Finance and Payroll Officer

Sound Communities CIC is an award-winning not-for-profit that works to create communities of empowered, confident and resilient young people with the aspirations and skills to build a better and fairer future. We are a Community Interest Company Limited by Guarantee therefore all profit from activities is re-invested into the community.

Full Job Spec PDF

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) – Level 3 certificate in bookkeeping or equivalent.
• Process payroll for employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Reconcile bank statements and manage accounts payable and receivable.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Assist with budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Understands double entry bookkeeping to contribute to the effective running of the finance function.
• Be responsible for the payment and raising of invoices.
• Handle employee expense claims and ensure proper documentation.
• Assist with budget monitoring and set-up for projects.
• Manage pension schemes and other employee benefits.
• Assist with year-end financial audits and prepare necessary documentation.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to prioritise own workload.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of financial and employee information.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualification or equivalent.
• Proven experience as a bookkeeper/finance and payroll administrator in the UK.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC regulations.
• Proficiency in accounting software such as Sage, QuickBooks, or Xero.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with cloud-based accounting systems.
• Experience working with Term Time Contracts.
• Experience working within the third sector.
• Experience of working within HR.
• Experience of using accounting software Xero.
• Experience in preparing and managing budgets.
• Familiarity with pension schemes and auto-enrolment processes.
• Membership of a professional body such as the ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers), CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) or AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians).

What’s included:

• Opportunity to work for an award-winning and fast-growing organisation providing fantastic opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the South West
• Annual leave equivalent to 22 days (not including bank holidays) which increases annually.
• Newly refurbished studios located close to the sea/beach and town centre. Our workspaces are a specialist collaborative provision for students who are at risk of high levels of fixed-period or permanent exclusion, predominantly for students who need additional behavioural, social, emotional or mental health support
• Laptop provided
• Funded Enhanced DBS