JOB DESCRIPTION Post: Financial Accountant Responsible to: Director of Finance Responsible for: Systems Development Officer Summary of Role: To provide a high level of professional accounting and management support to the Director of Finance which will ensure all objectives in the LSTM group finance strategy are met or exceeded. Particular emphasis is given to the development of robust cash and treasury management, financial controls and the financial statements of the group. General Responsibilities: 1. Assist in the preparation of the LSTM Group of Companies annual budgets 2. Work alongside the Director of Finance in delivering LSTM’s strategic plan through the development & preparation of accounting information 3. Work closely with the other accountants within the LSTM Group either leading or assisting, where appropriate 4. Make a significant contribution towards the development of the finance department’s future strategic plan 5. Take an active role in the change management process, contributing ideas, dealing with staff concerns, & taking a lead role in its implementation 6. Responsibility for annual staff appraisals, training & development needs & goal setting through the year in line with the strategic plan 7. Effectively project manage appropriate cross functional projects throughout LSTM when required 8. Provide advice & support on finance issues to all staff 9. Ensure compliance with both the financial regulations & financial procedures 10. Develop & monitor key performance indicators Specific Responsibilities: 1. Preparation of all LSTM subsidiaries Financial Statements 2. Assist in the preparation of the LSTM Group Financial Statements 3. Day to day treasury management of the LSTM Group 4. Preparation of monthly cash flow report including 12 month rolling cash flow forecast 5. Ensure all grants & contracts in foreign currencies are appropriately hedged 6. Be the LSTM Group’s tax liaison officer with its professional advisers & HMRC 7. Ensure that VAT is being correctly applied & reported throughout LSTM 8. Preparation & submission of the LSTM Group VAT return 9. Line management of the Systems Development Officer 10. All financial software maintenance & development 11. Manage access rights to the finance software 12. Ensure all users of finance software have had appropriate training 13. Development & monitoring of effective financial systems in overseas offices in collaboration with the Business Accountant that allow a high level of confidence to release future advances 14. Be the Finance Department’s liaison officer with the HR Department & payroll providers on all payroll related matters 15. Be the Finance Department’s liaison officer with HEFCE on all matters relating to the HEFCE grant & HEFCE returns 16. Maintain an asset register for the LSTM group 17. Ensure the Finance Department is planning for, & adhering to, required deadlines (external & internal) 18. Ensure both the financial regulations & the financial procedures manuals are kept up to date 19. Ensure appropriate financial controls are in place throughout the LSTM Group 20. Ensure all non-finance staff are kept aware of financial controls & procedures, holding training sessions where necessary 21. Ensure appropriate management reports are provided by the Systems Development Officer 22. Monitor actual capital expenditure to budget and discuss and resolve potential adverse variances with the Head of Estates in a timely manner 23. Prepare reports for the Building Steering Group 24. Monitor & report on the LSTM Group’s investment & endowment portfolio 25. To carry out such other duties reasonably consistent with the foregoing, as may be required PERSON SPECIFICATION Financial Accountant Criteria Education & training Experience Essential or desirable Assessment CCAB Qualified Accountant Degree Experience of effective management of staff E D Application Form/CV E Experience in financial management and reporting Understanding and appreciation of risk management strategies and techniques Working with major industrial stakeholders E Application Form/CV/, Assessment and Interview Competencies Experience of managing and monitoring significant budgets Experience of using unified ledger accounting software Experience of research funded projects and international funders Experience of negotiating with senior members of staff and compromising if possible without infringing on the integrity or correctness of the accounting records Experience of forecasting for foreign currency exposure and mitigating risks Experience in treasury management Experience of using Cognos or similar reporting software Skills & Abilities E E E E D D D D D Ability to set and work to targets, and deliver against objectives and project milestones E The ability to acquire new skills quickly and identify the implications for the implementation within the development E Ability to communicate financial matters to non-financial senior professional staff E Work effectively in a team or independently within a pressurised environment E Application Form/CV Assessment and Interview Proven ability to multi-task, and prioritise tasks with minimal supervision and the ability to delegate To be able to discuss and negotiate matters with outside bodies at all levels. To be proactive in suggesting improvements and new methods of working and reporting Excellent IT skills Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with a variety of organisations and user groups Knowledge Special aptitude Circumstances E E E E D To be comfortable with accounting practices and conventions and hold an appreciation of internal control issues. E Familiar with group reporting and accounting issues. E Knowledge of Income Tax, Corporation Tax and VAT D Knowledge of Charities financial requirements D Personal drive and enthusiasm E To be flexible in outlook and willing to adopt change E To be focused and capable of producing results E Taking ownership and resolving problems. E Availability to travel overseas E Assessment and Interview Assessment and Interview