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At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

The Role

The Finance Assistant will support the finance functions within the organisation by supporting accounting operations to meet legal and operational requirements. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for ensuring transactional data is accurately and efficiently recorded in the financial ledger along with supporting backup, and will work closely with other members of the finance team to ensure that the monthly and annual group accounts are reported on a timely basis.

The Finance Assistant will be an enthusiastic team player with the ability to grasp and learn new concepts quickly, a great communicator with strong attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines. They will learn to process financial information including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, business credit card expenses, processing of VAT claims, and fixed asset register.

The role is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level candidate wanting to begin a career in finance and complete their ACCA chartered accountancy qualification via an apprenticeship route. The role is currently a 3-year fixed term appointment and may offer the opportunity for progression to a permanent position within the SKAO finance team upon completion of the apprenticeship.

The role will report to the Construction Finance Manager and will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for this role visa and relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO's recruitment portal.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

We encourage applications from under-represented groups such as women and individuals with disabilities, as well as open conversations during the recruitment process in relation to any specific requirements.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Under the direction of the Construction Finance Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Supporting the Accounts Payable function including posting and matching of invoices.
• Assisting with weekly payment runs, associated payment postings into financial ledgers, and bank reconciliations.
• Reconciling supplier statements and responding to supplier enquiries.
• Providing support with tax, customs, and VAT/GST claims and queries.
• Production of monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Assisting with managing and updating the fixed assets register, including the initial capitalisation of assets and monthly depreciation.
• Assisting with the month-end accounts, such as posting month-end accruals journal, prepayments journal, depreciation journal.
• Preparing month-end intercompany mismatch report and supporting the resolution of mismatches and reconciliation of intercompany balances.
• Assisting in month-end group consolidation management accounts.
• Assisting in response to internal and external audit queries.
• Assisting with budget preparation and forecasts for group level income and expenditure.
• Supporting with ERP testing and developments.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties, such as assisting with other business systems, as directed by the line manager.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Maths A-level grade A or relevant degree in Accounting and Finance
• Experience of using MS Excel formula and pivot tables
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate records
• Experience of organising records and data to ensure that information can be traced efficiently
• Ability to take ownership of allocated tasks and understand the importance of deadlines
• Awareness of how to prioritise given tasks, manage time efficiently
• Strong ethics, with an ability to manage confidential data
• A self-motivated team player who is flexible and adaptable to change

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of financial and accounting procedures
• Knowledge of financial regulations
• Experience of working in a professional office environment

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.