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 a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a respected estate with a commitment to stewardship.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and make a real impact in a dynamic agricultural setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping, familiarity with Xero, and a passion for rural life.
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 Wimborne Minster 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 and friendly team. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on stewardship of the landscape, this role as a Farm Accountant/Bookkeeper provides meaningful engagement in a dynamic environment that values accuracy and integrity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant/Bookkeeper in Wimborne Minster
✨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 at St Giles. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Get familiar with Xero if you haven't already. Since this role requires a solid understanding of it, brushing up on your skills will show you're serious about the position. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up during interviews!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching St Giles Estate. Understand their farming operations and values. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on joining the St Giles community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant/Bookkeeper in Wimborne Minster
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:Don’t just say you’re good with Xero; give us examples of how you've used it in your previous roles. Mention your familiarity with VAT, PAYE, and other HMRC obligations to show you know your stuff!
Keep It Organised:Just like you would keep the books in order, make sure your application is well-structured. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
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 managing ledgers, processing payments, and handling VAT. Showing confidence in these areas will demonstrate that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Understand the Farm's Operations
Familiarise yourself with St Giles Farms Ltd and its agricultural practices. Knowing about their crops and stewardship efforts will help you connect your accounting skills to their operations, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that test your problem-solving abilities, like how you'd handle overdue accounts or discrepancies in bank reconciliations. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a small team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in previous roles, especially in a dynamic environment like a farm, to highlight your fit within their friendly Estate community.
