When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.
Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model. In your role as Investment Accountant, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to own end-to-end financial reporting for a portfolio of SPVs - delivering management accounts, valuations support and year-end statutory accounts through to audit and board approval. You’ll apply technical accounting judgement to complex structures and transactions, working closely with auditors and stakeholders across finance, tax, governance and investment operations to resolve issues, strengthen controls and improve reporting. As a trusted part of the Finance team you will: - Prepare and maintain management accounts for multiple SPVs in accordance with FRS 102 and relevant statutory requirements.
- Prepare annual financial statements and supporting schedules for SPVs, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with accounting standards.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, and statutory requirements specific to SPVs.
- Take ownership of SPV audit delivery, coordinating with external auditors, tax, governance and legal teams, and responding to audit requests on a timely basis
- Proactively identify accounting judgements, risks or issues impacting SPV reporting or audit delivery, and work with the Financial Reporting Manager to resolve them.
- Present financial statements and key accounting matters clearly and confidently at SPV board meetings to support directors’ understanding and approval.
- Monitor SPV cash flows, distributions and debt servicing obligations, supporting investment operations teams with accurate and timely financial information.
- Completion of the monthly valuations template to report accurate financial positions, in support of the valuations process performed by the separate FinVal team.
- Reconcile bank accounts, intercompany balances and loan positions between SPVs and the Scheme.
- Support the maintenance of strong financial controls over SPV accounting processes and contribute to continuous improvement of reporting processes.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis related to SPVs.
- Support the production and year end delivery of the Scheme Annual Report & Accounts (ARA) and Corporate financial statements.
- Assist with the preparation, verification and review of working papers, disclosures and supporting analysis for Scheme and Corporate reporting.
- Ensure outputs are accurate, well evidenced and compliant with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Work collaboratively with the Financial Reporting Manager and wider team to meet statutory and internal deadlines.
- Contribute to ad hoc technical accounting projects, applying accounting knowledge to support business decision making and resolve reporting or structural issues.
- Assess the accounting implications of transactions, structures or initiatives, identifying risks and presenting clear, well reasoned options and recommendations.
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will: - Have strong technical accounting expertise that can be drawn upon to support the business and support the wider team.
- Be able to apply accounting standards pragmatically, exercising professional judgement and escalating issues appropriately.
- Be capable of presenting clear, well structured analysis and solutions to the Financial Reporting Manager and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrate ownership and accountability for deliverables across both SPV and Scheme reporting.
- Be capable of working to tight deadlines across multiple reporting cycles, maintaining high standards of accuracy and control.
- Proactively plans work, manages competing demands and communicates early when support, prioritisation or escalation is required.
- Be able to balance Scheme and SPV priorities effectively while managing own workload independently.
- Be able to explain technical accounting matters clearly and pragmatically, tailoring communication for different audiences.
- Be comfortable interacting with a wide range of stakeholders, including auditors, tax, governance, investment operations and senior colleagues.
- Build effective working relationships and contributes positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Be proactive and inquisitive, seeking to understand the substance and impact of transactions and structures.
- Be willing to challenge own and others’ understanding constructively to improve outcomes.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and attention to detail in all outputs.
Experience and qualifications - Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
- Financial reporting experience essential.
- Experience in financial services (preferably pensions) and/or investment related reporting, including SPV or subsidiary structures, or equivalent experience overseeing reporting for multiple legal entities.
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits! How we will reward you - Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values: - Integrity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025). To find out more, please visit https://www.uss.co.uk
USSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk. |
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