Finance Manager

The Royal Astronomical Society was founded in 1820 and is a Learned Society for Astronomers and Geophysicists in the UK and internationally It has a membership (fellowship) of 4200. The Society is located in Burlington House, Piccadilly and has a staff of 30. The premises includes a library, lecture theatre, editorial offices and rooms for fellows. The annual budget is about £5.4 million with reserves and investments totalling £15 million. It is a charity registered under UK law. The Royal Astronomical Society publishes three journals and a membership magazine.

During the academic year the Society holds monthly scientific meetings and there is a week-long National Astronomy Meeting in the summer.

We are looking for a qualified, experienced charity finance specialist to join us in the role of Finance Manager. This role will encompass all Accounting, Payroll and Bookkeeping duties either directly or indirectly. Initially supported by the existing Accountant and subsequently by a Finance Administrator, you will oversee all Accountancy functions, including pension administration, ensuring regulatory and compliance requirements are met, maintaining insurance cover for the Society and administering investments. The post is full time with a salary of £60,000 per annum.

Reporting to: Executive Director

Management Responsibility: Future responsibility for a Finance Administrator and functionally supporting all staff.

MAIN DUTIES

• Strategic Financial Support: Collaborate with the Executive Director, Treasurer, and Board of Trustees to provide timely and accurate financial insights, aiding strategic decision-making to further the Society’s charitable goals.
• Budgeting & Reporting: Lead the budgeting process, prepare monthly management accounts with insightful commentary, and generate quarterly and annual financial reports for senior management and the Board.
• Audit: Oversee the audit process, including preparing Charity SORP annual accounts.
• Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, including anti-money laundering and ‘Know Your Customer’ duties.
• Financial Management: Handle day-to-day accounting tasks, manage Sage 50 Accounts, including sales, purchases, bank reconciliations and commercial card payments. Oversee payroll.
• Funds & Asset Management: Monitor and reconcile charity funds, manage bank and investment accounts, and maintain the Fixed and Heritage Asset Registers.
• Insurance & Risk Management: Ensure adequate insurance coverage for the Society’s assets, working closely with brokers and the Society’s Librarian and Archivist.
• Committee Support: Act as Secretary for the Finance Committee, setting agendas, preparing papers, and taking minutes.
• Complete all Financial & Statutory Returns: Submit VAT, PAYE and Gift Aid returns, maintain Charity Commission register of trustees and annual returns.
• Pension:  Oversee pension schemes,  including administrating the Group Life Assurance Scheme and  the Defined Benefit Scheme, which includes preparing and submitting the annual Defined Benefit submissions to the Pension Regulator.  Both pension schemes are supported by professional advisers.
• Additional Duties: Administer financial aspects for two small associated charities and various online portals.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Senior accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Experience of the charity sector
• Charity SORP experience
• Experience of data analysis and databases
• Ability to work and communicate with people at all levels
• Ability to multi-task and manage workloads
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Basic Knowledge of employment and contract law
• SAGE and Microsoft Excel

Desirable

• Knowledge of IT and IT systems
• Ability to interface with a progressive IT environment

Interested candidates should submit a CV, covering letter and the names of two referees.

The Royal Astronomical Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

We would consider the position as an option to job share if joint applications are submitted.

The RAS has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, you need to be eligible to work in the UK.

This job description is intended to convey essential job functions and requirements. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The RAS reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organisational needs.

Closing date for applications: 23rd November 2024