Project Accountant (Ref:709)

Transcription

1 VACANCY PARTICULARS Project Accountant (Ref:709) Hours per week: 35 (1.0FTE) Contract type: Fixed Term for 9 months Grade: 6 Salary: 24,788-37,024 per annum, pro rata Closing date: Monday 29th February am UK time. Interview date: TBC Reporting to: Senior Project Accountant Who We Are The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a leading global institution for research, teaching and learning, and impact and communications, based at the University of Sussex. Our Vision Our vision is of equal and sustainable societies, locally and globally, where everyone can live secure, fulfilling lives free from poverty and injustice. What We Do The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a leading global institution for development research, teaching and learning, and impact and communications, based at the University of Sussex. Our vision is of equal and sustainable societies, locally and globally, where everyone can live secure, fulfilling lives free from poverty and injustice. We believe passionately that cutting-edge research, knowledge and evidence are crucial in shaping the changes needed for our broader vision to be realised, and to support people, societies and institutions to navigate the challenges ahead. Through our commitment to engaged excellence we work towards transformations that reduce inequalities, accelerate sustainability and build more inclusive and secure societies. We do this neither as a university organisation nor a thinktank, but by combining elements of both in a unique mix that is articulated in our engaged excellence approach. Since 1966 IDS has been working with partners to tackle complex development challenges and contribute the evidence, analysis, theory and facilitated learning that can help communities, practitioners and decision-makers at all levels work together for practical, positive change. Our partnership with the University of Sussex supports and accredits our teaching and learning programmes, where in PhD studies and a range of high-level Masters courses we aim to produce a new generation of development thought, policy and practice leaders. The Institute is home to approximately 100 researchers affiliated to thematic research clusters, 70 knowledge professionals, 65 professional staff and about 200 students at any one time. But the IDS community extends far beyond, encompassing an extensive network of over over 360 partners, 3,000 alumni and hundreds of former staff.

2 Job Description Overall purpose of the role To be the first point of contact for all finance queries for members of the hub and clusters of researchers and units they support. To have overall responsibility for budgeting and accounting for proposals and project grants, contracts and other projects including the time accounting of relevant staff. To provide the financial reporting and analysis necessary for the effective management of projects and funder reporting. To provide a comprehensive support service to the Institute in conjunction with all other Hub and Finance staff. Main Duties and Responsibilities Responsibility for project budgeting function In conjunction with the Project Manager and/or Hub Manager to produce budgets and forecasts for both proposals and active projects in the format required by donors, taking the needs, aims and objectives of the programme into account. To maintain and update budgets and forecasts on the accounting system ensuring that accurate and up-to-date information is recorded. Responsibility for project accounting function To ensure that all invoices, subcontracts and expenses are accurately coded to meet the accounting requirements of both the Institute and donors. To ensure project expenditure is in line with both funder and IDS internal policies and procedures. To maintain a complete audit trail of relevant documentation from instigation to completion of the programme. To arrange fee payments for consultants, partners and collaborators, liaising with Finance Assistants and project personnel as necessary. To process the appropriate time charging taking into account costs, budgets and overhead recovery rates against targets, ensuring the appropriate allocation of time and that cost recovery has been maximised. Liaise and respond to all queries by project personnel on all financial aspects of their projects. Responsibility for internal and external reporting on projects To produce regular financial reports for Project Managers, monitoring and interpreting variances against budget. To analyse and interpret management reports for hub and project staff enabling them to make informed decisions. To work with the Project Manager to ensure that all contractual deadlines are adhered to, co-ordinating the submission of donor reports and appropriate financial statements, including signing certification on statements when required. To produce full and detailed financial statements and invoices, providing all supporting documentation required by donors. To arrange for external project audits as required, ensuring the auditors receive the necessary support and information.

3 Other duties To provide cover for other team members as required. To contribute towards the constant review and development of the accounting system and linked reporting packages, ensuring these are fully utilised in the production of financial information for all users. To contribute towards the constant review, development and implementation of systems and procedures within the Hub. To regularly attend Finance and Hub team meetings. Any other duties as might be required, commensurate with the role and grading. Equalities You must be prepared to implement the Institute s Equal Opportunities Policy at a level appropriate to the job and must at all times carry out your duties with due regard to the Institute s Equal Opportunities Policy. Health and Safety You must be prepared to be responsible for the implementation of, and compliance with, the provisions of legislation relating to the health and safety of such employees and areas of the workplace as fall under your direct control and for complying with legislation relating to such works and contracts as are within your direct responsibility. General You will be required to undertake such other duties appropriate to the grade and character of the work as may reasonably be required of you. Therefore, the list of duties in this job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. Your duties will be set out in this job description but please note that the Institute reserves the right to update your job description, from time to time, to reflect changes in, or to, your job. Significant permanent changes in duties and responsibilities will require agreed revisions to be made to this job description. You will be consulted about any proposed changes. Person Specification Skills and experience Requirement Essential Desirable Assessment Qualifications Good standard of general education Accountancy qualification: AAT or part qualified (ACCA/CIMA), or exceptionally the equivalent level gained through experience Knowledge Knowledge of accounting year end procedures Knowledge of funding agency contracting and reporting requirements (eg DFID, EU) Awareness of VAT rules affecting different organisations.

4 Skills High level of numeracy Staff management Competent user of Microsoft office products including use of Word and an advanced knowledge of Excel. Diplomacy and assertiveness skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Good organisational and time management skills; including the ability to manage complex workloads Good interpersonal skills Experience Experience of working with budgets inc. variance analysis (budget setting desirable) Experience of analysing financial information and interpreting it for non-financial audience Use of accounting software packages and reporting packages Attributes, Health, other Able to prioritise and manage own workload in order to meet deadlines, whilst still being careful and paying attention to detail. Able to be pro-active and to use initiative at all times. Willing to work flexible hours to suit peak times in the financial calendar. Ability to work effectively and flexibly within a team Ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse cultural backgrounds Ability to influence and persuade; through appropriate use of consultation and negotiation High level of integrity, tact and consistency Experience of a similar organisation (e.g. research, higher education or charity) and/ or understanding of research grant or project funding Experience of working with partners or customers overseas or in an international business environment

5 Information to Candidates Benefits At IDS we offer a number of additional benefits to staff. These include: a competitive salary, including cost of living awards and incremental increases on an annual basis as per policy and the option to join our pension scheme. Please see for more details interest free travel loans, following successful completion of a probationary period support in attainment of a relevant professional qualification in line with the Professional Development Policy childcare voucher scheme and childcare fund competitive maternity and paternity policies that offer compensation above the statutory minimum 24 days annual leave per year (pro-rata for part-time), plus public holidays and up to 6 nonnegotiable closure days enhanced sickness pay entitlements support with relocation costs for staff joining us from outside the EU eligibility to use the University of Sussex gym and sporting facilities at staff rates Location The successful candidate will be based at the Institute of Development Studies on the University of Sussex campus. The University of Sussex is located 10 minutes away from the lively and cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton on the UK South Coast, 60 minutes away from central London, 30 minutes away from London Gatwick Airport and is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Sussex South Downs. Situated between the sea and the South Downs, Brighton is one of the most vibrant and unique cities on the South Coast, for more information please go to How to apply Applications on official form only (CVs are not accepted): Human Resources Institute of Development Studies Brighton BN1 9RE, UK Alternatively please your application to [email protected] please insert the job title and reference number into the subject line of the . We would recommend that electronic applications are sent 24 hours in advance of the deadline, to ensure there are no technical difficulties. Owing to the large number of enquiries received and consequential processing/postage costs, regretfully, it is not possible to enter into further correspondence with all applicants. Therefore, if you do not receive any communications by the interview date, please assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been successful.

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