Main Purpose of the Job

The Financial Accountant is the guardian of the general ledger. As such, even though they might not be directly responsible for each aspect, they are nevertheless responsible for the overall month-end process and, in particular, closing the books within 5 working days of the book-month end. Additional responsibilities within this role include student reporting alongside related grant reporting and the supervision of the financial control team.

Key Relationships

Finance team including Finance manager and Finance director. External parties including statutory auditors.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Student Finances
• Responsibility for month end process for students Quarterly reporting for QIB / JIC / DTP
• Adhoc queries
• Assistance with complex / confidential claims

30

Month End
• Manage the month end close down routines and ensure timely and complete process is maintained
• Close general ledger and prepare trial balance within 5 working days of book month end for all legal entities

20

Policy and procedures
• Preparation and completion of finance’s policy and procedure manual
• Conduct a review of the financial control team’s workflows for process improvements and produce a schedule of suggested changes

15

Financial Reporting and Compliance
• Preparation of subsidiary statutory accounts and assistance with the management of the audit
• Ensure appropriate control mechanisms in place
• Various ONS submissions

10

Supervision of the Financial Accounting Team
• Provide day to day supervision of the FC team, as well as cover in required areas during team leave

10

Maintaining the Ledgers
• Responsible for the integrity of the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers for all legal entities
• Involvement in the monthly balance sheet reconciliation process
• Ensure accurate, timely transaction processing
• Prepare cross site utility recharges
• Assistance with and approval of fixed asset capitalisations

10

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Finalist in a recognised professional accounting qualification

Essential

Qualified accountant with a recognised professional accounting qualification or equivalent

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Strong numeric analytical skills, with the ability to interrogate and interpret complex financial data

Essential

Excellent computer skills, including e-mail, internet, word-processing and spreadsheet knowledge

Essential

Proven ability in team supervision

Essential

Clear logical approach to problem solving

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Preparation of statutory accounts and assisting with the management of audits

Essential

Maintaining integrity of the ledgers

Essential

Experience in grant accounting

Essential

Statistical reporting for statutory bodies and other stakeholders

Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Strong customer service skills

Essential

Adaptability within the role, responding to change and the requirement to work across all institutes with positivity

Essential

Demonstrates the positive attitude and behaviours necessary to be an effective member of a team

Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop positive relationships and work well as part of a team

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Ability to work with precision and accuracy within deadlines

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the values of the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard hours as required

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Partnership

Essential

NBI Partnership

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.

For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.

Department

Finance

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Financial Accountant (General Ledger)

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a Financial Accountant (General Ledger) to join their busy Finance department.

Background:

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes are a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century – the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing. 

The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.

Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team.  In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.

The Finance department is responsible for dealing with all finance matters for the main organisations on site and other subsidiary companies. Financial services provided include Management Accounts, Petty Cash, Expense Claims, Budgeting and Grant Accounting. They also deal with all Statutory Accounting, VAT and Taxation issues.

The role:

The Financial Accountant (General Ledger) is a key role within finance. The successful candidate will lead the month‑end process, ensuring accurate accounts and a timely close across all legal entities. The post holder will also take responsibility for student finance grant reporting, statutory ONS submissions, and provide day‑to‑day supervision of the Financial Control team.

Working closely with colleagues across Finance and external auditors, they will play a central part in upholding financial integrity, supporting process improvements, and maintaining strong financial controls.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will be a finalist in a recognised professional accounting qualification. They must have a solid understanding of general ledger accounting and be experienced in grant accounting. They will have a background in leading month‑end processes, maintaining ledger integrity, and supporting reporting which includes statutory accounts, grants and ONS submissions. With excellent analytical skills and excel capability. They will be confident working with complex financial data, ensuring accuracy and funder compliance under tight deadlines.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £36,540 to £40,600 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time indefinite post.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.nbi.ac.uk/  or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1006034.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications.

The closing date for applications will be 4th February 2026.