South West Blood Bikes is a small local charity that delivers blood and other urgent medical items to hospitals and other healthcare facilities out of hours. The charity is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and other organizations to cover its operational costs.
Our small local charity is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented bookkeeper to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting and bookkeeping skills and knowledge of UK laws and regulations, including those relating to charities. They will be responsible for the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, managing our financial records, and providing regular reports on the financial health of the charity.
The Bookkeeper will report to the Treasurer. This is not a Trustee or Committee level role. This role could perhaps be shared between more than one person.
Responsibilities
Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for the charity, using appropriate accounting software and tools (Principally Xero and Excel)
Assist the Treasurer, if needed, in working with the charity’s management team and trustees to create and manage the annual budget.
Manage accounts payable including processing invoices and payments, bank reconciliations.
Manage the charity’s financial reporting requirements, including preparing monthly and yearly financial statements, cash flow forecasts, and budget vs. actual reports.
Prepare and submit VAT refund claims and Gift Aid/Small Gift Scheme claims, ensure the charity is VAT-compliant.
Support the charity’s fundraising efforts by providing financial reports and data to potential donors and sponsors if required.
Provide support to the charity’s auditors and accountants (if needed) and prepare financial statements for review.
Receiving details from Team Leaders of items which we need to purchase for the Charities purposes. Using existing accounts with suppliers, placing orders ensuring we receive the relevant VAT invoices. Checking to see whether the items needed can be sourced cheaper elsewhere before placing the orders.
Ensuring that all donations received into the Charity are understood in terms of where they have come from, and that cash and cheques are promptly banked, either in person, or by the relevant Team Leaders.
Maintaining a register of Charity Collection Pots by ensuring that Team Leaders submit the information needed as per our published policies.
Receiving job receipt notes from Team Leaders, plus fuel receipts and ensuring that these are filed as required, to be retained for seven years, attached to the relevant statements.
Requirements
Proven experience in bookkeeping and accounting, ideally within a charity or non-profit organization.
Excellent knowledge of UK laws and regulations relating to charities and bookkeeping.
Strong knowledge of accounting software and tools, such as Xero, and Excel.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with others.
A commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
Education and Qualifications
- A degree in finance, accounting, or a relevant field.
- Certification in bookkeeping or accounting, such as AAT or ACCA, is preferable.
- Experience working with accounting software and tools.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Working Conditions
The bookkeeper will work closely with the charity’s management team and trustees and the Bookkeeper will work from home using their own PC, although if needed one may be provided by the Charity.
Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small local charity and make a meaningful contribution to our mission to support the NHS and Hospices. The successful candidate will be an essential part of our team, helping to ensure the financial stability and growth of our charity.
You may not be riding a Blood Bike, or driving one of our Blood cars, but ensuring that our accounts are in good order, and our teams have the parts and equipment they need when orders need to be placed is a vital role within our charity and is every bit as important as our “operational” roles out on the road.