Location
Wrecclesham, Surrey

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£52,557 per annum

About the Role
Part of the Forestry Commission family, Forest Research is a world leader in applied forest science, providing evidence and practical solutions to policy makers, forestry practitioners, land managers and anyone with green space, UK-wide. With climate and biodiversity in crisis, and an increasing number of pests and diseases, our research is more vital than ever before. We advise on how woodlands can help combat climate change, identify tree species that will thrive in the future, and safeguard those at risk. Our research supports UK timber production, reducing carbon emissions by lowering imports. We provide data on forests in Scotland, Wales and England, and evidence of the societal benefits of woodland, working collaboratively with academia, partners and industry nationally and internationally.

The Finance Team provides effective financial systems and support within Forest Research (FR). This role involves developing financial controls, supporting month-end processes including accruals, postings, and account reconciliations. You will update and maintain the Fixed Asset Register, ensuring it matches the Trial Balance, managing additions, disposals, transfers, revaluations, impairments, depreciation, and assets under construction with accurate documentation and reconciliation to the general ledger.

The Senior Financial Accounting Manager will work closely with the Head of Finance, Accounts Payable Manager, and a small team, leading their training, development, and progression.

Key Responsibilities
Assist the Head of Finance with financial and systems accounting/reporting for Forest Research, including production of annual accounts. Apply professional accounting knowledge to develop accounting practices, ensuring financial control and compliance with finance and business processes, including Public Sector Procurement, VAT accounting, and fixed asset accounting. Act as the fixed asset specialist, providing technical advice, maintaining governance over the fixed asset register, and ensuring asset accounting is accurate, timely, and compliant with accounting standards, government accounting framework, and HM Treasury’s Financial Reporting Manual (FReM).

Prepare and reconcile monthly accounts, deliver IR35 training and guidance, act as finance lead for fixed asset accounting, liaise with internal and external audit, provide VAT advice, lead month-end and year-end fixed asset processes, and identify improvements to asset accounting processes and controls. Additionally, create financial reports, proactively identify finance and system issues, and support change programmes.

Lead, train, and develop the Accounts Payable team to support their progression and ensure effective day-to-day management of accounts payable functions, processes, and procedures.

Experience
- Qualified or part-qualified accountant registered with a recognised professional body (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or similar) or equivalent experience
- Strong technical knowledge and practical experience of fixed asset accounting, including maintaining a fixed asset register and accounting for additions, disposals, depreciation, revaluations, impairments, and assets under construction
- Strong understanding and application of asset accounting standards, specifically IAS 16
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant accounting standards, government accounting framework, and HM Treasury’s Financial Reporting Manual to fixed asset and capital accounting matters
- Experience preparing or reviewing month-end and year-end fixed asset reconciliations, audit evidence, and financial statement disclosures
- Substantial experience leading a successful transactional accounts function
- Experience of high-volume operations with multiple customers
- Experience with various VAT treatments of invoices
- Skilled in Fixed Asset Register and accounting standards application
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent planning, problem-solving, and analytical abilities
- Experience using ERP systems and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel

About You
Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, develop, and motivate a small team. Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining strong governance and compliance. Proactive in identifying and resolving finance and system issues. Able to communicate complex financial information clearly to finance and non-finance colleagues. Committed to continuous improvement and delivering high-quality financial services.

Qualifications
Qualified or part-qualified accountant status with ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent professional body is essential.

Desirable
- Experience using finance systems such as Unit 4 - Business World
- Experience developing and improving finance systems and processes
- Knowledge of accounting and management principles