Head of Finance

Action Together; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Wellbeing support

Carers leave

Professional development

Volunteering leave

Active travel incentives

Job summary

Manchester Community Central is seeking a senior finance professional to lead financial strategy, reporting and governance. You will oversee budgeting, HR integration, payroll and compliance, ensuring integrity and accessibility of financial information for managers and trustees.

The role requires a strong charity finance background with experience in restricted funds and SORP, plus the ability to translate complex data into clear guidance for non-finance staff.

Qualifications

• Strong financial background with charity sector experience, including restricted funds and Charity SORP.
• Ability to translate complex financial data into clear advice for non-finance managers and trustees.
• Experience overseeing HR and payroll processes within a values-led organisation.

Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy & Sustainability – work with Treasurer, Finance Subgroup and Board on strategy, reserves, and long-term planning.
• Reporting & Accountability – produce timely management accounts, forecasts and board reports for Trustees and funders.
• Statutory Compliance – lead annual accounts to Charity SORP, oversee audits and regulatory returns.
• Financial Planning & Control – lead budget-setting, monitor cash flow and maintain controls.
• Financial Operations – oversee payroll, payments, bank reconciliations and tax compliance.
• Management Support – support managers on budgeting and compliance with equity in practice.
• HR – ensure HR systems and records comply with employment law.
• Systems & Continuous Improvement – design efficient systems to reduce admin burden.
• Risk & Governance – contribute to risk management and appropriate safeguards.

Skills

Financial management

Strategic planning

Budgets & forecasting

Accounting principles

Board communication

Education

Qualified or part-qualified accountant

Tools

Payroll systems

Accounting software

Job description

• Financial Strategy & Sustainability – Work with the Treasurer, Finance Subgroup and Board on financial strategy, reserves policy and long-term sustainability planning.
• Reporting & Accountability – Produce timely management accounts, forecasts and reports for the Board, CE, managers and funders — translating complex information into clear advice for non-specialists.
• Statutory Compliance – Lead preparation of annual accounts to Charity SORP, oversee audit completion, and ensure all regulatory returns are submitted on time.
• Financial Planning & Control – Lead budget-setting, maintain financial controls and audit trails, monitor cash flow and flag issues early.
• Financial Operations – Oversee payroll, payment administration, bank reconciliations and tax compliance.
• Management Support – Build managers' confidence in budgeting, people management and compliance, providing accessible support for day-to-day and complex issues alike.
• HR – Ensure HR systems, policies and records are compliant with employment law.
• Systems & Continuous Improvement – Design and maintain systems that are efficient, userfriendly and reduce administrative burden.
• Risk & Governance – Contribute to risk management and ensure appropriate insurance, contracts and financial safeguards are in place.

We're looking for someone who combines real technical expertise with a genuine commitment to the values that drive Macc's work. This is a senior role requiring both depth of knowledge and the ability to use it in service of an organisation whose purpose is to strengthen communities. That combination matters as much as the qualifications.

You'll need a strong financial background — ideally as a qualified or part-qualified accountant with experience in the charity sector, including a working understanding of restricted funds, grant finance and Charity SORP. Technical knowledge alone isn't enough: you'll need to be able to translate complex financial information into clear, accessible advice for managers, trustees and others who aren't finance specialists. Making the numbers understandable and useful is a core part of the job.

This role also has oversight of our HR Lead so we're looking for someone who's comfortable holding this. You don't need to be a specialist but you'll need to approach our role as an employer with the same values-led mindset we bring to everything else — embedding equity and inclusion in practice, not just in policy.

This is a role that requires sound judgement and a high degree of integrity. You'll be handling sensitive financial and people-related information, advising the Chief Executive and Board, and supporting managers across the organisation. People will need to feel they can rely on your advice and come to you with difficult questions. Building and maintaining that trust will be central to how you work.

Strong communication skills are essential. You'll be producing financial reports and HR papers for the Board and its subgroups, supporting managers who may be less confident in financial or people management, and helping embed systems that work for everyone. Being clear, patient and accessible in how you communicate will matter as much as being accurate.

We want Macc to lead by example — as an employer, as a financial steward and as a values-based organisation. We're looking for someone who sees good governance and inclusive practice not as administrative obligations, but as part of what it means to do this work well.

This role will suit someone who's energised by the breadth of it — finance and HR, strategic and operational, specialist and generalist. If bringing rigour, integrity and a genuine commitment to equity to a community organisation sounds like the right challenge for you, we'd love to hear from you.

You need to be willing and able to travel around Manchester — though driving ability is not essential as we encourage use of public transport and active travel.

Key information

• Employer: Manchester Community Central
• Locations: Manchester
• Role Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: Full-Time

More about this role

• Closing Date: Friday 30th October 2026 at 12:00pm
• Closing Time: 12pm
• Anticipated Interview Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026 - 12:00
• Contact Name: Rabia
• Employee Benefits: What Manchester Community Central offersAt Manchester Community Central, we are committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, and we offer:Flexible working: We value flexible working and offer options such as adjusted working hours, hybrid or home working. We have office space at our St Thomas Centre base in Ardwick but our approach balances personal choice, building teamwork and the needs of the people we work with.Wellbeing support: Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing team works to create a culture that supports everyone’s health and wellbeing at Manchester Community Central. This includes access to confidential, in-house mental health first aiders and regular team social activities. We also offer ‘Re-energise Afternoons’ – monthly sessions where staff can take time away from work to rest and recharge.Carers support: We are committed to supporting carers in the workplace, and we offer five days paid carers' leave per year for those with ongoing caring responsibilities, along with other support.Menstrual Health and Menopause friendly workplace: We are proud to be Menstruation and Menopause Friendly employers, providing a range of support to help staff to manage symptoms, as well as educating employees on these topics.Professional development: Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and dedicated budgets for external training and growth.Volunteering leave: Staff are entitled to up to 2 days per year (pro rata) with pay to engage in voluntary activities.Active travel incentives: Support for public transport season tickets, a Cycle to Work scheme, and travel expenses for cyclists.These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting staff while working together to strengthen Manchester's communities.
• Flexible Working Options: Flexitime
• Working Pattern Details: Flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm
• Would You Consider A Job Share For The Role?: Yes