Finance Assistant Apprentice - Operations Group - Finance - LMB 1603

View Vacancy -- Finance Assistant Apprentice - Operations Group - Finance - LMB 1603
Open Date
02/07/2021, 15:30
Close Date
01/08/2021, 23:55
Research Institute  
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum salary criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK.  At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.  You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y
Research Institute / Unit Information  

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies.  The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease.  We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology.  However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive.  Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers.  Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org
Band  
MRC – Apprentice
Location  
Cambridge
Salary  
£17,219 - £18,123 per annum
Contract Type  
Fixed Term
Job Type  
Administration & Management
Full Time / Part Time  
Full Time
Contract Length  
18 months
Job Description  

Overall purpose:

To proactively provide accounting support to the Finance Team in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) by performing tasks, which include invoice sundry invoice processing, adjustment journal preparation and entry onto the Oracle accounting system. This role will also assist with the preparation of budget plans within the constraints of Corporate deadlines.

To provide administrative support to the LMB Head of Finance and Research Contracts, Finance Manager, Finance Officer and Grants Officer.

The Apprenticeship program will provide an opportunity to gain a Level 2 Intermediate AAT Accounting Qualification.  Training will be provided in the work place and through exams and projects whilst attending day release at college.  In addition there will be regular progress reviews in the workplace with the assessor.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

Routine accounting tasks

• Using the accounting system Oracle, action invoice queries received on a daily basis by liaising with requisitioners, Divisional Administrators and the UK Shared Business Services (UKSBS).
• Raising Sales invoices and credit notes on the Oracle system as needed and dealing with customers invoice queries.
• Prepare input documents for invoices charged to a number of cost centres ensuring that the invoices are processed to meet payment deadlines. Suppliers of these invoices include: Fedex, DHL, Panther Taxis, University of Cambridge and our catering company.
• Scanning, and electronic filing of purchase invoices and sending documents to UKSBS using service requests on Oracle.
• Monitor the progress of Utility and other Critical invoices ensuring prompt payment at all times.
• Issue receipts for cheques received in the Finance Office, complete miscellaneous receipt request form, sending cheques to UKSBS as received.

Month End Procedures

• Prepare and upload journals for movement of costs as required, forwarding them to the LMB Finance Officer or Head of Finance and Research Contracts for checking.
• Assist the LMB Finance Officer with the collection of data for LMB Accruals and Prepayments.
• Obtain utility meter readings from Estates Management and complete the recharging exercise by raising invoices to other organisations.
• Assist the LMB Finance Office with the investigation and clearance of the Accounts payable Balance Sheet.

Budgets

• Assist Finance Office staff with the preparation of annual budgets on the accounting system, completing control sheets, updating journal log and printing documents.
• Assist Finance Office staff with the analysis and preparation of data for forecasting and budgeting purposes.

Finance Post

• Receive and distribute incoming post for the Finance Office on a daily basis.
• Act on queries within own responsibility.

Support to Finance Staff

• Provide on-going general support to the LMB designated Finance Staff.
• Maintain the smooth running of the department’s facilities e.g. paper and toner in printer and photocopier and stationery orders.
• Update Finance assistant procedure manual.
• Any ad-hoc tasks appropriate to the role.

Working relationships

To work closely with all staff within the LMB Finance Office.

To build and maintain a good working relationship with the LMB Divisional Office staff and work closely with LMB Scientists where invoicing issues arise.

Work and communicate with UKSBS staff to resolve invoice queries promptly.

Additional information:

We support our employees with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:

• MRC training courses
• Eternal training and personal development courses
• One-to-one training with their supervisor and other colleagues

As an Apprentice the post holder will commit to undertaking the following:

• Working to the highest standards
• Attending training courses
• Identifying additional training, which will support them to develop their career
• Taking all measures necessary to ensure their own and other employees health & safety 

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC. 

 

Person Specification  

Education / Qualifications / Training required: 

Essential:  Educated to GCSE Standard, with a minimum of GCSE grade 9-4 including or equivalent in English and Maths.

Desirable: Educated to ‘A’ Level standard.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: Experience of working as part of a team, understanding a variety of roles and responsibilities appropriate to service needs. 

Desirable:
•    Experience of working in an office environment dealing with queries.
•    Experience of accurate record keeping and filing with a keen eye for detail.

Knowledge and experience: 

Independent working

Essential: 
•    Ability to demonstrate problem solving skills.
•    Experienced in the use of IT software, particularly Excel. 
•    Experience of using own initiative to prioritise workload. 

Desirable:
•    Ability to research information from relevant sources and present clearly.
•    Experienced in the use of IT databases. 

Communication skills

Essential:
•    Good written and verbal communication.
•    Ability to produce accurate numerical work.
•    Ability to interact with staff on all levels.  
•    Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and carry out tasks effectively, knowing when to seek help, support and advice. 

Desirable: Experience of communicating with and preparing documentation for various audiences.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential:
•    Approachable and consistent, with the ability to convey a professional image of the MRC at all times. 
•    Good organisational skills. 
•    Demonstrates commitment to learning new skills and knowledge to enable continuous improvement including a commitment to undertaking and completing the Level 2 AAT Accounting Apprenticeship.

Desirable: 
•    General interest in the LMB. 
•    Flexible approach to changing work tasks.

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.