The Cheltenham Trust
Recruitment Pack Payroll and Accounts Payable Accountant
The Role We are seeking a proactive Payroll and Account Payable Accountant to join our finance team. This role is pivotal to ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our financial operations, including supplier invoice management and payroll processing. You will join a small team and provide essential support across various finance functions.
Vision
Mission
To be a catalyst for a thriving and inclusive Cheltenham, where culture, heritage, sport, and leisure create meaningful social value, improve wellbeing, and bring people together through strong community partnerships.
To engage, inspire and support Cheltenham’s residents and visitors through accessible cultural, heritage, sport, and leisure opportunities. Our work contributes to enriching people’s lives, wellbeing, learning and creativity while supporting local economic growth and working in partnership with Cheltenham’s communities.
Values and Behaviours Values
Behaviours
Community Voice We work with communities, not just for them.
Co- creating and closing the loop
Inclusivity Differences are our strengths
Making belonging a daily habit
Collaboration and Partnerships We achieve more together
Working as one Trust with our partners
Continuous Learning We grow and improve together
Learning, experimenting and improving
Protecting our Environment We act for the planet in every choice
Including the environment in every decision
The Role Job title: Payroll and Accounts Payable Accountant Location: Cheltenham Town Hall Reports to: Finance Director Working Hours: Up to 40 per week Salary guide: Up to £30,000 per annum Supervisors: N/A
Purpose To support the finance department by managing supplier invoices and inputting data for monthly payroll. Perform key accounting functions to maintain accuracy and efficiency in financial and payroll processing on a day-to-day basis. Assist other members of team with ad-hoc work.
Key duties and responsibilities This job description sets out the key outcomes required. It does not specify in detail all the activities required to achieve these outcomes. Accounts Payable Process supplier invoices promptly and accurately Match invoices to purchase orders, ensuring compliance with company policies and resolving discrepancies Prepare bi-weekly payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid on time Track outgoing payments Perform invoice processing tasks and ensure data accuracy Ensure correct treatment of VAT on activities, paying/raising all VAT on appropriate invoices Manage supplier set up and administration Payroll Administrator Act as the primary contact for all payroll-related queries within the Trust Collaborate with the HR department to ensure all payroll data is accurately captured, including any payroll changes, new starters, leavers, salary adjustments and monthly timesheets Prepare monthly pension returns to Royal London and LGPS, managing any arising queries Ensure accurate reconciliation of PAYE figures and payments Reconcile ledger control accounts related to payroll items Customer and Supplier Management Build and maintain good relationships with external suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders Perform regular/monthly statement reconciliations for both suppliers and customers to ensure account accuracy Manage the Accounts Payable and Payroll inboxes, responding to emails promptly and resolving queries efficiently General Financial Support Provide cover for the Accounts Receivable function when required: o Generate and issue customer invoices promptly and accurately o Record and reconcile all incoming financial transaction o Issue receipts to customers and manage outstanding payments, including sending collection statements and communications Provide general financial and administrative support to the Finance team as needed Analyse pay costs and ensure they are accurately reported in the management account Assist in producing accurate and comprehensive management information Maintain adequate audit trails and uphold internal accounting controls Support internal colleagues on ad-hoc matters as directed by the Finance Director Collaborate effectively across the Trust, maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all matters
Essential requirements - qualifications, skills, abilities and experience Experience Minimum of one year of experience in Accounts Payable At least two years of accounting experience AAT qualifications would be desirable and support for study will be provided Working knowledge of bookkeeping fundamentals Previous payroll experience is desirable; however training can be provided Skills and abilities Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel and analytical skills Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities Proactive and self-motivated approach to work Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy Ability to work independently to investigate and resolve queries Flexible team player, responsive to business growth and changing priorities Committed to maintaining confidentiality in accordance with data protection legislation
How to apply IIf you are interested in applying for the Payroll and Accounts Payable Accountant role, please send your CV and cover letter to Clare.Mathews@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk by Sunday 30 November 2025. Application deadline: Sunday 30 November 2025.