Expenditure Manager

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research?  Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.

We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways.  Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment.  With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage – Forest Research

The Finance Team is responsible for providing effective financial systems and support within Forest Research (FR). This incorporates strategic corporate and financial planning, management and financial accounting reporting and control, risk management, systems accounting, transaction processing and procurement advice.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Expenditure Manager will lead the operational delivery of the Accounts Payable / Purchase Ledger function. They will be responsible for leading and overseeing payment runs and overseeing expenses management.  They will be required to support on the development of financial controls across the finance function and provide support at month end, including preparation of accruals and postings, reconciling balance sheet accounts, and undertaking supplier statement reconciliations.  They will be expected to provide regular reporting on GRNI and creditors.

A key part of the role will be the updating and maintenance of the Fixed Asset Register, and ensuring it reconciles to the Trial Balance.    

The Expenditure manager will be responsible for a small team which will among other duties, involve leading on their training, development, and progression.

Key work areas:

• Lead the operation delivery of the Accounts Payable / Purchase Ledger function ensuring it reconciles to the Trial Balance
• Managing stakeholder relationships to the highest of standards (external and internal) in addition to working closely with customers to ensure the business is a great partner
• Develop best in class systems and processes to drive continual improvements and transformation
• Oversee the processing and reviewing of invoices to ensure accuracy of approvals and coding.
• Ensure the accuracy of the Purchase Ledger accounting system
• Support month and year-end responsibilities, 
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities as appropriate to the grade of the role as required

Staff Management and Development:

• Line Manage a small team who have day to day responsibility for the Accounts Payable function, processes, and procedures
• Leading, training and developing the team to support progression

Essential Criteria:

• A qualified or part-qualified accountant registered with a recognised professional body, or equivalent experience
• Substantial experience leading a successful transactional accounts function
• Experience of a high-volume operation with multiple customers
• Experience of various VAT treatments of invoices
• Line management and experience in running a small team
• Experience with Fixed Asset Register transactions and reconciliation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong planning, problem solving and analytical skills
• Experience of using finance systems and processes/competent user of Microsoft Office

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of developing, and improving finance systems and processes
• Knowledge of accounting and management principles

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions

Your career

• Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
• access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings

Your work/life balance

• flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays

Your wellbeing

• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
• We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
• Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time

Your benefits

• a highly competitive Civil Service Pension where employer contributions starting at 26% of your salary
• an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
• Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
• Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
• With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.

Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

Job contact :

• Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
• Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk