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Job description

To be an active member of the General Assembly’s staff team, contributing to the effective administration of its functions. To provide accounting and administrative support to the Financial Secretary and Council Finance Managers for the delivery of the agreed work programme in a manner in keeping with the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. To prepare management and year end accounts, budgets and projections and financial reports and reconciliations for designated activities of the General Assembly and associated organisations..

Responsibilities

• Finance and Accounting
• Under the direction of the Financial Secretary to prepare or assist in the preparation of management and annual accounts for funds or activities of the General Council, Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and associated organisations
• Under direction of the Finance Manager for the Council for Social Witness to prepare or assist in the preparation of management and annual accounts for funds or activities of Council (include residential homes and various supported living projects)
• To prepare or assist in the preparation of annual budgets/forecasts in relation to 1 and 2 above.
• To attend and report at meetings and respond to queries. This will include travel to various locations throughout NI & ROI on a monthly basis.
• To carry out control account reconciliations and account analysis, including making necessary accounting adjustments.
• To contribute to the development of accounting systems and under the direction of the Financial Secretary and Council Finance Managers to assist with the implementation of agreed changes.
• To assist in the provision of advice and issuing of guidance to congregations in relation to their financial procedures and regulations including compliance with regulations issued by charity regulators and HMRC.
• To import financial data into the accounting system.
• Carry out monthly accounting procedures including account reconciliations, analysis, data import and postings including the completion of the Statement of Liquid Funds (re internal notional bank accounts).
• To include regular positing of utility bills etc. and other payments made by direct debit. To include regular positing of utility bills etc. and other payments made by direct debit.
• To assist in the preparation of the annual consolidated accounts for the General Assembly. To complete Gift Aid claims as required.
• To attend to relevant queries from the Auditors with regard to the completion of the annual audit and provide information as necessary.
• To prepare as required VAT and other government department returns ensuring these are completed accurately and within required timeframes.
• To maintain the Fixed Asset Register, including setting up of new assets and processing monthly deprecation charges. To also include preparing disclosure re Fixed Asset for the audited accounts.
• To complete or assist in the completion of various government statistical, administrative and financial returns.
• To assist with the completion of annual monitoring returns to charity regulators
• To maintain the Cash Book for the Church pension scheme and reconcile the bank accounts as required.
• To provide support and advice to staff in relation to accounting procedures and systems as necessary
• To attend meetings of Committees and management teams and present financial reports and ad hoc reports as required. To attend staff meetings as required.
• To contribute to overall organisational effectiveness and to perform any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Financial Secretary or Council Finance Managers in line with the requirements of General Assembly or the Clerk of the General Assembly
• To monitor performance against budgets and forecasts, make recommendations for corrective action and provide additional information as required.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 GCSE passes, Grades A-C, including English language (and Maths), or equivalent; High level of proficiency in Microsoft products particularly in Excel
• A Part Qualified Accountant, an Accounting Technician Qualification or equivalent.
• Two years' experience of working in a finance office, of using a computerised accounting system, of accounts preparation and bank and control account reconciliations
• Two years' experience of using Microsoft Excel or equivalent at an intermediate or advanced level.
• Experience of working with line managers in relation to the preparation of budgets, reviewing financial reports and of advising on financial procedures.
• Willingness to work additional hours to fulfil the requirements of the position; Willingness to work within the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Hold a full valid driving licence and have access to transport to meet the requirements of the post Or have access to transport to meet the requirements of the post (travel to services as required during normal working hours)

Application Information

Applications can be downloaded from www.presbyterianireland.org/pcijobs or can be requested by emailing personnel@presbyterianireland.org or calling 02890417255.