Overview
OSJCT | Recruitment Business Partner | North Division & Head Office
Job title: Accounting Associate
Reports to: Senior Manager Reporting & Accounts
About the role: Part of the Accounting Operations team, the jobholder will assist with general accounting activities including supporting the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, posting journals entries, performing balance sheet reconciliations and ad hoc analysis to identify and resolve key issues with significant financial impacts for both OSJCT & Elmfield Care. The jobholder will also support in completing the management accounts for Elmfield Care and assisting with the analysis of results. The position will also entail performing ad hoc projects as required. The jobholder will provide assistance with the preparation and filing of VAT returns to HMRC and various submissions to external bodies including, but not limited to Companies House, the Office for National Statistics and the Valuations Office. The role is integral to our “Finance Shared Services” team within the Trust, working alongside colleagues focused on promoting financial integrity and operational efficiency through accounting, income processing, accounts payable and payroll services.
Financial responsibilities: Part of the team responsible for financial governance, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of accounting records recorded in the Trust’s financial statements.
Key responsibilities
* Participates in the monthly close process and other daily activities (e.g. journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and monthly financial reporting) for OSJCT & Elmfield Care, ensuring processes are performed in a timely and accurate manner per the close calendar and UK GAAP.
* Prepares general ledger reconciliations, assesses reconciling items for exposure and root cause, and undertakes corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
* Supports maintenance of a robust financial control environment and improves efficiency of systems and processes, ensuring compliance with local GAAP and applicable laws for OSJCT & Elmfield Care.
* Assists in CODA general ledger maintenance, including chart of accounts and hierarchies, and routine ledger maintenance for close processes.
* Supports preparation of VAT returns and other taxation submissions to HMRC and Companies House; produces returns to the Office for National Statistics and the Valuations Office as required.
* Provides departmental cover as required and assists in maintaining accounting data securely to comply with VAT and data protection regulations.
* Supports regular compliance reporting and assists with year-end audit deliverables.
* Responds to accounting queries, resolves issues promptly, and delivers high-quality customer service.
* Contributes to review and development of accounting processes, procedures and systems for OSJCT & Elmfield Care.
* Maintains confidentiality of employee data and Trust information in line with Data Protection Act and internal policies.
Qualifications & Knowledge
* Recognised Accounting Technician or Bookkeeping Qualification
* Undergraduate degree in accounting and/or finance
* AAT / CIMA or ACCA Qualified or progressing towards qualification
* Good working knowledge of general ledgers, fixed assets and accounts payable systems
* Demonstrable experience of balance sheet reconciliations
* Working knowledge of UK GAAP and charity accounting standards (SORP)
* Understanding of internal controls and business processes related to financial statements
* Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Excel (intermediate: pivot tables, VLOOKUP), Word and PowerPoint
* Experience with VAT in the charity/care sector; familiarity with CODA is a plus
* Experience in the care or not-for-profit sector; multi-site experience preferred
Skills & Abilities
* Works well within a team, shares information, and supports team development
* Strong work ethic, able to meet deadlines and manage pressure
* Clear written and oral communication
* Proactively seeks process improvements and quality service
* Maintains professionalism and confidentiality
* Understands the importance of financial controls and data protection
* Ability to prioritise, multi-task, adapt to change, and work independently
Job Requirements
* Meets the legal right-to-work requirements in the UK
* Very fluent in English
* Willing to work overtime as needed and attend meetings/trainings at other Trust locations
* Occasional overnight stays may be required
Seniority level
* Associate
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Project Management
* Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr