Charity Accountant

Hays PLC; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in Salisbury is seeking a Financial Accountant to support the Head of Finance. The role involves managing day-to-day finances, ensuring compliance, and overseeing financial operations. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid model, balancing office and remote work while contributing to the organization's mission of providing vital support to communities.

Benefits

Generous contributory pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial operations and reporting.
• Existing people management skills with a focus on coaching and development.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support two part-time team members.
• Lead the month-end processes for UK activity.
• Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of all bank accounts.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-Solving

Communication

Coaching

Tools

Accounting Software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Permanent charity-based Financial/Management Accountant role - number 2 to the Head of Finance

Your new company
This charitable organisation provides vital support to individuals, their families, and local communities. With over 50 years of service, they deliver essential financial and medical aid, and work with local communities to provide access to facilities, infrastructure and education. They operate through 19 centres, with over 500 staff working across the region. You will be working from their UK head office in Salisbury, with a sensible hybrid policy in place offering 3 days in office & 2 days from home per week.

Your new job
They are seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join their small but busy Finance team, supporting the Head of Finance in managing day-to-day finances and providing routine financial advice to head office staff. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Financial Accountant will ensure financial compliance within the UK head office, including fundraising and the Advice Centre, and manage the effective financial management of UK activity through to trial balance and ensuring accuracy of monthly reconciliations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and support two part-time team members through training, professional coaching, and development.
• Draft monthly finance data dashboard and quarterly management accounts, including variance analysis.
• Lead the month-end processes for UK activity to ensure deadlines are met.
• Oversee timely and accurate financial transaction processing in the finance system.
• Reconcile Balance Sheet accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of all bank accounts.
• End-to-end reconciliation of income through the fundraising CRM to finance systems.
• Ensure timely payment of invoices by the Finance Assistant.
• Assist in preparing annual budgets for UK activity.
• Lead financial compliance in the UK, including raising awareness through events and reviewing financial policies annually.
• Deputise for the Head of Finance on financial management matters of UK operations.
• Support the Head of Finance in the year-end process and preparation of financial documents for the annual audit.
• Proactively seek opportunities for continuous improvement within financial systems and accounting processes and controls.

What you'll need to succeed

• Proven experience in financial operations and reporting.
• Proficiency in accounting software and good Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• Existing people management skills with a focus on coaching and development.
• A positive, can-do attitude with a flexible approach to changing priorities.
• Commitment to improving processes and delivering high-quality financial reporting.
• Experience in supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

What you'll get in return

• Salary: £37,000 - £42,000 depending on experience
• Hours of Work: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) though applications for four days a week may be considered
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays
• Generous contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution

• Private medical insurance
• Free on-site parking