Finance Manager in Southend-on-Sea

Finance Manager

Location: Southend | Hours: Monday–Friday, 37 hours per week | Salary: £33,635–£37,035

The Role

The Deputy Finance Manager will support the Head of Finance in the effective and accurate management of the organisation’s financial operations.

Key responsibilities include maintaining accurate QuickBooks records through to trial balance, overseeing the Equals department and staff debit cards, supervising two Accounts Assistants, maintaining effective financial controls and providing support and cover for the Head of Finance when required.

Main Responsibilities

Purchase Ledger & Supplier Management

• Process, code and enter purchase invoices into QuickBooks, ensuring appropriate approvals are obtained.
• Manage supplier queries and process supplier credits.
• Complete purchase ledger reconciliations.
• Assist with weekly BACS payment runs.

Banking, Cash & Income

• Complete daily and monthly bank reconciliations and maintain accurate cash records.
• Process and bank cash and cheques weekly.
• Support income administration and weekly cashflow forecasting.
• Liaise with Housing Income regarding service charges and ensure income is accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Investigate and respond to finance-related queries.

Equals & Staff Debit Cards

• Take responsibility for the Equals department.
• Administer staff debit cards and associated transactions.
• Ensure transactions are appropriately authorised, recorded and posted accurately to QuickBooks.
• Monitor compliance with relevant financial policies and procedures.

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Maintain accurate accounting records on QuickBooks through to trial balance.
• Prepare and post journals to the Profit & Loss account and Balance Sheet.
• Produce financial reports for non-finance colleagues.
• Extract and analyse financial information from QuickBooks.
• Use Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and lookups, to analyse and present financial data.
• Ensure financial information is accurate, timely and accessible.

Contracts & Suppliers

• Monitor the contract tendering process.
• Support the administration and management of external supplier contracts.
• Ensure relevant financial and procurement procedures are followed.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, support and allocate work to two Accounts Assistants.
• Provide guidance and ensure appropriate cover during periods of absence.
• Promote effective teamwork and communication within the Finance team.

Audit, Compliance & Controls

• Assist with internal and external audit queries and provide supporting financial information and documentation.
• Ensure Finance Policies and procedures are followed.
• Maintain accurate financial records and effective financial controls.
• Identify and escalate financial control issues to the Head of Finance.
• Support continuous improvement of financial processes and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified or studying towards AAT Level 4, or equivalent qualification; significant relevant experience (QBE) will also be considered.
• Experience working independently and autonomously.
• Experience using QuickBooks, including producing and interpreting reports.
• Experience maintaining effective financial controls.
• Strong organisational, numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Office, email and database systems.
• Ability to analyse financial information and communicate it clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity finance sector.
• Experience working within a multi-property environment.

What’s in It for You?

• Monday–Friday, 37 hours per week
• Salary: £33,635–£37,035
• 33 days’ annual leave including bank holidays, increasing by one day after 5 years’ service (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card
• Training and Development opportunities
• 24/7 Digital GP Access
• Birthday day off
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Reimbursed parking

Closing date: 21st October

Interviews: 28th October