Job Description

Job Title:

Finance Assistant

Department:

Finance

Location:

Chester le Street

Hours:

up to35 hours - Monday to Friday

(Agile working & Flexitime system in operation between 07:00 -19:00)

Important Dates:

Application Closing Date:

12 noon on Friday 24th October 2024

Interview Date:

Thursday 6th November 2025

JOB PURPOSE

To assist with the typical range of duties within the finance department of a housing association and/or charitable organisation. The role will focus on two key areas: firstly, processing of rental and other income payable by residents and communicating with residents on a daily basis, and secondly, on the processing of monthly payroll for the Associations employees. The post will also be expected to provide cover for those in the accounts payable team on an ad hoc basis.

SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE POST

1. Process the Association's monthly payroll using Sage50 payroll software accurately and on time; calculating salaries, overtime, statutory payments (e.g. SSP, SMP), deductions, and adjustments.

2. Maintain and update payroll records, ensuring compliance with payroll legislation, including starters, leavers, tax codes, and changes to employee details. Administer pension contributions, auto-enrolment, and staff benefits in line with legal and association requirements.

3. Submit Real Time Information (RTI) to HMRC, including FPS and EPS submissions, responding to payroll-related queries from staff or other external bodies in a timely and professional manner.

4. Maintain a high level of accuracy and confidentiality in all payroll and finance activities, liaising with the HR Manager as necessary.

5. Responsibility for processing and payment of client accounts, including the posting of Rents, Housing Benefit, setting up of direct debits, Universal Credit Invoices & Payments.

6. Responsibility for Cashbooks and completion of Cashbook Reconciliations.

7. To assist with the preparation of information for DAMHA's Accounts, Budgets, Published Accounts as required by the Finance Manager.

8. To assist with the completion of the Rent Reconciliations, rent account new starts and terminations as required by the Finance Manager.

9. To input entitlements data (Housing Benefit and Supporting People Universal Credit rates) into the Housing Management system to deliver extra information on breakdown of residents' weekly charges.

10. To assist in the review of rent overpayments.

11. To provide cover within the finance team for the processing and payment of all invoices payable by the Association.

12. To provide cover as required for other finance team members.

13. To undertake any other duties and/or training as may be reasonably required, and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility for the job.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills & Experience

Strong bookkeeping, numeracy, and IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) Methodical, accurate, and timely working Excellent communication, empathy, and customer service skills Able to handle sensitive/confidential issues professionally Experience in finance, payroll processing, and working with ledgers Able to manage workloads, solve problems, and deal with challenging situations Familiarity with HMRC submissions (RTI, FPS, EPS)

Knowledge & Qualifications

Good standard of English & Maths (GCSEs or equivalent, grade C/4+) Understanding of payroll legislation (PAYE, NI, SSP, SMP) Awareness of GDPR, equality, and diversity principles

Personal Qualities

Proactive, efficient, and team-oriented Committed to social housing, customer service, and equal opportunities Empathetic and confidential in approach

Desirable

Skills & Experience

Knowledge of SAGE50 Payroll, financial software, and Homemaster Experience in Housing Association or charity finance Familiarity with housing benefits, rent setting, and liaising with external agencies Accounts payable experience and willingness to support wider finance tasks

Knowledge & Qualifications

AAT Level 2+, CIPP, or other payroll-related qualifications Understanding of pension auto-enrolment and employment law related to payroll

Personal Qualities

Flexible and keen to learn and develop
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 27,514.00 per year

Expected hours: 28 - 35 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Employee discount Flexitime Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: In person