Finance And Governance Manager Jobs in Westminster, Greater London

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

About you and the role

The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained.

You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 20 employees and anticipate doubling in size within three years. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance.

You will support and mentor the Finance and Office Manager, ensuring that financial administration is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation. 

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every single requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us, the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know. 

Key responsibilities:

• Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities

• Reviewing suitability of our current systems: Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc.

• Where necessary, identifying and implementing new software to ensure all systems and processes are robust, user friendly, deliver useful data analysis, integrate and/or improve automation

• Working closely with the Director of Transformations to translate the annual activity plan into an accurate organisational-level budget

• Advising the Chief Executive, team and Trustees, ensuring that benefits and risks of decisions are fully considered and fit with the overall financial strategy

• Oversee sound financial management and governance across the organisation

• Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team

• Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks

• Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the Finance & Office Manager

• Oversee production of management accounts and bespoke financial reports, including accurate forecasting, incisive analysis and accessible narrative commentary

• Support the Development team with financial submissions and other compliance areas (eg advising on and supporting with due diligence processes)

• Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches

• Oversight of finance, governance and basic HR administration, supporting the Finance & Office Manager with high profile or complex queries, seeking specialist advice on financial or compliance matters as required

• Ensure the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales

Skills & experience:

• You have interest and belief in our mission, to improve kids’ health through improving food and food education in schools

• You have full or partial qualification through an accredited accountancy body

• You have some experience in a senior finance role (eg Director, Head of, Management Accountant) in any sector, and some experience within a finance function in the 3rd sector (in particular familiarity with the Charity SORP and experience of administering restricted funds)

• You have experience of audit

• You enjoy a mix of leadership and rolling up sleeves to get hands on when the need arises

• You take a pragmatic and dynamic approach to robust financial management

• You can turn complex and dry data, into clear and engaging narrative

• You have project managed the implementation of new systems (accountancy / CRM / data)

• You are organised, methodical, strong on detail, and able to map out deadlines and plan ahead

• You are skilled in building rapport with people and strike a balance between being supportive and challenging 

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year, including bank holidays, a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues, enhanced parental leave. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30-mins online interview to take place on Weds 19th June. Successful candidates will then be invited to a second interview that will be in person at our offices in Brixton, London, on Weds 26th June.

Job Purpose and Summary

• To provide strategic financial leadership through strategic planning and robust reporting to ensure financial sustainability and facilitate growth of the organisation in order to maximise impact, in line with charitable objectives.
• To act as company secretary and provide oversight of IT.

Responsible to CEO

Direct Reports 2-4 x Finance admin and 1 x IT

Location Remote, with minimum one day per week in office with team (location flexible)

Hours Flexible (as required to do job effectively).

% FTE 0.8 to 1.0 FTE

FTE salary range Senior Leadership Team Scale (£55-65k per annum)

Scope Across Bild Group (Bild, Bild Association of Certified Training and Restraint Reduction Network)

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Responsible for:

• Financial oversight and leadership.
• Providing robust financial information to inform and improve operational management and decision making to further the charities’ objectives.
• Ensuring financial sustainability of the charity and facilitate growth and development to further charitable aims.
• Ensuring appropriate financial probity and controls in place.
• Financial planning including budgeting and forecasting.
• Financial reporting including monthly management accounts so that Directors and Trustees understand the financial health of the organisation.
• Financial compliance including with HMRC and Charity Commission.
• Facilitating Finance Sub Committee of the board, in coordination with Treasurer.
• Support Chair of Finance Sub Committee in providing assurance to the Trustees in relation to financial strategy, performance and financial sustainability.
• Effectively management of financial risks as part of organisational approach to risk management.
• Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies.
• Monitoring and reporting on the financial health of the organisation.
• Oversight of and being responsible for the preparation and submission of all statutory financial accounts and returns.
• Ensuring effective Payroll function and Pension scheme.
• Effective procurement procedures to ensure services are best value for money.
• Ensuring effective financial audit.
• Maintaining positive and healthy cash position.
• Leading, with support from CEO, on commercial decisions including pricing.
• Identifying efficiencies to ensure the lean operation of the organisation.
• Timely completion of all Statutory returns.

Business:

• Act as Company Secretary supporting trustees to ensure all legal and statutory compliance with Charitable Articles and Charity Commission requirements.
• Oversight and continuous improvement of IT (and data) systems (with support from out-sourced IT support) to ensure efficient and effective workflow across the organisation.
• As business manager, lead on risk management and KPI dashboard reporting to trustees and Finance Sub Committee.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA/ACCA) (essential)

Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience as an accountant (essential)
• At least 3 years’ senior leadership experience (essential)
• At least 3 years’ experience managing a staff team (essential)
• At least 3 years’ experience in registered charity OR health and social care (essential)
• At least 2 years’ experience of working at Board level (desirable)
• Significant experience of both accounting and financial management environment.

Competencies

• Proven ability to present financial information in accessible format.
• Proven ability to think and plan strategically and commercially.
• Proven ability to interpret financial reports and advise on any appropriate action required.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and accurately.
• Proven track record of facilitating growth and development.
• Proven track record of facilitating continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing new IT systems.
• Good understanding of IT systems including AccountsIQ (or equivalent finance systems) and Salesforce (or equivalent CRM system).
• Positive and solution focused thinking.
• High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
• Proven ability to develop positive relationships across the organisation and with external partners.
• Proven track record of effective collaborative and partnership working with CEO / Treasurer.
• Track record of effective leadership skills including as acting as a role model within an organisation, promoting positive culture and living the organisational values.
• A commitment to human rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
• Demonstrate values congruent to Bild values.

Further information

• All staff at Bild are required to treat sensitive material confidentially and comply with data protection legislation.
• All staff working at Bild are required to read and comply with required policies, including health and safety policy.
• Job descriptions may be reviewed after 6-month probation and at annual performance review.

Application and Closing Date

Applications are invited by CV and covering letter.

Closing date is 5pm on Monday 27 May 2024

Equal Opportunities

Bild strives to be an equal opportunities employer. In working towards this aim no employee, or job applicant will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of their role, gender, age, disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, colour, sexual orientation, domestic circumstances, social and employment status, gender reassignment, privately held political opinion, trade union membership, religious or similar philosophical belief, or disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. 

Bild is committed to ensuring all employees have fair and non-discriminatory systems for recruiting or accessing training to enhance the development or promotion of staff.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Events team at The Not Forgotten as a hands-on operational Events Manager. We are looking for a professional events coordinator who seeks greater autonomy and managerial responsibility, while still being an expert at and willing to deliver the nuts and bolts of a wide variety of events within a very small team. This is all about exceptional people skills, pragmatic event delivery and ensuring maximum impact for our beneficiaries/benefactors/supporters in support of the Head of Events (Delivery) and Head of Fundraising. 

Overall responsibility of the job: Working in support of Head of Events (Delivery) and Head of Fundraising, to be TNF Events Manager; coordinating events as part of a small team. The position supports the delivery of a diverse national events programme and some international activities.

Your Role: As an event professional, ideally you will have a minimum of 3 years’ experience gained in an event coordination role and be ready to grow into a role with greater responsibility and autonomy. This is a hands-on event coordination role in a small team. Having a diplomatic and friendly manner with strong verbal and written communication skills, will be essential towards building relationships both internally and externally and while communicating with volunteers and beneficiaries. Event management/coordination skills are a key priority within this position, (especially delegate/beneficiary and event administration), combined with a meticulous, accurate and disciplined approach to work with strong IT and data management skills. Being able to prioritise a varied and busy workload and deliver to deadlines. Due to the nature of this exciting position within the charity, there is a requirement to attend events and meetings outside of normal working hours (including weekends) and travel as necessary, along with a relationship with beneficiaries, supporters, and gatekeepers. 

The Task Ahead: Finance Manager

As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.

As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

Areas of Responsibility

The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:

• Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.

• Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.

• Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.

• Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.

• Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.

• Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.

• Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.

• Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.

• Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.

• Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.

• Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences: 

• Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.

• Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.

• Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.

• Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself. 

Why Work for The Difference?

Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children. 

Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.

Our Organisation 

The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning.  By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.

The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.

Our Values

• High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves.  We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis. 

• Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.

• Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/

• Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them.  We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.

• Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions. 

• Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.

• Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.

• Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times. 

How To Apply 

To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.

First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.

If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green. 

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. 

As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.

Recommended Reading 

If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:

• The research which underpins our organisation.

• Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023

The Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) is at the forefront of the movement to transform meat production in order to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger, to antibiotic resistance and animal suffering.

We work with scientists, businesses and policymakers to make plant-based and cultivated meat (grown directly from cells) delicious, affordable and accessible. Please check out the rest of our website, our 2023 Year in Review and our 2023 Europe Highlights blog post to find out more about who we are and what we do.

We are at an exciting stage in our growth and are looking for a Finance & Admin Officer to support our growing operational workflows.

How you will make a difference

Your role will enable smooth and efficient financial and administrative workflows at GFI Europe. Reporting to the Head of Operations, your work will fall under the following categories:

50% of time – Payment processing and bookkeeping

• Making payments correctly and on time with respect to invoices, direct debit setup, expense reimbursements, as well as salaries and payroll taxes.
• Day-to-day bookkeeping, including registering journal entries and all financial transactions in our accounting software (currently Quickbooks), and supporting monthly reconciliations. 
• Coordinating the calculation and payment of quarterly reverse-charged cross-border VAT payments.
• Where there are opportunities for improvement, working in partnership with colleagues from the Operations team to implement systems that facilitate easier and more efficient payment processes.

25% of time – Budget forecast and reporting

• Forecasting regular and recurring expenses for the annual budgeting process and for periodic budget reviews.
• Preparing monthly updates on budget spending per department / project.
• Collaborating with our Development team to track and report against restricted donations.
• Organising information needed for the Belgium annual financial audit process as well as for UK financial reporting. 

25% of time – General administration

• Supporting governance, compliance and reporting for our Belgium entity, as well as the UK branch of GFI Europe and potentially other entities in the future.
• Supporting other departments with contract administration by inputting partnership data in templates, filling in relevant forms, coordinating signatures, organising and keeping track of finalised agreements.
• Performing other tasks as required as a member of our small, dynamic team. 

Who we’re looking for

You must have:

• A passion for GFI’s philosophy and mission.

• Attention to detail and commitment to deadlines: ensuring accurate and timely work, particularly with respect to numbers and entity-related information.
• Financial knowledge: good understanding of payment workflows and bookkeeping, having previously applied them in an administrative or finance-related role.
• Spreadsheet savviness: leveraging Excel and / or Google Sheets for financial analysis, reporting and forecasting purposes. 
• Ability to communicate financial information in a clear and simple manner: establishing the right level and format to share or ask for financial information within the team, as well as being able to address any questions that come up in a clear and simple manner.
• High degree of organisation and efficiency: running financial and administrative processes effectively, addressing challenges as they come up, and ensuring accurate and efficient organisation of documents and information.
• Excellent people skills: building strong, collaborative and positive relationships, and working well with colleagues and stakeholders across multiple cultures.
• Adaptability: openness to execute diverse financial and administrative tasks as they occur whilst maintaining the quality of recurring responsibilities; openness and a positive response to varying cultural norms and perspectives.

• Openness to DEI principles: an affinity with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and with maintaining our welcoming and supportive culture.
• Tech savviness: comfort using various software tools and platforms in a remote workplace, and a willingness to learn new systems. Training and support in Google Workspace, Quickbooks and Asana will be provided. 
• Language skills: ability to work effectively in English. 

It would be an advantage to have some or all of the following attributes, but none of them are prerequisites, and we welcome applications from candidates without any or all of them:

• Knowledge of Belgian and/or UK GAAP
• Non-profit administration experience

• Fluency in Dutch and/or French
• Experience with accounting software

We want the best people and we know that building a diverse, inclusive workplace leads to stronger, happier, more productive and resilient teams. We strongly encourage people of every ethnicity, orientation, age, gender, origin, socio-economic background, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritise an inclusive culture absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

Benefits and the fine print

• Terms of employment: Part-time (27-30 hours / week). Flexible working hours.
• Location: We can consider applicants based in the UK or Belgium. This is a remote role, and you will be able to work from home, or anywhere you choose (within the UK or Belgium). We are happy to consider supporting costs for co-working to enable you to work from an office if you wish. The whole GFI Europe team aims to get together in person approximately twice per year for around 3-5 days at a time. Travel costs will be covered by GFI Europe within our travel policy.
• Salary and benefits: The salary and benefits package for all of our roles are researched and benchmarked based on similar nonprofit roles in the country/location of hire. Full-time (to be pro-rated) ranges (total amounts received in gross salary plus benefits including home-working allowance) are:
  • €2,500 – 3,000 monthly if based in Belgium, plus 13th month and holiday pay 
  • £31,600 – 36,000 annually if based in the UK
• Right to work requirements: The successful candidate must, by the start of the employment, have permission to work in the country where they are based, and to be able to travel within the EU.
• Application Deadline: 19th May 2024, 11.59pm CET. We will get back to all candidates after that date, no matter the outcome of their application. You should expect to hear back from us within about a week after the deadline.

Westway Trust is seeking a qualified accountant to join as our Head of Finance who will lead on all aspects of the finance function to achieve the Trusts goals.  You will also manage a small team and will offer strategic finance support across the range of activities undertaken by the organisation.

You will have significant experience operating at a senior level within a complex organisation and registered charity, and will possess the right blend and balance of strategic, communication, innovation and people skills.

Key responsibilities of the role include but not limited to:

• Lead, manage and improve the Trust’s finance function and provide accurate, timely and relevant financial reports as required by the CEO, Executive Team and the Trust Board.
• Be the Executive Lead of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring timely papers to the CEO and to the Committee and Board as required and liaising with the Head of Governance and HR as required.
• Ensure the provision and reporting of financial accounts, forecasting and large-scale project/programme budgets, estate development plans, and the associated reporting.
• Oversight of the legal and financial statutory processes in line with the Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, including the Annual Audit. Allocating tasks for timely responses and keeping all colleagues abreast of progress.
• Monitor, cash flow, reserves, analysis of performance against the organisation’s annual business plan and dashboard as it relates to the finance function.
• Contribute to the overall leadership of the Trust and to the Trust’s future strategic and operational planning. Support Executive Team colleagues as required on the delivery of cross-team initiatives.
• Line management of the Senior Finance Manager, the Debt Recovery Consultant and the Development Partnerships Lead.

Essential Experience, Skills and Attributes:

• Significant and successful experience of operating as a Head of Finance, ideally in a charity setting.
• A track record of working collaboratively with a team to develop successful internal partnerships and achieve joint success against shared objectives.
• Experience of the finance function and all the associated processes, with strong attention to detail.
• Experience of implementing enhanced reporting tools within financial software, including the ability to coach others.
• Practical knowledge of VAT, including accounting of partial exemption relevant to charities.
• Experience of managing staff and supporting their development.
• Strong interpersonal skills for both workplace and external representation contexts, operating with enthusiasm, flexibility, energy and commitment and demonstrating credibility and gravitas.

Desirable Experience, Skills and Attributes:

• A good understanding of the local area.
• Experience of change management.
• Competency in use of Access Dimensions, Focal Point and other MS Office software packages.

Qualification:

• Must hold a formally recognised professional accounting qualification.

The application deadline is Wednesday 15 May 2024 when applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview.  However, we reserve the right to close the application early.  An early application is strongly recommended.

About Westway Trust:
The Westway Trust is a unique charity that stewards the resources of 23 acres of space under the Westway A40. In 2019, a local community campaign ensured that the Board of the Trust is led by local people and the Westway Trust now works together with the local community to enable North Kensington to thrive.

In 2021 a new plan was created for the organisation. This plan set a new vision, mission and values and the Trust now has a clear transformation programme to achieve social, environmental, and economic wellbeing and justice. Our leadership team is testament to our values as we strive for excellence and to deliver our ambition, we work with a full range of stakeholders including around 80 Member Organisations.

The estate is home to more than three acres of public green space, 120 tenants including more than 20 charities and non-profit organisations, two sports and fitness facilities, 48 light industrial units, 4 car parks, 34 offices, 32 shops, and an Olympic-registered skate park.

We already receive more than one million visitors each year to the estate, and we want to expand the community, cultural, retail, sporting, and enterprise opportunities here together with improvements to the public realm so that it is a place the tenants and community is proud of, and even more visitors can enjoy.

Organisation Summary

Earthed (part of Initiative Earth Charity) is an exciting start-up charity with a dynamic mission to promote ecosystem restoration and agroecology. Earthed enables access to skill-based courses led by teachers from around the world as well as access to engaged networks and the grants you need to start restoring your local ecosystems or growing your own food. It’s here for anyone, anywhere, who wants to restore the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we farm and the food we eat.

As a growing organization, Earthed is at a pivotal moment, providing an excellent opportunity for a Finance & Operations Manager to contribute to meaningful environmental change and organisational development.

Role Summary

• Lead the financial management, including accounting, budgeting, reporting, and strategic planning.
• Oversee HR, administration, legal, and compliance, ensuring smooth operations.
• Work closely with senior leadership to align financial and operational strategies.
• Manage financial controls, procedures, and systems.
• Collaborate with various departments for effective budgeting and operational management.

Role Requirements

• Demonstrated accounting expertise in a growth environment.
• Proven financial management and accounting experience including budgeting, statutory reporting, and management accounts.
• Familiarity with the financial processes of a member-based organization.
• Understanding of charity compliance and a background in charitable organizations.
• Experience with CRMs and strong IT skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• A passion for ecosystem restoration and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Desirable: Qualified accountant, policy development, alternative finance, and contract management experience.

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Head of Finance for this Arts Charity based in London (Hybrid)

• Salary: to £60,000pa
• Line management: Finance Manager, Finance Assistant
• Contract: Full time, permanent
• Location: London
• Hybrid: A minimum of 3 days a week is required at their offices in Central London

About this role

• The Head of Finance is a newly created post, following a period of review within Finance and operations.
• You will manage Finance whilst delivering effective IT systems and HR, with the support of external specialists.

Main responsibilities:

• To oversee all areas of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting to ensure optimal use of resources and achievement of key strategic and financial objectives.
• To provide financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and mitigate risks.
• To collaborate with other departments to guide financial operations, evaluate investments, manage HR, and comply with legal and statutory regulation and compliance.
• To deliver an effective IT infrastructure, working with consultants.

Financial management:

• Lead strategic and business planning initiatives, including the annual budget programme, and assist in funding applications with input across the management teams.
• Be responsible for all business, financial and governance aspects, including tax and audit, risk management and legal, with the aid of external professional support where required.
• Act as Company Secretary for the Charity and its commercial businesses.
• Manage the internal and external audit process.

Financial procedures, oversight, and reporting:

• ? Manage financial operations in line with charity accounting procedures and SORP regulations.
• ? Maintain a 3-5-year business plan.

Ideal experience:

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
• Ability to contribute to strategic planning and align financial objectives with organisational goals.

Overview

Southwark Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship for over 1400 years. Now it stands on the vibrant and exciting regenerated south bank of the Thames surrounded by cultural venues such as Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, the offices of major companies as well as schools and diverse residential communities. It is an inclusive Christian community that offers a welcome to all.

The Cathedral’s mission, ministry and musical tradition are core to its life as a Cathedral and a parish church serving the community. It also relies on the valuable financial contribution made by its income generating activities such as its shop, café, conference rooms, corporate events and concerts. It is a very busy place, attracting 200,000 visitors a year to the Cathedral, its churchyard, shop and café. The Cathedral relies on a small but dedicated team to be inclusive and welcoming to all.

Role Purpose

This is a senior support post of essential development importance to allow the Dean, Chief Operating Officer, Chapter and committees to develop and maintain an effective system of governance for the Cathedral with adherence to the highest standards of good governance practice. This will include relevant regulatory and legislative requirements. The post holder will provide comprehensive and effective secretariat support for Chapter and its statutory committees.

Job Description

Job Title: Governance & Committees Manager

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Key Relationships: Dean and Chapter, Chief Operating Officer, Committee Members, Cathedral Safeguarding Lead

Salary: £27,200 (pro rata from £34,000)

Hours of work: 28 hours per week (excluding lunch breaks). Some flexibility will be required to allow attendance at evening meetings and events.

How to apply: Please submit a CV and Cover Letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for this role, with reference to the main duties and person specification below.

Interviews: In the week commencing 20th May 2024

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Governance administration

• Assist in the production and submission of a range of information required in order to demonstrate compliance;
• Liaise with external legal advisors as required;
• Assist the COO with returns, reports and filings for statutory bodies including the Charity Commission, Church Commissioners, Information Commissioner’s Office, HSE and Companies House;
• Act as the Whistleblowing Officer and assist in the working of the Whistleblowing Policy;
• Assist with the completion of questionnaires and reports for the Cathedral’s insurers, Association of English Cathedrals etc;
• Maintain the declarations of interest and gift registry records for senior staff and committee members and record in the minutes when committee members are conflicted out or need to declare an interest;
• Assist the COO in keeping a log of complaints under the Complaints Policy adopted under the Cathedrals Measure and help to ensure that complaints are dealt with according to the policy;
• Provide such other support at the COO reasonably requires including correspondence, research and diary management.

Committees administration

• Lead the co-ordination, preparation, planning and follow-up for meetings and other committee work associated with the governance of the Cathedral. This will include issuing invitations, booking rooms, issuing Zoom invitations, arranging refreshments and access needs, assisting in the drafting of agendas, gathering and circulating supporting papers for the meetings, attending meetings, taking confidential minutes, circulating and amending minutes and maintaining action trackers for the members of the following committees: Chapter, Finance Committee, Audit & Risk Committtee;
• Assist in the work of the Nominations Committee to recruit members for the new committees;
• Assist in the work of the Standing Committee as it prepares for Chapter meetings;
• Assist the Dean and COO in their governance responsibilities under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2021, including being the point of contact with the Fabric Advisory Committee and liaising with its Chair and Secretary;
• Liaise with committee members and maintain good relationships;
• Liaise with professional advisers where appropriate and in consultation with the COO;
• Assist in the scheduling of training and circulation of information and papers for Chapter and committee members as required. 

Safeguarding administration

The Cathedral follows the safeguarding best practice and guidance set out in the Diocesan policy “A Safe Church” and also follows the policies and guidance set out by the National Safeguarding Team.

Reporting to the Cathedral Safeguarding Lead (CSL), the post-holder will:

• Assist the CSL in ensuring that safer recruitment practice is observed in all recruitment;
• Undertake the DBS checks for staff and volunteers if required, including verifying identity, submitting the applications and reporting to the candidate’s line manager/team leader when the checks have been completed. This will include advising colleagues as to which checks are appropriate and liaising with the Diocesan Safeguarding team and Volunteers & Community Officer;
• Maintain accurate records of all DBS checks carried out in a central register;
• Arrange for all new staff (paid and volunteer) to attend safeguarding training and arrange follow-up training for existing staff (every 3 years). This will include ascertaining which levels of training are required and which individuals will also need specific additional training for their roles;
• Liaise with the trainers to identify training sessions, book rooms and catering and arrange room set-up;
• Maintain accurate records of all safeguarding training carried out in a central register;
• Report to Chapter when required.

Additional responsibilities

• Support the COO in the coordination of risk management across the organisation;
• Arrange and manage the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and parish clerking duties;
• Ensure timely publication of statutory notices in advance of the annual APCM;
• Assist the COO with returns, reports and filings for the Parish;
• Support data protection compliance across the organisation;
• Ensure that the highest standards of professional performance are maintained;
• Promote equal opportunities in the work of the department;
• Participate in the arrangements for this role’s performance review and appraisal;
• Ensure that professional skills are regularly updated through participation in training and development activities;
• Any other responsibilities as may reasonably be required.

The main duties and responsibilities of your post are outlined in your job description. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes may occur over time and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job description that are commensurate with your salary and in line with the general nature of your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are implemented.

Southwark Cathedral is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. We believe in promoting and building a diverse and inclusive team, and workplace, culture and governance structures that are welcoming to and respectful of all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people whatever their ethnicity, background, age, disability, long term condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Safeguarding is at the core of all we do. We follow best practice for Safer Recruitment.

Person Specification (E = Essential / D = Desirable)

Skills/Aptitudes

• Full proficiency with MS Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint (D) Ability to work in a complex organisation with multiple stakeholders (E)
• Ability to ensure that staff, committee members and volunteers follow necessary procedures and requirements, including new ones under the Cathedrals Measure (E)
• Ability to balance a busy and varied workload and work on multiple tasks at the same time (E)
• Proven strong writing skills (E)
• Able to draft agendas from an outline brief (E)
• Proven ability of minute-taking and producing summaries of outcomes and actions resulting from meetings of a formal nature (E)
• Proven ability to manage the formal processes of meetings, in a proactive way (E)
• Good organisation skills in naming and storing of formal documents (E)
  
  

Knowledge/Experience

• Excellent IT skills (E)
• Knowledge of governance processes (E)
• Experience of working with and administering databases, summarising information in an easy to understand format (E)
• Significant administrative experience (E)
• Church of England and charity sector experience (D)
• Experience of taking responsibility and accepting ownership of areas of work with a significant impact on an organisation’s reputation (E)
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Maintains the highest standard of confidentiality, professionalism and integrity (E)
• Understanding of the Nolan Principles of good governance (E)
• Ability to prioritise (E)
• Proactive problem solver (E)
• Highly efficient and organised (E)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work patiently and constructively with others (E)
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills (E)
• Flexible and cooperative team player (E)
• Self-motivated and able to work without close supervision  (E)
• Willing to work flexibly including occasional evening and weekend work
• Demonstrates empathy for the vision, mission and values of Southwark Cathedral (E)
• Respectful of all with understanding of diversity and inclusion as core values at Southwark Cathedral (E)
  
  

CARE International is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty. Founded in 1945, we seek a world of hope, inclusion, and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and all people live in dignity and security. Today, we operate in over 100 countries around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We place special focus on women and girls, because women’s rights are human rights, and we know that we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities. CARE is non-religious and non-political, allowing us to deliver humanitarian and development assistance to anyone in need regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, political view or sexual orientation.

With a refreshed organisational strategy and a new Chief Executive, it’s a great time to join CARE as we embark on an exciting period of growth and change. After a period of challenge and transition we are in a stronger position. Your work reforming the risk and control environment, and delivering a long-term financial strategy, and a comprehensive Financial Improvement Plan, will create the enabling environment for the organisation to achieve its strategy goals. Your commercial acumen and financial analysis and planning ability will support ensuring we diversity our income and create a sustainable financial base, whilst driving a locally led development agenda.

We are looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity and challenge to deliver these improvements and can offer a clear vision and drive the creation of an efficient strategic value add finance, compliance, and governance department. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a key organisational leader, you will also have a strong role to play in building a positive, enabling, anti-racist, inclusive culture alongside your SLT colleagues and the Board of trustees.

A strong CARE International UK is needed now more than ever to influence for change in the UK and support our mission around the world.

Recruitment timings:

· Application deadline: Sunday 26th May

· Shortlisting:  Monday 10th June

· 1st stage interviews: w/c 17th June

· 2nd stage interviews: w/c 24th June

To apply please send your CV and supporting statement by Sunday 26th May via the link. The supporting statement should be 2-3 pages maximum addressing the person specification and your motivations for wanting to join CARE International UK and make it the best it can be.

We are proud to exclusively partner with Allen Lane on the recruitment of this role. Please visit the Allen Lane site to find out more. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Bryony Thomas via the agency site.

Exciting Opportunity Ahead! Become a Governance Manager and Board Secretary for our client's dynamic engineer-focused membership organisation, leading the way towards a future defined by precision and distinction! Take charge of overseeing the institution's governance and its documentation, while also managing all secretarial responsibilities. You'll play a pivotal role in orchestrating meetings for the board, council, and general gatherings, shaping the future of engineering excellence!

Role: Governance Manager & Board Secretary

Organisation type: Membership Organisation

Salary/rate: £21.98 - £27.47 per hour

Working arrangements: Hybrid working

Location: London

Employment type: 4 months approx. Immediate Start!

Short description of role:

As the Governance Manager and Board Secretary, you'll oversee the governance, documentation, and implementation processes of an institution. Collaborating with the Company Secretary as needed, you'll manage secretarial tasks and coordinate meetings for the Board, Council, and General Meetings.

As the Governance Manager and Board Secretary you'll:

• Ensure meetings are well-organised and documented. Work with the Board Chair/CEO to plan meetings, gather agenda items from the Leadership Team, and circulate agendas and reports on time. Take minutes, share approved minutes, and follow up on agreed actions. Handle invitations and distribute them both online and in person, updating email lists as needed.
• Manage records and administration for the Council, Board, Nominations Committee, and Benevolent Fund. Maintain organised files of agendas, papers, minutes, and reports, including decisions made and upcoming activities.
• Respond to committee correspondence and manage filing of received correspondence and replies.
• Serve as secretary to the Nominations Committee, ensuring proper protocols for awards and elections are followed.
• Recommend improvements to the Trustee Board regarding governance policies. Ensure changes to governing documents comply with regulations and liaise with relevant bodies when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory processes and deadlines.
• Assist in preparing the Institution's Annual Report, providing accurate information.
• Prepare the Trustee's Annual Report in collaboration with Trustees and the Finance Department.
• Complete reporting requirements within regulatory deadlines for the Benevolent Fund, including submissions to regulatory bodies and investment managers.
• Maintain and protect the Institution's trademark registrations.

Key requirements and experience:

• Supporting board and committee members, including minute-taking and proofreading, ideally in a membership organisation.
• Assisting committees, panels, and executive teams in developing and implementing policies.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory guidance.
• Writing reports and producing summaries for senior-level consideration.
• Managing appraisals, providing feedback, training, and support.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, with a preference for hands-on experience in handling membership databases.
• Understanding of governance legislation for charities/nonprofits.
• Familiarity with professional codes of conduct
• Knowledge of trustees' roles and responsibilities.
• Understanding of committee and panel structures in professional institutions.
• Awareness of GDPR and organisational compliance.
• Strong organisational skills, able to manage committee workloads and meet deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The successful candidate will excel in diplomacy, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating objectivity. They will efficiently manage committee tasks, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and communicate clearly. Attention to detail, independence, and flexibility will characterise their approach, driving organisational improvement. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems will further enhance their effectiveness. A background in working with membership or not-for-profit organisations, showcasing an understanding of the unique dynamics within the sector.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Governance Manager and Board Secretary role , please reply and upload your CV quoting reference 81141SOH and we can provide more information to you.

We eagerly await your response.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Tearfund is looking for a part time Governance Manager and Company Secretary to support the effective governance of the Board, including supporting the Chair and the Board in fulfilling their legal and regulatory obligations and promoting best governance practice. The role will also be responsible for coordinating administrative, logistical and practical support to the Board, including online and occasional in-person Board meetings.  This role would also oversee the regulatory and registration requirements for our offices overseas.

The role is based in Teddington, reporting to our Chair of the Board and Head of Legal and working within the Finance and IT Group.  The role will be responsible for providing high level support and advice to the Board, Chair, CEO and Board Committees, ensuring that the Trustees understand their roles and are appropriately recruited, inducted and supported to fulfil their roles. The role will also be responsible for all the necessary reporting and filing requirements required by Companies House and the Charity Commission in their capacity as Company Secretary. 

The successful applicant will be:

• educated to degree level (or equivalent) and ideally with a UK legal qualification
• self motivated 
• analytical
• detailed
• customer service focused with good interpersonal skills
• flexible and have strong digital literacy and advanced skills in both Google Suite and Microsoft applications

Do your skills and experience match the above? Then we would love to hear from you!

We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and those from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds (in our UK workforce) as these groups are currently under-represented at Tearfund.

The role may also include occasional overseas travel in support of overseas board meetings.

Hybrid working: This role is eligible for hybrid working and you will be required to work from the Teddington Tearfund office and from your home by agreement with the line manager.

Contract: This is a part time (21 hours per week) contract. The full time salary is £49,127 per annum and the part time salary is £29,476 per annum.  The successful candidate will need to travel to different locations across the UK to facilitate festivals and events as required.

The recruitment process will include specific checks related to safeguarding issues. In addition, personal identification information will be submitted against a Watchlist database to check against criminal convictions as a counter-terror measure.

The Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) are pleased to be exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a Finance Director to join their close-knit, dynamic team on a permanent basis, in this newly revamped role. The Holocaust Educational Trust’s mission is to ensure that people from every background are educated about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today.

They are seeking an experienced, strategic accounting professional to work with the Treasurer, Chief Executive and Managing Director, to devise and implement the Trust’s finance strategy, to ensure they have the resources they need to deliver their charitable objectives. The Finance Director will be responsible for ensuring an effective finance function; leading on the financial management of the Trust; overseeing financial compliance and governance; and the development and oversight of our Financial Strategy.

The organisation:

HET work to make sure that the millions who were murdered in this dark period of history are remembered, and honour those who survived and continue to tell the world of their experiences. Since 1988, the Holocaust Educational Trust has worked with schools, universities and communities around the UK to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust.

Through their flagship programme, the Lessons from Auschwitz Project, tens of thousands of young people have had the opportunity to see for themselves the site of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. They return inspired and passionate about ensuring that the legacy of the Holocaust continues for generations to come.

The key duties of the Director of Finance are as follows:

The successful candidate will have:

This is a hybrid role based in London, offering the potential to work from home up to three days per week. It presents a full time opportunity, although 0.8 FTE will be considered for the right candidate. The closing date for applications is on Sunday 2^nd June with first stage interviews taking place the week commencing the 10^th June. Applications will be under continuous review before then so please don’t delay in submitting your CV for consideration!

JOB DESCRIPTION | Accounts Officer

About Al Basar International Foundation (BIF): 

Al Basar is a leading charity working toward a world free from preventable blindness, where people have access to affordable and sustainable eye care. We are on a mission to create meaningful change in communities across the globe.

The Opportunity: 

We are seeking an Accounts Officer to support our Finance Director in managing the financial operations within the UK office. This pivotal role contributes to our mission by ensuring financial accuracy, adhering to compliance standards, and facilitating effective financial administration.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist in daily financial operations, including processing transactions, managing payroll, and handling expenses for staff and volunteers.
2. Support the month-end financial closing process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
3. Help in preparing and filing VAT returns and managing compliance with HMRC regulations.
4. Serve as a contact point for UK banking operations, helping to maintain robust banking relationships and mandates.
5. Contribute to the maintenance of financial controls and suggest improvements to enhance efficiency.
6. Assist in providing financial training and support to BIF staff, promoting understanding of financial policies.
7. Collaborate with the finance team to ensure alignment of financial procedures and support the Finance Director in strategic financial planning.

Competencies and Qualifications:

1. Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
2. Experience in financial operations, preferably within a charity or NGO setting.
3. Preferably progressing towards/has recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA/CIMA/ICAEW)
4. Understanding of UK financial regulations and tax laws, with specific knowledge of VAT and GiftAid advantageous.
5. Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
6. Effective communication skills, capable of working collaboratively with both finance and non-finance colleagues.
7. elf-motivated with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Application Process: 

Why Join Us:

• Impact: Make a real difference in combating preventable blindness.
• Collaboration: Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Innovation: Bring your creative solutions to the forefront.
• Development: Access to professional development opportunities.
• Culture: Be part of a dynamic and empowering work culture.

Application Process:

BIF is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position.