Finance Officer

Citizens Advice Bristol is looking for an organised, detail-focused Finance Officer to join our team and play an important role in keeping our finance function running smoothly.

This is a varied and hands-on role, combining bookkeeping, financial administration, reporting and process improvement. Working closely with the Chief Executive, managers and our external accountants, you will help ensure our financial records are accurate, payments are made on time and managers have reliable financial information to support their work.

You don’t need to be a qualified accountant. We are looking for someone with solid experience in bookkeeping, finance or accounts administration, who enjoys creating order, solving problems and making sure nothing slips through the gaps.

What you’ll be doing

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining accurate financial records using QuickBooks
• Processing purchase and sales invoices, credit notes and supplier payments
• Recording grant income, donations and other receipts
• Completing monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations
• Monitoring cash flow and bank balances
• Preparing monthly payroll information and processing staff expenses
• Maintaining pension records
• Producing monthly management information and supporting budget holders
• Supporting annual budgeting and audit preparation
• Maintaining accurate records in line with charity accounting requirements
• Supporting Gift Aid claims and maintaining clear audit trails
• Handling financial and payroll information securely and confidentially
• Reviewing finance processes and identifying opportunities to improve them
• Providing finance support and guidance to colleagues across the organisation

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, enjoys working with detail and understands the importance of accurate and reliable financial information.

You will have:

• Experience in a finance, bookkeeping or accounts administration role
• Experience processing invoices and supplier payments
• Experience completing bank reconciliations
• Experience supporting month-end processes
• Experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks
• Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping and financial controls
• Excellent Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently
• Good problem-solving skills and initiative
• The ability to explain financial information clearly to colleagues who aren’t finance specialists
• A strong understanding of confidentiality and data protection when handling sensitive information

You will also be reliable, calm, methodical, approachable and committed to continuous improvement, with a commitment to the values of Citizens Advice and equality, diversity and inclusion.

It would be great if you also have

• An AAT qualification or are currently working towards one
• Experience working within a charity
• Knowledge of charity accounting
• Experience preparing audit files
• Payroll experience
• Experience working with grant income and restricted funds