experience of
o Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
o maintaining good working relationships with others

Evidence of
o good organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
o good time management skills, prioritising and multitasking
o a high level of numeracy, accuracy and attention to detail
Application Method
Please email a copy of your CV and covering letter to Nicola Pittman at
[email protected] highlighting why you believe you are suitable for the role.
The deadline for applications is 15th May 2015.