Business Support Administrator in Tring

About the opportunity

CES is a consultancy specialising in the inspection and repair of buildings, civil structures and services affected by corrosion. We are looking for an organised, approachable and confident person to support the day-to-day running of our business. This is a varied role within a small team, with room to take initiative, improve how things are organised and learn new skills.

The work combines everyday business administration, managing compliance records and financial record-keeping. You do not need to be a qualified bookkeeper or compliance specialist. We have external accountants and technical staff to advise on specialist matters. We want someone who can understand requests, find the right information, ask sensible questions and follow tasks through.

What you will do

General Business Administration

• Arrange staff travel, accommodation and other business requirements.
• Manage routine correspondence, client enquiries and office administration.
• Coordinate company insurance, memberships and subscription renewals.
• Provide general administrative support to directors and colleagues.

Company Accreditations and Compliance Administration

• Complete online questionnaires and supplier accreditation applications, including CHAS and SafeContractor.
• Gather supporting documents and information from colleagues.
• Maintain organised records of company certificates, policies and supporting evidence.
• Monitor renewal dates and ensure applications are completed and submitted on time.
• Liaise with accreditation providers to resolve routine queries.

Staff and Training Administration

• Maintain employee records and assist with routine HR administration.
• Maintain staff training and competency records.
• Monitor training and certification expiry dates.
• Arrange training courses and renewals as required.
• Support new-starter and leaver administration using established procedures.

Financial Administration

• Maintain day-to-day financial records using Xero accounting software.
• Process purchase invoices, sales invoices and staff expenses.
• Undertake bank reconciliations and maintain accurate financial records.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and assist with credit control.
• Prepare payment information for director approval.
• Liaise with external accountants and prepare routine payroll information.

Organisation and Process Coordination

• Maintain administrative records, schedules and reminders.
• Take ownership of routine tasks and ensure deadlines are met.
• Identify missing information and follow up with the appropriate colleagues.
• Help improve existing administrative systems and processes.

What we are looking for

• Experience with office administration and financial records, or a clear ability to learn these. Prior experience of Xero accounting software or a bookkeeping qualification is welcome but not essential.
• Good general computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word; confidence learning new software and online portals.
• Care with figures and documents, discretion with confidential information and the ability to juggle deadlines.
• An organised, helpful approach: you take initiative, ask when unsure and communicate clearly.
• Any experience of Xero, bookkeeping, supplier questionnaires, CHAS or SafeContractor is an advantage, but we can explain our systems and procedures.

The scope of the role

This is an administration role, not a compliance-manager or finance-manager post. You will not be expected to write policies or decide technical answers. Our engineers, directors and accountants provide specialist input; your job is to organise, check, submit and follow up.

What we offer

• Salary of £28,000–£36,000 per year, depending on experience.
• 25 days paid holiday, with additional unpaid leave by agreement.
• Flexible start and finish times, subject to business requirements.
• Private medical insurance and a workplace pension.
• Mainly office-based in Tring, with hybrid or occasional home working available following initial induction and by agreement.
• Practical training in Xero and our established financial and administrative processes.
• Support for relevant development, including AAT qualifications if appropriate, introductory training on CHAS, SafeContractor and other supplier approval systems.
• A friendly small-team environment in which your work has a visible impact.
• Involvement in landmark projects such as the Forth Road Bridge, HMS Belfast, Battersea Power Station and the Temperate House at Kew Gardens.