Chief Accountant

An outstanding opportunity has arisen to join a superb employer in the heart of Oxford (remote working for the foreseeable future) in the role of Accountant. The successful candidate will be a 'sleeves-up', 'hands-on' finance professional with a blend of practical and strategic skills and the ability to relate well to others - financial and non-financial.

The organisation wishes to appoint an Accountant who can play an active role in this process and in the initiation, development and implementation of longer-term strategic and financial plans.

Reporting directly to the Treasurer, the Accountant is central to the good running of the organisation and its future success. This is an opportunity to play an influential role, supporting the ambitions of the leadership team. Whilst leading the Accounts Department and ensuring that all financial matters are dealt with in accordance with legislation and ethical accounting practice are the principal responsibilities of the Accountant, he/she will also play a role in the development of financial strategy, and will be responsible for the flow of information to the Governing Body and external parties where necessary.

Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, normal working hours may be negotiated and hours can be annualised to suit the right candidate. Alongside a wide range of superb benefits you will be entitled to 36 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.

The Accountant is directly, and through leadership of the Accounts Office, responsible for:

• Presenting to the Treasurer financial plans which properly balance company aspirations and priorities with its long term financial viability.
• Leading and co-ordinating the planning and budgeting activity within that overall framework and producing timely and accurate reporting against those plans; advising on options and financial analysis of strategic and operational plans.
• Ensuring the company is properly resourced, in terms of people, knowledge, systems and procedures to ensure compliance with all appropriate regulatory, statutory and fiscal requirements.
• Advising the Treasurer on the cost implications of policy developments.
• Managing a team of five permanent employees within the finance department
• Developing a suite of Management Information and KPIs, to include development and production of dashboards and reporting packs.
• Scenario modelling to support the organisation's plans and ambitions.
• Maintaining ethical and financial standards commensurate with charitable status.

Annual Accounts and Statutory Returns

• Production of annual statutory accounts consistent with the requirements of the Charities SORP.
• Exercise appropriate judgement in identifying appropriate treatment.
• Manage audit and auditors - establish and maintain accounting and office procedures and ensure these are consistent with audit standards.
• Generate all statutory returns, including charity commission reports.
• Preparation of annual statements for overarching organisation
• Leadership of the year end process to ensure timely and accurate completion and use professional judgement to ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory and auditing requirements.

Management Accounts and Management Information

• In conjunction with the Treasurer, senior managers and the Management Accountant, develop annual budget and long range forecasts for consideration by Finance Committee. Advise Finance Committee on the key issues.
• Work with the Management Accountant, managers and other members of the leadership team to ensure that appropriate charging mechanisms are in place, ensure that tight budgetary controls are maintained and promote a culture of tight financial control.
• Ensure that budgets and long range plans are in line with the company's strategy.
• Provide leadership in production and development of monthly management accounts.
• Prepare and monitor balance sheets and oversee reconciliation processes.
• Provide financial expertise in the development of existing systems and ad hoc financial reviews.
• Produce ad-hoc reports for Governing Body
• Prepare for and attend Finance Committee meetings.

Development and Investments

• Work with the Development team on the recording of donations and donations forecast.
• Produce periodic information on the investment portfolio.
• Manage detailed Endowment and Restricted Fund accounts and liaise with Fund holders.

Trading and VAT

• Produce and assess the financial results of all company trading activity
• Managing VAT between the company and subsidiary companies in consistent manner, in line with current HMRC practice and guidance.
• Ensure fiscal and regulatory compliance and advise Finance Committee on any underlying issues.
• Oversee VAT returns.

Banking

• Manage day to day cash flow.
• Perform regular review of banking and loan arrangements and service costs.
• Provide loan providers with Covenant and other Management information as required.

Fixed Assets

• Oversee maintenance of fixed assets register.
• Ensure all disposals are properly authorised and accounted for.
• Assist the Treasurer in managing the Shared Equity scheme.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ICAEW or ACCA) with at least 5 years post qualification experience, or equivalent
• Experience of leading, managing and developing a team
• Comfortable behaving in line with organisational values
• Experience of preparing accounts under Charities SORP
• Good systems skills, with advanced excel and use of reporting tools
• Excellent written and oral c