Accountant

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