Operations associate jobs in aberdeen city, scotland

SCIE Vision

We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.

At SCIE, we are driven by our values:

· Progressive – always learning and developing.

· Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness.

· Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable.

· Transparent – open and honest.

The role:

A great opportunity for you to join our small, friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by:

· Providing expert support in the development of policy and practical guidance aligned with Mental Health Legislation

· Supporting local authorities and care providers to effectively roll out and implement best practice and policy changes            introduced by the new Act, ensuring consistency, quality, and improved outcomes across the sector.

· Creating an inspiring and engaging learning environment

· Champion innovation across diverse projects across other projects within SCIE[G(1] 

What we are looking for:

· Exceptional communication skills, including facilitation, public speaking, and concise evidence-based report writing,               for varied audiences.

· Proven ability to analyse qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision-making.

· Comprehensive understanding of Mental health legislation and associated social care policies.

· Registered Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, or Allied Health Professional.

· Demonstrable expertise in Mental health law practice and/or Social care practice and management.

· Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Demonstrable experience of working in co-production with people who draw on mental health services including co-             designing, delivery and evaluation.

· Commitment to SCIE’s values and principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Ability to establish collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including individuals who use services, carers, and               professionals.

· Experience of contributing to business growth, bid writing and tenders.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support. 

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of appropriate financial and business management tools to support the day-to-day business and financial administration of the Branch.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), you will be expected to make use of the full capability of the Branch’s existing software systems (Google Workspace, and Quick Books) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and develop management information to aid the Trustees & CEO in decision making.

You will be responsible for all financial management across the charity. This includes bookkeeping; financial statements; financial planning; financial policies, processes and controls and budgeting. 

You must ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with current legislation, Branch and Society policy, relevant Health & Safety regulations and any associated statutory or legislative requirements.

Note: Branch targets and budgets are agreed on an annual basis and these will inform the personal targets agreed at the annual performance review. Progress towards personal targets will be reviewed at regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

This role is home based, with occasional travel across South Bucks.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Management & Operations

• Support the CEO as a key strategic and operational partner, acting as second-in-command and deputising in their absence where appropriate.

• Maintain all financial records and accounting systems (the Branch currently uses Quick Books accounting software), registers and statistics as required by the CEO & Branch Trustees.

• Work with the CEO and Branch Trustees to develop financial plans and an annual financial budget.

• Maintain close oversight of the branch’s budget in collaboration with the CEO, proactively identifying and addressing any discrepancies, overspend, or unplanned financial activity to ensure effective financial control and informed decision-making.

• Process, monitor, record and manage all receipts & payments to/from the Branch in accordance with the agreed procedures and in liaison with the appropriate staff and volunteers including weekly banking, cash handling, invoice creation and processing, Branch payments (including those made via credit cards and petty cash) and account reconciliation.

• Monitor, review and reconcile monthly receipts & payments on the Quick Books accounting system.

• Produce monthly management accounts which include bank reconciliations, balance sheets, Branch/departmental profit & loss statements, departmental comparisons and performance against budget and such other financial reports/management information as may be required including monthly reporting to the board of trustees.

• Coordinate bank accounts across the charity, including set-up and balance management.

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Prepare annual financial statements and coordination of annual audit review.

• Support the staff and volunteers with day-to-day financial operations and ensuring departmental financial records are maintained and that monies received or expended are accounted for correctly.

• Work with the RSPCA Society National team regarding legacies, submission of care contribution funds, renewals of insurances etc.

• Ensure that strict protocols are followed for cash handling and that unbanked cash remains within the insured limit for cash held at each premises.

• Liaise with the Branch’s payroll provider to ensure staff hours are submitted and salary payments processed on a monthly basis and within the appropriate timescale.

• Process all staff and volunteer expenses in a timely manner.

• Manage all bookkeeping processes and functions, including the asset register, ensuring annual accounts are produced no later than the end of March each year.

• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate financial administrative procedures and processes.

Business Administration

• Responsible for day-to-day financial administrative support for the CEO and Trustees.

• Ensure that all administrative paperwork, including external correspondence is processed in accordance with Branch and Society procedures, including completion of all appropriate records for insurance and risk management purposes.

• Ensure financial data processing, retention and destruction conforms to the relevant policies such as GDPR.

• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance of financial charity policies.

• Work closely with relevant operational staff to ensure appropriate responses are issued to all enquiries whether from members, supporters & volunteers, RSPCA colleagues or the general public.

• Liaise with staff and volunteers to facilitate the ordering of materials, supplies and equipment for the effective operation of the Branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained at all times.

• Work with the CEO and other staff to manage relevant licences, vendor relationships, service agreements and invoicing.

• Work with staff and volunteers across the whole charity on financial processes and controls.

Fundraising & Donations

• Identify, assess, and apply for appropriate grants and funding streams to maximise income for the branch, ensuring applications are timely, well-prepared, and aligned with funder criteria to support the branch’s strategic and operational objectives.

• Ensure that all donations (financial or otherwise) are acknowledged in a timely manner, receipts are issued for financial donations and the banking of all funds raised.

• Responsible for the accurate recording and banking of the funds raised.

• Develop, and manage relationships across relevant stakeholder groups, both within and outside the charity.

Gift Aid

• Ownership of the Gift Aid process.

General

• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

• Undertake such other duties as directed from time-to-time by your line manager.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• A finance qualification or working towards level 3 AAT or ACCA with proven experience in charity financial operations.

• Good general level of education.

• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of managing small to medium size budgets (circa £400,000) & accounting systems (ideally with experience of Quick Books software).

• Proven experience of cash handling and financial management procedures. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, be proactive and work autonomously.

• Proven IT literacy including use of business software and accounting packages (including Quickbooks), and Google Workspace.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Experience supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

• Knowledge of Charity and Company Law.

• Proven ability to work under direction from superiors but equally able to use their own initiative.

• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to complete essential management paperwork and analyse data.

• Personable and with an open, positive approach to new ideas coupled with drive and enthusiasm.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to colleagues both staff and volunteers.

• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.

• A calm and friendly approach particularly when working under pressure.

• Sympathy for animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA.

• Full valid UK driving licence.

• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area on occasions.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience of management & leadership.

• Training, coaching & mentoring skills.

• Experience of working with the general public and/or in a customer care environment.

• Experience of managing change in the workplace.

• Experience of managing small projects.

• Good basic knowledge of employment law.

• Knowledge of data protection requirements.

• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training.

We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility. 

About SafeLives

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.    

Last year alone, 14,000 professionals received our training. Over 80,000 adults at risk of serious harm or murder and more than 100,000 children received support through dedicated multi-agency support designed by us and delivered with partners. In the last six years, over 4,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change by interventions we created with partners, and that’s just the start. 

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

About the role

Over the coming year, The Drive Partnership is looking to review, update, and design new training to offer to The Drive Project workforce. To lead this work, we are recruiting a Drive training team made up of a Senior Training Lead, Training Lead and Training Coordinator.

This role offers a unique opportunity to support the upskilling of The Drive Project workforce and advance The Drive Partnership’s mission to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm.

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed term until March 2026 with potential for 12-month extension to March 2027 - pending funding confirmation.

About Drive

The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. We work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together we have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. We also work to advocate for systems and policy change- to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Benefits

• 34 days' holiday incl. public holidays
• Flexible working e.g. compressed hours
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution
• Childcare vouchers
• Employee assistance programme
• Clinical supervision
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy up to an additional 5 days
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Enhanced sick pay
• Professional development fund
• Individual learning budget
• Restorative practice training
• Time off in lieu 

If this challenge sounds as exciting to you as it does to us and you believe you have the qualities we have described, please take a look over the job description and submit a 500-word cover letter and CV.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday, 5th August 2025. 

SafeLives is a committed provider of equal opportunities for all; please see our job description for full details.

No agencies, please.