About the role

We are excited to be working with one of 46 Wildlife Trusts, part of a national federation working for wildlife across the UK. They are a registered charity and company, with a Board of Trustees drawn from our membership. They are part of the local community, working to protect and enhance the natural environment of County Durham, Darlington, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

At this exciting time the Trust is looking to take on a Finance Officer to add to our team. They will ensure the accurate processing of income, expenditure, and banking transactions to ensure our financial records are accurate and meet good accounting practice. They will perform reconciliations to ensure postings are complete and correct. As the role develops, they will have the opportunity to assist with the preparation of management accounts and payroll.

Salary - £27,500 pro rata ~ 30 hours per week based in their Houghton-le-Spring office (hybrid working)

Job Duties:

• Processing purchase invoices, expenses, and other similar payments ensuring correct VAT code and internal analysis are applied.

• Maintain accounts payable ledgers and process payments.

• Processing sales invoices, grant payments and donations, ensuring correct VAT code and internal analysis are applied.

• Maintain accounts receivable ledgers, processing receipts and debt collection.

• Assist with the preparation of VAT returns.

• Reconciliations for bank, purchase ledger, sales ledger, and other control accounts.

• Resolving queries generated by our finance system (xledger).

• Assist with the maintenance of the general ledger and preparation of management accounts.

• Assist with the preparation and posting of payroll.

• Providing assistance and guidance to colleagues on finance processes, project balances and using the finance system.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications demonstrating strong numeracy skills.

• A full UK driving license and use of own vehicle.

• Extensive experience of working in a finance function with exposure to all areas of the accounting process.

• Experience of working in a VAT registered organisation.

• Good understanding of requirements to ensure accurate financial reporting.

• Proficient in the Microsoft 365 suite.

• Proficiency in management accounting and reporting.

• Proven ability to maintain accurate financial records.

• Highly numerate. Ability to organise your own workload effectively and work largely under your own initiative, as well as part of a team.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with non-finance staff.

• Ability to plan and manage work schedules and multitask effectively.

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic.

• Keen attention to detail and determination to ensure tasks are completed accurately.

• Can work to tight deadlines and under pressure when required.

• Tactful and diplomatic; respectful of others.

• Able to work occasional weekends and evenings.

 If you are interested in this Finance Officer role, click 'apply now' and a member of our team will be in touch!