Finance Assistant

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the young people and service users in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world-class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops! Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Where and when do we need you?

We are looking for an approachable and professional individual to join our dedicated Finance Team as a Finance Assistant. In this post you will be responsible for the efficient processing of transactions across the purchase, sales and nominal ledgers. You should be highly numerate, with good attention to detail, with the ability to manage your time well and meet deadlines. We are looking for individuals with good inter-personal skills with the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.  A helpful can-do attitude and customer service focus is essential. You will be supported in this role by an experienced team and will be encouraged to learn, grow and develop utilising our fantastic in-house training department.

In this role you will be involved exciting and rewarding things like:

• Demonstrating excellent attention to detail and accuracy – Processing purchase invoice and setting up online banking payments ensuring appropriate authorisations and controls are complied with.
• Being a clear and confident communicator - Liaising with colleagues across the organisation as well as external contacts to deal with a varied range of finance queries and to ensure petty cash accounts are reconciled and recorded in the accounting system
• Working together to achieve consistently high standards – Working with your team assisting with month-end to ensure deadlines are met, investigation of budget variances, ensuring bank and payment card reconciliations are completed to required deadlines
• Demonstrating flexibility and resilience - Managing a changeable and varied workload effectively through excellent time management and forward thinking ensuring that all tasks are fulfilled by required deadlines and that any obstacles are dealt with in a calm, positive and supportive manor.
• Professional Development and Growth – Managing your personal and continuous professional development through self-assessment, supervision, training, and the acquisition of different learning opportunities.

The successful candidate will be working 37.5 hours per week with a minimum of 1 day per week (Thursday) based at our central support office in Portsmouth. All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways. 

Desirable…. but not Essential 

Whilst we value the knowledge and understanding that experience and qualifications can bring, we also know that some of our best people have come to us from unrelated backgrounds. These people already held our core values at heart, and with the dedication of our amazing in-house training and development team, we have supported the rest! 

• Previous experience in finance processes would be advantageous with experience in Sage accounting software being preferred but not essential
• Candidates will need to have a keen eye for detail and a can-do attitude

Let us look after you!

At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:

• Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual leave as a ‘wellbeing day’ and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
• Health and Support: Benefit from Simply Health, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
• Growth and Development: Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master's level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
• Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.

*Benefits may differ dependant on contract type.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you're passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!

*Fair Ways reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.