Delivery manager young people and adult services jobs

The Finance Officer will join a small and dynamic team that covers Finance, Human Resources, IT and Business Operations. The Finance & Operations team play a critical role by running the day-to-day operations and providing the infrastructure that enables the continued delivery of the Trust’s mission and objectives.

The Sutton Trust is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Finance Officer to join the team and provide crucial support on a range of key finance processes. This is a fast-paced and hands-on role that requires an understanding of basic finance processes. You can expect a steep learning curve in a passionate and supportive working environment.

We have recently introduced a new accounting system and are looking for someone who is willing to learn, make the most of the improved technology and contribute to automating (and improving) our finance processes. If you are up for a challenge, enthusiastic and keen to contribute your ideas, then come on this journey with us.

Main duties

• Maintaining the Purchase Ledger including processing supplier invoices, staff expense claims, grant and bursary payments, reconciling statements and making the relevant payments
• Maintaining the Sales Ledger including raising invoices and allocating receipts
• Cash management including checking bank transactions daily, allocating transactions on the accounting system and producing regular bank reconciliations. Paying in cheques and reconciling floats, if required
• Maintaining accurate records of both unrestricted and restricted fund transactions including receipts, grants, staff expenses, overheads and cash
• Providing timely and accurate financial support to the Programmes, Development and Research teams to assist them with forecasting, budgeting, reconciliation and (donor) reporting
• Supporting with the month end procedures such as balance sheet reconciliations, depreciation, month end adjustments, salary and overhead allocations
• Gathering monthly payroll information and reviewing monthly payroll reports
• Assisting with the administration of the pension scheme and of employee benefits
• Preparing quarterly Gift Aid claims and maintaining the relevant supporting documentation
• Assisting with the year-end statutory accounts preparation, audit and budget setting process
• Ensuring that the filing is done in a timely manner and that all paperwork is up to date
• Proactively updating your own knowledge in relation to the role, identifying and undertaking appropriate training
• Keeping up to date with legislation, policies and procedures relevant to the role and the Trust’s work
• Contributing to continuous process improvement efforts and suggesting ways to further automate tasks with the new accounting system
• Assist with creating finance procedure notes for the new accounting system.
• Other duties as necessary from time to time

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate:

• Excellent numeracy skills and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task
• Sound understanding of double entry book-keeping including month end adjustments
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Confidentiality

And who is:

• AAT qualified, holds a similar qualification or is working towards qualification

In addition, experience in the following areas will help you to stand out. However, this is not required, and training will be provided if needed for the right candidate:

• Experience of working in a busy finance department with responsibility for similar tasks
• Experience of working in the education or not-for-profit sector
• Experience of working with Xledger or equivalent accounting software

Competencies

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
• A flexible and adaptable approach to accommodate the varying aspects of the role, able to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently, with a high degree of initiative
• Has excellent attention to detail
• Quick learner with a proactive approach to problem solving

Other

• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)*

*Please note that we are unfortunately not a licensed visa sponsor.

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent (part-time considered)
• Salary: £33,000-£36,000
• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.
• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends
• A DBS check may be required

Interviews

Applications should reach us by midday, Thursday 22nd May, with first round interviews held at our London offices in the week commencing 2nd June, and second round interviews held over Zoom in the week commencing 9th June.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.