Senior Accounting Services Officer

Salary: £36,000 up to £40,279 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: SC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

To lead the expense management function and oversee the accounts payable operations within the Accounting Services team. This role will take full ownership of all expense-related activities, as there is no dedicated expense administrator, and will also provide oversight and guidance to the AP administrator. In addition to supporting the Accounting Services Manager in managing the wider team, the role will drive improvements and efficiencies in expense systems, processes, and reporting.

Core Accountabilities

• Supervise and support the Accounting Services Officer in daily tasks and coordination.
• Assist with team queries and day-to-day decisions as needed.
• Review employee expense claims to ensure they follow company policy.
• Communicate with line managers and employees regarding claims outside of policy.
• Manage and maintain the SAP Concur expense system, including user support and basic system improvements.
• Help improve data flow between SAP Concur and ByDesign (ByD).
• Support system updates and integration efforts.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports on Accounts Payable and T&RE costs and support the wider business.
• Post journals as required and assist with financial reporting tasks.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations for invoices and payroll benefit deductions, and other accounts as needed.
• Contribute to ongoing process improvements within SAP Concur and related finance processes.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Accounting Services Manager or Financial Controller.

About You

Desirable Experience & Skills:

Essential

• Proven experience in managing expense processes and accounts payable (AP), including handling queries and resolving issues.
• Strong communication skills, with confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to produce clear, insightful financial reports.
• Experience supporting and improving financial processes, with a focus on efficiency and accuracy.
• Working knowledge of expense and accounting systems.

Qualifications:

• AAT qualified, or part/fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA).
• Experience in a finance supervisory or support role.

Desirable

• Experience in treasury and procurement functions is desirable.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusive Recruitment

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: 2nd January 2026

Interview Date: w/c 12th or 19th January 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.