At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day finances, bookkeeping, and payroll for a vibrant farming operation.
- Company: Join a historic estate with a commitment to agriculture and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, pension scheme, and potential relocation support.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team in a beautiful rural setting while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping, ideally with Xero, and a passion for rural 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 in Mansfield employer: St Giles Estate
St Giles Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of rural charm and professional growth within a thriving agricultural and hospitality environment. Employees enjoy a supportive team culture, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices while working in the picturesque Dorset countryside. With a commitment to stewardship and community, St Giles Farms Ltd provides a rewarding workplace for those passionate about agriculture and finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant/Bookkeeper in Mansfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research St Giles Estate and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand our commitment to stewardship and rural life. It’ll make you stand out as someone who truly cares about being part of our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with Xero and bookkeeping aligns with our needs. We want to hear about your past roles and how you’ve tackled challenges in a busy environment like ours.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you’ve managed multiple deadlines or handled complex accounts. We love a candidate who can juggle tasks while keeping everything in order, especially in a dynamic setting like a farm.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! This is your chance to find out more about the role and the team. Ask us about the day-to-day operations or how we support each other in the office. It shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant/Bookkeeper in Mansfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Accountant/Bookkeeper role. Highlight your experience with Xero and any relevant bookkeeping tasks you've handled in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about working in a rural environment and how your background fits with our values at St Giles. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since accuracy is key in this role, consider including examples of how you've maintained precise records or resolved discrepancies in previous positions. This will show us you take pride in your work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Giles Estate
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around Xero and double-entry bookkeeping. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed ledgers or processed payments in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the software but can also apply it effectively.
✨Understand the Farm Context
Familiarise yourself with the agricultural sector and the unique challenges it faces. Knowing about St Giles Farms Ltd and its operations will help you connect your experience to their needs. Mentioning specific crops or practices can demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that require you to solve real-world problems, like handling overdue accounts or preparing VAT returns. Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take in these situations. This shows you can think on your feet and are ready for the hands-on nature of the job.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with the Farm Manager and the wider Estate Team, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles, especially in dynamic environments. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively will resonate well with their team-oriented culture.
