Finance Officer

ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY; London; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Royal Astronomical Society is seeking a part-time bookkeeper to support its finance function on a hybrid basis. The role involves maintaining Sage Accounts, payroll processing, and assisting with year-end accounts. Ideal candidates will be qualified or part-qualified accountants with charity accounting experience and proficiency in Sage.

Qualifications

• Fully-qualified bookkeeper or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in a charity accounting role.
• Working knowledge of VAT and payroll.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Sage 50 Accounts, including sales and purchase ledger.
• Liaise with staff and trustees on payment queries.
• Prepare monthly payroll and pension contributions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good communication

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Ability to prioritize workload

Education

Fully-qualified bookkeeper (e.g. AAT) or part-qualified accountant

Tools

Sage 50 Accounts

Job description

About the Society:

The Royal Astronomical Society was founded in 1820 and is the professional body for Astronomers and Geophysicists in the UK. It has a membership (fellowship) of around 4,000. The Society occupies rooms in Burlington House, Piccadilly and has a staff of 30. The premises includes a library, lecture theatre, editorial offices and rooms for fellows. It is a charity registered under UK law. The Royal Astronomical Society publishes three journals and a membership magazine.

During the academic year the Society holds monthly scientific meetings and there is a week-long National Astronomy Meeting in the summer. The Council of the Society (who are the Board of Trustees) are responsible for policy and the direction of development, with implementation and day to day activities managed by the Executive Director.

Role Summary:

This is a part-time role helping to support the charity’s finance function. It will be focused primarily on bookkeeping duties, however there will also be opportunities to get involved in the year end accounts, as well as deputising for the Finance Manager.

Offered as a 12 month contract on a hybrid basis (minimum one day per week in the office), fixed hours to be agreed (e.g. Tue-Thu 9am-5pm).

Reporting to:

Finance Manager

MAIN DUTIES:

• Maintain Sage 50 Accounts, including sales and purchase ledger, bank receipts and payments.
• Check and process claims for expenses, grants and prizes.
• Analyse credit card transactions and post to Sage.
• Assist with supplier payment runs.
• Reconcile the bank and investment accounts.
• Liaise with staff, trustees and suppliers on payment queries.
• Prepare monthly payroll and pension contributions.
• Maintain and reconcile fixed asset register.
• Assist with requests during the annual audit.
• Review and sort paper records for archiving.
• Deputise for the Finance Manager as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• Fully-qualified bookkeeper (e.g. AAT) or part-qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in a charity accounting role
• Working knowledge of VAT
• Experience administering payroll and pension contributions
• Proficient user of Sage 50 Accounts and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills

Desirable:

• Experience with Sage 50 Payroll

Application process:

Interested candidates should submit a CV, covering letter and the names of two referees to [e-mail]

The Royal Astronomical Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

The RAS has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, you need to be eligible to work in the UK.

This job description is intended to convey essential job functions and requirements. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The RAS reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organisational needs.

Closing date for applications: Friday 5th September 2025.

Interviews to commence: Tuesday 16th September 2025.