Finance Assistant, Ely Diocesan Board of Finance

The Ely Diocesan Board of Finance is seeking a Finance Assistant (full time, 35 hours per week) to join the Finance Department based in Etheldreda House, Lancaster Way Business Park, Witchford.

Key Accountabilities

To support the efficient administration of the Diocesan Board of Finance by:

• Updating Ministry Share spreadsheet monthly and ensuring adequate completion for website publication
• Ensuring good communication and relationships with Parish/Deanery Representatives through the year
• Chasing ‘overdue’ Ministry Share and liaising on collections throughout year

Assisting with the maintenance of the accounting system to include but not limited to:

• Processing of purchase invoices, ensuring appropriate authorisation and payment in accordance with agreed procedures and timescales
• General assistance with the reconciliation of control accounts
• Assistance with preparation of management accounts and maintenance of financial dashboard

Other Finance Related Activities

• Assisting with the annual audit process – provision of information and explanations to auditor requests and queries
• Assisting the finance team with ad hoc reporting and projects as required
• Dealing with general Parish and other queries – phone and emails
• Cover for team in periods of absence
• Assistance with the completion of quarterly management accounts
• Cash flow management on a 16 week rolling period
• Collecting and analysing Parish accounts and returns of finance for compliance
• Quarterly reconciliation of Investment Funds
• Quarterly reconciliation of Rental Income

Schools Fund DFC – Devolved Formula Capital

• Receive funds from DfE, produce quarterly statements for schools advising balances.
• Alert schools as balances need to be spent to avoid claw back.
• Advise schools of suitable use.
• Confirm application is suitable to the DDE / HOS, arrange authorisation, make payments.
• Invoice school 10% contribution
• Annual assurance return to DfE within deadline, detailing movements between schools as necessary.

Schools Fund SCA – School Condition Allowance

• Receipt of Diocesan allocation from DfE. Transfer funds not to be immediately used to deposit.
• Allocation of funding to projects, agree and settle invoices, allocating costs to individual projects, monitoring /controlling spend in line with approved sums.
• Liaise with range of stakeholders; surveyor, contactors, schools to ensure compliance and completion.
• Communicate the project income and expenditure (sometimes complex) to schools; collect their 10% contribution to the project.
• Calculation and submission of DfE Annual assurance return, working with DDE/HOS/Surveyor to clarify position / confirm correct use of funds

Payroll

• Process monthly payroll for a number of different entities
• Set up new payrolls and registration with HMRC as required (Joint Councils, Multi Parish Benefices, CMT, PCCs etc)
• Monthly e-submissions, processing payments to staff and HMRC
• Pension – use of CEPB portal to enrol staff & process changes, checking all outputs / corrections monthly

To Contribute To The Effectiveness Of Diocesan Services By

• Attending meetings as required
• Liaison with Diocesan administrators across all departments
• Establishing good lines of communication external partners
• Representing the department and the Diocese in a positive way, having due regard to the overall culture and aims of the Diocese

Any other duties which might reasonably be requested in association with this role in order to meet the needs of the diocese.

Professional Development

• Undertake any necessary training to ensure continuing personal development
• Participate in an annual review of performance
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge and keeping up to date with new and available technologies
• Study Support through AAT or ACCA qualifications

Experience And Skills

• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• Working knowledge of the accounting systems, and proficient in use of Excel, Word, Outlook and other Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Good communication skills; oral and written
• Excellent Interpersonal and organisational skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• High standard of work presentation
• Ability to use one's initiative and work to tight deadlines
• Ability to work as a member of a small and busy team
• Time management
• Discretion regarding confidential information
• Willingness to undertake other duties within the Accounts Department and the Diocesan offices

Conditions of Appointment

• Any offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references, verification of the successful candidate's right to work in the United Kingdom, and the successful completion of a three-month probationary period.
• The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate and maintain their legal right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment. Evidence of this right will be required prior to commencement. Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role.
• This position does not require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

• If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, including the application stage, please contact us to discuss your requirements. We will work with you and will aim to make appropriate arrangements wherever reasonably practicable.

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures (click here for more).

A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.