Job Title: Group Accountant

Job Description

Job Location: Haywards Heath, UK

Reports to: Group Accounting and Reporting Manager

Responsible for: n/a

Department: Finance

Job Purpose

The Group Accountant will play a pivotal run in managing the integrity of data within the accounting system for the UK, it’s fundraising subsidiaries and programme offices based in Africa and Asia, through managing the ledgers, undertaking reconciliations activities, preparing financial accounts and supporting the internal and external audit processes.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Monitor the integrity of financial data generated from programme offices and compliance with Financial Framework through preparation, review and completion of month end checklists, managing of service desk calls and coordination of overseas elements of the global external audit.

2. Undertake reconciliations and analysis of financial data interfacing between the CRM (principally Progress system), eProcurement and Accounting systems.

3. Own and be responsible for the preparation of the charity’s quarterly VAT returns.

4. Own and be responsible for the reconciliation of all non-bank balance sheet accounts for the UK and the fundraising subsidiaries.

5. Undertake preparation work for global external audit including generation of audit files, collation of sampled transactions and liaising with audit field staff.

6. Support the Group Accounting and Reporting Manager in the preparation of statutory accounts for the UK and fundraising subsidiaries.

7. Manage the day to day Gift in Kind accounting and forecasting and other standalone areas such as the fixed asset register, stock accounting, programme offices end of contract benefit provision and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.

8. Oversee the accounting for the Lions Club, including preparing the ledgers and banking.

9. Provide input into system changes / upgrades and projects run by the Finance Systems and Projects team, and periodically participate in project teams, representing the group accounting function

10. Support the wider Finance function through providing support/knowledge and cover for key activities and flexibility to respond to urgent ad hoc tasks.

The principle accountabilities are not meant to be an exhaustive list of tasks. The need for flexibility is required and the job holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Jobholder Entry Requirements - the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours required

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

· Educated to degree level or equivalent

· Studying towards a recognised accounting qualification (ACA,ACCA,CIMA) potentially part qualified

· At least three years experience in a financial accounting role (preferably within an international group organisation)

· Statutory accounts preparation and Audit experience

· Group accounting and consolidation experience

· Understanding of the International Charity Sector and regulatory environment

· Experience of working in an environment with remote stakeholders.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

· High level of IT skills especially in accounting platforms.

· Strong communicator with ability to convey technical and complex information to a non finance audience and staff based overseas

· Control mindset to ensure financial systems, financial data and processes are robust

· A collaborator willing to provide input and cover into other areas of the finance team.

· Willingness to build relevant knowledge through working with external peers and consultants.

· Ability to challenge the status quo and nurture change and improvement.

· Confidence to represent the Finance team on organisational change projects such as new market entry

Core Behaviours:

· Communicating & Influencing

· Team Working

· Planning & Organising

· Change & Improvement

· Decision Making

· Delivery and Implementation

· Rigour and attention to detail

Key Relationships

Internal

· Group Accounting and Reporting Manager

· Financial Controller

· Other members of Finance and Operations, Corporate Services and Fundraising departments

· CO/RO Finance and Programme staff

External

· External Auditors

· HMRC

· Merck

Date as of: April 2016