JOB DESCRIPTION –Financial Assistant

BACKGROUND

Birnam Artsand Conference Centreis a 125 year old Scottish charity that has, in recent years, evolved into a vibrant and award winning arts and community centre based in the re-developed Birnam Institute.The building is a £2 million development and the organisation comprises 15 staff, with an annual turnover in excess of £500k.

Situated in the cultural heartland of rural Perthshire, in the attractive area of Birnam & Dunkeld,Birnam Artsis a focal point for individuals and groups within the local community. Nevertheless,Birnam Artsmanages to lure visitors, artists and performers from across the globe.

Through the provision of facilities, training and education, Birnam Arts’ mission is the promotion of arts, science, heritage and culture. The arts programme includes exhibitions, music and theatre for all ages whilst there are workshop facilities suitable for dance, drama, yoga, arts and ceramics.

A 220 seater hall is a draw for well-known musicians, comedians and performers and also serves as a versatile events venue. A major attraction within Birnam Arts is the permanent Beatrix Potter exhibition and the building is also host to the local Perth Kinross Council library which further increases footfall.

The health of this flourishing arts programme depends greatly on the success of the various commercial activities that take place through Birnam Arts’ trading company – Birnam I Ltd - including a busy cafe, conferences, events (including weddings and parties) and a gift shop. Of vital importance is the role of volunteers who contribute their time and skills across a wide range of supporting activities.

The post of Financial Assistant has become vacant and we are looking for a candidate to assist the General Manager with the important task of organising and handling the day to day processing of the centres finance. This is an important role requiring integrity and the ability to deal with confidential information and the successful candidate will be a key member of the team in delivering this vibrant community owned not for profit organisation.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the General Manager:

  • Preparation of invoices and entering supplier invoices to the Sage system.
  • Preparation of payments to suppliers and entry to the Sage system.
  • Recording weekly banking
  • Organizing petty cash
  • Preparation of payroll, including payment to HMRC, operating the pension scheme and payroll year end requirements.
  • Processing of Gift Aid Claims
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Preparation of VAT returns and payment
  • Prepare financial information and reports as required for Birnam Arts and Birnam I Ltd.
  • Presentation of the necessary documentation and records at financial year end to enable the organisation’s accountants to prepare fully audited accounts and other related issues.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  1. Financial/accounting/bookkeeping qualifications would be helpful but not essential.
  2. Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Competence in Excel would be helpful.
  3. Experience of using Sage accounting software would be highly desirable.
  4. Experience of handling payroll systems would be highly desirable.
  5. Good verbal and written communication skills required.

Preferred Skills

  1. Good organizational skills and ability to prioritise.
  2. Good team working skills
  3. High level of integrity required.

Additional Notes

If necessary, training can be arranged where a good candidate does not possess the specific skills or qualifications.

TERMS and CONDITIONS

This is a part-time post covering 3 days (24 hours) per week. Generally the hours worked can be flexible, as agreed with the General Manager, subject to meeting key operational targets such as payroll, HMRC requirements etc.

Basic salary - £12,412.53 for the 3 days.

Birnam Arts has recently introduced a pension auto-enrolment scheme with Royal London.

Holiday entitlement – 29 days paid leave, including bank holidays.

Limited travel may be required, principally to visit the organisation’s accountants or for training purposes.

This is a ‘permanent’ post but will be subject to a 6 month ‘probation period’.

APPLICATIONS

Applications for this post can be made by sending your CV, with a covering letter stating why you are attracted to this post and your reasons for applying to:

The General Manager at the following e-mail address:

Alternatively you can send hard copies by post to:

The General Manager, Birnam Arts, Station Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, Perthshire, PH8 0DS. Please mark the envelope as confidential.

CLOSING DATE for applications is May25th, 2018

Birnam Arts is a Scottish Guarantee Company (Company No. SC402171)

Recognised as a Scottish Charity under Charity No. SC024975

Birnam Arts, Station Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 0DS

Tel: 01350 727674