Accountant

Accountant

Location: Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0PS
Contract: Permanent, Part time (24 Hours per week)
Salary: £45,000 - £54,000 per annum (Pro rata and DOE), plus excellent benefits package

Would you like to work in the surroundings of a stunning historic House and Gardens?

Are you a qualified, motivated and organised Accountant who would like to join a small but friendly Estate office team?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled individual to provide financial support for the Estate, prepare monthly management information, maintain financial records, and make sound business decisions based on accurate financial data.

The Ascott Estate is located in the tranquil village of Wing, Buckinghamshire. The Estate is renowned for Ascott House, a 16th Century former hunting box which houses an exceptional collection of paintings, fine furniture and superb oriental porcelain; Ascott Gardens, extensive gardens laid with fountains, sculptures and colourful bedding plants; a Tea Room; Cricket Ground; and a residential let property portfolio.

About the role:

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly and annual management and financial accounts, including balance sheet and cashflow analysis
• Maintain all financial records, ensuring robust financial compliance
• Prepare all relevant VAT returns and Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings
• Present reports of the financial health of the Estate to the Estate Manager
• Oversee all relevant transactional finance duties, including the implementation of robust and accurate financial processes as necessary, in order to ensure a timely and accurate month-end close
• Prepare payroll and maintain the staff portal
• Complete all credit card and expenses reconciliations and prepare balance sheet reconciliations and audit schedules
• Assist with stock control of National Trust (NT) merchandise and maintain point of sale software
• Analyse profit per department for NT during the opening season
• Compile company budgets and reporting against actuals

Professional Skills and Experience

• Qualified Accountant with strong financial and management accounting background (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
• Experience of effective management of purchase ledgers, cashflows, bank reconciliations and credit control
• Experience of using Key Prime or equivalent small business accounting software
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in other MS Office packages

Personal Qualities

• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• High degree of confidentiality is required as you will be privy to highly sensitive financial data
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work within a small team where flexibility is paramount
• High efficiency, organisation and time management skills
• Customer service focused
• Professional manner
• Results orientated
• Self-motivated and able to use own initiative
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to deal with people at all levels

Benefits

• Hybrid working considered
• Competitive salary
• 10% of your salary will be contributed into your pension
• 25 days holiday plus 8 days bank holidays

Apply today!

Closing date: 10th July 2024
First Interviews will be held virtually week commencing 15th July 2024
Final interviews will be held at the Estate from week commencing 22nd July 2024

Closing date: 10-07-2024