Senior Finance Officer

Northern Ireland Water Limited; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing association is seeking an experienced Senior Finance Officer to manage core financial processes, including payroll and financial reporting. The successful candidate will have a relevant finance qualification and experience handling accounts to trial balance stage, ensuring strong financial control and compliance. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and an opportunity to contribute to a well-established organization.

Benefits

Salary £34,434 - £39,862

Generous annual leave plus 13 statutory holidays

10% employer pension contribution

Onsite parking

Qualifications

• AAT/IATI qualification or part-qualified with a recognised CCAB accountancy body.
• Experience in a finance role, responsible for accounts to trial balance stage.
• Strong IT and systems experience, especially with MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day financial administration including nominal ledger and payroll.
• Prepare monthly accruals, prepayments, journals, and reconciliations.
• Lead the end-to-end monthly payroll process.
• Manage payment runs and bank reconciliations.

Skills

AAT/IATI qualification or part-qualified with a recognised CCAB accountancy body

Experience in a finance role with responsibility for accounts to trial balance stage

Strong IT and systems experience, including advanced MS Excel skills

Experience across core finance functions including payroll

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a hands-on role with real responsibility and impact? This Senior Finance Officer opportunity offers ownership of core financial processes and the chance to strengthen systems within a growing housing association.

The Organisation

Alpha Housing is a growing housing association, providing around 1,000 homes across Northern Ireland. The organisation delivers high-quality sheltered housing for older people and is progressing an ambitious new-build programme including family homes, accessible bungalows, and independent living apartments. With a strong focus on service delivery, financial stewardship, and sustainable growth, Alpha Housing plays a key role in supporting communities across NI.

The role

• Own the day-to-day financial administration, including nominal ledger, purchase ledger, payroll, fixed assets, and banking.
• Prepare monthly accruals, prepayments, journals, and balance sheet reconciliations to ensure accurate financial records.
• Lead the end-to-end monthly payroll process, including HMRC submissions, pensions updates, and year-end returns.
• Manage payment runs, bank and investment reconciliations, and short-term cash forecasting.
• Develop and maintain Excel-based financial tools and reports to improve efficiency and reporting quality.
• Support procurement and contract management, including monitoring contract expenditure and maintaining registers.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager and wider team to maintain strong financial controls and compliance.

The Person

As the successful candidate you will have the following background and experience:

• Essential:
  • AAT/IATI qualification or part-qualified with a recognised CCAB accountancy body.
  • Experience in a finance role, with responsibility for accounts to trial balance stage.
  • Experience across core finance functions including payroll, bank reconciliations, supplier payments, and financial reporting.
  • Strong IT and systems experience, including advanced MS Excel skills to develop models and improve processes.
• Desirable:
  • Experience within social housing or a similarly regulated environment.

What's in it for you?

• Salary £34,434 - £39,862
• Generous annual leave plus 13 statutory holidays
• Hybrid working with flexible start and finish times
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Onsite parking
• A permanent role offering responsibility, stability, and the opportunity to contribute to a well-established housing organisation.

How to apply

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Meghan Hamilton, Senior Recruitment Consultant on 02896935508 or on email at [e-mail].

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate your request.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs