At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day finances, bookkeeping, and payroll for a vibrant farming operation.
- Company: St Giles Estate, a unique blend of agriculture and hospitality in a stunning rural setting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, pension scheme, and potential relocation support.
- Other info: Enjoy a hands-on role with excellent career growth opportunities in a beautiful location.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and make a real impact in a dynamic farming environment.
- 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 Oakley 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 overall experience, making it an ideal workplace for those who appreciate both nature and a collaborative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant/Bookkeeper in Oakley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the agriculture and finance sectors. Let them know you're on the hunt for an Accountant/Bookkeeper role, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings at places like St Giles.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your Xero skills sharp! Since this role requires a confident user of Xero, consider brushing up on your skills or even taking a quick online course. Being well-versed in the software will give you a leg up during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you can demonstrate your experience with VAT, payroll, and managing ledgers. Have specific examples ready to show how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are always attractive traits to employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant/Bookkeeper in Oakley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Accountant/Bookkeeper. Highlight your experience with Xero and any relevant bookkeeping skills. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Show Off Your Experience:In your application, don’t just list your previous jobs. Tell us about specific tasks you’ve handled, especially those related to VAT, payroll, and managing ledgers. We love seeing real examples of your work!
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly:While we appreciate a casual tone, remember to keep it professional. Show us your personality but also your commitment to accuracy and diligence in your work. We’re looking for someone who fits right into our friendly team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at St Giles!
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.
✨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 with agriculture or working in similar settings to show you're a good fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about VAT, PAYE, and other HMRC obligations. Prepare to explain how you've handled these in past positions, and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills with real-life scenarios.
✨Be Organised and Diligent
Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail during the interview. Discuss how you manage multiple deadlines and ensure accuracy in your work, as these traits are crucial for the role.
