Problem solving officer jobs
The Finance team provides finance and budgeting support to staff, managers and members of PCS. The department is about to embark on a digital transformation that will modernise how the Finance department operates for the Union. We are looking for a Head of Finance that will drive and lead this project whilst maintaining continuity of service operation to the union, members and staff and, to join a progressive union that values collaboration, integrity, and social impact.
Salary and Location
- Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19
- Starting salary: London £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689, in annual increments (pay award pending)
- PCS Clapham or Regional office
Successful candidates for the post of Head of FInance will be able to demonstrate:
You are a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIPFA) and or have an MBA with:
- 5 years proven experience of managing a successful finance team
- Proven experience in strategic financial leadership
- Strong knowledge of financial systems, compliance, and reporting
- Project management and delivery in a financial setting
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Management of internal and external audit processes
- A commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of the trade union movement
The main duties of the Head of Finance role include:
- Strong leadership and effective management of the finance team
- Lead and manage the implementation and optimisation of a new finance system to ensure cost-efficiency through service reviews and technology adoption
- Deliver strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders
- Lead the unions financial services, focusing on complex and high-impact areas
- Support medium and long-term financial planning for the Director of Central Services and Senior Management Team
- Oversee management accounts, year-end financial reports, and budget cycles
- Ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and regulatory reporting (e.g., AR21)
- Provide accurate financial data and strategic insights to decision-makers
- Strengthen audit processes and investment oversight
- Ensure integrity in transaction processing and ledger management
- Maintain compliance with data protection and service level agreements
- Support supplier relationship management
Excellent people and leadership skills combined with strong analytical skills, and problem solving ability, and an understanding of up-to-date finance technology will all be essential requirements for a successful Head of Finance.
Closing date: at 12 midday on Thursday 12 March 2026
Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham: Wednesday 25 March 2026
About PCS
PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.
Employer Benefits
You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including
- flexible working (including hybrid working)
- childcare and family support
- generous maternity/paternity leave
- 32 days leave and Christmas closure
- pension scheme
- employee assistance programme
Learning and Development
The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.
PCS Recruiting Process
We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.
Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.
Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.
- CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
- PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
- All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.
Please view our guidance for applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF FINANCE
Ref: 0326
Grade: Band 5, London or Region
Salary:
London Spine points 21-17
London Starting salary £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a.
Regional Spine points 23-19
Regional Starting salary £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689
Location: PCS Clapham (London) or PCS regional offices
Purpose of the job:
Management and leadership of the PCS Finance Team and the provison of strategic financial advice to the National Executive Committee and other bodies.
Responsible for the management of the compilation and production of all management accounts, PCS annual audit, budgets, cash-flow and financial planning reports and annual reports.
Responsible for the integrity and completeness of the accounting records, ensuring taxation compliance.
To manage the modernisation of PCS finance system and to work with our providers to introduce digital products to support PCS primary financial accounting management system.
To engage stakeholders and drive strategic change to optimise the efficiency of the financial operations and contribute towards PCS overall strategic direction of the PCS Union.
Responsible to: Director of Central Services
Responsible for: Internal Audit & Funding Manager and Finance & Budget Manager
Contacts
External:
PCS members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal, pension and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. Senior Government Officials, Ministers, MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media, Auditors, financial institutions and Investment Managers.
Internal:
PCS staff and managers across Regions and Departments
Main duties and responsibilities
1.People Management
- Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for Finance Team and Director of Central Services
- Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service to develop and improve the skills and efficiency of the Finance team
- Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks
- Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
- Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training for the Finance Team
- Proactively promote diversity and inclusion in line with the wider PCS approach
- Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies
- Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with line manager
- Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies
- Work effectively with lay officials. Provide advice to and lead relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports
- Deputise for line manager when required
2.Strategy and Advice
- Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders
- Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives
- Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets
- Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team
- Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints
- Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department
- Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested
3. Strategy and Advice
- Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders
- Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives
- Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets
- Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team
- Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints
- Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department
- Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested
4.Finance Systems
- Manage the introduction, implementation and continuous monitoring of a new finance system to provide effective budget management at every level of the union
- Provide detailed financial data and reporting, including management accounts and strategic advice, to the National Executive Committee/Senior Management Team
- Provide straightforward access to budgets for all budget holders to facilitate better planning and cash flow management
- Ensure resources are optimised to enable good decision-making across each command area
- Review and update where necessary current audit processes to ensure compliance with the Trade Union Certification Officer
- Provide investment oversight, forecasting, and asset management to the Director of Central Services, and produce relevant information to support spending and investment decisions
- Ensure controls are in place and adhered to, to manage management override risks
- Maintain professional financial relationships with suppliers and customers
5.Operational Management
- Oversee and ensure the integrity of the unions transaction processing at all times
- Ensure all liabilities are recorded, payments made, receipts banked and ledgers managed in line with best practice
- Ensure all service level agreements are adhered to by the Finance department, and developed where necessary
- Ensure data protection adherence and finance systems are secure
- Assist the Director of Central Services in managing relationships with suppliers
6. Group and Branch Funding
- Oversee PCS work with Special Member Auditors to ensure the completion of union group and branch audit procedures in line with rules and Finance Committee requirements
- Provide assistance to group and branch treasurers, including training courses
- Provide reports as required for the Finance Committee
- Ensure expenses are paid in line with Service Level Agreement requirements
7. Finance Training and good practice
- Participate in the dissemination of financial knowledge across the union. Organise and participate in periodic financial training programmes for budget-holders, treasurers and members
8. Communication
- Draft complex communications including briefs, reports, business cases, for internal and external stakeholders
- Draft papers, policies and regulations in relation to financial management
- Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
- Represent PCS where necessary and liaise with outside professional bodies such as auditors
- Provide financial information as required by other areas of the Union, in particular treasurers, or other bodies
9. Team Working
- Proactively promote team working and collaboration
- Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
- Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
- Provide assistance to team members
- Manage and co-ordinate staff on issues arising from new working practises, one off projects, or annual projects such as conference
10.Equality
- Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination
11.General
- Contribute to the strategic development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
- At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy adhering to the PCS Values
- Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
- Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
- Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
- In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
- Such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
- Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion. (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference)
Person Specification: HEAD OF FINANCE
Ref: 0326
Date: January 2026
Location: London or Region
ESSENTIAL FACTORS
QUALIFICATION
- Qualification in Finance and/or Business Management (ACA,ACCA,ACMA,CIPFA,) and/or MBA with minimum of 5 years' proven management experience in finance
EXPERIENCE
- People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct
- Experience of working at strategic management level in finance
- Management accounts production and compilation of year end accounts, external reports and audit processes
- Management of payroll and pensions administration
- Project management and delivery in a financial setting
TRAINING
(including continuous professional development)
- Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
- Commitment to undertake job-related training
- Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
- Commitment to staff development
KNOWLEDGE
- Management Accountancy
- Financial management and taxation including VAT, Corporate tax and PAYE compliance
- Contract and regulatory compliance management
- Impact and use of Financial Digital and IT applications
- An understanding of and a commitment to trade unions
SKILLS
- Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
- Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
- Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance
- Proficient with Reporting, Data Analytics tools and performance metrics
- Ability to deliver and adapt financial training to audiences without financial knowledge/expertise
OTHER
- Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
- Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
- Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions
Thank you!
We are looking for a Head of IT to lead all aspects of IT and Data Services across Battersea’s three sites ensuring our services meet the needs of the charity and enable us to deliver our charitable objectives. They will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of a high quality, timely and appropriate IT and Data Services offer to key stakeholders across the charity.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans.
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable forall.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Acceptable use of AI:
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.
To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.
Closing date: 15th March 2026
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Interview date(s): w/c 23rd March 2026 (to be confirmed)
For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack from our Careers website.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About us
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here.
The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.
About the role
In this role, you’ll be one of the first points of contact for our incredible supporters who are ‘doing their own’ fundraising and you’ll also play an important role in the day to day running of the mass ‘DIY fundraising’ programme.
This will include responding to supporter enquiries, sending out fundraising materials, and managing our community fundraising Facebook group.
Providing operational support to the wider team is a key part of this role. This will include processing invoices, working with external suppliers to replenish and manage stock levels, and accurately delivering processes such as coding income and thanking supporters.
You’ll be joining a passionate and supportive team who are based across the UK. There will be lots of opportunities to develop skills and knowledge through working with others and accessing our organisation’s learning and development programme, as well as being encouraged to attend sector webinars.
About you
We’re looking for someone with strong communication skills, who takes pride in delivering the highest standard of supporter or customer care. You’re someone who’ll enjoy engaging with our incredible supporters and hearing their stories and will have previous experience of providing excellent support via email and over the phone.
You’ll have experience of working in an administrative or operational role, which involved following different processes. With great organisational skills, you can manage and prioritise a varied workload, ensuring deadlines are met. You're a team player who enjoys helping others and sharing ideas but also feels confident working independently.
If you’ve worked for a charity before, or have community fundraising experience, that’s a bonus. However, it’s more important that you have a passion for making a difference, and an enthusiasm for helping to create an exceptional fundraising experience for our supporters. If this sounds like you, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Job description and benefits
Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.
Primary location of role and hybrid working
This role is primarily based in our London or Sheffield office Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.
When applying
We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement online. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact the Breast Cancer Now recrutment team.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.
Closing date Tuesday 10 March 2026 9am
Interview date week commencing 16 March 2026
We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.
Thank you!
About us
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here.
The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.
About the role
Sitting within our people and organisational development team and reporting into the senior learning & organisational development manager, you’ll support us with a wide range of administrative duties across the learning & development; people; equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and internal communications & engagement functions.
As the first point of contact for all learning management system (LMS) user and administrative queries you’ll maintain and housekeep our LMS as well as help coordinate and administer internal and external training programmes, workshops and learning events. You’ll also provide administrative support across our core people activities, including invoicing, onboarding, offboarding, and the employee lifecycle processes.
You’ll use our HR management systems to develop and maintain regular people management reports and liaise with the people and EDI teams to ensure employee and training records are updated.
About you
You’ll have experience of working with information systems ideally within a HR function and be able to use an administrative system or database. You’ll have the ability to work as part of a small hybrid team and possess strong organisational skills and excellent written and verbal communications skills allowing you to always work together when in the office or when working from home. You’ll understand the importance of working accurately and with attention to detail within a confidential framework and can plan and organise your own workload.
Job description and benefits
Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.
Primary location of role and hybrid working
This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home with a minimum 2 days in the office which will be Tuesday and Wednesday.
When applying
We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact the Breast Cancer Now recruitment team
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.
Closing date Monday, 9 March 2026 9 am
Interview date week commencing 16 March 2026
We reserve the right to close this advert early subject to volume of applicants. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.