Executive assistant to chief executive jobs in bath, bath and north east somerset

About Chapter One

Chapter One is a dynamic, growing charity with a vision of a world in which all children have the literacy skills needed to thrive. Our mission is to close the reading gap by providing children with one-to-one support at the time they need it most. 

Our unique Online Reading Volunteer programme currently supports around 3,000 children a year. It pairs disadvantaged, struggling five to eight-year old (KS1) readers with reading support volunteers who come from over 140 local and national businesses. The volunteer ask is very focused: readers commit 30 minutes a week to read with a child using a bespoke digital platform for an entire academic year. The results are transformative, boosting children's reading confidence and ability. 

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.
 

About the Role

The Human Resources (HR) & Administrative Assistant will provide support to the CEO, Line Managers and the wider team with a range of HR related and administrative tasks. They will work remotely and will need to have access to a reliable internet connection. They will report to the CEO.

This role is ideal for someone who wishes to pursue a career in HR, and Chapter One is willing to support the postholder to gain external qualifications. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post-holder must be permanently based in the UK at the time of applying and for the duration of their employment. 

All Chapter One employees are required to attend quarterly in-person staff meetings held in various locations across the UK (all expenses covered); participation is mandatory.

Main duties will include:

HR Administration and Data Management

• Maintain accurate and up to date HR records on Chapter One systems

• Be the in-house expert on Breathe, Chapter One’s HR system

• Lead on data entry and HR system (Breathe HR) management, including generating relevant reports to support staff management and key decision making

• Monitor and track training and DBS records ensuring timely renewals in line with Chapter One’s policies

• Assist with documenting and maintaining HR process and workflows

• Ensure employee documents are stored correctly and confidentially

Organisational Policies and HR Procedures

• Working with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to create, update and disseminate relevant Charity policies and/or updates to the staff handbook

• Prepare standard HR letters and documents (contracts, change letters)

• Lead on the liaison with and promotion of the organisations Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured EAP)

• Create process guides for staff in collaboration with Line Managers and the CEO

• Act as a first point of support for HR-related queries from managers, escalating to the CEO when needed

• Liaise with Chapter One’s external HR advice provider when additional expertise is required

• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline and improve HR administrative processes and procedures

Recruitment, Onboarding and Offboarding

• Support managers through the entirety of the recruitment process for staff and trustees - including, but not limited to, advertising vacancies, organising applications, arranging interviews, monitoring interview tasks, coordinating assessments, collecting candidate documents, requesting references

• Managing the onboarding process for all new staff, including, but not limited to, holding HR induction meetings, coordinating new starter paperwork, setting probation review dates and training

• Work with Line Managers to organise induction plans, schedule introductory meetings, and ensure new starters are fully supported during their initial weeks

• Coordinate the offboarding process for departing staff, including exit interviews, return of equipment, and removal from systems

General HR Support

• Organise and schedule staff meetings and organisation-wide training sessions

• Coordinate wellbeing and employee engagement activities, including, but not limited to annual surveys, staff away days, seasonal events

• Plan and coordinate in-person meeting logistics, including venue booking, accommodation, equipment and refreshments, ensuring all arrangements are inclusive and appropriately tailored to staff needs

• Work with the SLT to be a champion of Chapter One’s values, and a custodian of its supportive work culture

• Communicate instructions and other messages to Line Managers and staff clearly and promptly on behalf of the CEO 

• Support with preparation for audits or compliance checks e.g. Right to Work, DBS

• Provide HR support to staff working groups e.g. Wellbeing or Learning and Development

• Attend external HR webinars (eg with DOHR or Breathe) and disseminate information to the CEO & Line Managers as required

• Stay informed of relevant employment law updates, notifying the CEO of possible changes needed to policies or procedures

• Support general organisational administration as needed, such as scheduling key meetings, maintaining registers or documentation, or assisting with regulatory filings

• Assist the CEO & Line Managers with additional HR and administrative/organisational tasks, assigned at the discretion of the CEO

We are looking for applicants with the following essential qualities:

• Educated to A-level standard or equivalent

• A genuine interest in Chapter One, with a passion for the work we do

• Experience in a similar HR role 

• Proficient in use of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and Google Workspace

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with colleagues at all levels

• Thoughtful, compassionate and inclusive approach to interpersonal relationships

• Self-motivated and proactive, with a problem-solving mindset

• Goal-oriented team-player who also thrives working independently

• Meticulous eye for detail, who takes pride in holding themself to the highest standards in all aspects of their work

• Professional, discreet and able to handle confidential information

• Working knowledge of HR functions

The best applicants will also have the following desirable qualities:

• Experience of working in the charity/non-profit sector

• A desire to develop a career in HR

• A qualification in HR, e.g. CIPD Level 3, or working towards one

Interview Dates:

1st round interviews - Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd July
2nd round interviews - Monday 28th July

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from individuals who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation. 

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All postholders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025

Are you an experienced accountant looking for a new challenge? Support our digital transformation and shape the future of finance within The Student's Union.

About the role

You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations of the SU. Working as part of a busy team at the heart of the SU, you will be accountable for making sure that the staff and students have the financial advice and support they need to deliver our charitable purpose.

Your relationship with student treasurers and budget holders will be key, and you will ensure they have up to date and reliable management information, as well as ensuring that finance policies and processes are followed throughout the organisation.

You will act as finance lead on events and a range of projects, as well as providing expert knowledge of fundraising and grants support. You will also support the Head of Finance in delivering the strategic aims of the organisation, whilst stepping in to support the day-to-day delivery of your team.

This role sits within the Finance Department in the Students’ Union. We offer a vibrant and fun working environment and flexibility to enable your work-life balance. We are open to this role being on a full-time or part-time basis (0.8 FTE) with a negotiable working pattern to suit you and us.

More than just a “job”, this is an opportunity for committed and ambitious people to help shape our organisation and the lives of the students we represent. Join us and be part of our story!

About you

We are looking for an experienced accountant with fantastic interpersonal skills. You’ll have a can-do attitude and ability to thrive in a fast paced and ever-changing environment. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail are vital. Within this role you’ll be student-led and empathetic with the cause, mission and values of The SU.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• Part qualified (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or Level 4 AAT with experience
• Able to work under own initiative to deliver objectives to agreed targets and a high standard
• Able to lead and motivate individuals and a team through change
• Experienced and knowledgeable in accounts preparation, purchase/sales ledger management, stock and fixed asset reporting, and financial accounting using complex financial systems
• Aware of and experienced in good finance practice, accounting standards and guidelines related to charitable fundraising

Further information

For any informal enquiries about the role please contact Ryan Bird, Chief Executive. 

Please ensure that your application is submitted via the University website.

What we can offer you:

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace 
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out more about our benefits.

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.

Finance Manager - 4 days per week - National

Are you an experienced Finance Manager keen to join a growing organisation that makes a big impact on the health and wellbeing of children and adults through the healing power of music? Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Music in Hospitals & Care, a £1million turnover organisation to help recruit a part time Finance Manager.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be managing one Finance Assistant. Working closely with the Head of Finance overseeing all processes and controls that feed into management accounts preparation, you will also be business partnering with the Senior Leadership Team, and budget holders.

This is a pivotal time to join this amazing charity, with an inclusive and strong CEO and staff.

Salary: £40,000 per annum (this will be pro-rata'd for 30hours per week)
Benefits Excellent benefits package including 35 days per year (inclusive of bank holidays), Employer Pension contribution of 6%, Death in Service benefits, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and the opportunity for flexible working.
Contract: Part time 30 hours per week, Permanent
Location: Remote based role with an occasional travel to London, we encourage applicants from across the UK.

Key duties and responsibilities will include:

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, working with Finance Assistant to ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately.
• Lead the completion of month-end processes including preparation and posting of journals, balance sheet reconciliations including restricted fund reconciliations, and maintenance of control accounts.
• Assist the Head of Finance on drafting management accounts and cashflow
• Provide financial business partnering support to Senior Leadership Team and Managers as required.
• Collate and provide monthly payroll information to external payroll provider, reconciling payroll outputs to financial records.
• Support the Head of Finance in the preparation of year-end financial statements in line with the Charity SORP and statutory requirements.
• Act as the lead point of contact for the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and preparing audit schedules and documentation as required.
• Act as a key contact for the charity's banking, payment platforms (Stripe, CAF, Paypal etc) and financial systems (Sage).
• Monitor bank accounts, oversee and authorise payment uploads, and ensure accurate reporting via banking platforms.
• Provide reconciliations for fundraising between CRM (Beacon) and Financial System (Sage).
• Lead and empower the Finance Assistant

Candidates applying for this role must have the following:

• Qualified by Experience (QBE), a recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or working towards a recognised Finance qualification
• Producing monthly or quarterly management accounts and providing suitable narrative as required
• Supporting or leading on aspects of the year-end processes and/ or the annual audit, including producing year-end schedules, accounts and liaising with the auditors
• Ability to build strong relationships with budget holders and being able to challenge them in a compassionate and respectful manner
• Strong verbal and written communication skills at all levels
• Strong interpersonal skills and being proactive
• Experience working on Sage 50

This role will be closing on 13th July, 2025 and candidates shortlisted will be required to answer three questions which will form as part of shortlisting by the client.

Therefore, please do apply without further delay!

Due to the nature of this role, the client may close this position early if we have suitable candidates.

First stage interviews will be held via MSTeams on Friday 18th July
Second stage interviews via MSTeams on Wednesday 23rd July

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.