Financial accounting manager jobs in County durham, england

This role offers a unique opportunity to make this role your own and take the charity to the next level, with the full support of a dedicated, experienced team.

The successful candidate will ensure that the charity remains resilient and able to deliver on its commitment to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the people we serve.

The role is a mix of operational activity, day to day management and strategic thinking; with the continuous building and nurturing of external relationships with our NHS, public sector and not-for-profit stakeholders.

Working alongside a committed trustee board, skilled staff and volunteers, you will bring drive, experience and passion to the team. You’ll get terrific support from the outgoing postholder as needed, with the space to act and bring your own ideas to the forefront.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and passionate Head of Fundraising to play a significant role in the growth of Bags of Taste. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual who is keen to make a tangible difference. The issues of health and well-being across the population and food insecurity are urgent and our work directly addresses these critical issues. 

You’ll be responsible for fundraising and delivering a plan to raise funds from a variety of sources - including trusts and foundations, digital fundraising and individual giving. You’ll work with our corporate and community fundraiser to raise income through corporate partnerships and community fundraising. We expect that trusts and foundations funding will form a large part of this role and this includes securing larger and multi year grants. 

Bags of Taste is a small and ambitious charity and you’ll be an integral part of our growth and be able to make this your own role. Working closely with our CEO and being part of the management team, you’ll be involved in organisation wide decision making and strategy. 

We’re looking for someone with a track record in fundraising and income generation within the charity sector, who shares our commitment to empowering local people and creating happier and healthier communities for life.

Key responsibilities

Whilst we appreciate that many fundraising skills can be transferable, we’re looking specifically for someone with charity fundraising experience for this role. 

Income generation

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to raise funds from a variety of sources(trusts and foundations,companies, individuals, digital fundraising, the community and events).
• Research funding opportunities and develop and approach a pipeline of prospects
• Implement systems across Bags of Taste to ensure all funding is maximised
• Achieve agreed income targets
• Prepare budgets and track income and forecasts
• Develop persuasive funding proposals,cases for support and reports
• Develop new funding or partnership opportunities through presentations, applications, pitches and proposals
• Create awareness of fundraising at Bags of Taste 
• Attend networking events  

Relationship Development and Stewardship 

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, partners, donors, trustees and key stakeholders
• Ensure excellent stewardship for all funders and donors in order to build strong, long term relationships. 

Management 

• Manage the Corporate and Community Fundraiser
• Manage any other fundraising team members if the team grows
• Manage and support any volunteers and work with external agencies/partners.

General 

• Maintain accurate records across all fundraising income streams including contact and relationship and financial data
• Ensure all activity complies with all fundraising regulations, GDPR and all relevant legal requirements 
• Prepare reports and data for the Board of Trustees/management team
• Support finance staff with preparation of the annual accounts and financial recording
• Monitor and manage fundraising risks
• Attend and support networking events or other events or fundraising activity as required to represent Bags of Taste, including occasional working outside of normal office hours, including some evenings or weekend

Person specification

Essential 

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience managing a number of fundraising streams in a charity
• Experience of successfully securing large/multi-year grants from trusts and foundations
• Track record of reaching income targets.
• Experience of developing fundraising strategies and plans 
• Experience of managing staff
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills 
• Excellent written skills - you’ll need to be able to write compelling presentations, proposals, applications and reports
• Excellent relationship builder and ability to network, build, and nurture relationships with a wide variety of people
• Strong negotiation skills
• Excellent organisation and project management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Proactive, self motivated and tenacious 
• Self starter with the ability to set your own workload
• Strong attention to detail 
• Strong IT skills including all word packages 
• Good knowledge of all social media channels including relationship building on Linked in 
• Good understanding of the relevant fundraising codes of practice and GDPR/data protection
• Passion for the work of Bags of Taste 
• Flexible and able to attend networking events/events occasionally out of work hours as part of the role.

Desirable

• A relevant professional qualification eg Institute of Fundraising Certificate or Diploma in Fundraising 
• Experience of charity communications
• Good understanding of CANVA and WordPress
• Good understanding and knowledge of food insecurity and health issues

We recommend you read the full job pack before applying. 

Why join Bags of Taste?

● You’ll be part of a small, ambitious organisation with a big vision and a strong sense of purpose. The issues around health inequalities and poor diets and the need for solutions are critical. There are lots of opportunities to raise funds. 

● This is a hugely flexible role in a supportive organisation.

About Bags of Taste

The work of Bags of Taste and the issues that we tackle are highly topical and relevant so there's lots of opportunities and scope to raise funds. Our vision that everyone should be able to access and cook good food has never been more important. 

We address dietary related health inequalities and food insecurity - both these issues have been exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis and public health challenges. There is recognition now that food banks are not a sustainable solution and Bags of Taste works across a number of high need communities enabling people to be happier, healthier and more resilient.

We are recruiting for a part time Business Support Administrator , 2 days a week for a human rights of (LGBT+) charity .You will be providing high level administrative support to the CEO and across finance, governance , HR & operations , helping to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

Fully Remote , ideally need your own laptop.

The Role:
Set Payments in Xero
Reconcile bank account transactions
Code budget & expenditure
Issue invoices
Expenses
Set up internal payments
Track expenditure for reporting
Governance support
Checking board & committee attendees
Circulate meeting papers
Proofread briefing papers & reports for the CEO
HR Support
Operations & Administrative support
Diary Management to the CEO

The Candidate:
Experience in business support ,executive assistant working to senior level
Financial processing
Numerate
On-boarding
Governance
Senior Board meetings
Strong IT Skills

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you haven't been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone, but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

The Operations Officer is a pivotal member of the team who will support the organisation to run its activities efficiently and effectively. As part of a small team, you will work collaboratively with most of the charity’s functions but in particular provide regular support to the SMT, finance, HR and fundraising teams.

Who we are:

WasteAid is an international non-governmental organisation that works in low and middle-income countries to implement environmental and economic empowerment programmes, focusing on support to nascent green businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs. The work improves the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, promotes circular economy innovation and contributes to a cleaner and healthier future for all.

Our programmes focus predominantly on the reduction of plastic, organic, textile and e-waste pollution in areas of the world that have no formal waste management systems.

The organisation promotes and shares locally appropriate, evidence based inclusive practices, supporting and empowering others to take positive action. We partner with public, private and community-based organisations in countries where the lack of waste management systems is harming the environment, economy and society. We achieve our goals through our 3 flagship programmes:

- Our Wastepreneur programme for those individuals and micro businesses trying to make a living within the circular economy and make a difference in their communities.

- The WasteAid Circular Economy Network which brings together national stakeholders, local authorities and the private sector to tackle local waste challenges through networking, training, infrastructure support and innovation challenges.

- First Step Resource Management Programmes focus on a whole system approach to divert waste from landfill supporting community behaviour change, basic infrastructure, collector group training and end market development.

The organisation is just over 10 years old and has enjoyed sustainable growth with an annual budget this year of circa £1.2 million. It is a dynamic organisation with an international team who work in a supportive and collegial environment.

WasteAid currently implements programmes in The Gambia, India, South Africa and Uganda.

Purpose of Role

The Operations Officer is a varied role that helps keep the charity’s different functions running smoothly. Working closely with a small team a typical day can be a combination of regular tasks involving prompt and careful handling of incoming communications by email, post and telephone call, responding to invoices or payment requests and preparation of letters, contracts or reports. Other tasks such as recruitment support, staff onboarding, events and travel planning are less routine but may be part of your day as and when they occur.

Team co-ordinating

· Manage calendars and appointments, scheduling team meetings, appointments and events.

· Co-ordinate travel plans including booking transport, accommodation and supporting visa application processes.

· Attend quarterly Board meetings, taking minutes.

· Assist in the preparation and distribution of Board materials.

· Track charity assets and equipment, liaising with outsourced IT support as necessary.

HR Support

· Lead on fulfilment of recruitment campaigns, organising the recruitment pack, placing job adverts, handling applications, arranging interviews and tests.

· Issue contracts, contract variations, ensure signed records and references are filed.

· Prepare the induction of new joiners including introductory meetings and issuing equipment.

· Storing safeguarding records.

· Administer the charity’s HR filing system on SharePoint and the online HR management system.

· Keeping the charity organogram and staff profiles up to date.

· Logistic support for leavers, arranging collection of equipment.

Fundraising

· Work with fundraising colleagues to ensure that incoming communication is routed appropriately or responded to.

· Update records in the charity’s CRM system.

· Print and post written appeal letters.

· Logistics support for fundraising events, charity attendance at conferences, award ceremonies and trade fares.

Finance

· Handle incoming invoices and payment requests, obtaining authorisation from budget holders.

· Manage staff prepayment cards, topping up funds, issuing new cards and cancelling leavers’ cards.

· Prepare a bi-weekly payment run for international payments.

· Support the SMT with expense claims.

· Update the charity’s finance systems and file financial documents in SharePoint.

· Prepare Gift Aid claims, including utilising the charity’s CRM function.

Administration

· Manage personal and shared email accounts.

· Monitor and route incoming post.

· Answer incoming telephone calls, arranging a rota basis with colleagues.

· Preparing and issuing contracts, letters, reports or similar for signatures, including by Docusign.

· Keep all information confidential and comply with data protection and ethics legislation, including being up to date with GDPR requirements.

Other

· Ad-hoc procurement of goods or services as and when required.

· Comply with the charity’s policies and procedures.

· Occasional travel to charity meetings or events is required. Travel outside of the UK is unlikely.

· Any other reasonable duties as required.

Person Specification

Skills & Experience

This listing represents the full and ideal picture of the role. It is likely that not every strong candidate will be able to demonstrate all the listed attributes. If you feel that you can meet most of these qualifications, we encourage you to apply and give some thought as to how you might acquire any other necessary experience/skills after joining WasteAid.

Essential

· Experience in an administrative, operations, finance, HR or team coordination role.

· Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint.

· Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Comfortable working remotely and collaboratively with a small team.

Desirable

· Experience in a charity, NGO or international development organisation.

· Experience using CRM, HR or finance systems.

· Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding or governance processes.

· Understanding of Gift Aid, safeguarding administration or GDPR.

· Interest in waste management, circular economy, climate, environment or international development.

Personal Attributes

· A self-starter, enthusiastic, reliable and professional.

· Can-do attitude, taking a ‘hands-on’ approach to getting things done.

· Enjoys individual, team and collaborative working.

· Ability to work flexibly and know how to prioritise workload.

· Demonstrates a consistent high standard of work and attention to detail.

· Willingness to learn, confident to make improvement suggestions.

· Works with honesty and integrity and is aligned with WasteAid’s values.

The Pepper Foundation is a local charity funding children’s hospice care at home, specialised play and family days for children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The Community Fundraiser will be joining Pepper at an exciting time as we launch our new three-year fundraising strategy. Backed by committed investment and with full Board approval, we are delighted to be growing the charity to deliver sustainable income that directly supports local children and families with hospice care in the comfort of their own homes. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship-builder to lead and grow community fundraising and challenge events activity, helping to raise vital income for The Pepper Foundation.

You will take ownership of a varied portfolio of community fundraising activity, building and developing relationships with volunteers, schools, clubs, local businesses and community groups, while also nurturing existing supporters and creating an excellent experience for everyone who engages with us. You will lead the day-to-day delivery of our community fundraising and challenge events activity, proactively identifying new opportunities, developing a strong pipeline of support and managing your portfolio to grow income and deepen engagement with The Pepper Foundation.

Hours: 30 hours per week (37.5hrs FTE) working from home - applicants must live within Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire (or surrounding counties)

Salary: £25,600 pro-rata (£32,000 FTE)

Key Responsibilities:

Financial

• Deliver or exceed agreed income targets across community and challenge event  fundraising activities.
• Manage agreed budgets for community fundraising activities and challenge events, monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring activity is delivered in line with agreed targets and plans.
• Ensure activities are delivered as cost-effectively as possible, monitoring expenditure and helping to maximise return on investment.
• Develop and refine fundraising products, activities and supporter experiences that put supporters at the centre of what we do and encourage long-term engagement.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of community fundraising opportunities, identifying prospects, converting enquiries and building repeat support from individuals, groups and local organisations.
• Help convert one-off supporters and new enquiries into repeat fundraising relationships through strong stewardship, follow-up and tailored engagement.

Communication
• Build and develop strong long-term relationships with community groups, schools, clubs and individuals to increase awareness, support and donated income.
• Support and manage key fundraising volunteers to help deliver income and activities.
• Work with the Head of Fundraising and marketing partners to ensure community and challenge fundraising activities are promoted effectively through suitable online and offline channels.
• Confidently communicate the work of The Pepper Foundation and inspire support through a variety of channels, including informal conversations, networking, presentations, written materials, newsletters and website copy.
• Deliver a high standard of donor and supporter care to maximise fundraising potential and encourage long-term support.
• Contribute ideas and content for promotional materials within agreed budgets and timelines.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to broaden participation in community fundraising and increase supporter engagement across the region.
• Proactively identify, develop and secure new community fundraising opportunities with local schools, groups, businesses and supporters to grow income and broaden engagement.
• Ensure relevant staff and volunteers are well briefed on community fundraising activities.
• Always represent The Pepper Foundation positively and professionally.
• Communicate confidently with a wide range of supporters and stakeholders, handling queries and resolving issues in a calm and professional way.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the fundraising team to ensure community fundraising activity is aligned with the wider fundraising strategy and income goals.

Management

• Recruit, train, support and motivate fundraising volunteers to help deliver community fundraising activities and events.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and partners, such as venues and event providers, to support successful delivery.

Planning and Organisation
• Develop and deliver activity, stewardship and campaign plans for community and challenge event fundraising within agreed priorities, budgets and income targets.
• Deliver high-quality fundraising events that raise awareness of The Pepper Foundation across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.
• Use Donorfy, our fundraising CRM, to administer and manage fundraising activity accurately and effectively, working with the Database Volunteer as needed.
• Produce post-event evaluations and recommendations in line with agreed requirements.
• Use insight, pipeline information and performance data to review results, identify trends and recommend improvements to future activity.
• Manage the day-to-day planning and delivery of key events and campaigns, making decisions within agreed plans, budgets and fundraising procedures.

• Take responsibility for health and safety in community fundraising activities, ensuring appropriate risk assessments are completed and relevant fundraising and safety procedures are followed.
• Respond appropriately to unexpected incidents at community fundraising events, following agreed procedures and escalating where needed.
• Take an active role in setting up and clearing down events and community fundraising activities, including periods of standing and occasional unsocial hours.
• Arrange appropriate Pepper Foundation attendance at local community events when needed.
• Manage resources effectively, including volunteer support, to maximise reach, income and engagement.

Reporting

• Produce regular reports on pipeline, activity, outcomes, income performance and learning for the Head of Fundraising, highlighting opportunities, risks and recommendations.

How to apply: For further details about the role, please download our recruitment pack. Please send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you would make a great candidate for this role and how you meet the job description. 

Closing date: Monday 13th July 2026 at 5pm

Interview dates: First-round interviews on 22nd and 23rd July with second-round interviews on 29th July 2026.

Interviews will take place at our office in Berkhamsted. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.

If appointed, an enhanced DBS check will be required.