Bookkeeper (Part-Time) – Dean Farming
About Us
The Dean family have been farming in Lincolnshire for over a century, building a reputation for trust and long-term stewardship. Based five miles south of Lincoln, we operate two principal agricultural businesses trading as Dean Farming and manage a number of associated family companies and trusts spanning farming, property and diversified rural interests.
Following the retirement of our long-serving bookkeeper, we are looking for an experienced part-time bookkeeper to take on the day-to-day financial record-keeping across the group and to support the smooth running of our family office.
The Role
This is a hands-on bookkeeping role responsible for maintaining accurate financial records across our farming, property and diversified rural interests and the associated family companies and trusts. Working closely with the directors and external advisers, you will keep the books in good order and provide the reliable information on which the wider finance function depends.
Day to day, you will manage bookkeeping and bank reconciliations, prepare and submit VAT returns, raise and reconcile rent demands, process invoices for payment, and prepare year-end records and working papers for our external accountants. The role also includes seasonal payroll, annual investment reconciliations, and maintaining company and trust filings.
This is a part-time role of around two days per week, with flexibility on how those hours are arranged. It is primarily office based at our premises five miles south of Lincoln, although flexible and some remote working can be discussed, as our accounting system can be accessed remotely.
Key Responsibilities
· Maintain day-to-day bookkeeping and bank reconciliations across a number of companies, trusts and other entities
· Prepare and submit VAT returns under Making Tax Digital, primarily through our accounting software
· Raise rent demands and invoices, reconcile income from managing agents, and monitor and chase outstanding payments
· Code and process purchase and contractor invoices for payment
· Prepare annual accounts records and working papers for our external accountants
· Carry out annual investment reconciliations for the pension funds and investment companies
· Process seasonal and casual payroll, with PAYE and RTI reporting to HMRC
· Maintain company and trust filings, including Companies House confirmation statements and HMRC Trust Registration Service updates
· Liaise with the directors, external accountants, managing agents and investment managers
About You
We are looking for an experienced, reliable bookkeeper who enjoys working across a varied set of businesses and can keep multiple sets of books accurate and up to date.
You will be well organised, numerate and discreet, comfortable handling confidential family and business finances, and able to work independently and manage your own workload across many entities.
You will be confident using computerised accounting software and liaising directly with directors, advisers and agents.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven bookkeeping experience, ideally across more than one business or entity
- Sound understanding of double-entry bookkeeping, VAT and Making Tax Digital
- Confident using computerised accounting software, with good Excel skills
- Accurate, well organised and strong attention to detail
- Discreet and trustworthy in handling confidential financial information
- Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Desirable
- AAT qualified, or qualified by experience
- Experience of Key Prime, or similar farm or estate accounting software (or willingness to learn)
- Experience in agriculture, rural estates, property or family-run businesses
- Familiarity with rental property bookkeeping and managing-agent statements
- Payroll experience (PAYE and RTI)
- Awareness of trust and company filing requirements
What We Offer
- £20 to £30 per hour, depending on experience
- Part-time hours, around two days per week, with flexibility on how they are arranged
- Primarily office based, with flexible and some remote working open to discussion
- A varied and interesting role within a long-established Lincolnshire family business
- A stable, long-term position within a supportive and friendly team
Pay: £20.00-£30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
