Finance Assistant

Outcomes First Group is Great Place to Work certified – it’s official!

We believe in having an amazing work-life balance, which is why we take part in the national 4 Day Working Week pilot,* which makes joining us now even more appealing‿

Job Title: Finance Assistant

Location: Bolton

Flexibility: Available

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £28,000 per annum.

Job Purpose:

To provide effective financial control, overhead accounting and fixed asset accounting, to ensure timely and accurate management information, working in cooperation with others in the Finance team.

Key Responsibilities:

The Finance Assistant will support the Overheads Team in producing accurate and timely monthly management accounts with responsibilities including:

• Perform accurate overhead accounting for all business units and agencies across the group as part of the overhead accounting team, by preparing and posting journals.
• Perform accurate fixed asset accounting for all business units across the group as part of the overhead accounting team, by preparing and posting journals.
•  Assisting the finance teams as required to ensure monthly accounts are completed in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the payments team to ensure that transactions are coded appropriately to minimise manual intervention and drive continuous improvement.
• Check coding and approve invoices for those transactions processed without a purchase order.
• Work closely with the capital accountant to ensure costs are appropriately accounted between the balance sheet and profit and loss account.
• Ensure balance sheet reconciliations are up to date and fully reconciled for associated balance sheet codes.
• Support the preparation of the audit packs prior to submission to the auditors.
• Undertake any ad-hoc analysis as requested by the Head of Reporting, Director of Financial Controls or Group Finance.

Standard responsibilities:

There are a number of standard duties and responsibilities that all employees, irrespective of their role and level of seniority within Outcomes First Group are expected to be familiar with and adhere to;

• Participates in an annual performance review programme
• Works, at all times, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and statutory regulations applicable to the Group.
• Observes, at all times, strict rules of confidentiality appropriate to the post.
• To comply at all times with the requirements of Health and Safety Regulations to ensure their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.
• OFG Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all employees to work in accordance with this.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.
   

Measures:

• Measures against set objectives relevant to the role
• Set performance indicators
• Departmental Net Promoter Scores

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Working towards Accounting qualification.
•  Relevant management accounting experience.
•  Ability to communicate and build relationships with people at different levels.
• Good Excel skills critical – data manipulation (including extraction from financial ledgers), analytical and presentation skills at a level suitable for Executive review.
• Experience of Access Dimensions would be advantageous, though not essential.
• Working knowledge of MS Office including Microsoft PowerPoint is essential.

About Finance 

As a centralised function at Outcomes First Group, Finance supports several acquired agencies, over 70 schools, and multiple schools with accommodation for vulnerable young people, children, and adults. Our Finance team consists of Management Accounts, Transactional Finance and Commercials.

As one of the largest departments within Outcomes First Group, we are committed to providing a high level of service to work towards our goal of improving those we care for. Joining Finance, you will gain exposure to a variety of scenarios in a fast-paced and high-volume industry, where you will really get the chance to develop your personal and professional skills.

About the Group

Outcomes First Group exists to make sure vulnerable people get the opportunities they need, whether that involves providing them with specialist education and residential care or finding them dedicated foster families in which they can thrive.

There are two main organisations in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education and Care, Options Autism. Together, we educate, care for and support children and young people across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world.

Why work for us?

Your wellbeing is very important to us, and we know that being able to choose the benefits that suit you and your family will support your wellbeing.

Whatever your role and wherever you’re located, you’ll love VISTA, our flexible benefits platform which lets you tailor your benefits package.

And when your circumstances change‿no problem. You can flex, trade and add to your benefits package to suit your circumstances.

• Holidays starting at 25 days per annum, plus the opportunity to purchase up to 5 additional days
• Critical illness cover and life assurance options
• Company Pension with options to increase your contributions
• Private medical and dental Insurance
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Eco-Car Scheme
• “Your Wellbeing Matters- access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Career development opportunities
• Professional support networks and groups
• *4-Day Working Week: Enjoy a 'rest-day' any day Monday to Friday (as agreed with Manager) available after the successful completion of the probationary period.
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

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*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit 

**Welcome Bonus is paid as per the terms, providing you have not left before payments are made. T&C's apply if you leave within the first 12 months.

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Winner UK Great Place to Work™ Award 2024.