Finance Assistant

Finance Assistant REF: FA/10/23 Grade: Executive Officer II, Permanent Closing date for applications: 17:00 on Monday 21st October 2024 PURPOSE OF THE ROLE Reporting to the Assistant Finance Officer, the Finance Assistant will be responsible for producing, monitoring and maintaining invoicing and payment processing systems and controls, along with managing staff within the team. The following are the key elements that constitute the role of the Finance Assistant in the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS): RESPONSIBILITIES: Monitor invoicing and payment processing for the individual needs programme operated by the Victims and Survivors Service. Review of incurred expenditure to ensure it meets VSSs eligibility framework. Resolve client queries both via email and over the telephone, acting as an escalation point for the administrative staff within the Finance team. Ensure that complex and sensitive information is communicated with empathy, reassurance and within the boundaries of Data Protection legislation. Escalate unresolved client queries/complaints to the Assistant Finance Officer in an acceptable time frame. Oversee client record management, ensuring electronic files are up-to date, complete and consistent in line with VSS policies and procedures. Provide effective and timely updates, advice and information to the Assistant Finance Officer. Assist the finance team by operating within the VSSs financial guidelines. Management responsibility for the Finance Administrative Officers, ensuring that appropriate systems, processes, policies, procedures and practices to meet the needs of the VSS are implemented. Maintenance of relevant financial control systems and functions, suggesting improvements and efficiencies as appropriate. Assist in the administration of procurement exercises, associated registers and files, etc. including administration of eTendersNI. Assist in completion of month end closure to include month end reconciliation work. Support the Assistant Finance Officer in the Collation of information for internal and external audit during audit fieldwork. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA By the closing date for applications, candidates must demonstrate that they fulfil each of the following essential criteria: 1. A minimum of five GCSEs grade A-C (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics. 2. A minimum of 2 years experience of working in a finance function with experience in each of the following areas: a) Maintaining financial systems and controls. b) Carrying out verification or audit of expenditure. c) Assisting in the process of procurement of goods and services. d) Reconciliation work contributing to month end closure. 3. A minimum of 1 year's experience using a financial accounting system within a finance function. 4. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office in particular Excel. DESIRABLE CRITERIA A minimum of 1 years experience working to public sector procurement guidelines. The Victims and Survivors Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. Skills: Corporate Finance Excel Spreadsheets Audit Procurement finance system Sage invoices Benefits: Paid Holidays hybrid working Pension Fund public holidays