Finance, Property and Kelsick Centre/ Office Administrator

 Kelsick’s Educational Foundation (KEF) is a registered educational charity, based on the will and legacy of John Kelsick which provided funds and property for the educational needs of young people in Ambleside and the surrounding area. The main activity is the provision of educational grants for young people under 25, and to the voluntary schools (and to academies that were formerly voluntary schools), in the Lakes Parish. Income to fund these grants is derived from a portfolio of commercial and residential properties in Ambleside, room hire in the Kelsick Centre and from financial investments. Turnover in the year ended 31 March 2025 was £448,969.

Main purpose of the job:

To ensure Kelsick’s Educational Foundation Finance, Property, and Office systems best meet the needs of the charity, enabling Trustees to support the educational development of children and young people living within the Lakes Parish.

Duties and Key Responsibilities:

 

Finance

  • Manage the financial records of receipts and payments.
  • Reconcile income and expenditure to bank statements.
  • Maintain a monthly record of debtors, and inform the Clerk accordingly.
  • Attend the monthly finance committee meetings.
  • Update and maintain financial systems, allowing accurate and timely day-to-day management of the organisation’s finances.
  • Assist the Clerk with the end of year forecast and the preparation of the annual budget.
  • Assist with the preparation of the accounts for the annual audit.
  • Be responsible for the administration of staff salaries, pensions, tax and National Insurance.
  • Maintain accurate employment details for staff and freelance workers.
  • Maintain up to date contact details for all tenants, and other relevant contacts.
  • Notify tenants of annual increases, e.g. insurance premiums.
  • Support the Clerk and the Trustees in the management and distribution of grants to individuals and the three Schools that are supported by the K.E.F.
  • Liaise with the Clerk, Treasurer and bank signatories as required.

 

Property

  • Collate all relevant property certification, upload to the K.E.F. property management system (Arthur) ensuring all renewal notifications are set to the correct duration and the system is maintained and updated on an ongoing basis.
  • Respond to initial enquires from tenants in relation to commercial and domestic properties and inform the Clerk of related issues.
  • Maintain and upload current contractors information and certification to Arthur.

Following instruction from the Clerk:

  • Liaise with approved contractors to collate estimates for repairs and planned maintenance.
  • Liaise with appointed contractors and monitor works to ensure timely and satisfactory completion.
  • Coordinate Electrical Condition Inspection reports, Fire Risk Assessments, Fire alarms and emergency lights biannual services, annual Gas Safety checks, annual asbestos survey, for all relevant properties.

Kelsick Centre

  • Assist with the day-to-day running of the Kelsick centre, managing bookings, ensuring all users understand and sign hire agreements, arranging access, and supporting the Clerk to ensure compliance in all Health and Safety, and Insurance matters.
  • Conduct and record a monthly electrical light test and weekly fire alarm test in the fire log book in accordance with BS 5839.

Kelsick Office

  • Support the Clerk to ensure the effective operation of the office, dealing with telephone and face to face enquiries.
  • Assist the Clerk with the modernisation of the office suite and processes to improve the day-to-day operations of the Kelsick Educational Foundation.
  • Deputise if required in the absence of the Clerk, liaising with Trustees as appropriate.

The post is part-time 21 hours per week. The salary range  is £17.62 – £20.00/ hour dependent on experience, and based at our office in the Kelsick Centre in Ambleside. The office is usually open Monday to Thursdays (9.30am to 5pm). The successful candidate will be able to work their hours flexibly within those opening hours in agreement with the Clerk.

Job Brief

Although a part-time position, this role is a crucial one to KEF, and the Clerk and Trustees require a well organised person of professional integrity and experience to fulfil this important part of the charity’s work.

Essential criteria

  1. Proven work experience in a similar role, with a good knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting procedures.
  2. Experience of accounting systems, ideally Sage.
  3. Experience in property management/ support with hands on experience of systems such as Arthur.
  4. Good office administration and facilities skills

Desirable criteria

  1. Working knowledge of charity accounting
  2. Excellent Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel
  3. Excellent team working and interpersonal skills
  4. Effective oral and written communication skills
  5. Organised, methodical and a good attention to detail
  6. Empathy with the Foundation’s charitable purpose

To apply

Please send  a detailed CV and accompanying letter explaining how your knowledge, experience and skills  complement the job description and essential and desirable criteria to Clerk@Kelsick.org.uk

If you wish to discuss the position please call the Clerk on 015394 31289.

Closing date:  16th March, @ noon.

Interviews: will take place at the Kelsick Centre, St Mary’s Lane, Ambleside, LA22 9DG on Tuesday 24th March.