Finance Manager

TN United Kingdom; Leatherhead; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading charity organization is seeking a part-time Finance Manager to oversee financial operations and compliance. This hybrid role requires a proactive individual with strong accounting skills and the ability to communicate financial matters effectively. The successful candidate will manage statutory accounts, liaise with auditors, and support grant assessments. This position offers flexibility with a requirement to be present in Leatherhead one day a week.

Qualifications

• Experience in charity accounting and knowledge of SORP.
• Ability to explain financial matters to non-specialists.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation of statutory accounts and financial information.
• Manage external audit processes and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Prepare quarterly management accounts and cash flow reports.

Skills

Financial Accounting

Bookkeeping

Management Accounts

Cash Flow Management

Communication

Education

Part-qualified ACA/ACCA

Fully qualified AAT

Tools

SAGE

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Finance Manager (Part-Time, Hybrid)

Location: Flexible - one day a week in our Leatherhead office. Mix of home and office working.

Salary Range: £19,800 (pro-rata salary) plus benefits.

Length: Permanent

Start Date: July 2025

About Us

Wates Family Charities comprises two independent, grant-making charities: Wates Family Enterprise Trust and The Wates Foundation. We are dedicated to supporting positive social impact through strategic grant-making and community investment, with an annual spend of over £2.5 million, supporting individuals and organisations across vital initiatives.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to oversee the financial operations and compliance for both charities. As the sole finance professional within a team of seven, this role is vital in maintaining financial integrity and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee and manage the preparation of statutory accounts and financial information for the annual audit.
2. Maintain accurate financial records, including bank reconciliations, journals, and trial balances.
3. Prepare quarterly management accounts, cash flow reports, and forecasts.
4. Authorize and process payments, including grants and internal recharges.
5. Manage external audit processes, liaising with auditors and internal teams.
6. Ensure compliance with Companies House, Charity Commission, and other regulatory bodies.
7. Draft and submit annual reports and accounts, with support from the Director.
8. Develop and implement policies (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR, whistleblowing).
9. Provide financial data for trustee meetings and assist in drafting decision papers.
10. Maintain accurate records of training and hospitality for trustees and staff.
11. Support grant assessments and related administrative processes as required.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Part-qualified ACA/ACCA or fully qualified AAT.
• Solid technical knowledge of financial accounting and bookkeeping.
• Strong skills in preparing management accounts and managing cash flow.
• Experience of working independently in a finance function.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial matters to non-specialists.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting software (SAGE).
• Experience of charity accounting and knowledge of SORP.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for UK charities.
• Understanding of deposit management and placing funds with platforms such as Flagstone.

Working Pattern

This is a part-time role (15 hours per week) with hybrid working. A fortnightly presence in Leatherhead is required, ideally on Wednesdays. Flexibility will be necessary around the time of the annual external audit and at Board meetings, approximately two per quarter, held between central London and Leatherhead.