'Ataxia’ is an umbrella term for a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, coordination and speech. A serious but rare condition thought to affect 12,000 adults and around 500 children in the UK. We provide advocacy and support those affected. We are actively involved as the patient voice for the first USA approved drug for the condition. Position: Charity Accountant Responsible to : COO Location : Hybrid working is offered to all staff. This role requires at least three days per weekk to be based in our Highgate, London office. Hours : 35 hours per week (full-time), core hours of 10am–4pm Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum Main purpose of job: Responsible for managing the financial operations of the charity, ensuring that all transactions are accurately recorded and that financial controls and procedures are in place to safeguard the charity’s assets. Annual leave and benefits: 25 days annual leave pro rata rising by one day per year to 30 days 5% contribution to a personal pension plan Employee assistance scheme Comprehensive flexible working policy Season ticket loan available Bike-2-Work Scheme Accredited Living Wage Employer Birthdays off 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme JOB DESCRIPTION Financial Management 1. Assist with the preparation of timely, accurate and comprehensive financial reports in Xero, provide detailed financial analysis to senior management, highlighting variances, trends and forecasts that could impact the charity’s financial health. 2. Contribute to the charity's accounting systems and processes ensuring that they are compliant with charity law, accounting standards and internal policies. 3. Implement and maintain strong internal financial controls to protect the charity’s assets, minimise risk and ensure proper governance. 4. Ensure that all grants and donations are managed and reported on in accordance with donor requirements, including preparation of grant financial reports and adherence to restricted fund reporting. 5. Preparation of monthly payroll and ensure timely running of payroll reports including the processing of payments to staff, pension funds and HMRC. 6. Processing of transactions in an accurate and timely fashion into Xero including: Purchase invoices/sales invoices Credit card transactions Staff, volunteer and trustee expense claims Conferences, grants and other event expenditure 7. Ensuring that all transaction documentation is properly filed and retained. 8. Processing BACS payments in an accurate and timely manner ensuring that these are properly authorised and retaining records of authorisation. 9. Maintenance of the fixed asset register and calculation of depreciation. 10. Management of the Euro-Ataxia accounts (multi-currency) including production of Annual Accounts. 11. Management of the Finance Officer. 12. Any other ad hoc work as required. General 13. Monitor and proactively seek ways of improving systems and procedures to ensure efficiency, user friendliness and maximum impact 14. To participate with the rest of the team in the reception function e.g. answering the telephone and receiving visitors to the office. 15. Attend supervisions and staff meetings as required 16. Undertake professional development and training as required 17. In all areas of work ensure that due attention is given to compliance with Ataxia UK policy and the law such as health and safety, confidentiality, data protection and risk management. 18. Undertake other reasonable duties as required. Person specification Essential Working towards or completion of Level 4 AAT or equivalent Experience of charity accounting, preferably managing restricted and unrestricted funds Extensive experience of working with Xero, including multicurrency. Educated to A level (or equivalent) standard. Able to develop professional and effective relationships with colleagues and supporters. Systematic approach, with an excellent attention to detail. Ability to manage workload, learn new skills and work to deadlines Competent in Microsoft Office, especially Excel Commitment to working with people with ataxia Knowledge and understanding of the barriers faced by people with a disability. Ability to take a sympathetic and patient approach when dealing with our Friends (members). Commitment to equal opportunities Support for the ethical use of animals in medical research and human embryonic stem cell research Willingness to undertake training as required Desirable Experience of Raiser’s Edge or similar database Note: This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post. Ataxia UK reserves the right to update the Job Description from time to time to reflect these changes in or to the post after consultation about any proposed changes. How to apply : Click the Quick Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and a cover letter. We will be reviewing applications and scheduling interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. The position will remain open until filled.