At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team to support vulnerable people with their finances and improve processes.
- Company: Milestones Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, flexible working, health cash plan, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong communication skills, and good IT skills, especially in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 29613 - 29613 € per year.
Salary: £29,613 per annum + Excellent Benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Bristol (Hybrid working available)
Milestones Trust is a charity providing high-quality support to people with learning disabilities and mental health needs across the South West. We are proudly values-led, putting people at the heart of everything we do – including how we support our colleagues.
Overview
The Role: We are looking for a Finance Officer to join our Finance team based at our Head Office in Staple Hill, Bristol. This is an important role that contributes directly to the success of our services and the care of the people we support. It’s a hands-on position where you’ll work closely with operational teams and gain insight into how finance supports frontline services.
Responsibilities
- You will use your skills to improve processes and make a real difference to how we support vulnerable people with their finances.
- You’ll work closely with Service Managers to ensure timely and accurate monthly financial returns are completed, reconciled, and recorded on the finance system.
- You’ll also support the wider finance function across a range of activities.
- Provide advice and support to Service Managers on budget statements and queries.
- Assist in the production of monthly financial reports for homes and Trustees.
- Review and improve processes, introducing automation where possible, and provide clear guidance to operational staff.
- Support the Head of Management Accounts with housing benefit rent collection and annual price reviews.
- Contribute to the annual budget-setting process, including preparing non-pay budgets and analysing variances.
About you / Requirements
- Experience in a finance or accounts environment.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English, with strong communication skills and attention to detail.
- Good IT skills, particularly in Excel and Word.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.
- AAT qualification (or working towards it) – desirable.
Benefits
- 30 days’ annual leave, including recognised public holidays.
- Learning and development to support your career growth.
- Nationally recognised qualifications, from entry-level care to management.
- Flexible working, with rotas provided in advance.
- Occupational Sick Pay after two years, increasing with service.
- Health Cash Plan after probation, offering at least £695 cashback for health treatments (dental, optical, therapies, maternity/paternity, prescriptions).
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Free enhanced DBS check.
- Dayforce Wallet, giving you access to your earnings before payday.
- Employee referral scheme with financial rewards.
- Employee Assistance Programme from day one, offering confidential 24/7 support.
- Company pension scheme to help grow your retirement savings.
We pride ourselves with being able to offer staff opportunities to develop and progress their careers within the Trust. For an informal discussion about the job role please contact Maya Mtumbula on 07795454739.
Please note that any offer of employment will be subject to the Trust receiving evidence of your right to work in the UK. By applying for this role, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our recruitment guidelines and applicable data protection laws. Please see our Privacy Notice for more details.
Milestones Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all the individuals that it supports; it expects the same commitment from all employees. If successful at interview an enhanced DBS check will take place. A criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to recruitment. Committed to Equality and Diversity for all. Registered Charity No. 294377.
Finance Officer employer: Milestones Trust
Milestones Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where employees are valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. With a commitment to professional growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave and health cash plans, this charity provides a fulfilling environment for Finance Officers looking to contribute meaningfully while advancing their careers in Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance sector, especially those working in charities or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Milestones Trust and understanding their values. Show us how your skills align with our mission to support vulnerable people – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance roles. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Finance Officer role. Highlight your finance background, attention to detail, and any relevant qualifications like AAT. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting vulnerable people and how your finance skills can make a difference. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your IT Skills:Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, mention your proficiency in Excel and Word. If you've used any finance software, don't forget to include that too! We appreciate tech-savvy candidates who can help us improve processes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milestones Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your finance knowledge, especially around budgeting and financial reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in previous roles or how you would approach the financial responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with Service Managers, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues in the past.
✨Be Proactive About Problem-Solving
Think of specific instances where you've identified issues and implemented solutions in a finance context. Highlight your proactive approach and how it aligns with the role's requirement to improve processes and support operational teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Charity Sector
Understanding the unique challenges faced by charities, especially in finance, can set you apart. Research Milestones Trust and be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission of supporting vulnerable people.
