Job Description

Job Summary

To support the charity's Finance Manager by assisting with the day-to-day financial processes and overseeing the maintenance, safety, and functionality of our charity's office premises and land holdings. The role ensures sound financial administration and provides a safe, efficient working environment for staff and volunteers.

Join our friendly and dedicated team at our RFS office base near Banbury, Oxfordshire and play your part to help protect trees and woodlands in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Location

The Royal Forestry Society, The Hay Barns, Home Farm Drive, Upton Estate, Banbury, OX15 6HU.

Salary

Part-time, 21 hours a week; 15,000 (equivalent to 25,000 FTE)

Reporting to

Finance Manager

About the RFS

We are a Forestry Education charity. For nearly 150 years, the RFS has dedicated itself to sharing knowledge on the art and science of woodland management so that the accumulated wisdom and experience of landowners, foresters, arborists and others is transferred from one generation to another. You can find out more about the RFS on our website www.rfs.org.uk.

Transparency, honesty and equity are really important for our small team. Everyone is supported and valued for the important role they play in our charity. We are flexible and accommodating in the way that we work together. The successful candidate will receive a tailored training package and will be supported in their progress and development by their line manager.

Responsibilities and Duties

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Duties:

Assist with processing financial transactions, including income, payments, and expenses. Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using Sage accounting software. Assist in the preparation of budgets. Support monthly and year-end reporting. Ensure compliance with financial policies, charity accounting standards, and donor/fundraising requirements. Assist with payroll, pensions, and HMRC submissions.

Facilities Duties:

Oversee the maintenance and safety of the charity's premises and land holdings. Lead with the onboarding of new staff, arranging IT equipment as required. Manage service contracts, utilities, and repairs, liaising with contractors and suppliers. Serve as the first point of contact for IT-related issues and coordinate with the outsourced IT support provider to ensure timely resolution. Maintain asset registers and facility-related documentation. Support with insurance, lease agreements, and compliance-related tasks.

Other Duties:

Keep up to date digital records. Assist in developing and reviewing finance and facilities policies and procedures. Keep oversight of the charity's policies and procedures and work with other staff to keep them up to date. Provide general administrative support to the wider HQ team as needed.

Person specification

Essential skills and attributes

Experience in finance administration, ideally in a charity or non-profit. Familiarity with accounting software and MS Excel. Basic understanding of facilities or premises management. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work proactively and solve problems. Have good time management and excellent organisational skills. Friendly and approachable.

Desirable skills and attributes

Knowledge of charity accounting principles. Experience managing contracts and service providers. Health & Safety or First Aid certification. Experience working with volunteers and diverse community groups. Experience of keeping website information up-to-date. A full UK driving licence (access to a car would be an advantage due to the remote location of our office).
To apply for this role, please send a CV

and

covering letter to Dawn Dewhurst, RFS Finance Manager at accounts@rfs.org.uk. If you would like to make an appointment for an informal chat about the role please contact accounts@rfs.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 6 July 2025. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 15 July at the Royal Forestry Society HQ, The Hay Barns, Home Farm Drive, Upton Estate, Banbury, OX15 6HU.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 15,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 21 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Employee mentoring programme Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Banbury OX15 6HU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 06/07/2025
Expected start date: 18/08/2025