1 | P a g e

JOB APPLICATION

PACK

Job Title: Financial Accountant Directorate: Finance Department: Financial Accounting Location: Twickenham

2 | P a g e

Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in working for Thames Valley Housing. In this pack you find the Job Description and Person Specification for the role you are applying for. We encourage you to read the guidance notes and fill in the application form carefully. The criteria set out in the person specification contains all the competencies for this role and will be assessed at different stages of the selection process. Please see the guidance notes for further information on this. Thames Valley Housing is a user of the government’s “two ticks” disability symbol, which recognises organisations that are positive towards disabled people. Disabled applicants who meet the short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview. I hope that you find the job description interesting and decide to apply. I wish you success and we look forward to receiving your application form. Thames Valley Housing Recruitment Tel: 0300 456 2929 Email: recruitment@tvha.co.uk Web: www.tvha.co.uk/careers

3 | P a g e

CONTENTS Guidance Notes for Applicants………………………………………………………………………………….4 Job Advert…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6 Job Description…………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Person Specification…………………………………………………………………………………………………10 Our Competency Framework……………………………………………………………………………………12

Appendix 1……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13

4 | P a g e

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR APPLICANTS Before you complete your application

Please read the job application pack before you apply online for the position - this contains all the

information you need to decide whether the job is right for you.

Read through the job description and person specification – they are the best places to find out

exactly what experience, skills and competencies you need to be successful in the role.

The person specification highlights the competencies we want to asses as part of our recruitment

process. Our competency framework is at the back of this pack.

You’ll need to prepare a CV – we ask you to upload your CV as a Word document as part of our

online application form.

Completing your application

When you’re ready to apply, click ‘Apply here’ at the bottom of the job advert for the position you’re

interested in and complete the online form.

We’ll ask you about your skills and competencies – as well as your CV, we’ll also ask you to upload a

personal statement or answer some questions online about how your skills and experience match the

essential criteria and competencies in the person specification.

You’ll need two good references - we will ask for contact details for your references in the online

application, but we won’t contact them until the offer stage. Your references should be:

- Your current employer. If you are unemployed, this will be your most recent employer. This

will be someone senior to you who can assess your work for us, not a colleague or friend at

work.

- A previous employer or someone with a senior role who can vouch for you.

We’ll ask you for some personal information to help us monitor diversity and equality – the only

people who will see this information are the HR team who will use it for equal opportunities

monitoring purposes. It will be treated in the strictest confidence and does not form part of the

selection process.

5 | P a g e

What happens next?

Assessments/Interviews

Our Recruitment team will contact you a few days after the application closing date if your application has

been short-listed. We will invite you to a competency-based interview, and ask you to complete some tests.

These could be ability tests, written exercises, job-related tests, psychometric tests or IT tests. We will also let

you know if you have not been shortlisted this time.

Driving

If the job needs you to drive, we will need to see your driving license.

DBS check

For some jobs we will need to carry out a Disclosure & Barring Service check. We’ll say so in the job

description if that’s the case.

Eligibility to work in the UK

It’s against the law for us to take on people who do not have the right to work here. If we offer you a job, we

will ask you to prove this to us. We’ll send you a list of documents you can use for this.

Data Protection

By law, we have to let you know that we keep the personal information about you that you put in a job

application. When you sign and send an application in, we take this to mean that you are giving us permission

to keep it, and to use it to get in touch with you, if we find a job we think would suit you in the following six

months.

Your Views

We’re happy to hear from you. We want to improve our recruitment, so please complete the Recruitment

Survey. https://tvhahr.wufoo.eu/forms/recruitment-what-was-your-experience/

Getting in touch

If you have any questions or problems at any stage of your application, please do get in touch with our

recruitment team on recruitment@tvha.co.uk.

6 | P a g e

JOB ADVERT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT X 2

Location: Twickenham

Salary: £40,000 per annum

Closing date: 19 February 2017

Interview date: 28 February 2017

About the role…

Reporting to the Head of Finance, Thames Valley Housing, and the Senior Financial Accountant will take responsibility for:

Month end financial accounting for all entities within the Thames Valley Housing Group

Preparing and submitting VAT and other regulatory returns

Assist with the external audit process

Assist in the Preparation of the annual statutory accounts for all entities within the Thames Valley Housing Group

About you …

We are looking for a Financial Accountant who is adept at working as part of a team and independently. Candidates should:

Be a qualified accountant (CCAB) with strong technical abilities.

Knowledge of FRS 102

Have experience of managing project and report writing.

Have experience of preparing complex Group Statutory Accounts

Have knowledge and experience of preparing and submitting CIS and VAT returns

Have excellent all round IT skills

7 | P a g e

Deputy Finance Director

Head of Financial Accounts

Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant

Senior Financial Accountant

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Financial Accountant Directorate: Finance Department: Financial Accounts Location: Twickenham Responsible to: Reporting to Head of Financial Accounts Family tree (clearly showing the responsibilities for and to particular managers) Main purpose of the job To assist the Head of Financial Accounts in ensuring financial accounts are maintained in accordance with group accounting policies, statutory requirements and financial statements are produced/published in accordance with agreed timetables and regulatory requirements The role will assist the Head of Financial Accounts with the delivery of accurate, complete and timely information in the accounts for TVHA and TVCHA for the monthly and annual financial accounts by maintain and initiating control and have oversight over the Balance Sheet This role will also assist build relationships in the business in order to assist the Head of Financial Accounts in championing accounting excellence. Main contacts which the post holder has within and outside the organisation Head of Financial Accounts, Deputy Finance Director, other directors, teams and managers at Thames Valley Housing Association , External Auditors and Tax consultants, Internal Auditors, H M Revenue &

8 | P a g e

Customs (HMRC), Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Financial Services Authority (FSA), National Housing Federation, Software consultants of finance related software Principal accountabilities expected of the post holder Accounting and Audit Assist the Head of Financial Accounts to manage the external audit and year end process for the preparation of statutory account of Thames Valley Housing Association, Thames Valley Charitable Housing Association, subsidiaries and the consolidated group accounts on a timely basis

Assist Head of Financial Accounts with the delivery of the TVHA and TVCHA accurate and complete accounts by working day 4 on a monthly basis. This is to include review and commentary, where appropriate, on monthly activity completed by the team. This includes :

- Reconciliations accounting systems to source standalone system

- Preparation of accounting estimates and schedule such as provisions, depreciation,

holiday accruals etc.

- Intercompany overhead allocations

- Creating audit schedule and backup document

- Third party managed stock

- VAT.

Account for FRS 102 adjustment on a monthly and annual basis, with reconciliation to schedules and ledger for pension, financial instrument and intangible asset and liabilities. Taxation Control and preparation of all supporting schedules in respect of tax returns and gift aid computations Assist in ensuring that VAT regulations are adhered to Preparation and submission to deadline of all VAT returns and communicating with HMRC Financial Control Assist the Head of finance in Setting up new process and reviewing of existing once for suitability which effectively review the team’s work and create financial accounts which are right first time. Assist in maintaining integrity of financial Accounts by regular review and ensuring control accounts and reconciliations are completed

9 | P a g e

Assist with the maintenance of an effective chart of accounts which can efficiently deliver income and expenditure accounts, balance sheets and cashflow for the business. Systems Assist in maintenance of the accounting systems used by the team Liaise regularly with IT on system maintenance and enhancements. Focus on systems integration Regulation Return Preparation and timely submission of regulatory accounting returns to and maintaining relationships with authorities. Preparation of finance related data in relation to House mark in accordance with timetables Financial Accounting and processing functions Financial accounts in the ledgers of all entities in the group are maintained in accordance with group accounting policies, GAAP, SORP, statutory requirements and IFRS where relevant Maintain integrity of financial Accounts by regular review and ensuring control accounts and reconciliations are completed Regularly review Management Agreements to ensure income is accurately accounted for and any statements stipulated in agreements are submitted on time by maintaining working relationships with concerned external parties Project Management Assist the head of financial accounts with the coordination and implementation of financial accounting project and any other ad-hoc organisation project. Prepare and review financial models for financial accounting purpose. Other To carry out other duties as may be reasonably assigned from time to time by the Head of Finance, and Deputy Finance Director and such duties to be compatible with the level of this job description.

10 | P a g e

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Role: Financial Accountant

Directorate: Finance

Knowledge, Experience & Skills Essential Knowledge of technical accounting knowledge Skilled in the use of Microsoft office programs especially Microsoft Excel Experience in the preparation of annual statutory accounts. Proficient experience and skill in VAT accounting. Project management experience Excellent communication skills System based accounting Desirable Fully qualified accountant (CCAB) Technical and practical knowledge of FRS 102 Experience of working within the housing sector Experience in the use of Sun accounting System. Report writing skills.

Technical Numerate and able to assess personal finances to ensure maximum income for TVHA, whilst supporting tenants to avoid going into arrears Understanding of welfare benefits and income collection

Qualifications Full CCAB Professional Accountancy qualification or qualified by experience

Competencies (highlighted in Red assessed by personal statement and at interview)

Core (refer to Competency Framework guidelines to determine appropriate definition)

Applied Thinking (Professional) Recommends improvements to processes and services at a team level by analysing patterns and trends from information

11 | P a g e

Results Focused (Professional) Uses Directorate/Department objectives to identify team KPI to drive service delivery and meet goals Planning and Organising (Professional) Delivers the project plan/ departmental objectives to plan and budget Managing Relationships (Professional) Builds positive and reciprocal relationships that benefit the Association Initiative and Innovation (Professional) Develops and implements at a local level Working Together (Professional) Involves others to work towards shared goals and objectives Continuous Improvement (Professional) Delivers improvement at a team level Customer Driven (Professional) Plans and organises delivery of customer service OTHER Good IT skills (accounting systems, business systems, excel and word) Commitment to Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety

LIVING AND DELIVERING THE CORPORATE VALUES

Think Forward – Question how we do things. Think Ahead. Innovate Think We – Let’s work together to achieve our shared goals. Think Openly – Let’s be transparent and true to our word. Think With Compassion – Offer your time and support. Act with empathy and understanding. Think With Energy – Be passionate about delivering great customer service and making things happen

12 | P a g e

OUR COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK

What are Competencies and how are they used? A competency is an ability, skill, knowledge or trait that is needed for the successful performance of a job. It is often defined in terms of behaviours. Overall, competencies are a set of behaviours that an individual must possess in order to perform to the optimum level within that role. When used properly, and in conjunction with other working practices and procedures, competencies can ensure fairness, openness and equality in the way we recruit staff, select people for training, identify clear development paths and promote people. The Competency Framework contains a total of ten competencies and it is considered that to carry out a role at a particular level an individual should possess those competencies that are ‘Core’ for that level. The depth of which these core competencies are required will vary according to each role. Core competencies are far broader in their application and apply to all jobs within TVH. This document details the core competencies which TVH recognises as necessary. The person specification highlights the competencies we want to assess as part of our recruitment process, but the following areas are important all of the time.

13 | P a g e

Name Definition Level Descriptors

1 Applied Thinking Makes use of relevant information to resolve problems, identify opportunities and reach appropriate solutions.

Leader Identifies new business opportunities by evaluating company performance from a range of information

Expert Sets Directorate/Departmental priorities by developing solutions to support the business plan

Professional Recommends improvements to processes and services at a team level by analysing patterns and trends from information

Vocational Solves basic problems within clearly laid out policies and procedures

2 Results Focused – “Getting things done”

Achieves successful delivery of tasks and objectives by effectively managing others or taking direct action.

Leader Sets the performance framework for the organisation to meet corporate goals, achieve results and champions improvements

Expert Sets the performance framework for the Directorate/Department to meet objectives, KPIs and continuously seeks improvements in delivery

Professional Uses Directorate/Department objectives to identify team KPIs to drive service delivery and meet goals

Vocational Takes responsibility for achieving individual objectives and contributing to team targets

3 Planning and Organising Plans and organises work and activities to meet objectives whilst achieving quality and value for money.

Leader Structures the business plan to deliver key objectives while allocating appropriate resources

Expert Develops project plans and identifies departmental activities and resources required to meet organisational goals

Professional Delivers the project plan/departmental objectives to plan and budget

Vocational Contributes to the team/project objectives by effectively setting own work plan and prioritising key tasks

4 Initiative and Innovation Takes a creative approach to work by formulating new ideas or adapting existing ideas in a new or unexpected way to create opportunities.

Leader Develops ways of capturing innovation and creativity across the organisation and delivers through others

Expert Plans and implements new ideas in the long to medium term and takes the lead in delivering change within Directorate

Professional Develops and implements initiatives at a local level

Vocational Addresses current opportunities by improving and adapting existing approaches

Appendix 1

14 | P a g e

Name Definition Level Descriptors

5 Working Together Works co-operatively and flexibly across cultures and organisational boundaries to achieve shared goals

Leader Creates a positive team working environment

Expert Builds the team to deliver a high quality service

Professional Involves others to work towards shared goals and objectives

Vocational Works co-operatively with other members of the team and direct customers

6 Managing Relationships (Influencing, persuading and negotiating)

Builds and maintains relationships to achieve positive outcomes for the Association

Leader Extends networks and uses indirect influence to build external relationships to achieve long term strategic organisational goals

Expert Maintains networks and plans impact

Professional Builds positive and reciprocal relationships that benefit the Association

Vocational Builds rapport with colleagues and direct customers/suppliers

7 Continuous Improvement (Striving for Excellence)

Looks for opportunities to improve (self, products and/or services)

Leader Creates a continuous improvement environment

Expert Drives Departmental activity to continuously improve systems and processes

Professional Delivers improvements at a team level

Vocational Drives self to deliver results and aspirations

8 Customer Driven Provides an excellent service to all customers

Leader Develops the strategy to meet the long term interests and aspirations of customers

Expert Champions and promotes the delivery of quality service to all customers

Professional Plans and organises delivery of customer service

Vocational Delivers a high quality service

9 Commercial Awareness Understands relationship of operational issues to wider business context

Leader Defines and develops TVH’s commercial objectives to maximise the organisation’s financial wellbeing

Expert Delivers the commercial objectives

Professional Understands the purpose and content of the Corporate business plan

Vocational Demonstrates awareness of commercial aspects of the business

10 Leadership (Developing and Managing People)

Inspires and motivates others to develop confidence and capability to realise their full potential

Leader Leads the organisations to deliver high performance

Expert Is a role model for effective leadership

Professional Supports team development

Vocational Gives basic direction and instruction

Appendix 1

15 | P a g e

PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY