Our client is a well respected, reputable Housing Association in the heart of Blaenau Gwent. They are looking for a Finance Support Officer to work on various projects for a 6 month period to cover a secondment, however this position may stretch longer due to variables.

Core Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Undertake the effective operation of the accounts receivable function ensuring all debts are raised and recovered in line with approved policies and procedures.
• Assist the Finance Officer - Payable in the effective operation of the accounts payable function ensuring all invoices are logged accurately and timely into the finance system and suppliers paid in line with approved contracts.
• Provide a Finance Support Function to the Management Accounting Team.

Detailed Tasks

• Process all customer invoices, ensuring invoices are issued on a timely basis.
• Be the main point of contact for phone calls, emails and other correspondence from customers.
• Reconcile customer accounts ensuring their accuracy, maintaining direct debits and reallocating incorrectly allocated payments.
• Take appropriate action to minimise outstanding debt, producing regular reminder letters to customers and negotiating mutually agreeable payment terms.
• Ensure all invoices raised are appropriately authorised.
• Preparation of month end debtor reports and key performance indicators.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures
• Assist the Finance Officer (Accounts Payable) in the logging of supplier invoices on a timely basis.
• To provide cover for the Finance Officer Accounts Payable as necessary
• To support the Finance Business Partner in the preparation of Service Charges Schedules.
• To support the management accounting team with the preparation of month end information.
• Review monthly transactions with the Asset Management Team to ensure correctly allocated to projects.
• Liaise with Internal and External Auditor.
• Support the Management Accounting Team with budget setting.
• To carry out any other duties considered appropriate with the position.

Key working Relationships

• Support robust stakeholder management by developing and maintaining relationships with employees, tenants, leaseholders, and members of the public.
• Regular contact with customers on the recovery of debts.
• Liaise with Managers to provide regular updates on progress of the recovery of debts.
• Main point of contact for accounts receivable queries.
• Partner with Senior Finance Business Partner and Management Accountants for the timely delivery of financial information.
• Work effectively across the organisation and with external partners.
• The post holder will promote financial awareness throughout the organisation
• Ensure that all processes and procedures are complied with.

Financial Management

• Responsible for all Accounts Receivable documentation relating to customer debts and recovery process.
• Ensure debts are raised and recovered in line with approved polices and procedures.
• Ensure all compliance risks and issues that arise within the team are highlighted to the Head of Service or project sponsors.
• Ensure compliance with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Scheme of Delegation and all relevant procedures.

Work Environment

• Ensure that regular communication is maintained whilst working in a hybrid environment.
• Able to prioritise work against conflicting demands
• To comply with the organisations Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, recognising that effective Health and Safety is every employees responsibility.
• Ensure that all our clients policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Understand and demonstrate the principles of confidentiality

Requirements of Applicants

• Educated to level 3 National Qualification Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Professional membership in relevant body (e.g. AAT)
• AAT qualification or willingness to undertake training
• Experience within a similar role of similar responsibilities
• Experience of using Microsoft Office including Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
• Experience of using Open Accounts or a similar management system (Desirable)