At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day finances, bookkeeping, and payroll for a vibrant farming estate.
- Company: St Giles Estate, a unique blend of agriculture and hospitality in beautiful Dorset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, pension scheme, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and relocation for the right candidate.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and enjoy a hands-on role in a stunning rural setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping, familiarity with Xero, and a passion for farm life.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 37000 £ per year.
About St Giles
St Giles Estate sits at the southern end of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, approximately 10 miles north of Wimborne. Home to the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury and his family, the Estate combines a working agricultural business with a thriving hospitality, events and stud enterprise centred on the award-winning restoration of St Giles House. St Giles Farms Ltd is the Estate’s in-hand farming business, working around 3,000 acres of predominantly light chalk soils. The principal enterprise is the production of combinable crops, wheat, barley, oats, oilseed rape and peas, alongside a strong commitment to stewardship of the wider landscape, including water meadows, permanent pasture and rare habitats under the Countryside Stewardship scheme.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and diligent Farm Accountant / Bookkeeper to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function for St Giles Farms Ltd. Working closely with the Farm Manager and the wider Estate Team, the post-holder will keep the books in good order on Xero, manage ledgers and payment runs, handle VAT, payroll and statutory returns, and provide reliable, well-organised support across a busy and varied farming operation. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys rural life, takes pride in accurate work, and is comfortable juggling routine bookkeeping with the unpredictable rhythms of a working farm. You will be part of a small, friendly team in a dynamic and genuinely interesting environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Day-to-day bookkeeping on Xero, maintaining accurate and timely records for St Giles Farms Ltd.
- Running the purchase and sales ledgers from end to end, including invoice processing, coding and posting.
- Processing supplier payment runs and ensuring suppliers are paid to terms.
- Debtor and creditor controls: issuing statements, chasing overdue accounts and resolving queries promptly.
- Preparing and submitting monthly VAT returns to HMRC.
- Performing regular bank reconciliations across all farm accounts.
- Preparing P11D and P11D(b) forms and supporting other HMRC statutory returns.
- Managing payroll inputs and timesheets, and acting as the day-to-day point of contact for the external payroll manager.
- Providing administrative and financial support to the Farm Manager, including ad-hoc reporting and analysis.
- Responding promptly and professionally to internal and external queries on accounts, payments and payroll.
- Working alongside the wider Estate Team to ensure consistency of practice and to share information where appropriate.
About You
- Proven experience in a bookkeeping or accounts role, ideally within agriculture, an estate, or a similarly varied SME environment.
- Confident, current user of Xero, with a sound understanding of double-entry bookkeeping.
- Solid working knowledge of UK VAT, PAYE, P11D / P11D(b) and other HMRC obligations.
- Comfortable owning the purchase and sales ledgers, payment runs and bank reconciliations without close supervision.
- Highly organised, accurate, and able to keep multiple deadlines in view at once.
- A diligent, conscientious approach — integrity is essential.
- A team player who enjoys farm life and is happy to be part of a wider Estate community.
- Good IT skills generally (Microsoft 365 / email / spreadsheets) and confident written and verbal communication.
- A relevant accounting qualification (e.g. AAT) is welcome but not essential — the right experience matters more.
What We Offer
- A salary of between £32,000 to £37,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Workplace pension scheme and statutory holiday entitlement (further details to be agreed with the successful candidate).
- Flexibility on hours — we are open to full-time or part-time arrangements for the right person.
- The opportunity to relocate locally may be available for the right candidate.
- A varied, hands-on role within a respected, long-established Estate with a strong commitment to people, place and stewardship.
- A friendly, supportive Estate Team and a beautiful rural working environment in Dorset.
Accountant/Bookkeeper employer: St Giles Estate
St Giles Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of rural charm and professional growth within a supportive team environment. With a commitment to stewardship and community, employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that contributes to the estate's agricultural and hospitality ventures. The picturesque location in Dorset enhances the experience, making it an ideal workplace for those who appreciate both nature and a dynamic work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant/Bookkeeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research St Giles Estate, its values, and its operations. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to bookkeeping and finance. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience with Xero and handling VAT, payroll, and ledgers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for them! Ask about the team dynamics or how they manage the balance between farming and finance. It shows you're engaged and ready to contribute to the Estate's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the unique environment at St Giles Farms Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant/Bookkeeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in bookkeeping or accounts, especially if it's within agriculture or a similar environment. We want to see how your background aligns with the role at St Giles Farms Ltd.
Be Specific About Skills:Mention your proficiency with Xero and your understanding of double-entry bookkeeping. We love it when applicants can demonstrate their technical skills clearly, so don’t hold back on the details!
Keep It Organised:Just like in bookkeeping, organisation is key! Structure your application well, making it easy for us to read. Use headings, bullet points, and clear language to convey your message effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the necessary updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Giles Estate
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around Xero and UK VAT regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with bookkeeping and how you've managed ledgers in previous roles.
✨Show Your Rural Passion
Since this role is set in a farming environment, express your enthusiasm for rural life. Share any relevant experiences you have in agriculture or working in similar settings to show you're a good fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think of examples where you've handled tight deadlines or resolved financial discrepancies. Be prepared to walk through your thought process and how you maintain accuracy under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare questions that show your interest in the Estate's operations. Inquire about their approach to stewardship or how the finance team collaborates with other departments. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the role.
