Finance Administrator

Finance Administrator – Job Description

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

Direct reports: None

Location: Hybrid, at least one day per week at the Power Up North London office

Contract: Part-time (15 hours a week)

Salary: £12,000 per annum (£30,000 full-time equivalent, pro rata)

Application deadline: 31 August

Interviews: Online interviews will take place between 7 and 11 September 

Role Purpose

Power Up North London is a leading community energy organisation delivering renewable energy, energy-efficiency and retrofit projects that directly benefit community groups and public buildings. We believe communities can and must play a central role in the transition to a low-carbon future.

The Finance Administrator will support the effective financial management and integrity of Power Up North London’s financial operations. The postholder will prepare accurate financial and management information, monitor budgets, and support finance processes including cashflow management, invoicing, payments and associated controls.

Working closely with the CEO, Treasurer, Board, internal colleagues and external finance providers, the postholder will provide timely financial information and administrative support to inform decision-making, meet funder requirements and support the organisation’s sustainable growth. The postholder will report to the CEO for day-to-day management and will work with the Treasurer, who provides Board-level financial oversight.

Key responsibilities

Financial Management and Governance 

• Maintain accurate and robust financial accounts and processes.

• Support the set-up and preparation of monthly management accounts for internal and Board reporting.

• Support preparation and management of the annual budget.

• Track income and expenditure against approved budgets, identifying and explaining variances.

• Establish and maintain grant and project income and expenditure tracking against budgets.

• Prepare financial reports for funders.

Billing and Revenue Assurance 

• Ensure timely billing and effective debtor management.

• Identify and escalate site billing discrepancies.

• Support the investigation and resolution of issues to ensure accurate income collection.

Cashflow and Treasury Management

• Manage cashflow and maintain accurate forecasts.

• Reconcile bank accounts fortnightly and track cash movements.

• Monitor invoice timing and payment disbursements to support effective cashflow management.

Performance Monitoring and Financial Modelling 

• Liaise with the Asset Management Team to track solar-site and project performance against forecasts.

• Analyse income and expenditure, highlighting risks and opportunities.

• Support electricity pricing for new sites and review financial assumptions and models.

External Finance Coordination

• Work effectively with Sharenergy, Power Up North London’s outsourced finance provider.

• Liaise on accounting, reporting and financial queries, ensuring timely resolution.

• Monitor delivery against the service-level agreement.

Financial Controls 

• Ensure compliance with Power Up North London’s financial processes and controls.

• Implement and maintain controls for incoming and outgoing payments, grant management and bank reconciliations.

Funding context

This role is funded in part by a National Lottery Community Fund grant and in part through Power Up North London’s earned income from the delivery of solar, retrofit and energy advice/training projects that generate project management fees. 

Finance Administrator - Person Specification

Essential experience

• Experience in a finance or accounting role, including financial reporting and budget tracking.

• Experience preparing or supporting the preparation of management accounts.

• Experience working with external finance providers or accountants.

Essential knowledge and skills

• Strong financial and numerical skills, with excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to analyse financial data and communicate insights clearly.

• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

• Experience tracking project-based finances or multi-site income models.

• Confidence using spreadsheets and financial systems.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Part-qualified or qualified accountant.

• Experience in community energy, sustainability or the not-for-profit sector.

• Familiarity with energy pricing or financial modelling.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and methodical.

• Proactive and able to identify and resolve issues independently.

• High integrity and commitment to financial accuracy.

• Collaborative approach to working within a small team with internal and external stakeholders.

• Motivation to contribute to social and environmental impact.