Accountant/Finance Consultant For Impact Consultancy Jobs
Are you an experienced finance leader who is passionate about animal welfare?
We’re looking for a Head of Finance to lead and support our finance function for six months, ensuring that the organisation receives an excellent finance service.
About this role:
As Head of Finance, you will:
- take day-to-day responsibility for the finance and accounting functions, ensuring systems are working effectively, suppliers are paid, payroll is completed, and ensure the new finance system meets the needs of the organisation,
- line manage and develop a team of finance professionals, ensuring an effective financial service is provided to the organisation through their expertise, championing continuous improvement,
- be accountable for the effectiveness of the charity’s annual budgeting and forecasting, and contribute to the updating of our five-year strategic plan.
About you:
To be successful in this role, you will need to be an experienced, qualified accountant who is comfortable working in large, complex organisations. You’ll need the ability to lead a dynamic team of finance professionals, from day-to-day support to professional development. Stakeholder engagement is a big part of this role, so you should feel comfortable working across the organisation with different teams and ‘breaking down barriers’ to develop key relationships. A commitment to the aims and objectives of Dogs Trust is essential.
About Dogs Trust:
We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.
About this team:
The purpose of the Finance Department is to support the rest of Dogs Trust in achieving the strategic aims of the charity. They work to ensure financial (and non-financial) systems and controls function effectively and limit the exposure of the charity to related risks, providing accurate, timely financial information and of course, paying suppliers in a timely fashion.
Please note, this role is being offered as a six-month contract. A basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) and credit check will be required for this role.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you complete an application form and a covering letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role. Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable interest, so to avoid disappointment early application is encouraged.
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Age UK are recruiting for a Finance Business Partner for our impactful Retail division.
Working as part of the FP&A - Retail team, this role is focussed around producing and delivering timely and accurate financial budgeting and analysis for the retail division which consists of ~270 charity shops across England and Wales with an annual turnover of ~£40m.
The purpose of the Retail Finance Business Partner role is to support the organisation in the delivery of strong performance and achievement of its financial objectives, through provision of insightful analysis and reporting, business intelligence and assessment of financial performance and risk.
This fantastic opportunity offers hybrid and flexible working between home and a central London co-working hub.
Please see job description for a full list of responsibilities.
Must haves:
* Professional accounting qualification - CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent experience.
* Previous experience in a Business Partnering role with responsibility for the production of management information.
* Evidence of building successful working relationships externally and internally and at all levels of an organisation.
* Experience of working with staff at all levels of an organisation and with both financial and non-financial staff.
* Excellent IT skills, in particular Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
* Experience of working in a dynamic and commercially oriented organisation. Charity sector experience is not essential.
* Sound commercial judgement and confidence in challenging assumptions.
* Ability to assimilate and analyse financial data, interpreting it to support business decision making.
* Able to establish priorities and consistently deliver accurate, timely and relevant data to tight deadlines.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and excellent attention to detail.
* Excellent verbal and written skills with the ability to explain complex information to non-finance staff in a relevant and meaningful way.
Great to haves:
* Experience working with accounting packages. Saturn, Power BI, Jet and Navision an advantage but not essential.
* Experience of working in retail finance
What we offer in return
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
- Blue Light Card Scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
As our Finance Manager you will be at the heart of the charity’s operations and play a vital role in helping us embark on a new 3-year strategy. Working closely with the Director of Operations and CEO your role and expertise will be pivotal in driving excellence and integrity in financial management and strategic financial decisions.
Your responsibilities will span the entire financial lifecycle, from budgeting and forecasting to meticulous reporting and process optimisation, you will also lead on management reporting, cashflow planning and the delivery of WellChild’s audit, Annual Report & Accounts.
You will have a detailed knowledge of accounting principles (ideally from within the charity sector), strong analytical skills; be able to demonstrate both operational and strategic thinking and have a proficiency in accounting alongside a relevant finance qualification; (ACA, ACCA, ACMA).
You will also need to have advanced excel skills, experience of charity accounts, SORP and charity VAT and be able to plan, prioritise and organise your work with impeccable attention to detail.
For full details of the role and contact details for a furhter discussion please see the Job description/ person specification and job advert documents.
We look forward to recieveing your application by the 20th May 24.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
Are you a strong financial leader with a passion for the natural environment and the ability to galvanise teams to deliver ambitious goals?
Avon Wildlife Trust is looking for an exceptional individual to become our new Director of Finance and Operations. You will be a finance leader with broad commercial acumen. strong people management skills and the appetite to drive and hold accountability for the Trust’s membership and income growth ambitions.
The Trust has exciting plans to create and restore habitats, enable people to take action for wildlife, and secure more land for nature for wildlife across the West of England.
As Director of Finance and operations, you will be at the heart of our organisation’s success.
You will:
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Lead AWT Group’s financial planning, operations and accounting
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Ensure effective management of the Trust’s people and resources
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Drive development of the Trust’s fundraising and commercial activities
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Work with the CEO and Leadership Team to develop, implement and periodically review the Trust’s strategic and financial plans
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Work closely with all Departments to ensure effective financial and operational processes, support financial planning and inform future decisions.
If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you.
We want to see nature restored on a grand scale across the Avon region. We have big plans between now and 2030 to see this happen.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Your new company
Workingfor a professional body based in Farringdon, London. This opportunity is officebased 4 days a week. The office is closed on Fridays, so the successfulcandidate can work from home 1 day a week.
Your new role
- Reporting to the Finance Manager.
- Supporting with the preparation of management accounts.
- Bank reconciliations.
- Month-end journals.
- To support monthly close-down and the production of month-end reports.
- Post sales day books into nominal ledger.
- Support purchase ledger and credit control functions.
- To maintain and reconcile cash books to the nominal ledger.
- May be required to deputise for the Finance Manager.
What you'll need to succeed
- Strong double entry and reconciliation experience.
- You will be an experienced Accounts Assistant.
- Strong purchase and sales ledger experience is required.
- Ideally part-qualified.
- Strong systems' usage.
- Great communication skills - both written and verbal.
What you'll get in return - 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. There will also be an extra 3 paid leave days between Christmas and new year due to office closure.
- 2 paid volunteering days. 1 paid leave day if you are moving house.
- Employer contribution pension scheme.
- Season ticket loan.
- Life assurance.
- + more.
What you need to do now
Ifyou're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copyof your CV, or call us now.
Ifthis job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position,please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
East Devon District Council
Interim Accountant / Finance Manager
£200 - £350 per day depending on experience
Location: Honiton, Devon / Hybrid working
About Us
East Devon is one of the eight Devon districts and in population terms is the largest in the County. Our district is set in one of the most attractive parts of the country to live in and the coastline forms part of England's first World Heritage site. There are also Areas of Outstanding Beauty within the district making it a beautiful place to live and work.
The Role
Support is needed on an interim basis for 6 months. Reporting to the Deputy s151 Officer, this role will be responsible for providing timely and accurate financial advice and information to managers to help them control and manage their own finances.
You will also support the Deputy s151 Officer in providing an efficient and effective accountancy service and to help ensure that the priorities and objectives of the Council are met.
You will also be the finance lead for various ambitious and exciting projects which the council is currently involved in.
About You
* Be a qualified accountant, have experience of working in a fast paced, challenging environment and can demonstrate considerable financial knowledge of accounting standards and codes of practice, ideally in Local Government, in the completion of annual accounts.
* Have experience of working with operational teams / stakeholders and of helping shape strategic and technical processes.
* Have experience of leading financial activities and be familiar with technical financial accounting information, budget setting and report writing.
* Have excellent verbal and written communication skills, so it is important that you can use your initiative and have a talent for communicating technical financial information into easy to understand language.
Are you a ‘creative accountant’? We are looking for a top-notch accountant who enjoys theatre and the wider arts scene. Working in a vibrant creative atmosphere, you will be the person keeping TRP on track financially, and making sure we fulfil the promise of our new business plan.
You will be a qualified accountant with experience of multi-million-pound organisations. As part of our Leadership Team you will be a strategic thinker and leader. You will be an excellent communicator, willing to share knowledge and support colleagues with clarity and honesty. You will have experience of running a finance team and be confident in the IT aspects of finance systems as well as having a more general understanding of IT infrastructures and cybersecurity.
If you share our values and believe that theatre can change lives, then we want to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At Outward Bound, young people leave behind their everyday lives to venture into a new world of endless opportunities. Could you be our next Director of Finance and Resources as we embark on our new strategy, ‘The Next Horizon’?
The Outward Bound Trust partners with schools, colleges, employers and youth groups to teach young people most important lesson they could ever learn: to believe in themselves. Young people’s lives are filled with pressures and challenges. They need the means to help them cope and thrive in this noisy and uncertain world – now and in the future.
We provide opportunities for young people to seize the moment and empower them to discover and embrace their unique strengths. At Outward Bound, young people leave behind their everyday lives to experience unfamiliar environments, and through challenge and adventure, young people learn to thrive and grow. This is where they discover who they are and what they are truly capable of.
The vacancy
You will be central to the leadership and management of Outward Bound and realising the ambition set out in The Next Horizon, leading the financial stewardship of the organisation. You will both oversee the management of the organisation’s financial resources and provide leadership in their utilisation to further the charity’s mission. You will also be responsible for the organisation’s environmental sustainability journey, and for IT, Digital, and trust-wide systems and processes.
The location for the post-holder is flexible, although will require frequent working from the Head Office near Penrith and regular travel for Board, Senior Management and other meetings.
About you
The successful candidate will be central to the leadership and management of the charity in the coming years working closely with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team. You will be astute, collaborative, risk aware, have an attention to detail and thrive on working in a fast paced environment.
A fully qualified accountant with proven experience at a senior level in a finance role with responsibility across the whole finance function, you will have substantial financial leadership and commercial acumen. Experience in a national level organisation of comparable complexity is also required.
You will be a creative and entrepreneurial leader, able to develop your team members to their full potential. You should be committed to embedding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything that you do.
A full job description and person specification is available on our website.
To inspire young people to realise their potential through learning and adventure in the outdoors.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Ambitious about Autism is looking for an experienced and qualified Financial Controller to join the team. Candidates who trained at a top 15 private accountancy firm or equivalent public body, with charity sector experience, are especially encouraged to apply.
The Financial Controller at Ambitious about Autism (AaA) and Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust (AaAST) plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of the organisations' financial data. They are responsible for adhering to the Charities SORP and the Academies Financial Handbook for AaAST.
The primary responsibilities of the Financial Controller include:
- Financial Data Management: Ensuring that all financial data is accurately recorded, maintained, and reported in accordance with relevant accounting standards and guidelines.
- Compliance: Ensuring compliance with statutory and legal obligations related to financial matters. This includes managing tax affairs, including VAT, and ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Control Environment: Establishing and maintaining a robust control environment to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure accurate financial reporting. This involves implementing internal controls, conducting regular audits, and addressing any control weaknesses or risks.
- External Scrutiny: Preparing financial reports and statements for external scrutiny, such as audits, regulatory inspections, or funder assessments. The Financial Controller ensures that all financial records and processes can withstand external scrutiny and meet the required standards.
- Finance System Development: Taking responsibility for the development and effective operation of the finance system, IRIS Financials. This includes optimising system functionality, ensuring data accuracy, providing user support and training, and exploring opportunities for process improvements and automation.
- Team management: lead the financial accounting team and ensuring an excellent service is delivered.
In summary, the Financial Controller at AaA and AaAST are responsible for maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of financial data, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and legal obligations, managing tax affairs, and developing and operating an effective finance system.
In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.
Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Bromley by Bow - Hybrid
Job Type: up to 35hours per week (with some degree of flexibility). our client are encouraging applications from individuals looking for a part time role (with a minimum of 0.6FT)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £58,000 per annum
Benefits: Competitive
The Head of Finance is responsible for ensuring that the finances of the Centre are managed efficiently and effectively to support the delivery of services in line with our clients ambitions.
Over the years the Centre has developed a highly diverse set of services and activities that support a broad range of community needs. These services are funded through a wide range of income sources and delivered in a complex set of arrangements and through many different partnerships.
The Head of Finance has centre-wide responsibilities and plays a key role in ensuring effective service delivery and sound financial management of the organisation as a whole.
This role needs to promote a positive culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity across the organisation and with external stakeholders and support the development of innovative, inspiring and viable service propositions.
As a member of the senior leadership team this role will play a key role in continuing to develop both the strategic direction and internal culture of the organisation, specifically driving forward our clients commitment to being a truly antiracist and inclusive organisation and creating space for honest conversations and feedback.
You may also have experience in the following: Head of Finance, Finance Director, Finance Manager, Group Finance Director, Accountant, Qualified Accountant, Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Financial Controller, Director of Finance, CIMA, ACCA, AAT, etc.
REF-213 045
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:
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Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.
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Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.
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Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.
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Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.
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Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.
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Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.
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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.
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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:
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Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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”.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
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Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
Summary of Job Purpose
The Business and Operations Lead plays a vital role in managing and developing the operational business functions of the organisation and supporting its charitable aims; working closely with the CEO to deliver and improve the organisation’s strategic planning, operational delivery, and budgeting/ finance processes. The postholder plays a vital role in ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the iHV run smoothly, with key functions:
- Leading iHV business and financial management, including accounting, budgeting, reporting, strategic planning and risk management.
o Work closely with the CEO, senior leadership team and our accountants to align financial and operational strategies.
o Manage financial controls, procedures, and systems.
o Collaborate with various departments, including external stakeholders, for effective budgeting and operational management.
- Leading iHV operations:
o Senior responsibility for administrative, legal, and compliance functions, ensuring smooth operations. This will include management of our Emsworth Office, IT and risks, supporting business planning and change management.
o Lead the operational change for a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and website. iHV Project Lead working with the supplier, the Project Manager and a small team at the iHV to ensure that the project is delivered within the specified time, cost and quality parameters of the specification.
o Working closely with our part-time Head of HR, supporting the senior management team and line managers with HR matters, including recruitment.
o Line management responsibilities of designated staff in the corporate team, supporting business administration.
o Working with the CEO to ensure good governance of Board-related matters, collating Board papers and attending quarterly Board meetings.
Key areas of responsibility:
Business and financial management:
- Maintain and develop robust quality assurance processes for income and expenditure, working with our CEO and accountants, to ensure all financial and reputational risks are effectively managed.
- Ensure effective financial processes across the iHV, with systems in place for invoicing, managing iHV payments and standing orders, and chasing outstanding payments and debtors.
- Build departmental budgets, supporting leads with forecasting, budget tracking, monthly monitoring (management accounts are produced by our independent accountants) to inform workforce planning.
- Work with department leads to prepare budgets for tenders and project/ research grant applications, including determining when VAT is applicable.
- Process invoices, iHV card payments, direct debits, standing orders, expense claims forms and ordering of office supplies, with support from the Corporate Team Administrator.
- Support leads to manage contracting, invoicing and reporting to external funders in accordance with funder requirements. Ensure all new funding streams and other costs are accurately recorded by the accountants.
- Ensure management of the corporate member joiners to the organisation, including invoicing and setting up a process for re-invoicing.
- Work closely with the external accountants to provide information on monthly suspense, debtors, mis-postings and general queries in relation to iHV finance. Ensure the iHV’s reconciliation and remittance records are updated weekly.
- Ensure all financial documentation is available for scrutiny as required, including support for annual financial audit by independent auditors.
- Make recommendations, provide advice, and prepare strategic reports and briefings as required.
Operational Management and Governance:
- Support the CEO and department leads in managing human resources, risk management, quality assurance, operational change, and board functions.
- Support iHV business planning and the development of key objectives and priorities for the corporate Team (in partnership with the CEO and other leads within the corporate team).
- Oversee the operational needs of the Institute – supporting leads within the organisation with workflow mapping, business continuity and planning to support matrix working across the organisation.
- Recording and monitoring of business risks across the organisation to enable risk management, reporting to the Board and providing support in association with the CEO.
- Support the board, providing secretariat functions to board meetings, including ensuring all papers are provided on time, managing sensitive information, and taking board minutes.
- Work with the CEO to develop, coordinate and implement organisational policies throughout the Institute.
- Support the CEO with reporting to the Charity Commission/ Companies House and ensuring that the organisation’s charitable obligations are met. Work with external auditors to deliver the annual audits; and ensure that the relevant documentation is held in line with requirements, is available for external auditing, and the delivery of audit recommendations are tracked.
- Support Health & Safety risk management, ensuring risk assessments are in place, processes and policies are up to date, and staff are trained and informed with any changes.
Information Technology
- Management of robust administration and business support systems, including negotiation and management of IT agreements, subscriptions, licences and contracts as required, providing recommendations for improvements and efficiencies to the CEO.
- Facilities management of required IT and infrastructure to include details of equipment held and provision of Microsoft/ other required licences.
- Liaise and schedule work to be undertaken under external IT support contract.
- Lead operational change for new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and website – working with a dedicated project manager who has scoped our organisational requirements (almost completed), to finalise the invitation to tender (ITT), manage the procurement process, evaluate submissions with a small in-house change team at the iHV, and make recommendations to the board. The postholder will lead the project for the iHV, working with the supplier, the Project Manager and a small team at the iHV to ensure that the project is delivered within the specified time, cost and quality parameters of the specification and is robustly tested before launching.
- Information management and analysis to highlight issues/ risks and support decision making – work with Head of HR to ensure iHV compliance with GDPR.
Human Resources
- Management of our Emsworth office with line management responsibility for a small number of designated staff in the corporate team who support business management (currently the Corporate Team Administrator), supporting the delivery of team objectives within the iHV Business Plan.
- Support, motivate and develop staff, managing direct reports’ annual performance development review (PDR) and performance management, if required.
- Work closely with the Head of HR to make sure that good employment practices are universally embedded operationally within the iHV.
- Support staff recruitment and the induction of new staff; provide advice to staff on corporate policies and procedures and communicate changes.
- Support the Performance Development review process for the iHV, collating 360 feedback for iHV employees where requested, and maintaining records for annual PDR outcomes.
- Maintain oversight of the recording of annual leave with the Corporate Team Administrator, Head of HR, and department leads.
- Provide operational leadership and management for team awayday (leading a small team to plan this each year), to support team building and staff development.
Other:
- Have an excellent professional working relationship with colleagues to deliver corporate goals and objectives in line with iHV Vision and Values.
- Help at iHV conference and events, working with our Events Manager and overseeing the work of the Corporate Administrator to ensure that venues, travel, accommodation and materials are booked and delivered on time.
- To participate in all mandatory and individual training as required. To highlight their learning and development needs to the CEO on induction, at the annual PDR, and as needed, to ensure capability to deliver key role functions.
NB
▪ The above is only an outline of the tasks and responsibilities required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
▪ The iHV is an expanding and evolving organisation, as such the job description and person specification will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the evolving needs of the wider team.
Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential)
- High level of numeracy, literacy, and IT skills.
- Degree in business administration or related field, or equivalent qualification/ postgrad evidence of additional training/courses undertaken.
- Programme Management qualification (PRINCE2, AGILE or equivalent).
Experience (Essential)
- Proven work experience as Operations/Finance Manager or similar role. Prior experience of strengthening organisational effectiveness.
- Significant experience of budgeting, financial management, contract management and forecasting.
- Experience of operational and staff management.
Experience (Desirable)
- Experience in the IT industry and/ or healthcare.
- Previous experience working for a membership organisation.
- Previous experience working for a charity.
- Experience of Charity Accounting
Skills, Ability, Knowledge (Essential)
- A self-starter with the ability to work on their own initiative, work within deadlines, managing multiple and competing tasks.
- Working knowledge and skills in the use of business and financial principles and systems.
- Excellent IT skills – experience of workingwith a range of IT systems and project software. Familiar with Xero, Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless, Asperato or related financial software systems including purchasing, invoicing, reconciliation, debt rectification and financial reporting.
- Outstanding organisational, strategic thinking and problemsolving skills – ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise and respond to sudden unexpected demands. The ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options.
- The ability to communicate effectively, including excellent oral and written skills and the ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change.
Skills, Ability, Knowledge (Desirable)
- Familiar with SalesForce, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and their capabilities.
Personal Attributes (Essential)
- Commitment to teamworking, and respect and consideration for the skills of others. Personal drive, energy, and enthusiasm for new challenges.
Behaviours and Values (Essential)
- Commitment to and focused on quality, promoting high standards in all they do.
- Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness.
Behaviours and Values (Desirable)
- Actively develops themselves and supports others to do the same.
Other (Essential)
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the role.
- Able to attend meetings and events around the UK as required.
- Flexibility in supporting other iHV administration requirements on occasions.
Other (Desirable)
- Interest in working in the charitable sector to improve children’s lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are currently in an exciting period of growth as we upscale our delivery to enable more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
The Finance Officer is responsible for working within the core Wheels for All team to provide finance team support to the wider programme delivery and national staff team. By working with colleagues to maintain financial systems, accurate record keeping and undertake financial administration they will provide the support required to implement and improve the processes needed to maintain the accurate financial management systems which are crucial to supporting the charity’s mission. This role would suit someone with at least 2 years’ experience in a charity finance role, who has experience or knowledge of all the core accounts department processes and some understanding of different charity income streams. You might be studying for an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT or ACCA) or be qualified by experience. A training package may be available for an applicable accounting qualification.
Salary £25,000- £28,000 FTE, dependent on experience
Hours Full-time, 35 hours per week (1 FTE, will consider PT for the right candidate)
Contract Permanent
Location Warrington Head Office
Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
Application Process
Please apply by sending your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role , including ‘Finance Officer’ in the title. Alternative formats are also welcomed e.g. video or audio.
You don’t need to be a cyclist to apply for this role, but you do need to share our passion to deliver our services and enjoy making a difference to people’s lives.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 15th May 2024 (midnight). If you have any questions or would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please email call 01 9 2 5 5 7 5 6 2 8 or visit our website
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Lead – Enabling & Strategic Investments
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities? We are looking for a talented and motivated Finance professional to fulfil a high profile Finance Lead role supporting the Enabling areas (support functions) and Strategic Investments portfolio.
This role will deliver high quality insight and financial management, helping to ensure spend is efficient and that our strategic investments are delivered against their business cases. The Strategic Investments are integral to delivering our organisational priorities and this role would work with various senior leaders.
As the Finance Lead for Enabling & Strategic Investments you will support efficient financial management, insightful financial reporting, and support effective strategic investment decision-making. This role is pivotal in optimizing financial resources to improve the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
· Provide timely, accurate and insightful management reports for the directorate, helping to support good decision-making and financial management.
· Lead financial planning processes and collaborate with the Project Management Office (PMO).
· Assess risks, opportunities, and support on business cases for strategic investments.
· Provide line management and support to a Finance Business Partner.
· Ensure financial compliance with regulatory requirements.
What You Will Bring:
· Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and strategic thinking.
· Ability to communicate financial information effectively.
· Excellent prioritization, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.
· Self-motivated with a commitment to making an impact.
Your Experience:
Essential:
· Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, or equivalent).
· Strong Excel skills
· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Highly Desirable:
· Relevant post-qualification experience in commercial or charity sectors.
· Experience Finance Business Partnering operational areas and/or projects/programmes
· Experience with investment/business cases and project accounting / portfolio management.
Benefits
Why join Mencap?
· 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays + a variety of benefits including pension and holiday buying options.
· Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
· A supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions are valued.
Join us at Mencap and be part of a team that believes in equality, diversity, and inclusion. Together, we can create a brighter future for individuals with learning disabilities and empower them to break down any barriers they may face.
Mencap vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with learning disabilities. If you're ready to embark on a rewarding career that truly makes a difference, apply now!
About Mencap
At Mencap we work in partnership with people with a learning disability. We do this by providing high quality, flexible services that support people, including young adults, to live as independently as possible in their own homes and in the community.
Everyone wants a purposeful job - to do something meaningful. At Mencap, we can give you that. You will have opportunities to develop as a person, colleague, leader and activist.
You’ll make new friends and feel inspired to reach your potential. We will ask a lot of you - but you’ll get back so much more. With us, it is never ‘just a job’.
In return for your hard work and passion, we can give you real meaning and purpose in your work.