Job Description & Person Specification Financial Accountant

Salary:
£28,000 - £35,000 per annum Contract: Permanent Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Location:
Manchester M13 Reports to: Deputy CEO and CEO Closing Date: 30/08/2019 (Interviews to be conducted on a rolling basis) About READ Foundation READ Foundation is a UK based registered charity working to create school places for children living in poverty in the developing world. We create opportunities for orphan and needy children to go to school to gain an education and build a better life for themselves. We do this by renovating old dilapidated schools or constructing entirely new ones from the ground up, as well as offering full scholarships to orphan children and subsidised fees to children from low-income families. We created our first school in 1994 with a single classroom of 25 children, while as of this academic year we are now running 382 schools, in which 103,790 children study, almost 10% of whom are orphaned by father or both parents. However, with a global shortage of classrooms in the millions, there is still much to do to achieve universal education. Purpose of Job The Financial Accountant supports the CEO and Deputy CEO to ensure adequate financial controls exist and those controls are administered correctly. In addition, the role involves ensuring quality financial accounting, ensuring all transactions are processed and appropriately accounted for whilst streamlining income processing procedures and bank reconciliations. Finally, the role will involve maintaining/developing all associated internal controls, policies and procedures and adhering to Accounting regulations / Charity SORP. In addition, the development of our internal accounting system is necessary in order to track and maximise benefit vs costs (VFM), mitigate risk and ensure effective financial safe-guarding. Main Responsibilities Included but not limited to; Financial controls Ensure financial controls are in line with READ's Finance Manual and the regulatory authority requirements (i.e. Charity Commission). Maintain oversight of financial controls across functions and offices. Review financial controls within the finance function and create an action plan to correct areas where financial controls are not adequate. To keep up to-date on potential risks of bribery, fraud corruption and misuse of funds and keep up to date in these matters. To assist in identifying tax and trading compliance. Financial Accounting Ensure accounts payable and international payments procedures are followed. Ensure that all transactions are properly accounted for. Ensure invoices are processed efficiently and in a timely manner. Ensure creditors and debtors are reconciled monthly. Ensure approved supplier, budget holders and authority level master records are up-to-date. Reconcile On Line Giving Income; post to the READ CRM system & the Accounts system. Ensure regular Donations received via Direct Debits; Standing Orders and ad-hoc cash & cheques are processed and entered onto the READ CRM system and posted to the Accounts System. Ensure expenses claims and credit card expenditure are in line with the expenses policy and procedures. Ensure the integrity of the nominal and accounts payable ledgers are maintained. Support budget holders to adhere to relevant policies and procedures. Support the Finance team to ensure the streamlining and enhancing of systems, processes and procedures. Manage bank accounts, and the transfer of money between head-office, country office and field offices. Oversee the controls in relation to the receipt, recognition and recording of income. Oversee the reconciliation to our CRM system and production of monthly reporting of income and expenditure. Ensure all functions raising income adhere to income processing procedures. Ensure all bank reconciliations are carried out monthly and in line with the month-end schedule. Ensure petty cash is accounted for. Producing and reconciling monthly Creditor reports and analysing Aged Creditors reports Management Reporting Assist in the preparation of management accounts, regular cash flow reports to support and develop Organisation 's decision making. Prepare an analysis of the cashbooks, comparison with budget (BVA's) and commentary at the end of the month. This includes monthly reviews with various departmental budget holders. Contribute to the Month End & Year End Accounts closing and external audit. Provide insight into cash flow and ensure up-to-date reporting for various stakeholders including the SMT, CEO and Deputy CEO, Trustees etc. Statutory Reporting Working with the Deputy CEO and CEO to ensure the year end consolidation timetable is adhered to. Complete lead schedule and the audit trial for the statutory accounts in line with the requirements of the SORP and applicable accounting standards. Assist in the preparation of the annual report and financial statements. Prepare year end journals and consolidating adjustments. Other duties To undertake duties as reasonably maybe required of a finance professional. Contribute to a positive working environment, in which staff are empowered to do their best. The job description represents the primary requirements necessary for READ at this current time. However, it will be expected that roles may expand as financial controls develop. Instructions to Apply Please send your full CV and supporting letter (emailed titled: JRFA-009UK) outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification for the post. Closing date: 30/08/2019 Interviews: Rolling Person Specification Knowledge Evidence that technical financial accounting practical skills have been kept up to date (Desirable - Minimum of 3 years in a similar role). A proven track record of success in working in an organisation of complexity, to deliver high quality results to deadlines. Experience of preparing group financial statements. (Desirable - Experience in cash-flow forecasting and management reporting). Demonstrable experience of applying effective problem solving techniques Knowledge of Charity SORP Accounting Practical understanding of donor queries (customer care). Effective communicator who is able to develop strong relationships with the fundraising team, key people within the company and external stakeholders. Experience & Qualifications 3 years' experience within a charity or similar environment. Educated in a Finance discipline with an Accounting Qualification (AAT; ACCA; CIMA) or a relevant Degree or Qualified by Experience MS Office Suite; Accounts Systems (e.g. Sage, Quickbooks etc.) Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise a complicated workload. Working in a multi-disciplinary role. Ability to deal with stakeholders of all kinds. Skills Ability to work under pressure, manage time, workload and prioritise work to deadlines Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Understanding of financial controls in the charity sector Self-motivated with an ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Good independent judgement and ability to challenge constructively. Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills.