Job Title Job Holder Responsible to: Responsible for: Hours: Salary Band: Main Duties: JOB DESCRIPTION Assistant Accountant TBC Head of Finance N/A 35 £28,000 - £34,000 1. Managing resources to deliver projects or programmes 2. Operational day-to-day planning and performance management 3. Monitoring budgets and outputs within area 4. Support compliance 1. Managing resources to deliver projects or programmes Coordinates teams and resources to support the effective delivery of projects and programmes. Key responsibilities include: • Lead in the preparation work to enable smooth production of management accounts for all Group organisations • Assist in annual budget exercise • Contribute to the processes of forward planning • • Contribute to funding applications as required • Ensure databases are updated on a regular basis with correct information Identify and source new opportunities to improve and strengthen the department 2. Operational planning and day-to-day performance management Supports operational planning and monitors day-to-day performance to ensure activities run efficiently. Key responsibilities include: • Ownership of all Group organisations’ financial ledgers • Month end journals including deferred income, prepayments, accruals etc. • Assist in review and posting of monthly payroll • Gift Aid claims processed quarterly • Produce accurate ad hoc reports as requested • Answer internal and external queries in relation to your role in a timely and professional manner • Ensure third party agreements and service level agreements are in place and signed where relevant • Provide cover for other Finance team members processing of sales ledger, purchase ledger and cashbook for Foundation of Light and Beacon of Light • Provide cover for Head of Finance when required • Build strong and lasting external business relationships with suppliers, partners, donors and agencies • Support the objectives and aims of the Foundation of Light, and associated companies as relevant, as provided in the Business Plans 3. Monitoring budgets and outputs within area Monitors budgets and outputs to ensure financial control and delivery against plans. Key responsibilities include: • Preparation / review of balance sheet reconciliations • Review of fundraising events budgets • Support quarterly reforecasting exercise within Management Accounts process • Reconciliations of each of the operating systems ran through the business • Ensure targets and deadlines are met 4. Support compliance Supports compliance with financial, regulatory, and organisational requirements. Key responsibilities include: • Assist in preparation of information for annual external audit taking a lead for dedicated areas • Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, health and safety, equality and diversity, and relevant legislation. • Maintain accurate records and support reporting to regulators, funders, Exec Team and Trustees as required. • Keep up to date with relevant training opportunities in your finance development including in our geographic location and the third sector • Work within the established administrative and financial systems to ensure smooth running and quality of projects • Contribute to the Self-Assessment process and work to the agreed objectives for your team and the organisation Other duties: You will be required to undertake other duties from time to time as required. Any potential permanent changes to your role will be discussed, and agreement reached prior to being undertaken. You will be notified of any permanent change in writing. In addition to your normal duties, you may be required to undertake additional or other duties as necessary to meet the needs of the Foundation of Light. Staff are required to work with volunteers in a way of mutual respect and commitment to organisational goals and objectives. This includes staff who do not directly supervise volunteers but may engage with them within the organisation. Behaviour and professional expectations: • Maintain working practices in line with Foundation of Light Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies; self-awareness of own responsibility in these areas • Embed EDI and safeguarding in all aspects of work • Assist in data collection and analysis providing accurate management information systems for data led decisions • Ensure regulatory and legislative requirements are met at all times • Conduct should reflect the Staff Behaviour Policy (Code of Conduct); uphold Foundation core values (as shown below) at all times • Maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality. • Attend working groups and CPD session as required • Build strong internal relationships and work in collaboration with colleagues to achieve the end goal • Ensure positive organisational messages and culture are maintained • Contribute to good housekeeping across all Foundation sites and equipment • Follow the laid down policies and procedures at all times • Work within the established administrative and financial systems to ensure smooth running and quality of projects Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: The Foundation of Light (FOL) promotes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and challenges all forms of discrimination through its internal operations and in the delivery of its services in accordance with and commitment to the 2010 Equality Act. The FOL protects the rights of individuals and advances equality of opportunity for all. It demonstrates the FOL’s commitment to continuous improvement in EDI to create meaningful and sustainable change. Safeguarding Statement We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share our commitment to maintaining a culture of vigilance, and believe that all staff, volunteers and partners have a responsibility to report any concerns about the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk. Foundation of Light Values: Innovative, Passionate, Excellence, Collaborative, Integrity, Agile. PERSONAL SPECIFICATION Requirement Essential (E) or Desirable (D) How Assessed (CV, Interview, Observation) Skills and Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong planning, organisation, and multitasking ability Ability to work independently and as part of a team Strong interpersonal skills; able to manage conflict where required High level of IT and administrative competence, including Sage 200 or equivalent Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines Personal Attributes: Commitment to the organisation’s values and mission Proactive, self-motivated, confident, and resilient Professional, approachable, and adaptable, with a positive attitude to change High standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism Willingness to work flexibly, including anti-social hours when required Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development Knowledge and Understanding: Knowledge of financial procedures and systems, ideally within the Third Sector Understanding of Charity SORP and finance software Strong customer service awareness Understanding of office systems, workplace behaviours, and commercial awareness Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role, preferably within the Third Sector Experience of budget planning, target setting, and performance monitoring Experience of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ( Qualifications: Full Driving Licence GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English AAT Qualification or higher (e.g. CIMA, ACA, ACCA) E E E E / D E E E E E E E E D D E E / D D E D D E E I CV I CV CV I/CV CV CV I I I CV CV I CV I CV CV CV CV CV CV