Finance Officer

Citizens Advice Bristol is looking for an organised, detail-focused Finance Officer to join our team and play an important role in keeping our finance function running smoothly.

This is a varied and hands-on role, combining bookkeeping, financial administration, reporting and process improvement. Working closely with the Chief Executive, managers and our external accountants, you will help ensure our financial records are accurate, payments are made on time and managers have reliable financial information to support their work.

You don’t need to be a qualified accountant. We are looking for someone with solid experience in bookkeeping, finance or accounts administration, who enjoys creating order, solving problems and making sure nothing slips through the gaps.

What you’ll be doing

Your responsibilities will include:

Maintaining accurate financial records using Quick Books

Processing purchase and sales invoices, credit notes and supplier payments

Recording grant income, donations and other receipts

Completing monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations

Monitoring cash flow and bank balances

Preparing monthly payroll information and processing staff expenses

Producing monthly management information and supporting budget holders

Supporting annual budgeting and audit preparation

Maintaining accurate records in line with charity accounting requirements

Supporting Gift Aid claims and maintaining clear audit trails

Handling financial and payroll information securely and confidentially

Reviewing finance processes and identifying opportunities to improve them

Providing finance support and guidance to colleagues across the organisation

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, enjoys working with detail and understands the importance of accurate and reliable financial information.

You will have:

Experience in a finance, bookkeeping or accounts administration role

Experience processing invoices and supplier payments

Experience completing bank reconciliations

Experience supporting month-end processes

Experience using accounting software such as Quick Books

Knowledge of double-entry bookkeeping and financial controls

Excellent Excel and Microsoft Office skills

Strong attention to detail and organisational skills

The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently

Good problem-solving skills and initiative

The ability to explain financial information clearly to colleagues who aren’t finance specialists

A strong understanding of confidentiality and data protection when handling sensitive information

You will also be reliable, calm, methodical, approachable and committed to continuous improvement, with a commitment to the values of Citizens Advice and equality, diversity and inclusion.

It would be great if you also have

An AAT qualification or are currently working towards one

Experience working within a charity

Knowledge of charity accounting

Experience preparing audit files

Experience working with grant income and restricted funds

This is an opportunity to join an organisation that makes a real difference to people across Bristol. You will have the opportunity to contribute not only to the day-to-day running of our finance function, but also to improving how we work and strengthening our financial processes.

If you’re an experienced finance professional who enjoys being organised, solving problems and making things work better, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a part time role (21 hours per week)

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