Account payable administrator jobs in manchester
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The Scientific and Medical Network (SMN) is an educational charity that challenges the adequacy of scientific materialism by exploring the frontiers of science, consciousness, and spirituality. SMN produces webinars, online conferences, and a regular journal, Paradigm Explorer, aimed at academics, educational professionals, students, and the general public.
We need another member of the accounts team who can dedicate the time to fortify our accounts team and help with operational processes, and with organisational development.
Role Overview: This is a hands-on systems development role that combines operational financial administration with organisational development. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the existing bookkeeper to further bring order and clarity to SMN's financial processes while building a coherent framework within its new Chart of Accounts, that can accommodate the organisation's growing interconnected projects.
The role focuses on improvements such as new invoicing processes, streamlining payment workflows, and resolving banking issues - while helping to develop the systems and structures needed for long-term financial clarity and governance compliance.
This is a mid-level position that blends practical work with systems thinking, requiring someone who can work at both levels to support SMN's diverse activities across webinars, conferences, membership services, and multiple projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Practical priorities
- Help new weekly payables cycle, working closely with Bookkeeper and Director with financial oversight
- Organise invoices from various projects, determining their place in the overall financial structure
- Initiate payments via CAF, PayPal, and other systems,
- Manage banking relationships with Barclays and CAF, maintaining efficient access and reporting
- Maintain banking mandates and ensure record-keeping remains clear, up-to-date, and efficient
- Support General Manager with hands-on financial operations and day-to-day payment processing
Financial Structure Development
- Help to implement and refine new Chart of Accounts with SMN Bookkeeper focusing on clear reporting
- Collaborate with project leads (particularly David Lorimer for Galileo Commission) to understand financial structures and reporting requirements
- Develop project reference systems linking budgets, codes, and stakeholders across diverse activities
- Work on 2026 organisational budgets once foundational systems are established
Collaborative Team Support
- Work as peer consultant with bookkeeper Rhanna Lei Cariaga, supporting her professional development
- Support Director Alan Malby, General Manager Andrew Polson , and Company Secretary Catherine Coubrough-Smith in meeting Charity Commission compliance requirements
- Contribute to Board reporting through accurate financial documentation and analysis
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- Accounting qualification (AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or significant equivalent practical experience
- Hands-on experience with payment processing, banking relationships, and invoice management
- Proven ability to work with complex organisational structures and multiple projects
- Experience with Xero or similar accounting software systems
- Strong relationship management skills for dealing with banks and financial institutions
- Collaborative working style with ability to support team development
- Practical problem-solving approach to operational challenges
Highly Desirable:
- Experience with charity/nonprofit financial management
- Knowledge of CAF banking and payment systems
- Understanding of UK Charity Commission requirements
- Experience in systems implementation and process improvement
- Familiarity with multi-project organisational structures
Working Arrangements:
- Flexible remote work with occasional video conferencing for team meetings
- Collaborative schedule coordinated with bookkeeper and General Manager
- Initial intensive period (10-20 hours/week) for systems implementation
- Sustainable ongoing commitment (7-10 hours/week) once foundations established
- Responsive availability for urgent financial matters and payment processing
Benefits:
- Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional development
- Flexible working arrangements with remote work capability
- Meaningful work supporting innovative projects at the intersection of science, consciousness, and spirituality
- Financial systems development experience working with a UK charities context
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This is a senior leadership position offering a pivotal opportunity to shape our organization's financial and operational future. The Head of Finance and Operations will provide strategic guidance while ensuring the efficient and effective daily operations of all financial and administrative functions.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will deputize in their absence, contribute significantly to our organizational growth and success, and ensure a robust and compliant financial framework.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Financial & Operational Leadership
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Partner with the CEO to develop and implement long-term financial and operational strategies, including horizon scanning and risk management.
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Manage the organization's financial systems, specifically overseeing and optimizing the use of QuickBooks for all accounting and reporting functions.
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Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
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Develop, review, and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
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Oversee reviews and renewals of organizational insurance policies.
2. Financial Management & Oversight
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Oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and taxation.
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Lead the annual audits for UK and US entities, ensuring accuracy and transparency and managing relationships with auditors.
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Maintain and manage banking relationships.
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Conduct regular variance analysis and recommend corrective actions to the CEO and leadership team.
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Oversee management of restricted funding.
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Develop and implement robust financial controls.
3. Fundraising and Data Systems
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Ensure accurate and timely financial reconciliation between CiviCRM and QuickBooks.
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Provide financial insights and analysis to support fundraising strategies and donor reporting.
4. Leadership & Governance
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Deputize for the CEO as needed, ensuring continuity across all operations.
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Maintain strong relationships with board members, providing comprehensive and insightful quarterly financial reports to foster understanding and engagement.
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Provide strategic leadership to your team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
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Be responsible for managing relationships with our US bookkeeper (consultant) and both UK and US auditors, and for the line management of the UK Finance and Admin Officer.
5. Operational Excellence
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Lead and manage a team of finance and operations professionals.
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Develop and implement efficient systems and processes to optimize performance across all administrative functions.
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Monitor and assess operational activities, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.
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Conduct regular cost analysis and implement cost-saving initiatives.
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Oversee HR and payroll functions
Person Specification
Essential
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Professional accounting or finance qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
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Proven experience in a senior finance and operations role (at least three years experience).
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Experience in preparing UK statutory accounts and managing external audits.
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In-depth knowledge of UK FRS 102 and Charities SORP. Exposure to/experience of US GAAP.
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Experience in preparing the annual budget, working closely with budget holders.
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Experience in supporting grant management.
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High proficiency in using financial software. (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero etc.)
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Experience in driving continuous improvement of financial processes and systems.
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Strong strategic and financial planning skills.
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Experience leading and managing a team.
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
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You enjoy a mix of leadership and rolling up sleeves to get hands-on.
Desirable
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Experience working in a not-for-profit sector.
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Experience working in an international organization.
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Experience with CiviCRM or other similar donor management systems.
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Experience in remote working.
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Strong commitment to Humanists International’s mission.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Financial Controller
Salary £53,000 - £58,000 per annum (dependent upon skills and experience)
Location Remote
Permanent, Full Time
Purpose:
To provide financial leadership and effective management of the Trusts financial operations including Finance system administration, AR, AP, Treasury and Fixed Assets.
To ensure delivery of a proactive and professional customer focused service, ensuring finance deadlines, and legislative and statutory requirements are met.
To work closely with the wider organisation, building strong internal relationships to ensure the effective management of financial resources.
Location & Travel:
Home based.
The role of Financial Controller is a home-based role; however, you will be expected to attend one of our communities regularly.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
Oversee the month end process, working closely with all finance staff including leading on the month end timetable and ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Working closely with the Head of Finance and Finance Business Partners and assist with the preparation and consolidation of the monthly management accounts.
Maintaining the Trust Staff Establishment Budget and support the Head of Finance and Finance Business Partners during the annual budget cycle and ensure all budgets are agreed and implemented on the accounting system
Manage the external audit and the yearend processes and complete statutory financial statements to draft stage in accordance with the Charities SORP including all working papers.
Ensure efficient and effective financial control operates throughout the Trust, ensuring all regional and central financial activities comply with legislation, policies, procedures and the delegated authorities.
Manage and administer the Trust bank accounts, credit cards, and cash flow
Developing and maintaining a long-term rolling cash forecast to monitor and maximize cash levels to benefit the organisation.
Undertake the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts and inter-company accounts and ensure regular review of general ledger, bad debts fixed assets, debtors and creditors etc.
Monthly administration of the Trusts investment portfolio and maintaining a close relationship with the charities investment advisers/managers to ensure sound management and compliance with the Investment Committees agreed policy.
Management & Oversight of the Trusts fixed asset register.
Management and oversight of the Trusts Restricted and Designated Funds.
Vat Compliance including the preparation of quarterly VAT Returns for submission to the HMRC, implementing recommendations from VAT Reviews and ensuring the Trust systems and processes are compliant with HMRC VAT Rules.
To provide critical oversight and administration of the Trust wide insurance arrangements
Responsible for the maintenance, optimisation, and support of the organization’s financial systems and software. To ensure financial data integrity, system efficiency, and the successful implementation of new tools and processes to support finance operations.
Complete statutory returns for Charities Commission & Companies House.
Actively oversee the management of the Trust payroll function (including pensions) ensuring compliance with legislation and ensuring accuracy and timeliness of employee pay and third-party payments.
Manage and develop the Finance Team members to enable them to fulfil their roles to their full potential, ensuring that they and the department operate within with the Trust Strategic Plan and operational priorities
Being the systems administrator for finance, providing training to finance colleagues and non-finance colleagues, including budget holders as required within their induction.
Advising and assisting the Head of Finance with the development of key financial operational policies that reflect organisational values and comply with best practice and legal requirements.
Alongside the Head of Finance continually review the finance system and processes and explore process and system improvement.
Acting as project manager for specified projects at the direction of the Head of Finance.
Oversight of all operational leases in place at the Trust.
Provide data for the monthly reporting of financial KPIs relevant to the area of finance.
Be the finance system lead, working with colleagues from IT to manage licensing, report development and provide systems training.
General:
To comply with the Trust’s Policies and Procedures, including Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity and Data Protection.
To comply with the statutory provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Employees must look after their own health, safety and welfare and be mindful of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Employees must co-operate and comply with management instructions regarding Health and Safety issues and report all accidents, incidents and problems as soon as practicable to their manager or other senior members of staff where necessary.
To ensure that confidentiality is respected and maintained at all times.
To attend and participate in Team Meetings, 1-2-1 Supervision sessions and other meetings as required in line with the post.
To undertake any other duties which are consistent with this post, as directed by line management.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the department.
Person Specification:
Essential:
Professional Accounting qualification ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or Part Qualified (Final year).
Knowledge of payroll practice and a full understanding of HMRC requirements.
Experience implementing & internal controls & accounting processes.
Experience of Treasury management including cashflow forecasting & monitoring.
Experience of preparing VAT returns.
Experience of preparing statutory accounts and working papers and proven success working with auditors and managing the audit process.
Able to demonstrate a proven track record in all aspects of accounts e.g. preparation management accounts, budgets, balance. sheet reconciliation and forecasts.
Desirable:
Degree in Finance and Accounting.
Previous experience in an accounting role in the Charity or Housing Sectors.
Experience of working with investment advisors/managers and an understanding of portfolio management.
Experience of working with Iplicit.
Understanding and Experience of preparing Vat returns using Partial VAT methodology.
Our client is an equal opportunity employer.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Their organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks including a DBS check.