Finance Assistant

Summary:

To provide an excellent utilities accounts payable service ensuring accurate and
complete billing to residents, and prompt processing of supplier invoices and
associated bank payments.
To support the finance team as required to ensure a smooth and efficient service to the
wider business is achieved.

Main

Duties and Responsibilities:

SPECIFIC

• Accurately recording and analysing (e.g. usage variance) utility invoices before
challenging and/or processing for timely payment.

• Regular liaison with internal departments (e.g. development – new homes
connections), bill management providers and energy suppliers regarding
metering, billing and payments ensuring a seamless flow of accurate
information.

• Co-ordinate prompt and accurate meter readings, visiting locations as required.

• Maintaining accurate records regarding property meters, utility accounts, billing
and related procural documentation.

• Assist with any utility related supplier tendering process.

GENERAL
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To process journal entries to the general and project ledger systems.
•
To process purchase orders, invoices and goods received notes for payment.
•
Assist with month and year end reviews of costs and ongoing balances held.
•
To undertake investigations of errors and inconsistencies.
•
Liaise closely with both internal staff and outside agencies to encourage full communication and to ensure that all information is shared within and between Departments as appropriate and in line with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
•
Assist in review, development and implementation of working practices to ensure an efficient and effective finance service.
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To support the team when required to investigate and respond to queries from colleagues, tenants and other stakeholders.
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To maintain tenant and other client records which may include the setting up of direct debits and investigate improvements to the administration of records. To provide cover for the taking of rent/insurance payments and answer rent/insurance queries.
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To ensure accurate and up to date maintenance of all filing relating to the duties of this post and as required by members of the Finance Team.
•
Undertake other duties as directed and commensurate with the grading of the role.
•
To assist with reporting and document gathering for internal control and external audits.
•
To ensure accurate and up to date maintenance of all filing relating to the duties of this post and as required by members of the Finance Team.
•
Attend meetings and participate in working groups as required.
•
Train members of the team with the functions undertaken in your role where required.
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To operate within the firms quality management commitments, behaviours framework and the equality & diversity guidance.
•
To provide support and cover if requested across other finance assistant roles.

Experience:

Experience of working in a financial environment.
Understanding of the issues faced by social housing tenants or experience of customer services.
Understanding and commitment to the principles of Diversity and Equality.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of using computerised systems and PC packages including Microsoft Office e.g. Word processing/ spreadsheets.
Sound knowledge of double entry bookkeeping and usage of control accounts
Ability to analyse data and information from various sources.

Skills / Abilities:
Excel Skills
Excellent spreadsheet skills and ability to use and maintain complex financial models using large datasets.
Ability to lift and analyse data and information from multiple sources.
Resource Management
Drive and ability to work under pressure to achieve personal and team goals and deadlines.
Good administrative and time management skills.

Partnership Working
Good inter-personal skills with a strong focus on Customer Care.
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues within PCH and with external organisations.
Change Management
Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
Willingness to participate positively towards change within the team and have a flexible approach to all aspects of service delivery.
Communication
Good communication skills with an ability to communicate well with others.

Qualifications:

A minimum of 3 GCSE Grade 4-9 (or A –

C) including maths. Or equivalent (including relevant experience).
AAT Level 3 (or equivalent) or studying towards

Each application will be personally read and reviewed and will be replied to within three business days. No automation will be used