An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly capable and self‑motivated individual to join us as Business & Finance Manager at Scottish Land & Estates. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this role is central to ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our finance function, membership services, and wider office operations. The post holder will be the front line of the business, manage and maintain the organisation’s bookkeeping processes using XERO accounting software, process purchase and sales invoices, banking and manage customer payment systems. The role includes handling inbound calls, mail and welcoming visitors to the business. The post holder will also manage relationships with a number of service providers and business contracts.
If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.Job Details
- Title: Business & Finance Manager
- Location: Eskmills, Musselburgh, EH21 (office based)
- Work schedule: Full‑time, 34.5 hours per week (5 days)
- Salary: £32,000 to £38,000 (dependent on experience)
- Reports to: Director of Operations (DoO)
- Staff responsibility: None
- Holidays: 32 days per year (incl. 6 bank holidays) pro‑rata
- Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, Training and CPD allowance, time off in lieu allowance, contributory pension, free parking at office, supportive and friendly working environment
General Overview of the Position
- Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Business & Finance Manager will focus on the daily operation of the general office, financial controls (sales and purchase ledger), office facilities and providing a general business support function.
- The post holder will be the front line of the business, handling inbound calls, mail and welcoming visitors, and managing relationships with a number of service providers and business contracts.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain the organisation’s bookkeeping processes using XERO accounting software.
- Process and pay purchase invoices.
- Create, send and follow up on sales invoices.
- Process bank transfer and payment requests.
- Complete and submit VAT returns, PAYE and National Insurance contributions.
- Check and update ledger balances.
- Prepare and process payroll.
- Scan, file and log account documents.
- Update the computerised accounting system (XERO).
- Assist senior management in creating financial reports on a regular basis.
- Adhere to the company’s or organisation’s financial policies and procedures.
- Answer questions and provide assistance to stakeholders, customers and clients as needed.
- Attend finance department and company‑wide meetings, sometimes assisting with financial reporting to managers and senior executives.
- Front‑line office duties – reception, call handling, incoming & outgoing mail and visitor reception.
- Manage member query logging and distribution.
- Process and manage member subscription & mailing runs.
- Manage operational team files/documents, including digitisation and server file management.
- Provide support to the DoO with general business management tasks.
- Undertake routine database management & record membership enquiries.
- Log telephone event bookings and enquiries.
- Provide the organisation’s onboarding process & timetabling.
- Manage membership account queries to intervention level (copy invoices, receipts, etc).
- Update and maintain business sections of the website, including business directory, new applications & provide member login support.
- Provide administrative support to the regional team where required.
- Communicate clearly and provide an efficient and effective business support function.
- Manage the meeting room calendar.
- Assist with administration for member communications campaigns.
- Work with the EA to the CEO to provide cover for meetings when necessary.
Person SpecificationEducation / Qualifications
- Qualification in bookkeeping/accounts.
- AAT qualification (or equivalent).
- Desirable: Qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., business management or business administration).
Desirable Experience
- At least 5 years of recent experience in a busy office/finance department environment, with a broad understanding of the full range of duties required to manage an efficient business office.
- Experience with XERO accounting software.
- Experience in preparing and processing payroll.
- Ability to prepare, review and understand a financial statement.
- Experience managing a client database.
- Experience dealing with clients at all levels.
- Experience being the front line of the business, including professional call and visitor handling.
- Experience working in a membership organisation.
- Experience with ACT Database.
Essential Skills / Knowledge
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for building and maintaining relationships with suppliers and colleagues.
- Accurate data entry and reporting skills.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to prioritise and manage multiple, sometimes conflicting, deadlines or demands.
- Competent with all Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint).
Desirable Skills / Knowledge
- Good basic knowledge of CRM and accounting software packages.
- Production of management reports.
Essential Aptitudes / Attributes
- Self‑motivated, proactive and enthusiastic.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Comfortable dealing well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
- Confidence, tact and diplomacy.
- Calm and confident under pressure.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and to support others in doing so.
- Flexibility in being able to support the work of the wider team. xwzovoh
Desirable Other Job Requirements
- Full driving licence and access to car.
As a membership organisation, Scottish Land & Estates is responsible for championing and supporting businesses that provide economic, social and environmental benefits.
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