Jobs

The Association for Cultural Enterprises (AfCE) supports over 500 member organisations across the UK and internationally, helping the cultural sector generate earned income through commercial activity. As an Arts Council England-funded organisation, AfCE delivers sector-leading training, benchmarking, data-led insights, events, and advocacy to drive financial resilience in arts, heritage, and culture.

AfCE runs a year-round programme of live training events around the UK and Europe, as well as its signature annual Cultural Enterprises Conference and Trade Show. We have ambitions to grow attendance at these events, as well as growing our membership.

The Association is a charitable organisation, which also has a trading company, Cultural Enterprises (Trading) Limited (CET).

We are looking for a new Finance Manager to join a small, friendly, and ambitious team, to review the day-to-day processes and policies and identify opportunities to improve reporting  and make operational efficiencies. The Association is growing, so now is an exciting time to join our team and work with our members across the cultural sector.

Job Summary

The purpose of this role is to provide sound financial management for the Association and CET through:

• Statutory financial reporting in line with Charity SORP/UK GAAP, including annual returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission

• Management accounting, reporting and analysis to funders, management, staff, and Trustees/Directors

• Preparation and maintenance of budgets, forecasts and plans, including cashflows and project budgets

• Supervision and control of day-to-day accounting transactions, including oversight of the finance aspects of the Apprentice role

• Oversight and implementation of robust financial systems, policies, and procedures

• Responsible for financial queries, working with the Apprentice as first point of contact for external contacts
   

Main Duties

• Supervise day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate financial record keeping, including coding, allocations, reconciliations, and tax accounting

• Oversee invoice generation and debt recovery processes

• Process payments and staff expenses for authorisation

• Produce regular management accounts on an accruals basis, providing interpretation and advice to the Executive Team, Finance & Risk Committee, Trustees/Directors, and funders

• Lead on budget preparation and forecasting, including project-specific budgets; monitor and reforecast as needed

• Prepare statutory accounts in compliance with charity SORP and liaise with external auditors and the Treasurer

• Manage contracts with financial services providers, including bookkeepers, auditors, banks, and investment managers

• Attend AfCE and CET Board meetings

• Fulfil company secretarial duties, including:

  • Filing confirmation statements and annual accounts for ACE and CET with Companies House and Charity Commission

  • Filing changes in Trustees/Directors

• Complete Arts Council England (ACE) returns, including provision of financial information for quarterly payment processes when required

• Negotiate and implement insurance policies including:

  • General insurance

  • Cyber security

  • Life assurance

  • Staff sickness policy

  • Trustees’ liability

  • Conference insurance

• Oversee monthly payroll, including statutory payments to HMRC and pension providers, and liaise with bookkeepers for payroll updates or changes

• Review VAT returns for accuracy before submission to HMRC
   

Note on External Bookkeepers
External bookkeepers currently provide support limited to payroll and VAT processing.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Self-disciplined, organised, proactive and self-motivating

• Logical and methodical approach to finance and administration

• Trustworthy, honest, reliable and conscientious

• Confident, professional, and personable, able to communicate easily within a small team and with external stakeholders
   

Professional Competencies

Essential

• Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA

• Strong knowledge of charity SORP and charity finance regulations, including VAT and Gift Aid

• Experience with Xero or equivalent cloud-based accounting systems

• Strong reporting skills

• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Experience producing management accounts and supporting senior leadership and boards

• Ability to interpret financial data for non-financial colleagues
   

Desirable

• Experience working in a small charity or business

• Understanding of the cultural or charitable sector

• Experience of remote working
   

Benefits

• Unlimited holiday policy

• 5% employer pension contribution

• Life insurance

• Flexible working arrangements by agreement with the CEO

We are an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of experience, merit and organisational need.

Join Union Grove Community Nursery as Our Freelance Bookkeeper

Role: Freelance Bookkeeper / Accountant

Location: Union Grove Community Nursery, Lambeth, London (Hybrid – some in-person work approximately 2-3 times per year)

Fee: £550/month inclusive of VAT (open to discussion – please include your rates in your application)

Start Date: to be discussed
Time Commitment: Flexible – estimated hours per month to suit your availability

About Us
Union Grove Community Nursery is a long-standing, not-for-profit nursery based in Lambeth. For 25 years, we've offered high-quality, affordable childcare to local families, placing warmth, care, and community at the heart of what we do.

As a small charity (annual income under £500k) caring for up to 48 children at a time, we pride ourselves on giving every child the attention and support they need to thrive. Our team is friendly, values-driven, and committed to creating a safe, joyful environment for early years education.

The Opportunity
We’re looking for a friendly and reliable freelance bookkeeper or accountant to join our extended team and help keep our finances running smoothly. You’ll play a key behind-the-scenes role, supporting our nursery’s sustainability and ensuring we can continue delivering quality care for local families.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working with purpose-led organisations, and who values flexibility, community impact, and clear communication.

Your Key Responsibilities

● Run monthly payroll (ideally in-person with our Nursery Administrator), and issue payslips to staff

● Prepare monthly management accounts in a clear, accessible format for trustees and management

● Produce statutory annual accounts for submission to Companies House and the Charity Commission

● Provide ad-hoc support and advice on bookkeeping, accounting, and financial queries as well as forecasting

● Assist in creating cash flow forecasts or budgets

● Act as a secondary bank signatory

What We’re Looking For

● Proven experience in bookkeeping or accountancy, ideally with small charities or community organisations

● Confidence with payroll processes and charity finance

● A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset – someone we can turn to with financial questions

● Familiarity with accounting software and simple reporting formats

● Bonus if you have experience working with voluntary boards or in the non-profit sector

We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.

What You'll Gain

•  A flexible freelance role with real community impact
• The chance to work alongside a values-driven team
• An opportunity to support a long-standing charity doing meaningful early years work
• A warm, supportive, and child-focused environment

How to Apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you! Please send a short email outlining your experience and your freelance rate to our email address. Feel free to include your CV or a portfolio if helpful.

Union Grove Community Nursery is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Let’s make a difference together – one child, one family, and one balance sheet at a time. 

Two Rhythms is seeking a dynamic Business Manager to spearhead their operational and financial success, ensuring the charity's sustainability and growth. This pivotal role involves driving earned income, managing financial health, and expanding the reach of their therapeutic arts programs across South Wales and the UK.

The Business Manager will oversee the operational and financial management of the charity, ensuring the organisation is efficient, sustainable, and aligned with its mission. They will focus on earned income generation and working to increase it in line with the business plan. They will be outward-facing, generating new business with local authorities, care providers, schools, hospitals and hospices. They will work closely with the CEO, and Head of Programme to introduce the 2R programme to new guests across South Wales, and with the Membership Officer to extend our membership programme across the UK.

The Business Manager will play a crucial role in managing the charity's financial health, ensuring resources are effectively utilised to support its mission and goals. This hands-on role involves overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance while supporting their leadership team colleagues with financial insights and strategies.

They will prepare reports for the management team, CEO and Trustees as required and they will liaise with our external accountants, helping to prepare annual accounts and other statutory documents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONAL

1. Business and Operational Management:

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across departments.
•  Design and implement new processes to monitor trading performance.
• To act a responsible point of contact for managing day-to-day facilities and building issues.
• Management of external contracts relating to facilities and running of the organisation. 
• Review environmental considerations of the organisation in-line with the requirements and policies of our funders, landlords and partner organisations.
• Support the administration of session bookings, liaising with finance and management colleagues.

2. Compliance and Governance:

• Working as part of the charity’s Safeguarding team helping to ensure best practice across the charity’s activities and operations. (Appropriate training will be provided)
• Ensure the charity complies with relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Manage risk and protect the charity’s financial reputation and assets.
• Maintain accurate records and policies, working closely with trustees or board members.

FINANCE

3. Financial Management and Planning:

• Prepare and manage budgets in collaboration with the leadership team.
• Monitor and control income and expenditure to ensure financial sustainability.
• Develop financial forecasts and plans to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage invoicing, liaising with external clients and contractors with respect to debt management, reviewing and improving booking processes where necessary. 

4. Accounting and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate financial records and oversee day-to-day bookkeeping.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, including variance analysis.
• Produce annual financial statements and manage the year-end accounting process.

5. Donor and Grant Management:

• Track restricted and unrestricted funding, ensuring proper allocation and reporting.
• Provide financial reports and updates for donors and grant applications.

PEOPLE

6. Supporting Stakeholders:

• Work closely with trustees and the senior leadership team, providing clear insights.
• Contribute to the charity's overall strategic planning and growth.
• Attend board meetings, ensuring accurate minutes and record keeping.

7. Leadership and Team Support:

• Work closely with Senior Management colleagues to provide strategic advice and insights.
• Manage and support staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Lead by example, promoting the charity’s values and mission in all actions.

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

• Work with the team to drive sales, pursue new clients and increase the charity’s earned income, collaborating with Programme, Membership and Marketing colleagues and the CEO to further the charity’s work.
• Lead on our engagement with the health and social care sector, including private and public organisations.
• Assist the CEO in submitting reports to funders, regulatory bodies, and trustees.
• Support the development of funding proposals with accurate financial input.
• Assist the CEO in building relationships with external partners and stakeholders, including corporate and commercial clients.

To start ASAP, we are looking for a Temporary Finance Manager to join our friendly, all women team.

About Woman's Trust

Woman’s Trust was established almost thirty years ago and is the leading specialist in mental health services for women. Led by and for women, it aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a safe and healthy life, free from further harm. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recover from the trauma. We support 900 women and children annually, with an income of £1.3m and 40 staff. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers. Alongside our current service provision, we are focused on developing innovative mental health services for young women and girls, launching peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy expertise to improve systems nationally. As demand for our service grows, we are ambitious to double the number of women we support each year, achieved in large part through the success of our fundraising team in increasing our income.

About the role

As our Temporary Finance Manager, you will be managing a finance assistant and will be part of our organisation’s Senior Leadership Team, helping to collaboratively shape and steer the charity as we work towards our 2022-2027 strategy. The Finance Manager is at the heart of Woman’s Trust; you will play an essential role and have oversight of not just the finance team - you will have direct exposure to CEO/Board Members and decision-making for the future of the organisation. 

We are looking for a highly motived Temporary Finance Manager with demonstrable experience working in a similar senior level role. You’ll be a fully or part qualified accountant e.g. CIMA/ACA/ACCA/Cipfa, with a thorough understanding of charity accounting.

Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed term to start ASAP until 18th December 2025.

In return, we can offer:

• 25 days' holiday + 3 days at Christmas + Public holidays (pro rata for part-time working)
• Hybrid & flexible working - office based with minimum of 50% of working hours in Woman’s Trust London office, we also support mutually agreed flexible working arrangements
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mandatory job-related training
• Individual staff professional development budget
• A caring, committed and highly collaborative environment
• Several social events/lunches per year
• Friendly, all women team

To apply, please provide your CV and a personal statement outlining how you meet the criteria for the role as defined in the ‘about you’ section in the job description below, providing actual examples of the related work/experience/skills you have. 

We are open to applications from freelancers.

Interviews will hold on a rolling basis.

Please note, this post is open to female applicants only – Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies.