Financial Accountant

We are seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to provide technical advice and leadership on all financial accounting aspects for the Institute including a focus on overseeing the external audit and statutory accounts preparation. The successful individual will have extensive knowledge of financial processes, the handling of VAT and will also manage cashflow forecasting and key banking processes. As a member of the senior finance management team, they will engage with a wide range of colleagues and have the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across the organisation. Whilst we would expect the individual to be a qualified accountant, assistance to achieve further professional qualifications will be considered. There is also the option of hybrid working and/or part time working. This role offers a great work-life balance as well as the opportunity to be involved in this unique and ground-breaking organisation.

Main duties of postholder:

• Preparation of statutory accounts including liaison with external auditors and preparation of audit working papers.
• Management of month-end processes relating to sales, purchase, payroll and nominal ledgers, ensuring financial transactions are recorded properly.
• Review of proposed purchase ledger and sundry payments.
• Development and maintenance of cashflow forecasting.
• Ensure all key balance sheet control accounts are reconciled periodically.
• Preparation of quarterly VAT returns (including partial exemption).
• Provide other statutory financial reporting e.g. ONS returns.
• Control of Fixed Asset Register postings.
• Update overhead calculations and daily charge-out rates using payroll and financial accounting information.
• Review financial processes to ensure compliance as well as efficiency.
• Support the Head of Finance and Financial Controller in communicating financial aspects to colleagues and ensuring a strong governance framework and compliance.
• Other ad hoc duties as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Qualified - UK accountancy body
• Experience:

• Able to produce statutory financial statements
• Experience of working with external auditors and the preparation of working schedules for audit
• Experienced at maintaining and reconciling the general ledger, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded properly.
• Good knowledge of fixed asset accounting
• Good knowledge of VAT
• Experience of working in a variety of finance environments
• Knowledge of charity accounting principles, or willingness to acquire knowledge
• Knowledge of payroll
• Cashflow management and treasury

• Proficiency in accounting software with excellent IT skills and a particular strength in MS Excel.
• Good team working with finance colleagues and the ability to collaborate across the organization.
• Effective written and verbal communication in presenting financial information or explaining challenges, particularly to non-finance staff
• Strong problem solving skills when identifying issues and resolving financial discrepancies.

What We Offer

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
• Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
• Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
• Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance.