Assistant Accountant

The Role

Portland is a specialist college, residential care provider and Centre of Excellence for Autism. We believe everyone with disabilities should have a lifetime of opportunity. 

We are a safe and happy place that helps people to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Our education and care programmes focus on three themes: independence, health and well-being and employability. Everyone has different needs, so we tailor our programs for people to focus on achieving their goals, their way. Ofsted and CQC rate us as Good, and we have won several awards for our wonderful provision. 

At Portland Charity our staff are at the heart of what we do, we are passionate about our vision and dedicate our careers to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Our priority is to create an outstanding place to work and a happy working environment where the rewards of a job well done can be seen in the faces of our learners and citizens.

A new opportunity has arisen in Finance for an experienced Assistant Accountant. The role will support the overall Finance team in delivering a comprehensive

provision of financial and payroll service whilst working closely with the Finance Manager to support the operations within the department.

Previous experience and a good working knowledge of all accounting routines Is required for this role. You will be working within our busy Finance department with a team of finance professionals you will support the overall team in delivering a comprehensive provision of financial and payroll services.

You will need to be well-organised, have experience of high-volume accurate data entry and be confident and motivated. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and in person) to liaise with customers, suppliers and staff on a range of finance issues.

Experience of working in a fast-paced environment would be beneficial along with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, and being able to work as part of a team.

Accuracy is vital in ensuring correct implementation of VAT rules are applied in all areas along with working jointly with the Financial Operations Manager in the preparation of the quarterly VAT return.

You will have experience of dealing with administration of Education Funding Agency (EFA) Fees, be confident in overseeing correct Payment of Fees from EFA and Local Authorities debt chasing as necessary and managing benefit forms.

You will be preparing student bursary calculations for payment and administration and management of other invoicing as requested.

You will assist and deliver in month and year end reporting in accordance with finance deadlines.

The successful candidate will hold a recognised UK accounting qualification (or be willing to work towards this) or hold substantial qualification by experience in a similar role.

You will have a minimum of 2 years working in a financial environment and knowledge of VAT legislation within education and general trading along with the ability to transact information at a high level of accuracy together with strong IT skills.

Many of our staff have a disability and we’re proud to hold Disability Confident and Mindful Employer status which recognises our positive approach to physical and mental health at work. Applications are completed via our online recruitment portal, if you require an alternative format to enable you to apply for this role then please contact the Portland HR team on 01623 499 111 who will be able to assist you.

Please note - CVs submitted will not be considered as part of your application.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

Benefits

Qualifications