Charity Accountant

Rawlinson & Hunter LLP; Leatherhead; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full study support toward professional

Technical training and mentoring

Diverse portfolio of charities

Career development opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Rawlinson & Hunter LLP seeks a motivated Accountant to join its Charity Services team, advising charities, foundations and philanthropic organisations. You will prepare charity accounts, support audits, manage tax compliance and financial administration, and contribute to advisory services for a diverse portfolio.

The role offers exposure to charity governance, regulatory compliance, and growth of a specialist service line within a respected firm.

Qualifications

• AAT qualified or studying towards ACA/ACCA.
• Experience in accountancy practice, finance department or bookkeeping environment.
• Exposure to the preparation of accounts and double-entry bookkeeping.
• Previous charity accounting experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare statutory accounts for charities and charitable companies in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charity SORP.
• Assist with the preparation of accounts for charitable trusts and associated entities.
• Support independent examinations and external audits by preparing schedules and responding to queries.
• Assist with the preparation of management accounts and financial reports for charity trustees.
• Maintain day-to-day administration matters for a portfolio of charity clients.
• Liaise with trustees, finance personnel, advisers and regulators.
• Assist with Charity Commission filings and annual return submissions.
• Maintain charity records and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Prepare charity tax returns and Gift Aid repayment claims.
• Assist with charity tax compliance matters and HMRC correspondence.
• Support VAT and other taxation matters affecting charity clients.
• Maintain accounting records using Xero and other platforms.
• Reconcile bank accounts, investment portfolios and control accounts.
• Assist with bookkeeping, transaction processing and financial administration support services.
• Assist with ad hoc projects and technical research.
• Contribute to development of the Charity Services offering.
• Build client relationships and deliver high-quality service.

Skills

Bookkeeping basics

Xero experience

Excel proficiency

Charity accounting awareness

Tax returns knowledge

Education

AAT or ACA/ACCA in progress

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel/365

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Accountant to join our growing Charity Services team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with bookkeeping or accounting experience who wishes to develop a specialist career advising charities, foundations and philanthropic organisations.

You will work closely with charity trustees, finance teams, investment managers and professional advisers, assisting with the preparation of charity accounts, tax compliance, financial administration and advisory services. The role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of grant-making charities, charitable trusts, foundations and operational charities.

As part of a dedicated specialist team, you will have the opportunity to develop expertise in charity accounting, governance and regulatory compliance while contributing to the continued growth of this expanding service line.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts and Financial Reporting

• Prepare statutory accounts for charities and charitable companies in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charity SORP.
• Assist with the preparation of accounts for charitable trusts and associated entities.
• Support independent examinations and external audits by preparing schedules and responding to queries.
• Assist with the preparation of management accounts and financial reports for charity trustees.

Charity Administration and Compliance

• Manage day-to-day administration matters for a portfolio of charity clients.
• Liaise regularly with trustees, finance personnel, professional advisers and regulators.
• Assist with Charity Commission filings and annual return submissions.
• Maintain charity records and ensure compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.

Tax Compliance

• Prepare charity tax returns and Gift Aid repayment claims.
• Assist with charity tax compliance matters and HMRC correspondence.
• Support the team with VAT and other taxation matters affecting charity clients.

Bookkeeping and Financial Management

• Maintain accounting records using Xero and other accounting platforms.
• Reconcile bank accounts, investment portfolios and control accounts.
• Assist with bookkeeping, transaction processing and financial administration support services.

Advisory and Development

• Assist with ad hoc projects and technical research.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of the Charity Services offering.
• Build strong client relationships and deliver a high standard of client service.

What We're Looking For:

Qualifications

• AAT qualified or studying towards ACA/ACCA.
• Consideration will also be given to candidates with relevant practical experience in place of formal qualifications.

Experience

• Experience working within an accountancy practice, finance department or bookkeeping environment.
• Exposure to the preparation of accounts and double-entry bookkeeping.
• Previous charity accounting experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Technical Skills

• Good understanding of bookkeeping principles and financial reporting.
• Experience using Xero and other cloud accounting software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Awareness of FRS 102 and the Charity SORP would be beneficial.
• Experience preparing charity tax returns and Gift Aid claims would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Professional and confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• A genuine interest in the charity and not-for-profit sector.
• Enthusiastic and keen to develop specialist knowledge.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Full study support towards professional qualifications.
• Ongoing technical training and mentoring.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of charities, foundations and trusts.
• Opportunity to develop specialist expertise within the charity sector.
• Clear career development and progression opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunity to join and help shape a growing specialist service line within a respected accountancy firm.