Director of charitable operations jobs in bristol
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.
This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.
We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.
The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.
The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.
Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.
The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.
The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.
Key Accountabilities:
- Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
- Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
- Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
- Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
- Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
- Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
- Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
- Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
- Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.
Staff Management:
- Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
- Support the team in their professional development.
- Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.
Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:
Essential
- Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
- A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
- Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
- Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
- Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
- Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
- The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
- Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
- Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
- Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
- Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.
Desirable
- Experience of working in the charitable sector.
- Experience of being a Company Secretary.
- Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
- Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
- Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
- A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.
Qualifications/ Education
- Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.
Additional information
Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.
Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.
Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission
A leading environmental charity, and umbrella body for the Rivers Trust Movement, our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling related harms prevention by becoming the new Chief Executive of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.
Location: Remote, with regular UK travel and occasional international travel
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October 2025.
About us
Ygam is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people. Our work bridges the critical knowledge gap between young people’s digital lives and the adults who guide them. We believe in harm prevention through education, empowering the people who can make a real difference.
Through our award-winning portfolio of programmes and resources, we build awareness and resilience, helping young people thrive in the digital age. Inspired by lived experience and grounded in robust evidence, our City & Guilds-assured training is supported by a rich library of practical tools and insights. Our work has built a growing and passionate network of educators, parents, professionals and partners, including respected brands such as The Scouts, NSPCC, Barnados and The Children’s Society. Since launching in 2014, we’ve reached nearly 5 million children and young people and trained over 28,000 delegates. We are values-led, mission-driven and ambitious for change. As the landscape evolves and new risks emerge, we continue to lead the way in effective education, safeguarding and prevention.
About the role
This is a pivotal moment for Ygam. With significant policy changes underway, including the Online Safety Act, Ofcom’s Children’s Code and reforms to gambling legislation introducing a new statutory levy, we have a vital role to play in shaping this new era. As we enter the fourth year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, we are seeking a visionary and collaborative Chief Executive to lead us through our next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to build on strong foundations and guide a nationally respected charity through a changing, dynamic environment.
You’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering our long-term vision, ensuring that everything we do is aligned with our charitable mission. You’ll represent Ygam externally at the highest levels, developing meaningful partnerships across government, education, health and the third sector. You’ll also support a skilled and committed senior leadership team, creating a culture where people feel valued, trusted and motivated to do their best work. This role calls for confident public leadership alongside sound operational and financial oversight. You will be the visible face of Ygam, advocating for change while keeping us grounded in good governance, clear priorities and strong delivery. With your guidance, we’ll deepen our impact, evolve our programmes and continue to grow a resilient, inclusive and evidence-informed organisation.
What we are seeking
We are looking for a strategic and people-centred leader who can inspire trust, unlock potential and help shape a safer digital future for young people. You will bring experience of leading purpose-led organisations or initiatives, ideally with a national footprint. You’ll have a track record of translating strategic vision into meaningful impact, supported by strong operational judgement and a confident approach to financial oversight. You’ll know how to work effectively with a Board of Trustees, and how to build positive, long-term relationships with funders, partners and policymakers.
We’re especially interested in those who bring fresh thinking, clarity, and emotional intelligence to their leadership—people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions and push boundaries. Someone who can hold a steady line through complexity, communicate with authenticity and bring out the best in others. You don’t need to come from the gaming or gambling harms sector, but you will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to our mission and a clear understanding of the social context we work in.
This is a unique opportunity to join a bold and forward-looking organisation at a time of significant opportunity. If you are driven by social purpose and ready to lead a values-led organisation making real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Please click 'redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October 2025.
Position title: Communications Manager
Reports to: Director of Operations
Direct reports: None currently
Key stakeholders: UKMSA staff, members and volunteers, Board of Trustees, Sheds and Shedders, the public
Location: Remote (with occasional UK travel)
Salary: Level 4 – £35,000-£45,000
The Communications Manager plays a vital role in shaping how UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) communicates, both internally and externally, and with the community at its heart. Operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional expertise, the postholder leads the development and delivery of communication strategies that connect, inform, and inspire.
This is not just a messaging role. Rather, it’s about building trust, clarity, and connection across UKMSA communities. Internally, the Communications Manager helps staff feel informed, included, and united across a remote-working environment. The post holder will coordinate internal communications, shape the tone and culture of how information flows, and ensure the brand is consistently and professionally represented.
With volunteers, especially UKMSA’s Ambassadors, the Communications Manager plays a key part in ensuring people feel heard, valued, and kept in the loop, especially during moments of change or challenge. They will work closely with the Head of Volunteering and the wider team to keep the voices and experiences of Shedders, Sheds and Shed Networks at the centre of UKMSA’s communications.
Externally, the postholder curates and amplifies the stories, impact, and energy of the Shedding movement. They manage the website and social media channels, support the CEO and Chair in their digital visibility, and respond to external enquiries with professionalism and purpose.
This is a mission-driven role that sits at the heart of how UKMSA connects with the world. It requires emotional intelligence, editorial judgement, and a deep appreciation for the unique volunteer-led spirit of the movement. The postholder will be confident working across staff, volunteers, trustees, and media, joining the dots, finding the story, and ensuring communications always reflect UKMSA’s values and community.
Key responsibilities:
1. Internal communications
· Develop and deliver internal communication approaches that ensure staff across a remote-working environment are kept informed, connected, and engaged.
· Coordinate and facilitate regular team meetings, updates, and communications, including all-staff briefings, newsletters, and shared messaging.
· Work with the CEO and senior team to plan in-person staff meetings, designing the content, format and approach so the sessions align with staff and organisational requirements.
· Design and implement mechanisms that foster internal cohesion and trust, drawing on ideas and good practice for remote working teams.
· Work closely with the senior team to ensure that important updates - strategic, operational, or cultural - are communicated in a timely, consistent, and accessible way.
· Uphold and promote a consistent tone of voice across all internal messaging, ensuring that staff understand and reflect UKMSA’s values and identity in how they communicate.
· Working with the Operations Officer, support the creation and internal rollout of branded materials and ensure consistency in logo use, templates, formatting, and professional standards across the organisation.
2. Community and organisational communications
· Act as a key link between staff, trustees, volunteers (particularly Ambassadors), and other internal stakeholders to ensure information is shared clearly, consistently, and inclusively.
· Collaborate with the Head of Volunteering to ensure that UKMSA’s volunteers are kept informed and involved, particularly during organisational updates, change, or key moments.
· Help embed a culture of openness and two-way communication, ensuring volunteers and trustees feel heard, recognised, and informed, and that their contributions are visible and valued.
· Coordinate messaging across staff and teams so that different groups across UKMSA receive the right information, in the right way, at the right time.
· Support senior leaders in maintaining effective communication with the Board of Trustees, including updates, briefings, and key documents.
3. External communications
· Manage and maintain the UKMSA website and social media channels, working with our external web designer to ensure content is accurate, up to date, and aligned with the organisation’s values and tone.
· Source, shape, and share stories from Shedders, volunteers, and communities to celebrate and amplify the impact of the Shedding movement.
· Lead on the production of UKMSA’s regular newsletter Shoulder2Shoulder, Review and develop the newsletter on a regular basis, in collaboration with staff and volunteers.
· Collaborate with staff and volunteers to collect and develop case studies and lived experience content and ensure these are shared meaningfully and respectfully.
· Support the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investments to ensure any promotional activity for external partners is aligned with UKMSA’s communications strategy, delivers clear value, and is proportionate.
· Support Director of Income and Investments to shape and deliver marketing campaigns and communications aimed at generating income and supporter engagement
· Support the CEO and Chair in their digital communications - drafting content, advising on tone and timing, and increasing the visibility of their leadership voices, in the service of UKMSA.
· Respond to media and external communications queries, draft press releases where appropriate, and act as the first point of contact for general communications enquiries.
· Monitor UKMSA’s external presence and ensure consistency in messaging, tone and branding, across platforms and partners.
Key expertise required:
· Professional communications experience, with a strong track record in planning and delivering internal and external communications in a mission-led or purpose-driven organisation.
· Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor tone, structure, and content for different audiences: from staff and volunteers to trustees, partners, and the wider public.
· Confidence leading internal communications across a remote or distributed team, including experience developing engaging formats, regular updates, and a shared organisational voice.
· Experience working with or alongside volunteers, trustees, or community stakeholders, and a strong appreciation for the importance of inclusive, two-way communication.
· Brand and tone-of-voice awareness, with the ability to maintain consistency and quality across channels, platforms, and contributors.
· Digital confidence, with experience managing websites (e.g. WordPress), social media channels, and email communications tools (e.g. Mailchimp), and using them strategically to reach different audiences.
· Storytelling and content development skills, with the ability to source, sensitively shape, and amplify stories that reflect lived experience and community impact.
· Strong organisational and planning skills, able to manage multiple priorities, coordinate with colleagues across teams, and deliver work to deadline with attention to detail.
· Collaborative mindset, with the confidence to influence tone, content, and strategy while also being hands-on in delivery and responsive to others’ needs and input.
· Judgement and discretion, with experience handling sensitive information, managing risk in communications, and supporting senior leaders with professional external representation.
· Genuine connection to UKMSA’s mission, with a respectful, values-led approach that centres the role of volunteers and champions the voice of the Shedding movement.
What success looks like:
· Staff feel informed, connected, and part of a shared organisational culture, even while working remotely. Internal updates are timely, engaging, and reflect a consistent tone that supports clarity, trust, and inclusion.
· Volunteers and trustees feel included and valued; they know what’s happening, understand UKMSA’s direction, and feel that communication is a two-way conversation, not a broadcast.
· The organisation’s public-facing communications are professional, values-led, and consistent. Social media, the website, and external content reflect the tone, mission, and energy of the Shedding movement.
· The CEO and Chair have visible, coherent digital profiles, supported with high-quality content and strategic messaging that reflects the voice and values of UKMSA.
· Good news stories from Shedders and communities are regularly shared, boosting the visibility of the movement and building pride and momentum across the network.
· Communications activity is intentional and well-prioritised. There is a clear rhythm to communications, and reactive work is handled without pulling focus from core messaging and strategy.
· The Communications Manager is seen as a trusted and thoughtful voice, able to advise colleagues, manage sensitive messaging, and champion quality and consistency in how UKMSA speaks.
· Volunteers remain central, not just as recipients of messages, but as contributors to and shapers of UKMSA’s communication story.
This job is not:
· This is not a campaigning or advocacy role. The Communications Manager will not be responsible for policy development, public affairs, political engagement, or influencing strategy.
· This is not a research or insight role. While storytelling and community voice are central to this role, the postholder will not be responsible for conducting research, writing reports (although the post-holder will support staff to get their reports right), or managing evaluation processes.
· This is not a marketing or income generation role. Although the postholder will support the visibility and professionalism of UKMSA’s public-facing presence, they will not lead fundraising, product marketing, or commercial campaigns. They will work with the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investment if this is required.
· This is not a senior strategic leadership role. While the postholder contributes to strategy within their area and works closely with senior colleagues, they are not expected to set or lead cross-organisational strategy.
· This is not a purely reactive or administrative role. The Communications Manager is expected to take initiative, bring ideas, and shape how UKMSA communicates - internally and externally - in proactive and creative ways.
Closing date:-9th October 1200hrs
Interview: 22nd October
We are the support body for Men’s Sheds across the UK. We work hard to inspire and support the development of Men's Sheds.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO.
You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action enabling us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.
This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose.
Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.
The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status.
At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Financial Controller
We are seeking a qualified or part-qualified accountant for an exciting Financial Controller position with a growing international charity working at the intersection of cultural heritage and community development.
Position: Financial Controller
Location: Remote (UK-based) – may require occasional international travel
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: 21st September 2025 at 11.59pm
About the Role
Reporting to the Group Finance Director, this is a varied and hands-on role leading on the consolidation of accounts and supporting the organisation’s finance operations across multiple countries. You will play a key role in ensuring financial transparency, compliance, and robust reporting, working closely with both the central finance team and in-country colleagues.
As part of a close-knit and collaborative team, the Financial Controller will need a flexible, practical approach and a willingness to partner with stakeholders across different cultures and geographies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Financial Planning and Budgeting
- Book-keeping and Accounting
- Preparation of Monthly Consolidated Accounts
- Annual Statutory Audit and Compliance
- Grants and Funding Management
- Payroll & Employee Benefits
- Bank and Cash Management
- Group Accounting Oversight
About You
The successful candidate will be a resourceful, detail-oriented problem solver with excellent communication and collaboration skills. You will have strong technical accounting knowledge, experience working with international NGOs, and the ability to manage complex, multi-currency, multi-entity finances.
Key skills and experience required:
- Recognised accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA) or part-qualified in final stages of completion
- Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to produce and present concise financial reports
- Experience of managing and developing teams in dispersed or matrix settings
- Proven experience in the International NGO sector
- Experience producing consolidated statutory accounts under Charity UK SORP and managing multi-site international audits
- Experience with multi-currency and grant accounting
- Excellent understanding of financial processes, procedures, and related systems
- Experience of leading a month-end process, including preparation of management accounts
- Experience using cloud-based accounting systems (QuickBooks and/or Xero preferred)
- Understanding of commercial accounting and Gift Aid
Desirable:
- Experience mentoring colleagues remotely
- Experience working in a fully remote role
- Experience in a similar field (e.g. artisan communities or cultural heritage)
How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining why you are the right person for this role.
About the Organisation
The employer is a British charity founded in 2006 that believes artisanal heritage matters and has the power to transform lives. The charity supports artisans to thrive, revitalise endangered traditions, and connect people across the world through heritage.
The organisation is fast-growing, with offices in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and the Levant, and employs over 400 staff worldwide. With both charitable and trading operations, they deliver an ambitious, wide-ranging programme of work in complex and sometimes conflict-affected regions.
You may have experience in areas such as: Group Financial Controller, Financial Controller/Senior Manager, Management Accountant, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Divisional Financial Controller, Assistant Group Financial Controller, International NGO Finance Lead.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Having adopted a new and ambitious strategy, and embarked on a period of transformational change, Two Saints are now looking to ensure they are in the strongest position to deliver their vision in what are difficult times. This vision is ‘to be a safety net for people in tough times and the springboard to a brighter future.’ The organisation delivers a full range of services to clients across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight, and the role of the Two Saints Board is to guide, direct and challenge the plans and strategic decisions relating to these services.
So we’re looking for people who can help Two Saints deliver their vision, with a background and experience in either:
- Asset management, perhaps with experience of the net-zero agenda
- Supported housing services or social care
We’re interested in hearing from talented people who may be looking for their first governance role, and you may have had lived experience.
If you’re interested in what Two Saints do and feel you can make a contribution, we’d like to hear from you so take a look at the candidate pack here https://bit.ly/45U1yDX.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Fundraiser - Home Counties
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex.
Key Responsibilities:
- Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects
- Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth
- Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders
- Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research
Requirements:
- At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation
- Strong experience in supporter stewardship
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike
- Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure
If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.
We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
Closing Date: 26th September 2025
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities!
Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity.
We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission.
The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.
We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.
As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes.
The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer.
If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT.
- Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance.
- Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
- Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance.
- Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making.
- Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation.
- Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims.
- Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives.
- Line management of the Administration Officer.
- Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money.
- Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports).
- Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.
- Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them.
- Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
- Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT.
The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions.
Candidate profile
Essential
- A financial control and reporting background, qualification or qualified by experience.
- Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations.
- Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized organisation.
- Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission.
- Experience of cash flow forecasting.
- Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar).
- A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff.
- Aptitude in problem-solving.
- Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary.
- Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems).
- A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance.
- Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved.
- Excellent organisational / admin skills and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience in financial planning for funding applications.
- Experience of working in the charity or not for profit sector.
- Understanding of small-scale charitable trading.
- Experience of commercial contract management.
- Experience of managing an IT service provider.
- Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.
- Good network of contacts in the sector.
General notes
- Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks.
- This position will from time to time require work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time-off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.
- We will also require the successfully applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.