Accounts Assistant

Role Introduction

This role is working within the financial accounting team which is ultimately responsible for ensuring the College and its subsidiaries balance sheets are accurate. This is a varied role and would provide experience in lots of areas of day to day accounting and provide exposure in assisting with corporation tax and VAT filings, gift aid claims and management accounting for the subsidiary entities.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

The principal accountabilities are as follows:

Accounts Payable

• Ensuring that all supplier accounts for subsidiary entities are complete, accurate and paid in a timely fashion;
• Creating new supplier accounts and timely removal of redundant accounts;
• Reconciling supplier statements and resolving any differences;
• Prepare weekly payment runs;
• Resolution of day-to-day queries from suppliers;
• Monthly reconciliation;

Cash Book and Bank Reconciliation

• Processing cash book transactions and reconciliation of bank accounts for subsidiary entities for approval by Assistant Accountant;

Donations

• Uploading donations received into ThankQ (Donations Software) and reconciling the gift aid claims;
• Preparing monthly gift aid submission for approval by Financial Controller;

Sales Ledger

• Preparing and processing of all manual sales ledger invoices;
• Creating new sales ledger accounts and timely removal of redundant accounts;
• Credit control for manual invoices;
• Monthly reconciliation;

Balance Sheet Reconciliations

• Quarterly reconciliations of various balance sheet accounts, investigating any variances;

Fixed Asset Register

• Maintaining fixed asset register ensuring adhoc reviews of fixed assets;

Motor Vehicle Insurance

• Maintaining motor vehicle insurance schedule and ensuring car tax and MOTs are up to date for each vehicle;

Other

• Any other financial tasks as may be required to assist the Assistant Accountant in delivering their accountabilities;
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should:

• Have experience with using Excel spreadsheets to a basic level;
• Be proactive with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude;
• Have a flexible approach to work assisting with a fast changing and varied workload;
• Have good customer service and clear communication skills;
• Show demonstrable accuracy and attention to detail.

You might like this role if you have:

• Experience of working in an Accounts Assistant role;
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected] so we can make adjustments accordingly.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.