Temporary (9 months) – Part-time (32 hours)

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to keep the zoo going, from feeding the animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our 1.9 million visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and we want to be the best zoo in the world!

If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Assistant Accountant to join the busy Finance team.

The Role:

• Assist with the preparation of accurate and timely monthly and quarterly management accounts pack
• Posting of month-end accruals and prepayments journals
• Ownership of balance sheet reconciliations to a high standard and rectifying any issues raised
• Assisting with the processing of 2,000 purchase invoices per month and their payment. Prioritising the processing and ensuring our sign off procedures and payment terms are adhered to.
• Accountable for reviewing the calculation, submission and payment of CIS returns together with confirming the tax status of subcontractors.
• Support Management Accountant & Financial Accountant as required with statutory reporting and audit queries
• Operating and maintaining the expenses system for the organisation ensuring all claims are paid correctly and any queries are resolved
• Support the annual budget process
• Support other members of the team as required

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum AAT qualified or qualified by experience (QBE)
• Competent user of Microsoft Office software particularly Outlook, Word and Excel
• Knowledge and experience of all accountancy functions – bank reconciliations, purchase and sales ledger processing, payment runs, maintaining purchase order system
• Knowledge and experience of month end duties including balance sheet reconciliations, depreciation, prepayments
• Exposure to different VAT treatments and charity accounts
• Knowledge of Microsoft NAVision desirable but not essential
• Knowledge of CIS desirable but not essential
• Excellent communication, organisation and customer service skills
• Ability to judge situations and use initiative to resolve issues effectively

Hours of work are 32 hours per week, working Monday – Friday, however requests for flexing working hours will be considered.  Some weekend and evening working may be required, for which time off in lieu will be given.

The salary for this role is £20,746.57 per annum based on 32 hours per week. In addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at https://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits. 

To apply for this position, please go to https://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/ and click apply now to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Assistant Accountant role.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 19^th May

Interviews will take place week commencing Tuesday 28^th May