Finance Officer

People First; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Carlisle is seeking a Finance Officer to support financial operations. Responsibilities include processing transactions, maintaining financial records with Sage 50, and assisting with month-end tasks. The ideal candidate will have experience in finance, proficiency in Excel, and a strong attention to detail. This is a permanent position offering a salary of £26,050.00 and various benefits including a pension contribution.

Benefits

6% Pension Employer Contribution

Values-Based organisation

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance or accounting role.
• Familiarity with Sage 50 or a similar accounting system.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Process financial transactions in line with policies.
• Maintain accurate financial records using Sage 50.
• Assist with month-end and year-end processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Proficiency in Excel

Team-oriented

Education

AAT or similar accounting qualification

Tools

Sage 50

Job description

Job title: Finance Officer

Department: Business

Reporting to: Finance Manager

Hours: 37.5 Per Week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £26,050.00 FTE

Holiday Entitlement: 20 days (FTE) plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, length of service increments.

Location: Carlisle Office

Benefits: 6% Pension Employer Contribution, Values-Based organisation.

Who we are.

People First is an independent customer-led charitable organisation that has worked in Cumbria for over 30 years. We are passionate about our values of equality, respect, and inclusion. We provide a wide range of support and information services across Cumbria, Lancashire, and Teesside, all aimed at helping people to live informed, respected, healthy, and fulfilled lives. Our Head office is based in Carlisle, supported by offices in Barrow, Stockton and Lancashire.

Role Summary.

The Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the charity’s day-to-day financial operations. Working as part of a team of Finance Officers, the postholder will contribute to a range of core finance functions, with specific responsibilities to be agreed after appointment. This is a collaborative role within a supportive finance team, reporting to the Finance Manager and using Sage 50 to ensure accurate and efficient financial processing.

The Person.

The successful candidate must believe in the core values of People First and be driven by our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Process financial transactions in line with policies and procedures, which may include:

• Purchase and sales ledger
• Bank and petty cash reconciliations
• Journal entries and month-end tasks
• Payroll support and staff expenses
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using Sage 50.
• Assist with month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations and schedules.
• Respond to finance queries from colleagues and external contacts in a professional and timely way.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and documentation are maintained.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.
• Provide flexible support across the finance and business teams as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Work closely with other Finance Officers to ensure smooth delivery of all core finance functions.

• Participate in team meetings and training.

• Carry out any other reasonable duties to support the finance function and wider organisation.

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Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in a finance or accounting role.

• Familiarity with Sage 50 or a similar accounting system.

• Good understanding of basic financial processes and controls.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and confident with data entry and reconciliation.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Well-organised and able to manage workload to meet deadlines.

• Good communication skills and a collaborative, team-focused approach.

• Willingness to learn and take on a range of finance and administration tasks.

Desirable

• Studying towards AAT or similar accounting qualification.

• Knowledge of payroll

Other Duties

The duties outlined above are not intended to be exhaustive and may change as the needs of the organisation alter in line with current agendas. Due to the developing nature of our organisation, we require staff to remain highly flexible in their approach, and work to meet the changing needs of the projects.

• Post is subject to satisfactory DBS Clearance.