Senior Finance Administrator

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.

Were 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 its 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 forestresearch.gov.uk.

The Finance Team is responsible for providing effective financial systems and support within Forest Research. This incorporates strategic corporate and financial planning, management and financial accounting reporting and control, risk management, systems accounting, transaction processing, and procurement advice.

The post will report to the Finance Support Manager (Accounts Payable). The purpose of the post is to deliver a wide range of financial administration tasks in accounts payable. These include invoice and expense process and queries, general ledger journals, commercial support in new business areas, payment proposals (UK & Overseas), guiding staff to the appropriate policy whilst maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial ledgers.

Key Work Areas

• Approve expense claims in line with policy, and escalate to line manager when needed
• Commercial support in new business areas, for example, Amazon and Unite platforms
• Reconcile supplier statements and corporate accounts
• Run bi-weekly payment proposals, including overseas payments
• Generate journals for expenditure to job numbers and share monthly reports with budget holders
• Process purchase invoices, including CIS supplier deductions, complex requisition and PO matching
• Reconcile GPC accounts, preform audit checks, and file reports with supporting documentation
• Set up new suppliers and carry out compliance checks
• Support month-end and year-end financial reporting
• Help deliver training to staff on expenses, cash advance and requisitions

Essential Criteria:

• Previous experience in a similar role, resolving disputes and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with internal and external controls
• Attention to detail with strong numerical and analytical skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Experience of using an ERP accounting system
• Competent user of MS Office, including Excel

Desirable Criteria:

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.

• Experience working with Unit4 Business world (previously Agresso)
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with large volume of transactions