Junior Management Accountant

Our Mission: The best life possible

Our Vision:
People with learning disabilities should be able to live within their communities with all the choice and support they need to live the best life possible

The Junior Management Accountant will support the Senior Management Accountant in delivering accurate and timely financial reporting and analysis for the designated business area. The role plays a key part in ensuring that all bills, sales invoices and rent invoices are issued correctly and on time, and that the organisation is reimbursed promptly for the services it provides.

The post holder will work closely with operations teams, Local Authority finance teams and colleagues across Finance to ensure strong financial controls, accurate billing, and smooth month-end processes. They will also support budgeting, forecasting and external audit requirements.

Hybrid, 1 day in the office (Tuesday – non-negotiable)

As a member of our Finance team we are all expected to:

• Put the people we support at the heart of every decision we make
• Be an ambassador for our team in every interaction with internal and external customers by demonstrating empathy, professionalism and the desire to get things right
• Work collaboratively with each other and our customers to reach positive outcomes that are efficient, accurate, timely and in turn contribute to trusting, supportive relationships
• Share our knowledge, experience and skills with each other, and coach and support colleagues in other departments where appropriate
• Reflect on work we've done, recognise and celebrate what went well and look for ways of continually building and improving on what we do
• Actively seek feedback from colleagues and provide supportive and constructive feedback to others within the wider team in a spirit of growth
• Take ownership for our development by looking for learning opportunities both formal and informal

Billing and Revenue Processes

• Ensure accurate and timely sales invoices are issued to funders, tenants and other customers in line with contracts and billing data
• Resolve invoicing queries by working collaboratively with operations teams and Local Authority finance teams
• Support the Cash Team with matching incoming payments to invoices
• Identify late payments, investigate underlying causes and escalate issues as appropriate
• Chase outstanding invoices to support prompt cash collection and goodwill with stakeholders
• Assist the Senior Management Accountant in preparing inputs for Care and Support rate uplift requests, drafting letters and tracking responses
• Provide support with ad hoc analysis or financial queries raised by internal teams or Local Authorities
• Maintain effective working relationships with operations staff on all billing-related matters

Month-End and Financial Reporting

• Support the Senior Management Accountant with month-end processes, including:
• Accrued cost calculations and journal preparation
• Deferred and accrued income calculations and journals
• Assist with preparation of monthly financial analysis and supporting schedules
• Support balance sheet reconciliations, particularly accruals and provisions for the business area
• Contribute to cashflow forecasting by sharing accurate debtor and revenue information

Budgeting, Forecasting and Business Support

• Support the preparation of annual budgets and financial reforecasts for the business area
• Assist with financial modelling and analysis for tenders, new business opportunities and service exit decisions
• Help prepare data for monthly performance review meetings with operational managers
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with Local Authority finance departments

Audit and Compliance

• Provide support during the annual external audit, ensuring all requested information is accurate and submitted on time
• Support the Senior Management Accountant in ensuring compliance with accounting policies, controls and organisational procedures

Other Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Senior Management Accountant when required
• Adhere to and maintain Hft's Health and Safety policies, standards and guidelines at all times
• Carry out any other duties reasonably required to support business needs
• Be flexible in response to changing priorities and circumstances, recognising that responsibilities may vary at short notice

Education and
Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Level 4 AAT (or working towards), or equivalent relevant qualification

Knowledge Requirements

• Understanding of basic accounting principles (accruals, prepayments, journals, balance sheet).
• Awareness of billing and income processes within a service-led or contract-led organisation.
• Knowledge of financial controls and the importance of accuracy in financial reporting.
• Basic understanding of budgeting and forecasting principles.

Experience

• Experience working in a finance environment
• Invoice processing or billing activities is advantageous.
• Knowledge of finance or ERP systems (e.g., Access, SAP, Oracle, Sage) is beneficial.
• Experience working with non-finance stakeholders is desirable.

Shortlisting for this role will take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once suitable candidates have been appointed.

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Hft's usual terms and conditions apply. Hft is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. As a Disability Confident Employer, Hft is helping to ensure that disabled people have the same opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations that people without disabilities do.