To apply, please download an application form and equalities monitoring form from our website (link below) and return the completed forms by 6 May.

Overview

The Accountant works closely and collaboratively with the Deputy Director of Operations to fulfil the finance function of the Scotch Whisky Association. Duties include day to day purchase and sales ledger processing and payroll processing, as well as higher level tasks including preparation of the monthly management and annual statutory accounts. The Accountant also supports the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of Operations in preparing for and attending Finance Committee meetings.

Main Responsibilities

The Accountant is responsible for preparing and maintaining all of the Association’s financial records using Xero to process purchase ledger and invoice members. They are also responsible for preparing annual statutory accounts and liaising with auditors, monthly management accounts, Corporation Tax computations, VAT returns, making payments and reconciling bank accounts and processing payroll.

The Accountant also prepares and maintains financial records and banking processes for two connected companies: the Alcohol Industry Partnership (Alcohol IP Ltd) and the Spirits Energy Efficiency Company, including preparing annual statutory accounts, Corporation Tax computations and VAT returns.

Essential Tasks

Bookkeeping:

Operate and manage Xero software
Maintain the accounting records for the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the Spirits Energy Efficiency Company (SEEC) and the Alcohol Industry Partnership (AIP) including purchase ledger, sales ledger, fixed asset register, cash accounts, staff expenses and the general ledger
Prepare payment runs for creditors (BACS), foreign payments (Bankline) and bank transfers, maintain Bankline and liaise with bankers
Liaise with Xero and other system providers

Annual accounting

Prepare the annual statutory accounts for SWA, SEEC and AIP
Liaise with the auditors
Submit annual statutory accounts for SEEC and AIP

Tax

Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns for SWA, SEEC and AIP
Prepare Corporation Tax returns for SEEC and AIP, liaise with the tax advisors to prepare Corporation Tax returns for SWA
Prepare P11Ds and PSAs as required (BUPA and other benefits)

Management information

Prepare monthly management accounts
Provide information, sundry reports and financial advice on request
Monitor SWA performance against budget

Payroll

Prepare monthly payroll on provider (Moorepay) system
Year-end tax procedures including P60s
Liaise with pension provider (Scottish Widows) on auto-enrolment pension scheme

Membership subscriptions

Distribute and collect member Turnover Returns
Calculate subscriptions
Prepare subscription invoices and monitor debtors

Other

Answer third party financial enquiries
Develop accounting systems and processes as required
Support the Deputy Director of Operations and the Chief Operating Officer with financial risk management
Support the Deputy Director of Operations with pension schemes, staff benefits and insurance as necessary

What we offer

The Scotch Whisky Association is a prestigious organization who work for and on behalf of our members to protect and secure a sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky industry. We can offer the right candidate the opportunity to join a thriving industry with colleagues who have a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Our People and Culture Plan ensure employees are at the forefront of our minds. Some of our benefits are:

We review salaries regularly, working with external consultants to ensure our people are rewarded fairly.
We offer employer pension contributions matching employee contributions plus 3%, up to a maximum of 15%.
We have several engagement days throughout the year as well as activity days to take us away from the office to collaborate, communicate and strengthen our team.
Our people policies reflect our investment in both physical and mental wellbeing. We provide a cycle to work scheme, BUPA healthcare (after 2 years’ service), life assurance and group income protection packages alongside retirement and financial planning training.
We offer personal and professional career development opportunities, with a focus on ensuring our people are equipped with the tools they need to do their job and progress their career.
Our flexitime and hybrid working policies support our people to find the best individual balance between work and life commitments.

Person Specification

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

At least 3-5 years’ experience in a financial role either in industry or professional practice covering a wide range of accounting functions including payroll and VAT returns

Experience and knowledge of financial systems and accounting packages (we use Xero)

Desirable

CCAB qualification

Knowledge of UK Corporation Tax

Knowledge of UK GAAP

Skills

Essential

Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines. 

 Excellent attention to detail and ability to work accurately. 

 Ability to manage and nurture internal and external relationships. 

 Proficient in M365. 

 High level written and oral communication skills. 

 Good interpersonal skills including ability to explain financial matters to non-financial colleagues. 

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to work independently when required

Personal Qualities

Collaborative 

Flexible and adaptable 

Organised 

Analytical 

Professional and efficient 

Reliable and trustworthy 

Personally and professionally ethical 

Proactive 