Job summary
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science?� Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis?� Forest Research is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.
We�re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways.� Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet.� And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it�s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit
The Finance Team is responsible for providing effective financial systems and support within FR. This incorporates, strategic corporate and financial planning, management and financial accounting reporting and control, risk management, systems accounting, transaction processing, and procurement advice.
There are Centre Administration Officers who provide financial support to their respective Centres.
Job description
The post will report to the Finance Support Manager (Purchase ledger and expenses).� The purpose of the post is to deliver a range of financial administration tasks in accounts payable/purchase ledger, expenses, and general ledger and in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial ledgers.
Key Work Areas:�
Financial processing
1. Process and monitor financial transactions within the Purchase ledger including supporting wider FR staff with raising purchase orders, uploading invoices and credit notes for creditors, allocation of centralised bills to the appropriate cost centres
2. Payment processing, including foreign payments, and supplier statement reconciliation, liaising with suppliers in respect of queries on their statements
�Administration of expenses
3. Administration of Government Procurement Cards and employee expense claims; checking and posting the claims, reconciling and correcting as necessary
4. Assistance with monthly, interim and year end reporting including running periodic reports and the preparation and checking of year end information
Person specification
Essential Criteria:
� � �Previous experience of working in a similar role, including reconciling and processing financial transactions with accuracy�
� � �Attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical skills
� � �Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines
� � �Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff
� � �Experience of using accounting software
� � �Competent user of Microsoft Office including Excel
Desirable Criteria:
5. Experience in a similar role
6. Experience working with Unit 4 software � Business World (Previously Agresso)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
7. Managing a Quality Service
8. Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
9. Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �24,323, Forestry Commission - Forest Research contributes �7,046 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Your career
10. Excellent�professional development opportunities�which are tailored to your role, with paid�professional membership�subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
11. access to world class�laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
Your work/life balance
12. flexible working options�such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
13. A�generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus days of additional leave and 8 days� paid bank/public holidays
Your wellbeing
14. A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
15. A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
16. We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a�community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at�Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
17. Paid�volunteering leave�of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
Your benefits
18. a highly competitive�Civil Service Pension of your salary
19. an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
20. Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
21. Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
22. With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there�s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.