Finance Manager

To manage the organisation’s financial operations, ensuring robust financial planning, control, and reporting. Working closely with the CEO, this role will take on day-to-day responsibility for financial management. Acting as a trusted adviser and sounding board, the Finance Manager will provide accurate, timely financial insight, strengthen financial systems, and ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, supporting the organisation’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Main Duties

• Lead on financial management and planning, ensuring accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of all financial transactions.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts and present clear financial reports to the senior leadership team and trustees/board.
• Monitor budgets in collaboration with programme leads, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Monitor cash flow to ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and can meet its obligations.
• Reconcile bank accounts and process payments, including managing childcare voucher transactions.
• Support payroll processes alongside our accountants to ensure timely payment of salaries, pensions, and other staff benefits.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including HMRC, Companies House, and Charity Commission reporting (where applicable).
• Oversee financial controls and procedures, ensuring risks are managed and fraud prevention measures are in place.
• Support the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and preparing required documentation.
• Provide financial advice and guidance to colleagues, enabling informed decision-making at all levels.
• Oversee procurement and contracts, ensuring value for money and compliance with organisational policy.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of charity finance legislation, accounting standards, and best practice.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Understanding

• Strong understanding of financial management principles, processes, and best practice.
• Knowledge of charity finance requirements, including SORP and Charity Commission guidelines (desirable).
• Understanding of budget setting, monitoring, and reporting processes.
• Awareness of statutory obligations including HMRC, Companies House, and pension regulations.
• Understanding of effective financial controls, risk management, and fraud prevention.

Experience

• Proven experience in a finance management role, ideally within a charity, non-profit, or similar sector.
• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports.
• Experience reconciling bank accounts and managing financial transactions, including childcare vouchers or similar schemes.
• Experience working with auditors and managing the audit process.
• Experience in developing and improving financial systems and processes.

Qualifications

• A recognised accountancy qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA) or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in financial management and leadership.

Skills and attributes

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all financial work.
• Confident communicator, able to present financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in using finance software and Microsoft Excel at an advanced level.
• Able to work collaboratively and build strong working relationships.
• Professional, discreet, and committed to upholding confidentiality and ethical standards.

How to Apply

Please click on Apply Now and download the official application form.