Finance Officer (Part-time)

Royal Astronomical Society

Length of contract
12 month

Salary
£24,000 per year (£40,000 FTE)

About the Organisation

Royal Astronomical Society was founded in 1820 and is a Learned Society for Astronomers and Geophysicists in the UK and internationally. It has a membership (fellowship) of 4200. The Society is located in Burlington House, Piccadilly, and has a staff of 30. The premises include a library, lecture theatre, editorial offices, and rooms for fellows.

The annual budget is about £5.4 million, with reserves and investments totalling £15 million. It is a charity registered under UK law. The Royal Astronomical Society publishes three journals and a membership magazine. During the academic year, the Society holds monthly scientific meetings, and there is a week-long National Astronomy Meeting in the summer.

About the role

This role helps to support the charity’s finance function. It will be focused primarily on bookkeeping duties; however, there will also be opportunities to get involved in the year-end accounts, as well as deputising for the Finance Manager.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Sage 50 Accounts, including sales and purchase ledger, bank receipts and payments.
• Check and process claims for expenses, grants, and prizes.
• Analyse credit card transactions and post to Sage.
• Assist with supplier payment runs.
• Reconcile the bank and investment accounts.
• Liaise with staff, trustees, and suppliers on payment queries.
• Prepare monthly payroll and pension contributions.
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register.
• Assist with requests during the annual audit.
• Review and sort paper records for archiving.
• Deputise for the Finance Manager as required.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in a charity accounting role
• Working knowledge of VAT
• Experience administering payroll and pension contributions
• Proficient user of Sage 50 Accounts and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills

Desirable:

• Experience with Sage 50 Payroll

Required Qualifications

• Fully-qualified bookkeeper (AAT) or part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent experience

Conditions of employment

• You need to be eligible to work in the UK.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Apply now. 
• Please upload a CV, covering letter, and the names of two referees. The application deadline is Friday, 5th September 2025.

Interviews

• Interviews to commence: Tuesday, 16th September 2025.

Policies

Royal Astronomical Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

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