Job Overview:
To take sole responsibility for the finance function of The Clifford Estate Company Ltd and Ugbrooke Park. Working independently, with support from external accountants, the Finance Officer will oversee the day to day accounting activities, ensuring accurate financial management, statutory compliance, and the preparation of financial reports for the Estate Manager and Board of Directors.
This role requires the candidate to work onsite in Chudleigh on at least four days per week.
Key Skills:
Relationship building: Required to build effective working relationships with other teams on the Estate as well as with clients and external suppliers to represent the brand and values of the Estate
Analysis and Judgement: Analysis of written and verbal information and data to enable effective decision making and presentation of data. High concern for detail and accuracy
Negotiation: Required to conduct effective negotiation with external suppliers, contractors, and tenants
Communication: Good listening, questioning and presentation of information
Change orientation: Responsive to the changing requirements of the Estate. Proactive in managing change
Motivation: A self- starter, able to motivate others to achieve high performance standards
Results driven: Required to deliver to time schedules and quality standards
Team- work: Recognising that you are part of a wider team and contributing to the overall success of the Estate.
Responsibilities:
Accounts: Prepare and manage the accounting process for CECL and Ugbrooke Park accounts.
- Raise all sales invoices, which include all Rents, Royalties and Events using Dext, Arthur & Xero software.
- Carry out all credit control functions, including answering queries & chasing payments, and recommending further action to the Office Manager for outstanding debts.
- Receive, check, and process all purchase invoices & match against delivery notes.
- Reconcile supplier accounts.
- Maintain petty cash.
- Daily bank reconciliation in Xero
- Pay all suppliers in a timely manner.
- Prepare and submit VAT returns to HMRC.
- Year end, prepare any additional records/schedules for year-end and liaise with the accountants over year-end queries.
- Manage cashflow; arrange transfers to and from bank accounts to provide working capital in conjunction with the board.
- Management of PAYE/NIC & VAT payments.
- Record timber/log sales & one-off sales invoices.
- Assist with Payroll processing and payments.
- Utility Contracts – reconcile invoices and payments for all electricity & water contracts, including recording monthly readings online and recharging tenants as applicable.
- Solar and biomass—Record total energy generation and import/export readings to claim relevant FITs and export payments for solar panels.
Financial Planning & Reporting
- Support the annual budget-setting process across all areas of the Estate, working closely with departmental managers to prepare detailed budgets and forecasts.
- Monitor financial performance against budgets and investigate significant variances.
- Prepare monthly and quarterly management accounts.
- Produce routine financial reports and analysis for the Estate Manager and Board of Directors.
- Assist with long-term financial planning, forecasting and cash flow management.
- Provide financial insight and recommendations to support business decisions and investment planning.
Administration
- Assist in all administrative tasks related to all properties and events as required.
- Support the wider Estate Office team with ad hoc projects and administrative duties
Knowledge & Experience:
Essential
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a finance, accounting, or bookkeeping role.
- AAT Level 4 qualified and/or ACA/ACCA part qualified.
- Experience preparing management accounts and financial reports.
- Experience of budget preparation, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Strong working knowledge of Xero Accounting Software.
- Excellent Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Experience within a property, rural estate, agricultural or multi-entity business.
- Experience presenting financial information to senior management and Boards.
- Experience of payroll administration.
- Experience using Dext and Arthur Property Management Software.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Newton Abbot TQ13 0AD: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Work onsite in Chudleigh for at least 4 out of 5 working days.
Experience:
- Accounting: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
