Finance Manager

Michael Page; Forest Row; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Finance Manager in Forest Row to oversee the financial operations for a conservation organization. This role includes managing budgets, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with accounting regulations. Applicants should have a relevant accounting qualification and experience in financial management within the charity sector. The position offers a competitive salary and a permanent contract.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with relevant experience.
• Experience in budgeting, financial management, and compliance.
• Strong understanding of local government and charitable sector reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day financial operations of the Conservators.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts for the Board and Trustees.
• Produce timely financial reports and liaise with auditors.

Skills

Budgeting and forecasting

Financial management

Experience with SAGE

Accounting procedures

Management accounts production

Education

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification

Tools

SAGE

MS Excel

Job description

Client Details

Would you like to be part of the team that is responsible for one of southern England's most important wildlife sites? I'm pleased to be exclusively partnering with Ashdown Forest in recruiting for a Finance Manager to oversee financial management for the Conservators of Ashdown Forest.

The role will manage the day-to-day finances of the Conservators, a statutory corporation that operates as a Not-for-Profit organisation. The financial management of the Forest is undertaken in line with JPAG regulations (Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance for smaller organisations associated with local authorities. The postholder will also have a key role in assisting the CEO to ensure the organisation's long-term financial security, including supporting with cost analysis and developing and modernising our financial systems.

Description

The Finance Manager works with the CEO and Board of Conservators (including their committees and committee chairs), with responsibility for providing effective financial management, budget reporting and financial control for the Conservators of Ashdown Forest.

Accountancy

• The role provides professional guidance and support to the CEO, Board of Conservators, and budget holders on all aspects of financial management.
• Manage the accounts of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest and support the Foundation, which has a Board of Trustees and a treasurer. This will include managing restricted and unrestricted funds, bank reconciliations, and internal recharges.
• Utilise accounting systems such as SAGE or replacement systems to deliver this.
• Produce management reports quarterly or as requested.
• Work with the CEO and Senior Management Team to explore and secure appropriate projects, grants and funding from Government agencies and conservation programmes.
• To provide support for the Foundation, which will be primarily responsible for the fundraising efforts for the Ashdown Forest.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Leading, planning, and compiling the annual Board budget and forecasts for the Conservators and the Trustees of the Ashdown Forest Foundation.

Presenting budgets to the Board, East Sussex County Council and Ashdown Forest Trust Trustees, and assisting with the budgets for the Foundation Trustees.

Provision of accurate and timely monthly management information and forecasting to the CEO, Board, the Foundation Trustees and budget holders.

Ensuring budgetary control mechanisms operate successfully.

End of Year Accounts for CoAF and the Foundation

Producing the mid-year and annual reports and accounts in a timely and accurate manner in line with applicable accounting standards and regulations.

Liaising with internal and external auditors.

External Relations

Ensure contact with Board, Conservators, staff, banks, funders and auditors is maintained at the appropriate level.

Ensure there is efficient management and support for the part-time Finance Office Support Administrator.

Work closely with ESCC finance staff as requested.

To act as contract manager for IT, telecommunications, insurance and other relevant functions.

Other Financial Matters

Responsibility for the payroll of employees and administration of the pension scheme.

Preparing VAT returns and other statutory returns. This includes the charity's annual return accounts and providing support in reporting for the Foundation.

Daily responsibility for managing the Business Risk Register.

Work with the Senior Management Team to ensure that adequate levels of insurance are in place at all times.

Maintain the asset register.

Develop, modernise and maintain the Board's financial systems.

Profile

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant.
• Experience of budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience of ensuring financial procedures are adhered to.
• Experience of developing, delivering and monitoring financial strategy.
• Experience of recording accounting transactions and maintaining accounting records.
• Experience of producing management accounts and other analysis to support projects and budget holders.
• Experience of working well with budget holders to support their activities.
• Extensive working knowledge of accounting systems such as SAGE, MS Excel and other financial systems.
• Understanding of the legal reporting processes of local government and the charitable sector.
• Experience of financial management, assisting with business planning and helping implement a long-term financial strategy.
• Computer skills - familiarity with IT packages, especially Microsoft Office and financial database.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £40,000 to £42,708 per annum.
• Permanent position based in Forest Row.
• Opportunity to work within Charity sector.
• Engaging work environment with scope for professional growth.
• Comprehensive benefits package (details to be discussed during the interview).

If you are a skilled Finance Manager ready to take on a new challenge in Forest Row, we encourage you to apply today!