About Us
Solace Partnerships is an independent social care organisation committed to improving the lives of children and young people through high-quality, person-centred support.
Our services currently include supported accommodation for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and care leavers, helping young people develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive. Alongside this, we are expanding our services to include fostering, enabling us to support children and young people across a broader range of care settings.
We pride ourselves on creating a supportive, collaborative workplace where every employee plays an important role in making a positive difference. Our culture is built on teamwork, professionalism, continuous improvement and a shared commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for the children and young people we support.
As a growing organisation, we believe in developing our people. We encourage multi-skilling, provide opportunities for learning and progression, and value colleagues who are flexible, proactive and willing to contribute across different areas of the business as our services continue to evolve.
If you are looking for a varied role within a growing organisation where your skills can make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role:
The Administrator & Bookkeeper will provide comprehensive administrative, secretarial and financial support across Solace Partnerships.
This is a varied and rewarding role supporting the day-to-day operations of a growing social care organisation. Working closely with Directors, Managers and colleagues, the post holder will help ensure the efficient running of the business through excellent administration, accurate bookkeeping, and professional organisational support.
In line with Solace Partnerships' commitment to developing a multi-skilled workforce, responsibilities may evolve over time to meet the needs of the business and the individual's skills and experience. The successful candidate will therefore be adaptable, proactive and willing to support different areas of the organisation as required.
Key Responsibilities may include but not limited to:
Administration & Secretarial Support
- Provide professional administrative and secretarial support across the organisation.
- Respond to telephone and email enquiries as required.
- Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations and other documentation.
- Organise meetings, appointments and diaries as required.
- Take accurate minutes and prepare records of Team Meetings, Governance Meetings and other meetings if required.
- Maintain accurate electronic and paper filing systems.
- Maintain confidential records in accordance with GDPR and organisational policies.
- Order office supplies and maintain office resources.
- Assist with the preparation of documentation for meetings, audits and inspections.
- Administer Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) applications and renewals through the organisation's chosen provider, maintaining accurate records and monitoring progress.
- Provide administrative support to Directors, Managers and colleagues as required.
Bookkeeping & Financial Administration
- Process supplier invoices using Dext and record financial transactions within Xero.
- Prepare and issue invoices where required.
- Reconcile supplier statements.
- Maintain accurate financial records.
- Assist with routine financial reporting.
- Liaise with the organisation's external accountants as required.
- Ensure financial documentation is accurate, organised and filed appropriately.
Operational Support
- Support the preparation of management reports and KPI information.
- Maintain organisational databases and records.
- Assist with compliance administration across the organisation.
- Support audits, inspections and quality assurance activities.
- Assist with maintaining accurate operational records.
- Provide administrative support with HR administration and employee documentation as required.
- Work collaboratively across different areas of the business, providing flexible administrative support where needed.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required that are commensurate with the responsibilities of the post.
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience in an administrative, office management or secretarial role.
- Previous bookkeeping or finance administration experience.
- Experience using Xero or similar accounting software.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
- A flexible and adaptable approach to work.
Desirable
- Experience using Dext or similar expense management software.
- Experience working within a social care, education or regulated environment.
- Knowledge of safeguarding principles and GDPR.
- Experience supporting senior managers or directors.
- Experience administering DBS applications.
- Understanding of the needs of vulnerable children, young people or families.
Personal Attributes
- Professional, approachable and personable.
- Highly organised and methodical.
- Reliable and dependable.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Positive, proactive and willing to learn.
- Able to work calmly under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Committed to providing excellent customer service and supporting colleagues across the organisation.
Benefits
- Company Pension.
- Free On-site Parking.
- Birthday Day Off (on completion of one year’s service)
- Loyalty Annual Leave Bonus Scheme
- Professional Development & Training
- Supportive Team Environment
Additional Information
This role is designed to provide flexible administrative, secretarial and bookkeeping support across Solace Partnerships. The successful candidate may initially support one area of the organisation more than another; however, responsibilities may evolve over time in line with organisational priorities, service development and our commitment to developing a multi-skilled workforce.
An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
Solace Partnerships is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment procedures, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Solace Partnerships is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £27,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Experience:
- Administrative: 3 years (preferred)
- Bookkeeping: 2 years (preferred)
- Secretarial: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
