Financial Accountant

The Gurka Welfare Trust; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join our small but busy Finance team at the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT). This is a new role to support our Head of Finance in managing GWT’s day to day finances as well as providing routine financial advice to the head office staff.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Financial Accountant is a lead for ensuring financial compliance within UK head office including Fundraising and Gurkha Welfare Advice Centre (GWAC) and will ensure the effective financial management of UK activity through to trial balance and ensuring accuracy of monthly reconciliations.

This is a hands-on financial accounting role needing a practical, problem solving approach and has the opportunity to add real value to the team.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role’s primary responsibilities will be as follows:

• Lead the month-end processes for UK activity (head office, Fundraising and GWAC) to ensure that deadlines are met through:
  • Overseeing the timely and accurate financial transaction processing in the finance system;
  • Reconciliation of Balance Sheet accounts and resolving discrepancies in a prompt manner;
  • Ensuring the accurate and timely reconciliation of all bank accounts; and,
  • End to end reconciliation of income through the fundraising CRM to finance systems (including Department, Restriction and Trading).

• Be responsible for the timely payment of invoices by the Finance Assistant.

• Draft monthly finance data dashboard and quarterly management accounts including variance analysis, liaising with budget holders as required, and assist in preparing annual budgets for UK activity.

• Lead for financial compliance in the UK including raising awareness through events such as the Charity Fraud Awareness week, and reviewing all financial policies on annual basis.

• Manage and support two part-time team members through training, professional coaching, and development.

• Deputise for the Head of Finance on matters related to financial management of UK operations including representing at the senior management meetings.

• Support the Head of Finance in the year-end process and preparation of financial documents for annual audit.

• Proactively seek opportunities for continuous improvement within financial systems and accounting processes and controls.

KEY SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE, AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Applicants for this position should be able to satisfy the following criteria:

Essential:

• A passed finalist or qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with 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.

• Willingness to take on responsibility and work on own initiative.

• A positive, can-do attitude with a flexible approach to changing priorities

• Ability to work as part of a team and to help and support others.

• Ability to manage time, plan workload effectively, be self-motivated and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to improving processes and delivering high-quality financial reporting.

• Experience in supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

Desirable

• Experience of IRIS/PS Financials.

• Working knowledge CRM – Access Charity CRM or equivalent.

• Experience of charity accounting (Charities SORP – FRS 102) and financial management and reporting requirements within the not for profit sector.

• Strong team management skills with a focus on professional development and coaching.