Finance Officer

The Worshipful Company of Butchers has a mission is to be at the heart of meat industry. Our City of London Livery Company is a growing community, steeped in history that is looking forward with its strategy to support Charity, Education and Fellowship as its core purpose.

As Finance Officer, you will join a small team and play a vital role as a member of the Finance Committee, to deliver our monthly financial reports. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and manage the full bookkeeping cycle independently, up to the trial balance stage.

Job Title: Finance Officer

Location: Worshipful Company of Butchers, Butchers Hall, 87 Bartholomew Close, Lonodon, EC1A 7EB

Working Hours: Full Time: 40 hours per week (inclusive of one hour lunch break)

Reporting To: The Acting Clerk

Start Date: Immediate, subject to a six-month probationary period.

Key Responsibilities

• Full Ledger Management: Maintain and balance the general ledger, ensuring all transactions are accurately categorised (assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses) for the Livery Company and its Charities.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable: Oversee the entire invoicing process, from processing and generating invoices to chasing outstanding client payments.
• Complex Reconciliations: Perform regular bank, credit card, and intercompany account reconciliations to identify and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly financial statements, including Profit & Loss (P&L), balance sheets, and cash flow reports for management review.
• Tax Compliance: Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns and ensure compliance with UK finance regulators and the Charity Commission.
• Payroll & Expenses: Manage end-to-end payroll processes, including calculating wages, tax deductions, employee expense claims and submissions to HMRC and the Pension provider.
• Audit & Year-End Support: Prepare necessary documentation and schedules for external audits and assist accountants with year-end account finalisation.
• Risk Management: Ensure that sufficient controls and processes are in place to minimise risk of fraud.
• Governance Support: Prepare monthly financial management information for review by Acting Clerk and Finance Committee, and ad hoc reports as required. Attend, draft minutes and follow up on agreed actions at monthly Finance meetings.

Essential Requirements

• Experience: 3+ years of proven bookkeeping experience in a professional environment.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of accounting software, with a demonstrable working knowledge of using Xero, Xero Payroll, GoCardless and Stripe alongside expert-level Microsoft Excel skills and MS Word.
• Qualifications: AAT Level 3/4 or a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping, accrual accounting, and financial reporting standards.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical problem-solving abilities, and excellent verbal/written communication skills. Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
• Analytical Skills: Develop and enhance existing financial systems and processes.

Core skills

To carry out duties in a professional manner in line with our values.

To be clear and accurate communication with our members and .

To be confident in managing own workload and multi-tasking projects

To undertake any other non-finance duties that may be reasonably required, including assistance with in-house Livery functions on key dates in the Company calendar

To have an awareness and interest in the governance of the City of London

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £35,000 - £40,000 per annum.
• Opportunities for professional development
• Unique opportunities and experiences as a member of our Livery community
• Benefits package, which includes 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays,) a company pension, Life cover, Annual Season Ticket loan