Accounts Assistant

Finance team

With its network of parishes covering the country, the Church of England plays an active role in national life, bringing an important Christian dimension to the nation, as well as strengthening community life. The Church of England is arranged geographically into 41 Dioceses, each under the care of a Bishop, and covers every part of England.

The Diocese of York takes in much of North and East Yorkshire, an area which includes the cities of York and Hull, as well as Middlesbrough and Selby, two National Parks, and the incomparable Yorkshire coast. We are led and guided in our faith and work by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. York Minster is our principal church.

The Diocesan office is located at Clifton Moor in York. Led by Canon Peter Warry, Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive, our teams provide services in support of the mission and ministry of our clergy, churches, parishes and schools. This includes our Training team, who support and develop ministry; our Education team, who work with our schools; and support functions such as Communications, Property, Finance, Safeguarding and Human Resources.

Our vision is to be a family of Generous Churches Making and Nurturing Disciples and we are implementing our strategic plans to deliver this vision through goals defined as: Reaching those we currently don’t; Growing in discipleship, influence and numbers; underpinned by achieving Sustainable finances. Substantial new initiatives are under way, and others are in planning, to achieve these goals. The Finance team are engaged in supporting this work.

The Opportunity

The purpose of this post is to assist the Director of Finance and the finance team with all aspects of the accounting and related record-keeping for the Diocese. The post will initially include responsibility for the administration of the bank accounts and of investments, administrative support relating to changes in clergy, as well as providing assistance and cover for other areas of the Finance team as necessary. The contents of the role are expected to evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the team and the wider organisation.

The Finance team is responsible for monitoring income, payroll, purchase ledger, nominal ledger, investments and bank accounts. The post-holder will report to the Management Accountant, and will work efficiently and flexibly to meet the needs of the team and the organisation. We offer a competitive salary, good holiday provision, and generous pension arrangements, along with a good working environment and free parking.

To be successful in the role, you will be a highly organised individual with experience of working in a busy office. You will have strong IT skills and people skills, great attention to detail, and ability to work flexibly to turn your hand to what’s needed. You will also have empathy with the Christian faith and be willing to work in support of our ministry and mission.

Job Description

The role will evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the finance team and the wider organisation. At the outset, the principle responsibilities will include:

Bank accounts

 To maintain the bank accounts, post entries and to bank cheques.  Check all entries are valid and authorised.  To carry out regular bank reconciliations.

Investments

 To updated the accounting system for changes in investments.  To provide information and reports as necessary including liaison with parish treasurers and fund managers.  Reconciliation of Diocesan and custodian investments.

Clergy payroll

 Provide support to the HR manager regarding the administrative process around the clergy payroll, including joiners, leavers and sickness absence.

Other

 Process one off payments.  Process and enter journals onto the nominal ledger.  Maintaining various finance spreadsheets.  Assist with the VAT return Assist with support to Parishes including administration regarding their annual reports and tasks.  Assist with purchase ledger invoice entry.  Deal with queries including those from the various Parishes across the Diocese.  Ensure accurate and effective filing and archiving of all documentation relating to all the above tasks.  Assist with any other tasks seen as necessary and appropriate.  Provide Cover and support for others in the department when necessary.  Working with the team on continuous improvement and automation of finance processes  Contribute to ad- hoc reports and projects as required

2  Attendance at relevant meetings, and involvement in other diocesan initiatives, projects and working groups, drawing on the skills and gifts of the post-holder.  To participate in the annual review process and appropriate continuing professional development, including participation in professional networks.  Contribute to the wider work of the Diocese, as appropriate.

The job description provides an outline of the key responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The post-holder may be asked to undertake any other relevant duties appropriate to the post and/or drawing on the skills and gifts of the post- holder. The job description may be amended over time, in consultation with the post-holder, in order to meet the needs of the Diocese.

Person Specification

Essential

1. Numerate, with an aptitude and enthusiasm for finance-related work

2. Ability to work efficiently in a busy office environment

3. Strong IT skills, including Excel to at least intermediate level

4. Strong communications and inter-personal skills

5. Good organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure

6. Methodical, with strong attention to detail

7. Highly motivated, with a ‘can-do’ attitude

8. A good team player, with a flexible and adaptable approach

9. Friendly and approachable, with a customer-focused outlook

10. High degree of professionalism in dealing with confidential data

11. Empathy with the Christian faith and willing to work within a Church of England context in support of its mission and ministry

Desirable

12. Accountancy qualifications not needed, but working towards AAT (or a desire to do so) would be an advantage

13. Previous experience in a similar role, involving basic accountancy and book-keeping

14. Some understanding of Church of England culture and structures

The post will involve some activities relating to banking. Having your own transport to be able to get to the bank would be an advantage.

3 Summary of Terms and Conditions

Employer The York Diocesan Board of Finance (YDBF)

Line Manager Management Accountant

DBS Disclosure A DBS check is not required for this post

Probationary Period Appointments are subject to a 6 month probationary period

Location The post is based at the diocesan offices at Clifton Moor, York

Hours The post is full-time, 35 hours per week. Our normal working

hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Salary An appointment will be made at Grade 7. Starting salary will be

around £20.5 k to £22 k depending on experience.

Pension The YDBF offers a contributory pension scheme organised by the Church of England Pensions Board. For each 1% of contribution paid by the employee (from a min. of 3% to a max. of 7%), the employer will pay a contribution equivalent to double the amount

Holidays In addition to the eight Bank and Public Holidays, DBF employees are entitled to 5 weeks annual leave in any year

Mileage A mileage allowance will be paid in respect of journeys undertaken in connection with the duties of the post (currently 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles)

Non-contractual Benefits

Employee Benefits Non-contractual benefits currently offered to include childcare vouchers, eye care vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, and a scheme offering discounts with a range of high street and online retailers, supermarkets, restaurants and leisure providers.

Pastoral Care Our Diocesan Adviser and Coordinator of Pastoral Care offers the space to talk through pastoral, professional or personal matters and

can provide or arrange counselling and / or mediation if required.

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