Financial Accountant (Ref:276) Role information pack At Swanswell, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to change and to be happy. We help them to remove the things that stand in their way, whether physical, emotional or practical. So, as their lives improve, they can feel well, do well, and stay well. Our staff are our greatest asset, so we want to recruit talented people who can help us to make a real and lasting difference. 1
Role description The Financial Accountant is responsible for processing financial information and providing financial advice and assurance to all Swanswell stakeholders. The role involves maintaining all aspects of the finance system, including all sales, purchase, cash and bank ledgers, as well as routine and ad hoc reporting and response to queries. As part of the Finance team, you may need to deputise for the Finance Manager, the Payroll Office or the Finance Apprentice. Swanswell is a registered charity and as such the role requires an understanding of charity accounting standards. Salary This is a full-time post earning 22,000 to 24,000, depending on experience. Hours of work This post is for a 37 hour week. You ll need to be able to adapt to meet the needs of the organisation, and be able to work evening, weekend and bank holidays as required. Swanswell currently operates a non-contractual flexitime system, so you ll be able to work at times to suit you, within limits, but primarily to suit business needs. Annual leave Swanswell s holiday entitlement is 36 days per holiday year (28 days plus bank holidays and statutory public holidays). This will be a pro rata amount for part time and fixed term contract employees. Transport This role does not require regular travel, but you will be expected to visit Swanswell offices for auditing requirements. 2
Key activities and responsibilities Ensure that sales ledger invoices are raised promptly and correctly in line with request instructions and annual income spreadsheet. Update the annual income spreadsheet as soon after the year end, as is feasibly possible Deliver an effective credit control system which ensures that outstanding accounts are paid promptly and effective follow up procedure for any problem debtors. Bank any receipts promptly in line with the Financial Regulations. Use and maintain the online banking system for supplier and payroll payments. Prepare bank account reconciliations on a timely basis. Collate, record, check and process credit card statements promptly and ensure that cardholders receive copies of their statement. Investigate any discrepancies. Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts. Ensuring that the Trusts assets and liabilities are accurately reflected in the ledger by the reconciliation of all other control accounts and profit and loss accounts as requested and resolving differences promptly. Prepare, develop and analyse financial information. Provide high quality support service to stakeholders. Provide financial administrative support and the maintenance of financial records. To play an active role in the development of financial processes. 3
Preparation of the management accounts. Preparation of financial information for tender s. Financial support to the Marketing and Business Development teams. Maintain records for fixed assets, both funded and non-funded including the processing of depreciation and monthly reconciliation. Calculation of monthly provisions for inclusion in the monthly management accounts. Dealing with employee queries in a timely manner To undertake internal audit functions as requested including petty cash and fixed assets. Providing financial advice/training to administration staff. Assist other members of Head Office with the agreement of the Finance Manager. Any other duties which may from time to time be required. Contribute to the continuing development of Swanswell s services. Maintain high standards of office security, confidentiality and administration. This includes ensuring the safe and secure keeping of files on Swanswell premises and any premises used by Swanswell. Carry out all aspects of the role cost effectively and in line with Swanswell s policies, the requirements of funders and all relevant clinical standards/frameworks. 4
Person specification Criteria When filling in an form for this role, please explain how you meet the criteria listed below. In your evidence of how you meet the criteria you could refer to experience in a similar role (or a related field), or relevant transferable skills that you have. Qualifications GCSE Maths and English Grade C or equivalent and AAT or part qualified ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA Essential A Experience Considerable experience in a finance role Essential A Knowledge Working knowledge of using a computerised accounting package (preferably Navision and Miracle) Essential A Working knowledge of business internet banking systems Essential A Excellent administration and numeracy skills Essential A Empathy and experience with charitable sector Desirable A Skills and competencies Leadership Desirable A, I 5
Ability to understand and fully engage with Swanswell s philosophy, ethics, approach and direction Ability to behave professionally at all times Ability to build relationships and work effectively with partner organisations Willingness and desire to work in an environment of continual change Take responsibility for relations with external partners Managing effectiveness Essential A, I Ability to manage own time, prioritise activities and maintain accountability for your work Maintain confidentiality of all data and information Accurate record keeping Problem solving Essential A, I Identify and be alert to risk and implement contingency plans Ability to learn and apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations Spot links between issues to solve a problem Show creativity and innovation Ability to make decisions in a timely, considered manner Communication Essential A, I Ability to engage fully with people Maintain clear professional boundaries Adopt a person-centred focus to communication Team work Essential A, I Work proactively with internal and external teams Liaise with other agencies to support services Open minded and willing to develop professionally IT competencies Good IT skills and ability to use MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Able to use a computerised database Essential A, I 6
Other Able to travel independently punctually within work area Essential A, I 7
How to apply To apply for the Swanswell Finance Officer role, you can go online at www.swanswell.org (click on Careers, then Current vacancies ). Return your completed form to: Business Resources Swanswell Suite 5, Hilton House Corporation Street Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2DN Or by email to jobs@swanswell.org To speak to someone about this role, email HRHeadOffice@swanswell.org with your name, a contact phone number and which role you re interested in and we ll call you back. 8