Centre administrator jobs in edinburgh

Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and looking for flexible freelance work in the charity sector? The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is seeking a self-employed Finance Administrator to support our busy finance function. This remote role is approximately two days (14 hours) per week, ideal for someone with strong administrative skills and a proactive approach. No formal accounting training is required - this opportunity may suit someone at the outset of their finance studies or with relevant administrative experience.

NYO is the UK’s leading organisation empowering teenagers through orchestral music. Each year, we welcome over 10,000 young people from all backgrounds into our national community, providing opportunities to develop confidence, skills, and leadership. As a fundraising charity, NYO processes thousands of individual donations annually, funding ambitious projects and nationwide events. Our finance team manages significant financial administration, including large volumes of invoices from freelancers and suppliers, making this role central to the smooth running of our programmes.

As a Freelance Finance Administrator, you will:

• Manage the finance inbox: log invoices, respond to queries, check receipts, liaise with staff, and enter invoices into Xero accounting software.
• Administer credit card and prepaid card transactions.
• Update fundraising income logs from payment portals.
• Work closely with the Finance Co-ordinator on regular finance processes.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with NYO’s data protection and safeguarding policies.

Hourly rate: £20, invoiced monthly. Flexible remote working. Enhanced DBS check required.

Join NYO and play your part in supporting the next generation of musicians.

For the full recruitment pack and application form, please visit our website. We can only accept applications via our website portal. 

ABOUT CAUDWELL YOUTH

Not all young people have the same opportunities in life.

Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk.

We support at-risk young people who are care experienced, have mental health challenges, or are at risk of exploitation or offending.

WHAT WE DO

Caudwell Youth shapes young people’s futures by providing person-centred support to at risk 11 to 24-year-olds through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme.

Our mentoring service is designed to ensure every young person feels safe, heard and supported. Each young person gains a trusted adult (a trained volunteer) who meets with them once a week to support them as they take steps towards a more positive future.  

This year, we have supported more than 400 young people.

Our vision is to help every young person at-risk in the UK. We give young people the time, trust and support they need to shape a positive future, no matter their starting point.

ABOUT THE ROLE

To support the Deputy CEO in ensuring the effective delivery and growth of Caudwell Youth’s services.

To oversee the management of operational programmes, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for young people. To contribute to business development, leading expansion via statutory grants and contracts.

On appointment, you are expected to have significant knowledge and professional experience of your area of specialism and the ability to quickly take on significant responsibility very quickly.

KEY DUTIES

Strategic and External Leadership:

• Lead the effective delivery and development of Caudwell Youth’s programmes, in line with our strategic plan.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, and strategic partners, with support from the Deputy CEO.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities, leading on public sector bids and tenders, in line with our strategic plan
• Ensure a youth participation and evidence-based approach in all aspects of service delivery and development.

Services:

• Develop, oversee and report against Operations department budget and plans.
• Oversee operational systems, risk assessments and data to ensure services are safe, needs-led and effective.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are embedded across delivery, acting as DSL if required.
• Support and develop high-performing teams, ensuring training, appraisal, and performance management frameworks are in place.
• Ensure that all programme delivery is trauma informed and person-centred
• Oversee quality assurance processes, ensuring consistent standards across all delivery regions.
• Lead on operational compliance, including health & safety, data protection, incident reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality practice across the organisation.
• Ensure that programmes are monitored and evaluated effectively and that reporting requirements are met, working with the fundraising team as required

Business Development:

• With support from the Deputy CEO, develop plans to implement a growth strategy focused on securing statutory contracts.
• Act as a key point of contact for commissioners, local authorities, and strategic partners.
• Identify and respond to commissioning opportunities across local government (crime, education, and health sectors) in line with our strategy.
• Lead on bid writing, proposal development, and contract negotiations for statutory contracts and grants
• Work with finance and fundraising teams to create budgets, proposals and tender submissions for statutory contracts
• Be responsible for starting up and implementing new funded programmes to ensure quality in delivery
• Identify new trends, emerging needs and opportunities for partnership projects.

General:

• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Ensure good administration, record keeping and reporting of all work undertaken in line with data protection and other regulations.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

For the full job description and to make an application, please visit our website.

The Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) supports the Director of Operations and Development (DOD) in ensuring the smooth, compliant, and strategic functioning of the ELSC across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.

The DDO line-manages the Finance and Human Resources Managers and provides operational leadership in compliance, finance, HR, coordination, and employee engagement.

The ELSC has four departments (Legal, Monitor & Research, Advocacy & Communications, and Operations & Development) and five work teams (Britain, Netherlands, Germany, EU, Crimes and Complicity).

The DDO coordinates staff gatherings and internal engagement, including planning the annual in-person all-staff event, managing logistics for departmental and work team meetings, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.

The role also assists the Director of Operations and Development with meeting facilitation and agenda development, co-facilitates weekly remote all-staff meetings, and supports the coordination of the monthly staff assembly.

This role requires exceptional organisational, interpersonal, time-management, and analytical skills.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable experience in a senior operations and/or compliance role (5+ years).
• Experience with Finance, Governance, and Human Resources.
• Strong understanding of British, Dutch, and German legal and organisational frameworks (or ability to acquire this quickly).
• Experience organising events, preferably in more than one jurisdiction.
• Experience with line-management.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated skills in managing HR and Finance functions.
• Demonstrated skills in line-managing a remote team and excellent interpersonal communications.
• Proficiency in English with excellent written and spoken communication skills (English is the working language of the ELSC).
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of the political and human rights situation in Palestine.
• Facilitation proficiency, both remotely and in in-person events.
• Teamwork skills and flexibility; ability to manage time and competing priorities according to organisational needs.
• Highly organised, strong attention to detail, driven, with excellent strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise and delegate tasks and manage a busy workload.
• Commitment to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunities.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional unsocial hours as required.
• Flexibility within the broad remit of the post.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Graduate in Business Administration, Law, Human Resources, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, or other relevant fields.
• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Basic knowledge of International and European law.
• Proficiency in German, Dutch, or Arabic.

MAIN DUTIES AND TASKS

Management

• Line manage Finance Manager and Human Resources Manager.
• Schedule regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports, provide guidance on division of tasks, and monitor workload.
• Support direct reports in the implementation of Finance and HR strategy.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance for ELSC entities in the Netherlands, Britain, and Germany.
• Ensure Dutch insurance compliance and associated operational requirements.
• Review and monitor payroll monthly.
• Lead the establishment of a German legal entity, working with external advisors as needed.
• Oversee the British office operations, including the evaluation of office space.
• Conduct a review of office costs and usage.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Senior Legal Committee where needed, including facilitation and documentation.

Staff Coordination

• Plan and oversee the in-person all-staff gathering (2026) in coordination with the ELSC executive management team.
• Coordinate the logistics of annual departmental gatherings.
• Organise Work Team gatherings, supporting cross-departmental collaboration.
• Support the Director of Operations (DOD) with facilitation and agenda development for internal meetings.
• Facilitate 50% of Remote All-Staff Meetings (60min, weekly).
• Support the coordination of Monthly Staff Assemblies.

People & HR

• Oversee HR policy implementation and delivery of the annual People Strategy.
• Support the HR Manager in leading HR operations and in the recruitment and induction of new staff.
• Oversee the development of an Organisational Handbook.
• Review and improve the performance review process.
• Establish promotion guidelines to create transparent career progression pathways.
• Maintain and update the Organisational Chart quarterly.
• Review the Organisational Wiki (“The Fridge”) yearly.

Finance

• Oversee ELSC financial operations.
• Support the Finance Manager, providing oversight and strategic direction.
• Ensure effective operation of the Finance Committee, led by the Finance Manager.
• Review and distribute monthly financial reports to Department Heads via the Finance Committee.
• Ensure monthly financial summaries are reported to Work Teams through the Senior Legal Committee.
• Oversee completion of the organisational audit.
• Support short-term investment strategies.
• Monitor and report on operational budgets, ensuring accountability and fiscal responsibility across departments.
• Liaise and coordinate with the ELSC Treasurer Board member.

Training

• Standardise training and qualifications frameworks across departments to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in line with the ELSC Pay & Benefits Scale.
• Lead investment in staff training and development initiatives to strengthen organisational capacity.
• Support the qualification and professional development of junior legal staff through structured learning pathways in three jurisdictions with the support of the Director of the Legal Department.

EFAM

For more than twenty years, Education For All Morocco has worked to ensure that girls from Morocco’s most disadvantaged rural communities can access — and complete — their education. What began as a small initiative providing safe boarding for girls in the High Atlas has evolved into a nationwide organisation creating long-term pathways from secondary school to university and employment.

Today, EFA Morocco operates a growing network of boarding houses, specialist education centres, and university scholarship programmes, supporting girls with diverse needs — including those with disabilities — to learn, thrive, and shape their own futures. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and a holistic support model, EFA Morocco is driving systemic change so that every girl, no matter where she is born, has the opportunity to learn, lead, and transform her life and community.

The Role

The Finance & Operations Coordinator is a central position in a small, purpose-driven team. The role provides direct support to the Managing Director and works closely with the Finance Committee to ensure that the charity’s financial and operational systems are well managed, compliant and effective.

This is a broad and hands-on role that involves managing day-to-day UK operations, supporting financial oversight, ensuring smooth coordination with our in-country partners, and keeping our administrative framework in excellent order.

You will be responsible for maintaining clear systems, meeting key reporting deadlines, and ensuring that the organisation runs efficiently behind the scenes. The role suits someone who is proactive, reliable, and comfortable managing a wide variety of tasks with independence and initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Finance and Reporting

• Maintain accurate financial records in Xero, reconciling transactions and processing payments for invoices, payroll and expenses.

• Allocate receipts and donations to the correct funds and ensure supporting documentation is filed systematically.

• Prepare and submit Gift Aid claims to HMRC.

• Collate quarterly financial and narrative reports from Moroccan partner NGOs and follow up on missing information.

• Support the Managing Director and Finance Committee with budget preparation, analysis and audit documentation.

• Ensure that annual accounts and financial reports are submitted in line with Charity Commission requirements.

Operations and Administration

• Oversee and improve shared filing systems (Teams/SharePoint), ensuring that all administrative and financial records are accurate, up to date and easy to access.

• Manage the main email inbox, responding to or redirecting correspondence promptly and professionally.

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, and annual project visits in Morocco.

• Support the Managing Director with scheduling, documentation, and general administrative follow-up.

• Monitor compliance tasks, ensuring that all Charity Commission and internal governance requirements are up to date and properly documented.

Donor and Partner Relations

• Act as a first point of contact for donors, supporter schools, hotels and individuals.

• Process and acknowledge donations, issue receipts and maintain accurate donor records.

• Proactively follow up with existing and potential supporters, helping to build and maintain relationships.

• Liaise with Moroccan partners to ensure that project and financial reporting are on track and shared on time.

Governance and Oversight

• Support the Finance Committee and Managing Director with preparation for trustee and committee meetings, including gathering reports and ensuring actions are followed up.

• Assist with external audits and reviews, coordinating with UK auditors and Moroccan partners as needed.

• Maintain oversight of risk management, safeguarding and health and safety documentation, ensuring relevant information is filed and accessible.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience with Xero or similar accounting software, and confidence handling day-to-day bookkeeping.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word) and comfortable using Teams/SharePoint.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Able to work independently and take initiative, with good judgement about when to seek input.

• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and adapting to a varied workload.

• Interest in education, international development or girls’ empowerment.

Organisation: Education For All Morocco (EFA Morocco)

Responsible to: Managing Director
Location: Remote (with annual project visit to Morocco)
Hours: 24/32 hrs per week
Salary: £25,000 – £29,000 per annum (pro rata)
Annual leave and benefits: 25 days annual leave (pro rata, excluding bank holidays) + pension scheme (as per regulatory requirements)

Job Summary 

The Health Information Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day management of our patient and public information about bowel cancer and will work closely with the Senior Health Information Officer and Health Information Manager in the development of information content.

This role is an excellent development opportunity for a proactive person with strong administrative and prioritisation skills who is looking to develop their career in health information. Experience in an information or communications role would be beneficial.

The position offers you a unique and exciting opportunity to make a direct difference for people affected by bowel cancer, ensuring all of the charity’s information meets patient needs, is of the highest quality and has a strong evidence base.

Please note we may interview on a rolling basis before the closing date as applications come in.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.

Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.

ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.

You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people.  You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance.  This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.

Key responsibilities

· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.

· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.

· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.

· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.

· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.

· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.

· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.

· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.

· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.

· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.

· First rate written and verbal communication skills.

· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.

· An interest in health policy.

· Alignment with our vision and values.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.

Contract: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), permanent with 6-month probation period

Salary: £56,650-70,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Remote working, with option to use co-working space

Start Date: As soon as possible

Reports to: Executive Director

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Closing Date: 4th January 2026 (23:59 GMT)

To apply, please submit the following: 

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)

• CV

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function during a period of sustained growth. The Financial Controller will work across Programme teams ensuring strong financial management and reporting to funding partners, maintain strong financial controls, ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, and provide accurate financial reporting to our Directors and Board of Trustees.

The Financial Controller will oversee the small finance team, including line management of a Finance Assistant and management of an external bookkeeper consultant. This team will be responsible for the majority of financial accounting, processing payroll, and accurate bookkeeping, for which the Financial Controller will be ultimately accountable.

The role includes managing restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements and programme needs, preparing statutory accounts for external audit, and overseeing payroll processing. This role reports directly to the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets and financial strategy, and works closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee to present its implementation.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills, experience in charity finance, and a proven track record of effective financial management of a growing organisation. You should be comfortable both managing a small team and working hands-on when needed, building collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will need to be a multitasker with the ability to work at pace, and be willing to develop the finance function and best practices to enable the organisation to grow further.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial records and bookkeeping in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP)

• Prepare monthly management accounts including variance reporting and rolling forecasts

• Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the annual independent audit process in its entirety

• Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements

• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and funding partners

Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including payment processing, staff expenses, and cost allocation (including staff costs)

• Oversee monthly payroll using QuickBooks (led by Finance Assistant)

• Manage treasury functions including bank and cash management

• Oversee procurement of key assets such as IT equipment

• Cashflow management

Grant and Budget Management

• Support budget development for funding bids and proposals

• Monitor spend against grants and projects, working towards full cost recovery

• Prepare financial reports for donors and funding partners

• Lead annual budget-setting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the Board and Executive Director

Financial Systems and Controls

• Develop and maintain robust financial systems, processes, and controls

• Continuously improve finance processes and identify efficiencies

• Advise on financial governance and best practice

• Manage financial risks and opportunities (e.g., insurance, foreign exchange)

Team Management and Stakeholder Relations

• Line manage the Finance Assistant and oversee external bookkeeper consultant

• Build collaborative relationships across the organisation

• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including banks, international transfer services, and audit partners

• Work closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee and BASIC's Treasurer

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant relevant experience
• Proven experience in a mid-level to senior finance role, with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting
• Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes
• Experience in a growing organisation, implementing and improving financial systems and controls
• Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of financial controls
• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency with accounting software (experience with QuickBooks highly desirable)
• Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable working hands-on when needed while also providing strategic oversight
• Ability to work at pace in a fast-growing organisation
• Commitment to BASIC's mission and values

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in charity finance and understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP)
• Experience line managing finance staff
• Experience in an international organisation or with international funding
• Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements