Finance Officer

UK Council for International Student Affairs

Hours
21 hours per week

About the Organisation

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) supports international students and the institutions, students’ unions and organisations who work with them. Our mission is to ensure every international student has a positive, supportive and informed experience throughout their time in the UK. We are a small team of around 20 permanent staff, working closely with a network of volunteers, trustees and member organisations.

Despite our size, our impact is significant; we provide expert guidance, training, policy insight and a trusted advice line that helps shape the national conversation on international student experience. We’re collaborative, values-driven and committed to creating an inclusive environment for both our staff and the communities we serve.

About the role

At UKCISA, every pound we spend supports our mission to improve the experience of international students studying in the UK. We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Officer to join our friendly team and play a key role in ensuring our finances run smoothly and effectively. This is an excellent opportunity for someone building their finance career who enjoys variety, wants exposure to the full finance cycle, and is looking to make a meaningful contribution within a respected national charity.

To support the effective financial management of UKCISA by maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, ensuring strong financial controls and producing timely financial information. The postholder will work closely with the Head of Finance & Risk to support budgeting, management reporting, audit, VAT compliance and continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

To support the effective financial management of UKCISA by maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, ensuring strong financial controls and producing timely financial information. The postholder will work closely with the Head of Finance & Risk to support budgeting, management reporting, audit, VAT compliance and continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

Reporting to the Head of Finance & Risk, you'll be responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of UKCISA while helping to maintain strong financial controls and deliver accurate, timely financial information.

Responsibilities

Financial Processing:

• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately within the finance system, including the VAT treatment.
• Process purchase invoices, credit notes and supplier payments
• Maintain the purchase ledger, ensuring invoices are coded accurately and authorised in accordance with UKCISA’s policies and procedures
• Administer payment runs and maintain accurate and complete records of all payments and authorisations
• Raise sales invoices on Xero either manually or via uploads, as required to maintain an accurate sales ledger
• Monitor outstanding debts and support effective credit control processes across all income streams
• Provide credit control activities to support UKCISA’s annual membership renewal process. This process is a partnership between Finance and the Engagement & Partnerships team.
• Together with the membership assistant, support the membership renewal invoicing process
• Support the monitoring of cash balances and cash flow requirements, highlighting any concerns to the Head of Finance & Risk
• Process staff expense claims and corporate card transactions in accordance with policy
• Maintain accurate records, clear audit trails and electronic filing of all financial documentation.

Financial Control and Reconciliations:

• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies
• Reconcile balance sheet control accounts monthly
• Perform reconciliations between the CRM and the finance system
• Support month-end process and ensure all reconciliations are completed to agreed deadlines
• Assist with maintaining effective financial controls and compliance with financial procedures
• Identify and escalate any financial control concerns to the Head of Finance & Risk

Management Information and Reporting:

• Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts and forecasting information.
• Support the Head of Finance and Risk with any ad-hoc reporting requirements

Audit & Compliance:

• Support the planning and delivery of internal and external audits
• Assist with the preparation of audit working papers and year-end schedules
• Act as a key contact for auditors on assigned audit areas
• Coordinate information requests and ensure timely provision of evidence

Systems and Continuous Improvement:

• Support the effective operation of financial systems and related processes
• Contribute to process improvements, digitisation initiatives and system developments
• Maintain data accuracy and support data quality checks across all platforms used
• Assist with the development and maintenance of finance procedures and standard operating procedures
• Support integration between finance and other UKCISA systems, where appropriate.

Business Partnering and Service Support:

• Build positive working relationships with colleagues across UKCISA
• Guide staff on purchasing, expenses and finance procedures
• Promote compliance with financial policies and procedures
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and excellent customer service.

Other Duties:

• Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required
• Participate in organisational meetings, projects and training activities as required

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Qualifications & Experience:

• At least 2 years' experience working in a finance role
• Experience of sales ledger, purchase ledger and bank reconciliations
• Experience with finance software such as Xero, Sage
• Experience supporting month-end and year-end finance processes

Skills & Capabilities:

• An interest in and developing a commitment to UKCISA’s vision and mission
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Highly competent Excel user
• Ability to prioritise workloads to meet deadlines
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Good written and verbal communication
• Ability to build positive working relationships across teams
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional integrity
• Proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Required Qualifications

• AAT Level 2 qualified or actively studying towards the qualification

Compensation & Benefits

•  A defined benefit pension scheme (USS)
• Support for your training & development as well as 3 days personal development leave
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays as well as concessionary days between Christmas and New Year's. Staff also receive an extra day of leave for every year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days.

Conditions of employment

• You must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor a visa.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely.
• Staff are required to attend monthly in-person all-day staff meetings in central London.

How to apply

• Apply online
• We welcome applications from throughout the UK, as long as you are able to join us in London for one day every month.

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