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 available 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 rural life.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 37000 £ per year.
A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.
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.
Bookkeeper / Accountant - Part Time employer: St Giles Estate
St Giles Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful rural setting while being part of a dedicated team committed to agricultural excellence and environmental stewardship. With flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a supportive work culture, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in this dynamic environment that values integrity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookkeeper / Accountant - Part Time
✨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 bookkeeping skills on Xero! Since this role requires a solid understanding of the software, brushing up on your Xero knowledge will give you an edge during the interview. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with people in the agricultural sector! Join local farming groups or online forums to connect with others in the industry. You never know who might have insights or tips about the job at St Giles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookkeeper / Accountant - Part Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your bookkeeping experience, especially with Xero, and any relevant agricultural knowledge. We want to see how you can bring your skills to our team!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Don’t skip the cover letter! Use it to show us your personality and why you’re excited about working at St Giles. Share your passion for rural life and how you can contribute to our friendly team.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your experience and skills shine through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Don’t wait too long; we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Giles Estate
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your bookkeeping skills, especially with Xero. Be ready to discuss your experience with managing ledgers, VAT, and payroll. Having specific examples of how you've handled these tasks in the past will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Agriculture
Since this role is set within a farming environment, express your enthusiasm for rural life and agriculture. Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the farming community, as this will resonate well with the team.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around managing accounts and resolving queries. Think of scenarios where you've had to juggle multiple deadlines or handle unexpected issues, and be ready to explain how you managed them.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with the Farm Manager and the wider Estate Team. Highlight your ability to work well in a team, share information, and support others. Mention any previous experiences where teamwork was key to achieving success.
