About Us
Blackpool Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) is here to make a real difference to the local area. By working closely with businesses and the wider community, we aim to create a place where businesses can grow, and visitors feel welcome.
The postholder will join us at an exciting time. Following a successful ballot, Blackpool BIDs is embarking on a new five-year term with fresh business plan objectives and priorities.
Blackpool BIDs Limited oversees two key areas: the Town Centre BID and the Tourism BID. Together, these represent over 500 hereditaments that pay into the BID levy. Both BIDs focus on delivering practical outcomes outlined in their 2026–2031 business plans.
For further details, visit:
- Blackpool Town Centre BID: https://blackpoolbid.org/
- Blackpool Tourism BID: https://www.blackpooltourismbid.co.uk/
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in Blackpool BIDs Limited. As the Finance and Administration Assistant, you will support the Managing Director with day-to-day administrative duties and liaison with the management group and board members. You will also support the Operations Manager in managing Shopwatch and Pubwatch members and account management, whilst taking responsibility for the day-to-day bookkeeping and financial oversight of the business.
Job Summary
We are looking for an organised and enthusiastic individual to provide essential support to the Managing Director and other key stakeholder groups. This includes providing bookkeeping services, submitting VAT returns, offering HR administrative support, and liaising with BID levy payers.
You will need to be detail-focused, an excellent communicator, and passionate about supporting the Blackpool business community to grow and thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative and budgetary support to the Managing Director and key stakeholder groups.
- Perform bookkeeping tasks using Sage software, including:
- Inputting invoices for payment and raising purchase orders.
- Producing monthly management reports.
- Conducting weekly bank reconciliations and petty cash reconciliations.
- Uploading invoices for payment after authorisation.
- Preparing VAT returns for submission.
- Supporting the end-of-financial-year processes.
- Liaising with appointed accountants and responding to queries.
- Overseeing the implementation of service-level agreements, making sure Blackpool BIDs receives the agreed services.
- Organise quarterly management group meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, and ensure the timely completion of meeting actions.
- Act as the first point of contact for enquiries, directing them appropriately.
- Lead the implementation of the CRM system (Vicinity), keeping records accurate and up to date to provide a vital communication tool for levy payers.
- Assist with the planning and delivery of BID initiatives.
- Manage HR records, office supplies, and day-to-day administrative tasks.
- Provide administrative support on any HR-related matters.
- Ensure all activities comply with relevant laws, including data protection (GDPR) and health and safety regulations.
- Ensure transparency and good governance in all BID activities.
Qualifications and Experience Essential
- Proven bookkeeping experience.
- VAT compliance experience.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and managing multiple tasks.
Desirable
- Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
- Experience working in a membership-based organisation.
- Knowledge of Blackpool’s local business landscape.
- Familiarity with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
- Understanding of marketing tools, including social media and Mailchimp.
- Proficiency in Sage accounting software.
What We Offer
- Salary: £18,240.00 per annum (pro-rata equivalent to £28,500.00 full-time).
- Holiday: 18 days of annual leave per year (pro-rata equivalent of the statutory 28 days, inclusive of bank holidays).
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for health and well-being.
- A friendly, supportive work environment.
- Training support tailored to the job role.
- Flexibility in your working pattern.
How to Apply
Please apply directly through this advert, or alternatively, email your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the job description to [email protected].
- Application Deadline: Friday 31 July 2026 at 16:00
- Interview Date: Candidates selected for an interview must be available to attend on Wednesday 12 August 2026. Please note that interviews will be held in person at our Blackpool Town Centre office.
Pay: £18,240.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
- Do you have at least 1 year of experience in bookkeeping and financial reconciliations?
- Do you have at least 1 year of experience using SAGE accounting software?
- Do you have at least 2 years of experience working with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)?
- Do you have at least 2 years of experience in a customer-focused or administrative role?
- Do you have at least 1 year of experience with CRM systems or managing databases?
- Do you have at least 1 year of experience organising meetings, preparing agendas, and taking minutes?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Microsoft Office: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
