Finance Assistant

Our client is a small charitable organisation with a varied portfolio of activities, including the operation of a residential care service, the management of residential and commercial properties, and the oversight of an investment portfolio.

The finance function is delivered by a small team of two, comprising the Finance Manager and a Finance Assistant. This is a varied, hands-on role offering the opportunity to work across all aspects of the finance function.

Purpose of the Role

To provide temporary cover for the Finance Assistant during a period of absence, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the finance department and supporting the timely production of accurate financial information.

The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, manage a varied workload and become effective in the role quickly.

Key Responsibilities
Processing purchase ledger invoices, supplier payments and statement reconciliations.
Maintaining the sales ledger, including raising invoices, posting receipts and credit control where required.
Processing daily bank transactions and completing bank reconciliations.
Assisting with cash management.
Processing payroll using Sage Payroll.
Preparing month-end journals, including prepayments and accruals.
Assisting with the preparation of monthly management accounts.
Reconciling balance sheet control accounts.
Maintaining accurate financial records within Sage 50 Accounts.
Responding to finance queries from suppliers, customers and colleagues.
Supporting the Finance Manager with ad hoc finance and administrative tasks.
Maintaining confidentiality and complying with established financial procedures.

Person Specification
Essential
Previous experience in an all-round Finance Assistant or Accounts Assistant role.
Experience of purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank reconciliations and payroll.
Good understanding of double-entry bookkeeping.
Experience of preparing month-end journals, including prepayments and accruals.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to organise and prioritise workloads effectively.
Able to work with minimal supervision and use initiative.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
Experience of Sage 50 Accounts.
Experience of Sage Payroll.
Experience of assisting with monthly management accounts.
Previous experience working within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
AAT qualification or equivalent practical accounting experience.
Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

Reliable and dependable.
Flexible and adaptable.
Proactive with a positive approach.
Able to build effective working relationships quickly.
Comfortable working within a small team where responsibilities are varied.
Committed to producing accurate work and meeting deadlines.
Systems
Sage 50 Accounts
Sage Payroll
Microsoft Office, including Excel
Additional Information

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys working in a small organisation where no two days are the same. The successful candidate will be expected to provide seamless support across the finance function, ensuring business continuity throughout the temporary assignment.