Finance Administrator (Purchase Ledger & Expenses) Deadline Extended

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. There are Centre Administration Officers who provide financial support to their respective Centres.

The post will report to the Finance Support Manager (Purchase ledger and expenses) based in Alice Holt, Farnham.

The purpose of the post is to deliver a range of financial administration tasks in accounts payable/purchase ledger, expenses, and general ledger and in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial ledgers.

Key Work Areas:

Financial processing

• Process and monitor financial transactions within the Purchase ledger including supporting wider FR staff with raising or amending purchase orders, uploading invoices and credit notes for creditors, allocation of centralised bills to the appropriate cost centres
• Payment processing, including foreign payments, and supplier statement reconciliation, liaising with suppliers in respect of queries on their statements

Administration of expenses

• Administration of Government Procurement Cards and employee expense claims; checking and posting the claims, reconciling and correcting as necessary
• Assistance with monthly, interim and year end reporting including running periodic reports and the preparation and checking of year end information

Essential Criteria:

• Relevant work experience including reconciling and processing financial transactions with accuracy and good attention to detail
• Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff
• Experience of using accounting software
• Competent user of Microsoft Office including Excel

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in a similar role
• Experience working with Unit 4 software – Business World (Previously Agresso)

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

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