Finance Manager

Birchwood; Skelmersdale; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established charity is seeking a meticulous Finance Manager to oversee financial operations and contribute to its mission of addressing homelessness and mental health. This role is pivotal in managing financial processes, ensuring compliance, and enhancing operational efficiencies. The Finance Manager will handle financial transactions, prepare management accounts, and engage with stakeholders to align financial strategies with organizational goals. If you are passionate about making a difference in the community and possess strong financial management skills, this opportunity offers a rewarding path to impact lives positively while working within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial management, ideally in the non-profit sector.
• Proficiency in financial software, particularly Xero, Dext, and Telleroo.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial transactions and ensure timely payments.
• Prepare management accounts and conduct detailed financial analyses.
• Develop financial reports for compliance and strategic decision-making.

Skills

Financial Management

Budget Management

Financial Reporting

Communication Skills

Organisational Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting

Part-qualification in ACCA or CIMA

Tools

Xero

Dext

Telleroo

Job description

Birchwood is a key charity focused on addressing homelessness, mental health, and social inclusion. We are committed to empowering our community through dedicated accommodation and support services. We seek a meticulous and proactive Finance Manager to oversee our financial operations and contribute to our mission through supporting strategic financial management and governance.

Job Summary

The Finance Manager will play a crucial role in managing the financial function of the Charity, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of our financial processes. The Finance Manager will also contribute directly to strategic financial planning and enhance operational efficiencies within the finance department. This position involves detailed oversight of financial transactions, compliance, and reporting, working closely with various funding bodies including local councils, NHS, and grant funders, as well as managing the financial aspects of properties owned by the charity.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Financial Operations and Management:

1. Manage and oversee all financial transactions, including the uploading and processing of invoices through Dext and Xero.
2. Responsible for diligently monitoring and following up on outstanding invoices and payments to ensure timely financial transactions and maintain cash flow efficiency.
3. Ensure timely payments to and from councils, NHS, grant funders, and management of finances related to properties owned by the charity.
4. Conduct detailed financial analyses and prepare management accounts to inform strategic decision-making.
5. Act as the primary point of contact for all financial matters, including direct handling of invoices, payments, and financial inquiries.
6. Manage financial software and systems (such as Xero) personally, ensuring that all data is accurately recorded and maintained.
7. Optimise the use of financial software systems of Xero, Dext, and Telleroo to ensure continual improvements in financial process efficiencies.
8. Prepare the year-end statutory accounts.

Budget Management and Forecasting:

1. Take a leading role in annual budget preparation, ongoing management, and strategic adjustment of budgets in response to organisational forecasts and developments.
2. Provide detailed variance analysis and proactive insights for budget adjustments.

Payroll and Auditing:

1. Providing information to our outsourced payroll service for the administration and timely execution of payroll.
2. Coordinate with external auditors to ensure compliance with all audit requirements, preparing necessary documentation and reports for annual audits.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

1. Develop and deliver financial reports for the Board to ensure compliance with financial regulations and support strategic decision-making.
2. Prepare and present financial reports to commissioners and grant funders, demonstrating accountability and effective use of funds.
3. Maintain rigorous financial governance and protocols to ensure the integrity of financial data.
4. Stay updated on and ensure compliance with all relevant charity finance regulations and standards.

Stakeholder Engagement and Support:

1. Work closely with the CEO and the finance team to align financial strategy with organisational goals and operations.
2. Support service leads and project managers with budget management, providing financial insights and forecasts to guide service spending.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; part-qualification in ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent is highly regarded or proven relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in financial management, ideally within the non-profit sector, with a thorough understanding of charity-specific financial obligations.
• Proficiency in Xero, Dext, and Telleroo is essential, with a strong ability to adapt to new technologies.

Experience in handling financial operations involving multiple funding sources including local councils, NHS, and private funders.

Strong organisational and communication skills, capable of managing complex financial details and explaining them to non-financial stakeholders.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV and a cover letter to [e-mail] explaining their suitability for the role, including detailed experiences with financial management in the charity sector and any relevant qualifications.