Junior Accountant

Job Title:  Junior Accountant

Responsible to: Finance Manager

Responsible for: Finance work assigned by the Head of Finance & IT or Finance Manager

The Team:                       

The Finance Department provides a range of financial services in support of MQI’s primary mission. It is led by the Head of Finance, Risk & IT and supported by the Finance Manager, Payroll Administrator, Accounts Payable, Junior Account and Finance Administrator.

Job Purpose:                                     

The main purpose of this post will encompass responsibility for the preparation of monthly management accounts including full journal preparation, bank reconciliation and reconciliation of all balance sheet items for MQI. The post will also involve operational duties such as managing third party contracts, assistance with procurement, state funder returns, payroll and accounts payable. 

Key Responsibilities

Accounts:

• Preparation of the monthly Management Accounts with budgetary/year on year comparatives.
• Assist in the preparation of Departmental Management Accounts and related analysis.
• Management of accounts receivable ledger.
• Processing accruals and prepayments.
• Bank and creditor reconciliations.
• Producing accounts to a trail balance level.
• Maintenance of the general ledger accounts.
• Cash flow productions.
• Assisting with production of board packs including monthly variance narratives.
• Assist in the production of monthly management packs.
• Assisting with the production of financial statements.
• Assisting with the development of reports & reporting processes.
• Assisting with the internal and external audit processes.
• Assist with the implementation of budgets.
• Handle all queries from managers on monthly accounts and all other finance matters.
• Ensuring implementation and operations of the internal controls with regard to authorisation, cash/cheque limits, record keeping and ensuring that these are being adhered to.

Funding

• Reconciliation of fundraising campaigns.
• Work in tracking funds across multi departments.
• Assist in the preparation of state funding returns.

General

• Identifies improvements to all financial processes on a continuous basis.
• Manage third party contracts and assist accounts payable in procurement.
• To adhere to MQI’s Health & Safety processes and procedures.
• Undertake any other ad-hoc duties as required.
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• To assist the payroll administrator with any queries s/he may have in relation to payroll and act as a liaison with the external payroll agency when needed.
• Manage the financial paperwork to a high standard – ie: filing bank statements and correspondence accordingly.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate for this post must have:

Education

• A third level degree in a related field.
• Minimum half way through your professional accountancy exams (ACCA/CIMA/ACA).

Training/Experience

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience within a similar operational finance role.
• Proven practical application and understanding of accounting knowledge.
• Proven experience in using a relevant financial software package.

Skills & Knowledge

• Accuracy on data entry.
• Ability to work on own initiative and meet weekly/monthly deadlines. Strong time management skills.
• Strong IT Skills - excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Standard Accounting Software packages.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional telephone manner.
• Excellent Communication, interpersonal skills and client interfacing skills.
• Strong numeracy skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Experience of providing support in a busy environment with multiple contracts.
• Experience of maintaining record.
• Ability to work with a high professional ethic & identify with the work/clients of MQI.
• Experience in working and meeting multiple deadlines.

Hours:                  39 hours Monday to Friday

Salary:                  €29,500

Location:            Head Office, Merchants Court, 24 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8.