Finance Assistant (Bookkeeping & Payroll)

Location: Yeovil, Somerset (office-based during probation, with hybrid/home working available following successful completion of probation).

Salary: £29,663 £31,890 per annum (pro rata for part-time employees). The starting salary will be determined according to qualifications and experience.

Part Time Hours: 22.5 hours per week, worked over 3 full days

Contract: Permanent

Join Citizens Advice Somerset and help make a real difference in your community.

Citizens Advice Somerset is a trusted local charity providing free, confidential and impartial advice to people across Somerset. We're looking for an experienced and highly organised Finance Assistant (Bookkeeping & Payroll) to join our friendly Finance Team.

Working closely with the Head of Finance and liaising with colleagues across the organisation, you'll play an important role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our finance function. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a varied role, has excellent attention to detail, and wants to use their financial skills to support an organisation that makes a genuine difference to people's lives.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll provide high-quality bookkeeping, payroll and finance support, helping to ensure our financial records are accurate, compliant and up to date.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining accurate financial records using QuickBooks.
• Processing purchase, sales and nominal ledger transactions, journals and bank reconciliations.
• Managing supplier invoices, staff expenses, travel claims and petty cash.
• Supporting weekly payment runs and customer invoicing, including credit control activities.
• Monitoring the finance mailbox and responding to finance queries in a professional and timely manner.
• Supporting the preparation of monthly and quarterly management accounts.
• Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and year-end processes.
• Providing payroll administration support, including payroll reporting, employee changes, pension administration, HMRC submissions and payroll reconciliations.
• Supporting compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension auto-enrolment requirements.
• Ensuring financial activities are carried out in line with data protection, confidentiality and internal financial controls.
• Building positive working relationships with colleagues, suppliers and external partners while upholding the values, principles and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ethos of Citizens Advice.
• Participating in training, team meetings and continuing professional development to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.

About You

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a bookkeeping or finance role.
• Experience using recognised accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage or similar.
• AAT Level 3 (or equivalent), or be actively working towards this qualification.
• Experience of payroll administration or supporting payroll processes.
• A sound understanding of bookkeeping principles and financial reconciliations.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
• High standards of numeracy and literacy, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, suppliers and external partners.
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information to the highest professional standards.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a small, supportive team.
• A commitment to the aims, principles and values of the Citizens Advice service, including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

It would also be beneficial if you have:

• Experience working within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of VAT.

What We Offer

Working for Citizens Advice Somerset means joining an organisation that values its people and the difference they make every day.

We offer:

• A salary of £29,663 £31,890 per annum (pro rata), with the starting salary dependent on qualifications and experience.
• A permanent 22.5-hour contract worked over three full days each week.
• Office-based working in Yeovil during your probation period, with hybrid working available following successful completion of probation.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Pension scheme.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to an organisation that improves the lives of thousands of people across Somerset each year.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via our online application form - Click apply.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 7th August

Interview Date: WC 17th August

Citizens Advice Somerset is committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to safeguarding the welfare of our staff, volunteers and clients.