Finance Assistant

Ref: 22/17

Candidate Brief

December 2017

BACKGROUND

The Nuffield Trust is an independent health charity. We aim to improve the quality of health care and health policy in the UK by providing evidence-based research and policy analysis and informing and generating debate.

VISION

We want to help achieve a high-quality health and social care system that improves the health and care of people in the UK.

We set out to do this by:

improving the evidence base that leads to better care by undertaking rigorous applied research and policy analysis

using our independence to provide expert commentary, analysis and scrutiny of policy and practice bringing together policy-makers, practitioners and others to develop solutions to the challenges

facing the health and social care system we will be grounded in the practical implications of policy-making, working closely with NHS staff

and policy-makers to identify solutions. Above all, we aim to be a trusted and respected voice at a time of unprecedented challenge to the NHS and social care system.

VALUES

In everything we do, we strive to be:

independent and free from vested interests rigorous, robust and evidence-based in the work we undertake relevant, supportive but also challenging when we need to be open and engaging with all those we come into contact with an organisation that makes a difference to the quality of policy-making and practice in the UK.

Current work programme

Our work programme focuses on a number of key areas – all of which are crucial to the long-term sustainability of the system. These areas are outlined in more detail in the Our priorities section of the website and include:

NHS and social care reform quality of care the NHS workforce new models of health care delivery older people and complex care.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a support role, assisting the Deputy Director for Finance & IT with the day-to-day functions of the Finance Department. Working closely with the Deputy Director, you would be involved in most areas of our finance function, including budgeting, audit preparation, investments, banking and VAT, in addition to the principal responsibilities outlined below. This will be a developing role and the successful candidate may be eligible to receive support for studies towards future qualifications.

Principal responsibilities

Accountable to the Deputy Director for Finance & IT, the principal responsibilities will be:

To maintain the Purchase Ledger; including matching invoice to purchase orders, processing invoices, raising payments, checking supplier statements and corresponding with suppliers.

To assist in maintaining the Sales ledger; including the raising of invoices, processing of remittances (including depositing cheques as they are received), corresponding with debtors and other ad-hoc duties.

To complete routine account reconciliations on a monthly basis; including bank accounts, cash

accounts, plus other control accounts.

To assist with monthly accounting routines; month-end close, management accounts, project reporting and so on.

To produce and analyse regular and ad-hoc finance reports, as required by the business.

To assist with year-end and audit preparation – producing audit schedules, casting of accounting schedules and other support as required.

Management of the Trust’s VAT affairs, including assessing the VAT status of projects, completion of VAT returns, processing of VAT-related adjustments, including group VAT movements.

To assist in the review of contracts relating to financial commitments (income and expenditure), making recommendations to the Deputy Director for consideration.

To assist in the production of the Trust’s annual budget pack; liaising with budget holders to ensure accurate information is collected.

To assist in duties relating to investment management, including monthly reconciliation, benchmarking exercises, report production and so on.

To assist in the preparation of Board papers for presentation to Trustees at Board or sub-committee meetings.

Ensuring administrative tasks are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

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The post holder should support the ethos of the Nuffield Trust and uphold its commitment to equality regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Essential

Demonstrable practical knowledge of Sage 50 accounts, or similar accounting software, with 1 year’s recent experience.

Ability to work as part of a team in the provision of a professional financial management and accounting service.

Ability to discuss financial information and concepts clearly and concisely with colleagues who have limited financial knowledge or training.

Ability to use own initiative to anticipate and resolve problems. IT literate with good MS Excel knowledge, preferably with some Sage integration. Working understanding of VAT, preferably with charities experience. Excellent written communication skills. Excellent attention to detail. Excellent time-keeping. An understanding of financial controls and their importance. Team player with a ‘can do’ attitude. A good sense of humour. An interest in working for a charity committed to improving health care in the UK. Self-starter with excellent motivation to deliver.

Desirable

Part qualified AAT, CIMA, ACCA or relevant Finance or Accounting Degree. Prior involvement with charities accounting in a similar role. Experience with the Sage 50 Accounts Project Module. Prior experience with year-end and audit preparation.

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TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a permanent, part-time appointment (80% of full-time, hours to be negotiated), based in London although some periodic travel will be required. The salary scale for this position is £33,000-35,000 pro-rata dependent on the background and experience of the chosen candidate.

The offer of employment will be subject to receipt of two satisfactory references and evidence of right to work in the UK.

BENEFITS

The Trust offers a competitive benefits package including a defined contribution pension scheme, death in service insurance and an Employee Assistance Programme. Eligible employees also benefit from a number of other benefits, including: interest-free travel loans; enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave pay; and childcare vouchers.

Annual leave is 28 days per year (pro rata for part-time positions), 3 days of which must be taken between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed. This rises to 30 days per year (pro rata for part-time positions) on completion of 5 years’ service with the Trust.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates wishing to apply should submit a detailed CV and complete the Trust’s Application Form and Recruitment Monitoring Form, returning them to:

Recruitment, Nuffield Trust, 59 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LPor email: recruitment@nuffieldtrust.org.uk

Telephone number (enquiries): Helen McCarthy on 020 7631 8450.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 14 January 2018.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in London on 25 January 2018.

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