Reports to Finance and IT Manager

Job Description

Job title Accountant

Reports to Finance and IT Manager

Staff responsibilities None

Supervisory: Deputise for the Finance and IT Manager

Overall purpose of role:

·  To assist the Finance and IT Manager to deliver a comprehensive financial management service to TPAS.

·  To ensure that TPAS’ day to day financial requirements are managed within appropriate standards, policies and procedures.

·  To deputise for the IT and Finance Manager in his/her absence.

Key responsibilities:

Finance and Audit

·  Assist with the production of the Annual Report and Accounts.

·  Process invoices and purchase orders on the financial systems ensuring that they are accurately recorded in accordance with TPAS policies and procedures

·  Act as the contact point for enquires from HMRC, NAO, internal auditors, DWP and HMT.

·  Ensure that all records are kept securely and are safely destroyed in line with the Data Protection Act.

·  Work with the Finance and IT Manager to prepare the annual budget.

·  To complete month and year end reporting processes for approval by the Finance and IT Manager and Head of Corporate Services.

·  Set-up and update the budget reports with the financial systems, running off appropriate monthly reports for management.

·  Complete the petty cash and credit card reconciliation

·  Monitor and ensure recommendations from Internal Audit are implemented.

·  Manage Grant-in-aid to ensure sufficient funds are available to pay staff and trade creditors.

·  Maintain policies and procedures under the guidance of the Finance and IT Manager.

·  Assist with any other finance tasks as and when required.

·  Monitor cash and expenditure and raise any concerns promptly.

·  Ensure that end of year returns to HMRC are made by the deadline dates.

·  Maintain the Fixed Asset Register, ensuring that it is accurate and kept up-to-date.

·  Complete the verification of fixed assets and document the results.

Payroll

·  Prepare the monthly payroll on rotational basis ensuring it has been accurately prepared and all necessary changes made before seeking Management approval.

·  Ensure all payments are made to HMRC by the relevant date.

·  Check the monthly pension payments and ensure all necessary amendments have been made and that the pension schedules reach the pension scheme.

·  Ensure proper payroll records are kept.

·  Act as the focal point for enquiries from the PCS and any other TPAS pension schemes on payroll matters.

·  Ensure the senior management and non-executive board expenses spreadsheets are completed and uploaded on the website.

·  Handle all individuals’ personal information in a sensitive and professional manner and comply with the TPAS Information Management Policy.

Administration

·  Produce statistical reports for management and DWP as and when required.

·  Log on to the general office helpline and politely and in a timely fashion answer the telephone ensuring the appropriate action is taken.

·  Assist with any other office duties including those on a rota basis such as copying and binding, collecting deliveries, post and catering.

·  Provide general support to Corporate Services Team, SMT and Board covering any other roles within Corporate Services as necessary.

Management Support

·  Assist Management when and where required.

Person Specification

Experience, knowledge and qualifications

Essential / Desirable
1.  Qualified/Part Qualified finalist Accountant CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA/MAAT / 1. Understanding of the Civil Service Pension Scheme
2.  Experience of Sage Line 200 and or similar accounting systems / 2. Experience of supervising staff
3.  Experience of Sage 50 Payroll / 3. Experience of working in the public sector
4.  Experience of Purchase ledger processing and ability to code transactions accurately to cost centres and departments.
5.  Understanding of budgets, forecast, variance analysis and reporting.
6.  Experience of year end closure and quarterly account close
7.  Experience of working successfully in a team environment
8.  Strong IT skills in Microsoft Office Suite, with intermediate to advance working level knowledge of Excel
9.  Experience of preparing payroll
10.  Experience of working with capital and revenue budgets and ability to identify capital spend in line with TPAS capital threshold.

Skills and personal qualities

Essential / Desirable
1.  A positive “can do” attitude
2.  Prepared to be flexible and take on tasks that may not be within the direct remit of the role
3.  Good analytical skills
4.  A proactive problem solver
5.  Excellent attention to detail
6.  Good judgement, knowing when to use initiative and when to seek advice
7.  Ability to work under pressure and to produce good quality work to tight deadlines
8.  Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload
9.  Good written communication skills and the ability to clearly present information