Rewarding place to work- join a large finance team as a key senior team member.
To be a proactive member of the Finance Team, proactively driving operational activities and leading on project delivery.
To proactively lead on the improvement of finance systems and processes, including supplier set up, self-service purchasing, supplier statement reconciliations, approved supplier lists and electronic invoicing.
To effectively utilise staff to run efficient purchasing, purchase ledger and expenses systems and processes.
To lead as a systems champion for the accounting system and overall finance roadmap. Ensure that the system is used as effectively as possible and reporting is developed on expense, costs and project codes and suppliers.
To ensure probity in the accounting system.
Proactively lead, manage and develop the team to ensure the effective delivery of the service in line with operational requirements.
Accountabilities
Lead on improving purchasing, invoice processing and payment systems to improve services to front line staff and reduce waste in those systems. Work with other departments to develop a full order-to-payment process that adopts the correct flow throughout as determined by the Financial Regulations and other procurement policies. To develop an automated system that is accessible to all system users wherever they are based, providing them with a valuable resource relevant to their role. Develop robust and relevant reporting around this system to interested stakeholders at all levels across the Group.
Work with the Finance Team Leader to effectively utilise staff to assist with purchasing, expenses and purchase ledger. Ensure that staff are able to work across purchasing and purchase ledger to best utilise the time of those in the team. Set up and manage a system to monitor speed and volume of invoice and expenses processing, accuracy of postings and speed of payments.
Be responsible for the preparation of a master coding list and ensure that this is kept up to date. Ensure that all staff are trained on correct posting and produce reporting on the accuracy of coding, ensuring remedial action is taken to improve coding accuracy.
Act as one of the systems champions for the accounting system and keep up to date with initiatives within and outside the Sector as appropriate to ensure that the Group is at the leading edge of financial management systems, practices and provision. Ensure that systems are being used as effectively as possible and work with the Financial Controller (Reporting) on ensuring that the accounting system is able to provide expense code, cost code, project code and supplier analysis to reduce the use of spreadsheets across Finance.
Introduce and then monitor a system for supplier set up, to include insurance, health and safety, financial and ethical vetting. Maintain an approved supplier list. Produce monthly reporting on all suppliers used, ensuring only approved suppliers are used, liaising with managers across the Group.
Set up and manage a process where payments to approved suppliers are made following the completion of a supplier statement reconciliation. Ensure that all invoices due for payment have been ordered and approved in accordance with the Financial Regulations. Load all payments onto the BACS system for Finance Director approval, together with a summary of all amounts to be paid.
Take the lead on all accounting-related projects as requested from time to time by the Financial Controller (Reporting).
Create and support an open, innovative and collaborative culture that learns from others; encourage experimentation and be prepared to take risks, lead and support staff to enable them to do their jobs so that the right services are delivered to customers in the right way. Focus on continuous improvement and self-evaluation and encourage creativity and fresh ideas for current and future service delivery. Act on both internal and external systems to remove barriers and improve workflow where this requires strategic level involvement. Leadership and management
Effectively motivate, support, train and develop your direct reports in accordance with the Group’s performance development approach, including undertaking regular Development Conversations to support your team to maximise their potential.
Effectively manage the team to ensure consistent, high quality and cost effective service delivery and to ensure compliance with the Group’s processes and procedures, e.g. H&S obligations/training, adequate staffing cover, etc.
Ensure understanding and adherence to the organisation’s Health and Safety policy and procedures relevant to your role and those of any team members; monitor and manage health and safety performance across your area of responsibility.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Essential
A positive and proactive approach to continuous improvement.
Relevant professional financial qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA).
Substantial experience of financial accounting and accounting systems.
Proven ability to produce high quality reports, including graphical representations, and ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance staff.
Knowledge of the statutory framework governing the management of housing associations and their finances.
Ability to communicate at all levels.
Experience of VAT.
Ability to work with minimum supervision and tight deadlines.
Advanced spreadsheet skills.
Skills and experience to undertake the role and accountabilities as set out above and behaviours which demonstrate our values.