Finance Assistant

Community Action SuffolkRecruitment PackFinance Assistant  Dear ApplicantThank you for your interest in working for CAS and the role weare currently advertising.CAS is a diverse and responsive organisation and I am incrediblyproud to lead such a trusted and passionate team. Our enabling workhas such a positive impact on VCFSE organisations and thecommunities they serve.This application pack should provide you with all the information youneed about the role, as well an idea as to what CAS is all about,what we do and where we see our future.We achieve this through our high performing and motivated staffteam as well as our person centred approach to our work keepingpeople and communities at the heart of what we do. As well asmaking a difference in our communities you will find that the CASteam provide a friendly and collaborative environment to work in andno two days are the same.I hope that you will find this opportunity both interesting and excitingand will consider submitting an application to join us. Hannah Reid, Chief Executivewww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkWelcome from Hannah Reid, ChiefExecutive of Community Action SuffolkAbout CASWe exist to ensure the sector is supported, safe and sustainable. We provide(or signpost) whatever is needed behind the scenes to enable this, so thesector can concentrate on doing what it does best – making Suffolk anincredible place in which to live and work. CAS supports organisations in thesector to enable them to operate more effectively. We provide a voice fororganisations and groups who may not otherwise be heard and representtheir interests to the private and public sectors. We do this throughconferences, workshops, events, specialist networks, and by consultation withthe sector. We work closely with a wide variety of partners from other sectorsincluding Suffolk County Council, Borough and District Councils, Town andParish Councils, Health and Police, along with partners from the privatesector such as New Anglia Local Economic Partnership and local businesses.All these parties have a vital role in improving the lives of people in Suffolkand by working together we ensure Suffolk is the best place it can be for allthose living and working here.www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkOur VisionCommunity ActionSuffolk’s vision is thatSuffolk is a countywhere every communityaspires, thrives andgrows.Our MissionCommunity Action Suffolk’smission is to strengthen andchampion community action inSuffolk by supporting thevoluntary, community and socialenterprise (VCFSE) sector in itswork.www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkOur values representwho we are, how we work, ouraspirations, purpose, & ourgoals.Chosen by our staff team, wereflect them in everything we doboth internally and externally.PersonCentredEnablingCollaborativeTrustedResponsiveCAS VALUESwww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkThe role at a glanceHours - 22.5 hours per weekSalary - £27,540 per annum FTE, £16,524 per annum actualStart date - Immediate startLocation - Community Action Suffolk, Brightspace, IpswichAccountable to - Head of FinanceContract term - Permanent Closing date for applications - 09:00 Monday 9 March 2026thInterviews will take place on Monday 16th March 2026Please contact susan.butler@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk for any queries regarding your application  ACCOUNTABLE TO JOB PURPOSE  JOB TITLE: Finance Assistant JOB DESCRIPTION – Finance Assistant  MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To work closely with the Finance Officer and Head of Finance to ensure smoothoperation of the finance function for Community Action Suffolk and subsidiarycompanies  LOCATION: Community Action Suffolk, Brightspace : Head of Finance Overall responsibility for the purchase ledger of CAS and its subsidiaries Receiving and processing invoices including staff expenses through document scanningsoftware Verify approvals and match invoices with purchase orders as required Completion of a weekly BACs payment run ensuring invoices are paid within the agreed terms Overall responsibility for the sales ledger and credit control of CAS and its subsidiaries Processing and issue of room hire and project related invoices Processing receipts / income banking and posting monthly  SALARY: Band: £27,540 per annum FTE, £16,524actualHOURS : 22.5 hrs per week – hybrid role up 60% in Ipswich office at Brightspace To work closely with the Finance Officer and Head of Finance to ensure smooth operation ofthe finance function for Community Action Suffolk and its subsidiary companies. To provide support to work colleagues when required from a Finance/Bookkeeping specialist background. To work with colleagues to ensure finance processes are completed accurately, on time and nominal accounting entries are processed and reconciled efficiently. To be an ambassador for Community Action Suffolk (CAS) supporting and promoting CAS’s diverse range of products and services To be a positive and flexible member of a high performing team  Provide support to colleagues on finance processes and procedures as requiredProvide financial accounting and bookkeeping support internally as required. To develop and maintain an expert working knowledge about the diverse range ofCAS’s products and services and seek to raise awareness and promote thesewherever possibleTo be a first point of contact to share knowledge about who to turn to for support inCASTo actively promote the benefits of CAS’s membership  Work continuously improving speed and accuracy of information and systems ensuring bestuse of CAS resources. Banking of all cheques and deposits Reconciliation of bank accounts, credit cards and petty cash Ensure transactions are processed accurately for VAT purposes Preparation of IT Services at CAS Ltd VAT return and support the Finance Officer in preparation of the CAS VAT return Operation of online Banking systems and monitor cashflow Development of good internal systems, maintaining internal controls with vigilance for fraudulent and erroneous transactions or attempted transactions and ensuring compliance with financial regulations Undertake Finance inductions for new staff as required Prepare monthly management accounts for DBS at CAS Ltd and IT Services at CAS Ltd – fully reconciled balance sheet and profit and loss account Prepare monthly prepayments, deferred income, accruals and accrued income for CAS Posting of other nominal ledger transactions and journals monthly Joint responsibility for managing the finance team ‘inbox’ Undertaking any other financial duty as may be requested by the Finance Officer or Head of Finance  To provide financial support to work colleagues when required To be an ambassador for CAS supporting and promoting CAS’s diverse range of products and services To work with colleagues to ensure finance processes are completed accurately, on time and nominal accounting entries are processed and reconciled efficiently Knowledge,Experienceand Skill  Qualifications PERSON SPECIFICATION To be a positive and flexible member of a high performing team Essential AAT Level 1 Qualified (or equivalent Book Keeping qualification) or Demonstrable qualification by experience – 3 years’ experience in similar role Good knowledge of Financial Accounting Working knowledge of computerised accounting packages Working knowledge of VAT Accounts payable and accounts receivable knowledge and experience of Purchase/Sales ledger reconciliation Working knowledge of Nominal ledger accounting and reconciliations Excellent working knowledge of MicrosoftOffice software, particularly Excel, Outlookand Word Highly developed organisation skills and time management skills Able to work as part of team and on own initiative Ability to cope under pressure Ability to develop, establish and maintain good working relationships across internal teams Strong analytical skills combined with attention to detail and the ability to create reports Ability to stay organised and meet deadlines Ability to communicate financial information in a clear and simple manner To work collaboratively with colleagues to find solutions to issues as they ariseTo take responsibility for a range of activities as specified by the Head of Finance Desirable Knowledge and experience of charity accounting SORP Up to date on current accounting regulations Experienced Xero user Experienced Hallmaster user for room bookings Experienced Stripe user for online payments Has previously assisted with completing VAT returns to HMRC Intermediate level of excel skills Experienced in presenting reconciliations and supporting documentation to auditors or external reviewers such as HMRC Personal commitment to CAS and itsvalues Excellent team player with a positive attitude to change High levels of flexibility and a can do attitude A collaborative and solution based approach to solving problems Ability to self manage, organise, balance and deliver against a range of competing priorities Commitment and an ability to contribute to an emotionally healthy and fun working environment Ability to travel to a bank for paying in deposits Customer service skills to deal with clientsand suppliers Proficiency using bookkeeping softwareGood maths skills for accurate record-keeping Attributes  How to ApplyTo apply you will need to complete our application form You can find a link to the application form via our vacancies page on ourwebsite: https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/about-cas/vacancies/As part of your application you will be asked to:• Tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your skills and experiencedemonstrate your suitability for the role.• Provide full details of your education and employment history including dates• Include how you have demonstrated the CAS values of: Person Centred,Collaborative, Trusted, Responsive and Enabling within your supportingstatement• Provide details of two referees. One of your referees should be your current ormost recent employer. All posts are subject to satisfactory references as detailedin the selection process section below. Your completed application form should be sent toSusan.butler@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk or posted to CommunityAction Suffolk, Brightspace, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0HH. Please markyour application for the attention of Susan Butler.When submitting an application please state where you saw the post advertised.Closing date: 09:00 Monday 9 March 2026thWe encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoiddisappointment, as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successfulcandidate is appointed.www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkto completing our Application FormCAS aims to ensure that comparison between applicants for posts is thorough, fairand in line with our Equal Opportunities Policy. It is therefore essential that youcomplete the application form fully as it will be used to assess whether or not youare shortlisted for an interview.Please ensure you fully read the Job Description and Person Specification for therole before completing the application form.The application form is in two sections and section A and the Equal OpportunitiesForm will be separated from the application before being given to the recruitmentpanel for shortlisting.Your application will be assessed against the responses you provide in section B.Please ensure you relate your answers on your application to the requirements setout in the person specification and where possible provide examples. Pleaseaddress each point in sufficient detail as incomplete sections may impact on thelikelihood of your application being shortlisted.Please do not send us a CV as part of your application or to apply for the role. Wewill only consider candidates who have completed the application form. If there isinsufficient space on the application form, you may attach supplementary sheetsbut please include your name and the position you are applying for.www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkBenefits of working for CAS Ourpeople are passionate about what wedo and thedifference it makes to thecommunities we work in and the people that live in Suffolk. Working in theVoluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector has never been moreinteresting, offering talented people the opportunity to innovate, use their skillsand expertise to make a difference.We recognise that our people are central to what we do and the services weprovide. We are committed to creating positive and fulfilling roles and providingenvironments where people flourish, develop and have the opportunity to make areal difference in delivering good quality services.The benefits we offer to colleagues to support them in delivering their crucial roleincludes the following:Blended working where role allowsFlexible working options to support work/life balance33 days increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annualholiday which includes an allowance for bank holidaysUp to 4% matched pension contribution2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in SuffolkStaff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping,holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activitiesCompany Sick Pay SchemeContinued Professional Development for job related developmentFamily Friendly policies and practicesTailored induction@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkReferees Selection ProcessShortlisted candidates will be contacted and offered an interview date and time. Candidates will benotified of the method of interview. If the interview is face to face you will be notified of the locationthe interviews will be held and provided with directions. All interviews will be confirmed via emailonce agreed.CAS is an equal opportunities employer which welcomes applications from all sections of thecommunity.Everyone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect and CAS is committed toproviding an inclusive environment for all. Good working relationships enable the full potential,creativity and productivity of each individual, in an atmosphere where everyone can learn and workwithout prejudice, discrimination or harassment.The application pack contains an Equal Opportunities Form which we encourage you to completeand return with your application. Please be assured that this form is not part of the applicationprocess and it is removed prior to the shortlisting process.The data we obtain from these forms is analysed to support our commitment to equal opportunitiesand the information will be used to help guide our recruitment strategies.As part of the interviews candidates will be required to take part in a discussion or presentationabout our CAS values. The format for this discussion will be confirmed when the interview date andtime is accepted.We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and wewill always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print, or you would like todiscuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us atSusan.butler@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk or call 01473 345400 and ask to speak to amember of the HR Team.Alwaysask yourreferees permission before giving their contact details for your application. One ofyour referees should be your current or most recent employer/line manager, academic tutor or avolunteer manager if applicable. Please do not give details of family and friends.Referees will only be contacted after an offer has been made and accepted. We will confirm withyou before we approach your referees.Accessibility and Adjustmentswww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolkEquality, Diversity and InclusionGet in touchTo find out more about CommunityAction Suffolk please visit ourwebsitewww.communityactionsuffolk.org.ukCall us on 01473 345400or emailinfo@communityactionsuffolk.org.ukwww.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk@commactionsuffcommunity-action-suffolk@communityactionsuffolk