At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day bookkeeping and financial records for diverse businesses.
- Company: Established family-run farming business with a century of trust.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible part-time hours, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, with potential for remote work.
- Why this job: Join a stable role with real impact in a friendly family business.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping, attention to detail, and familiarity with accounting software.
The predicted salary is between 30 - 30 £ per hour.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire (office based, flexible working available)
Employment Type: Part-time, Permanent, 2 days per week (flexible)
Rate: £20 to £30 per hour, depending on experience
About Us
The Dean family have been farming in Lincolnshire for over a century, building a reputation for trust and long-term stewardship. Based five miles south of Lincoln, we operate two principal agricultural businesses trading as Dean Farming and manage a number of associated family companies and trusts spanning farming, property and diversified rural interests.
Following the retirement of our long-serving bookkeeper, we are looking for an experienced part-time bookkeeper to take on the day-to-day financial record‑keeping across the group and to support the smooth running of our family office.
The Role
This is a hands‑on bookkeeping role responsible for maintaining accurate financial records across our farming, property and diversified rural interests and the associated family companies and trusts. Working closely with the directors and external advisers, you will keep the books in good order and provide the reliable information on which the wider finance function depends. Day to day, you will manage bookkeeping and bank reconciliations, prepare and submit VAT returns, raise and reconcile rent demands, process invoices for payment, and prepare year‑end records and working papers for our external accountants. The role also includes seasonal payroll, annual investment reconciliations, and maintaining company and trust filings. This is a part‑time role of around two days per week, with flexibility on how those hours are arranged. It is primarily office based at our premises five miles south of Lincoln, although flexible and some remote working can be discussed, as our accounting system can be accessed remotely.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain day‑to‑day bookkeeping and bank reconciliations across a number of companies, trusts and other entities
- Prepare and submit VAT returns under Making Tax Digital, primarily through our accounting software
- Raise rent demands and invoices, reconcile income from managing agents, and monitor and chase outstanding payments
- Code and process purchase and contractor invoices for payment
- Prepare annual accounts records and working papers for our external accountants
- Carry out annual investment reconciliations for the pension funds and investment companies
- Process seasonal and casual payroll, with PAYE and RTI reporting to HMRC
- Maintain company and trust filings, including Companies House confirmation statements and HMRC Trust Registration Service updates
- Liaise with the directors, external accountants, managing agents and investment managers
About You
We are looking for an experienced, reliable bookkeeper who enjoys working across a varied set of businesses and can keep multiple sets of books accurate and up to date. You will be well organised, numerate and discreet, comfortable handling confidential family and business finances, and able to work independently and manage your own workload across many entities. You will be confident using computerised accounting software and liaising directly with directors, advisers and agents.
- Proven bookkeeping experience, ideally across more than one business or entity
- Sound understanding of double‑entry bookkeeping, VAT and Making Tax Digital
- Confident using computerised accounting software, with good Excel skills
- Accurate, well organised and strong attention to detail
- Discreet and trustworthy in handling confidential financial information
- Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- AAT qualified, or qualified by experience
- Experience of Key Prime, or similar farm or estate accounting software (or willingness to learn)
- Experience in agriculture, rural estates, property or family‑run businesses
- Familiarity with rental property bookkeeping and managing‑agent statements
- Payroll experience (PAYE and RTI)
- Awareness of trust and company filing requirements
What We Offer
- £20 to £30 per hour, depending on experience
- Part‑time hours, around two days per week, with flexibility on how they are arranged
- Primarily office based, with flexible and some remote working open to discussion
- A varied and interesting role within a long‑established Lincolnshire family business
- A stable, long‑term position within a supportive and friendly team
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief covering letter to office@deanfarming.co.uk outlining your suitability for the role.
Bookkeeper in Lincoln employer: Dean Farming
Join a long-established family business in Lincolnshire, where you will find a supportive and friendly work culture that values trust and stewardship. As a part-time bookkeeper, you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements while contributing to the financial health of diverse agricultural and property interests. With competitive pay and opportunities for personal growth, this role offers a meaningful way to engage with a community-focused organisation dedicated to its employees and their development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookkeeper in Lincoln
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Dean Farming.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookkeeper in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Dean Farming!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Dean Farming. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Dean Farming. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dean Farming
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
