Accounts Clerk (Part-Time) in Belfast

Ashton Recruitment requires an Accounts Clerk for our client, The Bar of Northern Ireland.

Location: Belfast City Centre

Duration: Permanent

Pay Rate: Salary on Request

Hours of Work: 22.5 hours per week Monday to Friday. To be available between 08.30 am and 19.30 pm depending on the business requirements of the day.

The Bar of Northern Ireland is the professional body for barristers in Northern Ireland, representing those who are qualified to practice as advocates in the courts. Barristers play a crucial role in the justice system, providing specialist legal advice, advocacy, ensuring the rule of law and access to justice are upheld.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Finance Assistant has responsibility for:

• The day-to-day operation of the Fees Collection Service, representing approximately 75% of the role.
• Ensuring timely communications & logging of referrals and updates, effective document management, and full compliance with Fees Collection procedures and GDPR.
• Providing support across core Finance Department functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and credit control.

Duties will include (but not limited to):

• Under the supervision of the Finance Manager, operate the Fees Collection service to ensure timely recovery of fees, accurate documentation, member engagement, and compliance with procedures and data protection standards.
• Deliver the service in accordance with the Fees Collection procedure, ensuring all activities are carried out in line with the Code of Conduct.
• Drafting and issuing reminder letters at the appropriate times.
• Using effective diary management to pursue outstanding amounts via telephone and email, ensuring all responses and payment commitments are accurately documented.
• Resolving queries both internally and externally.
• Posting and allocating receipts.
• Producing reports, metrics and graphics to highlight the effectiveness of the service and the process.
• Actively promote the service to the membership.
• Systematically file, review, and eliminate data in line with Data Protection protocols and retention schedules.

Under the supervision and direction of the Finance Manager, ensure accurate and timely processing of sales, purchase, and cash book transactions to ensure the broader functions of the Finance Department are fully covered.

• Post sales invoices accurately and in a timely manner, agreeing totals to relevant sales reports.
• Update the Cash Book when required, ensuring customer payments are accurately recorded in the sales ledger.
• Reconcile totals regularly to ensure accurate maintenance of debtor's records.
• Post purchase invoices accurately and in a timely manner, agreeing totals to relevant purchase reports.

Under the supervision of the Finance Manager, oversee banking operations to ensure optimal cash flow, reduce financial risk, and maintain accurate, transparent banking records that support compliance and effective oversight.

• Prepare bank lodgments according to agreed procedures to ensure Cash Flow is maximised and the risks associated with retaining cash on the premises is minimised.

Under the supervision of the Finance Manager, support members through the provision of timely, and accurate financial information.

• Provide guidance on matters relating to Fees Collection and other financial processes.
• Deal with all member's queries in a professional and timely manner, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Proactively seek out methods to improve or expand services offered and make recommendations to the Finance Manager.
• Share relevant account information with members and communicate directly with their accountants when requested.
• Champion and promote the use of the Fees Collection Service by Members.
• Support the setup, preparation, and delivery of Finance Department inductions or service demonstrations as required.

Under the supervision of the Finance Manager, manage sundry credit control processes for Solicitors and Members to safeguard cash flow and ensure compliance with the Debtors Policy.

• Deliver timely information and accurate documentation to aid informed decision-making, while following established escalation procedures.
• Send reminders, statements, and follow-up communications in accordance with departmental processes and the Debtors Policy.
• Respond to queries regarding outstanding balances and supply all relevant supporting documentation.
• Escalate any defaulters to the Finance Manager.

Essential Criteria:

• GCSE's including English & Math or equivalent.
• Book-Keeping / Accounting qualification to at least GCSE or equivalent standard.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience (gained within the immediate last 5 years) of working in a Finance Office, with a demonstrable understanding of double-entry bookkeeping principles.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience (gained within the immediate last 5 years) of credit control and working to agreed procedures.
• Proven experience, gained within the last two years, in the use of recognised accounting software (e.g. AccountsIQ, Sage, Xero).
• A minimum of 2 years' experience (gained within the last 5 years) of demonstratable experience in the use of Microsoft Excel to efficiently manage & present data.
• Demonstrable knowledge of best practice in data protection, including compliance principles as they relate to the handling of financial information.
• Demonstratable knowledge of internal control procedures to support accurate financial & data processing and ensure compliance.
• Displays initiative and energy in tackling challenges, with a consistent focus on achieving results.
• Demonstrable ability to adapt communication style and approach to suit a wide range of situations and personalities, while remaining calm, patient and objective.
• Demonstrable ability to deploy empathy and tact when dealing with sensitive matters, during difficult or emotionally charged conversations.
• Demonstrate a top level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrable ability to organise, prioritise, and manage one's own work.
• Demonstrate strong IT proficiency and a focus on continual learning and development in IT applications.
• A proven team and cross team collaborator.
• Demonstratable excellence in customer service.
• Understand and respect the principles of confidentiality.

Desirable Criteria:

• Working toward a recognised accounting qualification.
• Previous experience of working in a regulatory or professional services environment.