Charity Accountant

Rawlinson & Hunter LLP; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Study support

Technical training

Diverse charity portfolio

Career progression

Benefits package

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Rawlinson & Hunter LLP seeks a motivated Accountant to join our Charity Services team in Leatherhead. This role suits someone with bookkeeping or accounting experience who wants to specialise in advising charities, foundations and philanthropic organisations.

You will work with charity trustees and finance teams, assisting with accounts, tax compliance, financial administration and advisory services across a diverse portfolio of grant-making charities.

Qualifications

• AAT qualified or ACA/ACCA study in progress.
• Experience in accountancy practice, finance dept or bookkeeping.
• Charity accounting experience advantageous.
• Proficient with Xero and cloud accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare statutory charity accounts in line with FRS 102 and Charity SORP.
• Assist with charity tax returns and Gift Aid claims.
• Support charity administration, compliance, and Charity Commission filings.
• Maintain accounting records using Xero and other platforms.
• Liaise with trustees, finance teams and regulators.
• Provide advisory and development support to the Charity Services offering.

Skills

Bookkeeping principles

Financial reporting

Double-entry bookkeeping

Education

AAT qualification or ACA/ACCA in progress

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 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.