Finance Assistant

People are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Day-by-day, person-to-person, we tailor what we offer to what people need. We’re here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so that people can explore options and take ‘the next step’ towards a positive future. We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experiences to our team – including those who have lived through homelessness. To make a difference we need to work flexibly, with everyday-leadership, humour and a ‘can do’ spirit. We want to make it easy, make it right, and make it happen – not only for the people we support, but also for each other. Our #OneTeam ethos is core to who we are, and it means caring for and supporting each other regardless of our role, service or location. This is how we roll. We want people who share these values to join us and become a part of the Simon Community Scotland family.

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a high calibre, self-motivated individual to join our successful charity in the role of Finance Assistant reporting to the Finance Manager, the Finance Assistant will assist in delivering a quality and professional finance service to ensure the Simon Community meets ethical and legal requirements and maintains financial efficiency and effectiveness.

Job Purpose

The role involves undertaking routine accounting procedures to ensure operational financial transactions are undertaken in a timely manner and in compliance with the required financial instructions.

Key Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities in this post are as follows:

Input all payments and income (cash, cheques, standing orders, direct debits etc.) onto the accounting software
Ensure cash and cheques are banked regularly
Ensure petty cash reconciliations are completed monthly
Issue statements and letters to service users for payments due
Raise invoices to funders and others
Ensure timeous payment of suppliers by BACS or cheques
Liaise with relevant statutory bodies to ensure prompt and efficient receipt of DWP income, Housing Benefit, Supporting People income etc.
Contribute to the annual budgeting process and preparation of the organisational budget
Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts
Assist with the preparation of annual statutory accounts and year end audit file
Assist with the timely completion and submission of statutory and other periodic returns

Our values are built into every area of our activity and tell the story of how people remain at the heart of the Simon Community:

Warmth and Regard

Recognising and valuing everyone (Equality and Diversity)
Treating people with kindness, dignity and respect
Acting with compassion
Showing warmth and welcome to everyone
Taking difficult decisions sensitively and with due regard to others
Taking a calm, professional and intelligent approach to stigma

Inclusion and Participation

Encouraging the participation and inclusion of people we support
Exploring choices and options with people we support or fellow colleagues
Making things easy for others
Embracing technology in delivering your role*
Supporting clients, staff and volunteers to become digitally included*

Personalised and Creative

Innovation and creativity
Helping to find solutions that are a good fit for someone, irrespective of who they are or the problem they have
When someone isn’t at their best, quickly recognising there’s probably something else going on, and finding ways to respond with care

Supportive and Ambitious

Helping to bring hope through our words and actions
Helping to build trust
Being supportive and showing care

Partnership and Collaboration

Fostering positive relationships with our partners
Building team togetherness and collaboration
Fostering a positive problem-solving vibe

Leadership and Learning

Making things happen
Motivating and inspiring others
Taking time to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t
Taking care of our ‘places and spaces’ so they feel tidy and welcoming
Asking for help and learning to do things better
Playing an active role in our social media strategy*

Person Specification

Training and qualifications

Essential

HNC Accounts

Desirable

Degree

Experience

Essential

Flexibility in working practices with the ability to react to changing demands

Desirable

Experience of working in the charity sector
Experience of working within an office environment

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

IT proficient, in particular with Google
Good communication skills
Experience of working with accounting software

Desirable

A knowledge of social care funding and charity accounting

Personal

Essential

Values-driven with an appreciation for the work we do
A can-do and hands-on approach
Ability to be flexible and support other team members