JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Financial controller

We are looking for an experienced and qualified accountant who, working closely with the Chief Executive, will be responsible for the day to day management of Bexley Heritage Trust and the associated trading company finances. This includes preparation of thestatutory year end accounts for external audit as well as developing financial policies, systems and procedures and controls to ensure the efficient management of the organisation’s financial resources.

Line Manager:Chief Executive

Hours:Part time (2 days per week)

Salary:£32,500 per annum pro rata

Background Information

Bexley Heritage Trust was formed as an independent organisation in 2000 by Bexley Council. It is a registered charity managing Hall Place & Gardens,a Grade 1 listed Tudor country house restored in 2009 and is set in a 65 hectare estate.

Purpose

To exercise day to day control of Bexley Heritage Trust and the associated trading company finances, ensuring efficient management and best use of the organisations financial resources.

Principal duties

  • Responsible for day to day bookkeeping duties in order to accurately maintain the sales, purchase and nominal ledgers and cash book, utilising Sage 50 accounting software
  • Responsible forcash management and treasury duties including regular bank reconciliations utilising Sage 50 accounting software
  • To ensure efficient management of the organisation’s financial resources – including processing of all monies received, banking of funds, processing of monthly payroll
  • Responsible for the preparation of timely and accurate quarterly and annual management accounts
  • Provide all financial assistance necessary to enable and participate in the preparation of the company’s annual budgets
  • To control accounting procedures, check and authorise expenditureand to act as signatory on the bank accounts thereby ensuring budgetary compliance by all budget holders and that funds are only paid in accordance with proper procedures
  • To maximise the organisation’s cash position through timely production of invoices and the credit control of outstanding payments
  • Responsible for timely and accurate production of statutory and internal financial reports
  • Prepare tax computation (VAT) in line with legislation utilising Sage 50 accounting software
  • To provide timely and accurate information to the external payroll service and ensure that there are effective payroll controls in place
  • To ensure the shop target gross margins are achieved and oversee annual stock take
  • To provide financial input to the Chief Executive in preparation of bids to trusts and grant giving agencies and to subsequently check and manage financial submissions for claims to grant giving organisations
  • To prepare both Bexley Heritage Trust and the trading company accounts for external audit and to liaise with the auditors in the provision of required information
  • To provide information to staff on wages/finance matters (including pension scheme) ensuring consistent HR administration
  • Implement and maintain all financial controls and systems, recommending potential operational efficiencies and improvements to working practices and procedures where necessary

Personal Specification

The following are essential requirements:

  • Membership of one of the six CCAB bodies
  • Post qualified experience working as a financial accountant in a small business function, including experience of producing accurate and timely monthly accounts, statutory accounts, reconciliation, processing payroll and budget preparation
  • Computer literate including excel (intermediate or advanced)
  • Experience of Sage accounts software
  • Excellent organisations skills with a methodical approach and attention to detail as well as proven experience of compiling written reports
  • Excellent communication skills including ability to present accurate information to Trustees and stakeholders verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work well with people and enjoy being part of a team, particularly demonstrable understanding of what this means in practice in a small organisation
  • Good understanding of business as well as financial issues
  • Knowledge of grants processing system
  • Knowledge of tax reclaim processing in line with current legislation
  • An awareness of the legal and financial implications of charitable status

Equal Opportunities: The post holder must at all times carry out his/her duties in accordance with the standards of Bexley Heritage Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy

Health and Safety: Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974. Staff must ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment for, visitors, volunteers and other employees.

Data Protection Act: All staff must not, without prior permission, disclose any information regarding staff. Any member of staff, who is known to have communicated information to an unauthorised person, will be liable to dismissal. The Data Protection Act 1984 renders individuals liable to prosecution in the event of an unauthorised disclosure of information.

Smoking: No smoking is permitted inside Hall Place and staff are discouraged from smoking in the immediate vicinity of the house.