Payroll administrator jobs in birmingham
Are you a highly-organised, unflappable administrator with the ability to manage competing priorities in a timely manner? The Student Christian Movement is looking for someone to lead the administration function of our small but mighty charity.
Responsible to the CEO, you will work across the charity, acting as secretary to our board of Trustees, responsible for HR and payroll function, act as line manager to two administrators, and add to the sustainability of the organisation by writing and submitting robust trust funding applications.
SCM has six members of staff, all but one of whom are part time, and achieves a great deal. Supporting progressive Christian students and members across the country to put their faith into action, no two weeks are ever the same. We are a dynamic and energetic organisation, working to challenge injustice and exclusion, grow thoughtful disciples and create community.
Each SCM community is different, but students can expect to find a warm welcome as well as activities including bible study, prayer, campaigns and social action, talks, discussions, and socials. As a national movement we come together at regional and national events to learn more about our faith and spend time as a community. We take action on issues of social justice chosen by our members.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and LGBTQ+ individuals who are currently underrepresented in the organisation. Due to the nature of this role and the responsibilities of the successful post-holder, a genuine occupational requirement to be a committed Christian is in place for this role in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act 2010.
Please use the forms provided; CVs will not be accepted. Applications should be submitted electronically in Word format by email to the address provided in the application pack.
Student Christian Movement is a registered charity in England and Wales, number 1125640, and in Scotland number SC048506
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We’re looking for a proactive and organised Team Administrator to play a key role in keeping our organisation running smoothly, providing vital support across all teams and functions.
About Khulisa:
Khulisa, meaning 'nurture' in the Zulu language of South Africa, is an award-winning charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people. We focus on reaching those who are most at risk – young people from deprived communities who are often marginalized, vulnerable to exclusion, and at heightened risk of becoming involved in crime.
Our approach centres on safe, exploratory methods that aim to understand behaviour and experiences often rooted in trauma, abuse, and neglect. We deliver intensive therapeutic programs within educational and community settings, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we also work to establish trauma-informed environments around young people by equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with the tools they need to offer effective, supportive care. Currently, our services are active in London and Manchester.
About the role:
The purpose of this role is to provide high-quality administrative support across the organisation, ensuring the smooth and efficient running Khulisa's day-to-day operations. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Scheduling and organising internal staff meetings and events
- Providing end-to-end support in Khulisa's recruitment processes
- Managing Khulisa's central mailbox
- Taking resposibility for Khulisa's invoice management system
- Carrying out monthly payroll administration
For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please see the attached job description below.
The post holder will be required to work from home permanently but be willing and able to easily travel to various locations across the London and the North West as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role and to engage with stakeholders and colleagues.
What we're looking for:
Abilities/Experience
- Experience in a similar position working across departments and teams to provide support - or a demonstratable ability to do this
- Experience of using digital platforms for for scheduled and ad hoc administrative processes, including relating or organisation's operations or other functions
- Ability to perform financial administrative tasks, such as expenses administration, using relevant software
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Ability to prioritise competing commitments and work accurately and methodolically under pressure and work tight deadlines
- Ability to properly deal with sensitive / confidential information
- Experience working within a small but close-knit team
- Demonstrable ability to plan and prioritise own workload with minimum supervision
- Ability to buy strongly into strategic objectives and reflect passion for Khulisa's work with and for Young People
- Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings when required
Knowledge/Skills
- Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
- A commitment to Khulisa's work
- Some knowledge of Salesforce or other similar CRMs
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We are actively looking to recruit a diversity of talent. We embrace, respect and value the difference in our employees and believe that we and our work is better for it. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment that consists of fairness, dignity, and caring for everyone, and one that enables every employee to flourish and realise their potential.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY 21ST JULY AT 12 NOON
To apply, please submit a CV and Covering Letter, both of which should be no more than two pages, outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the role as laid out in the Job Description.
We advise candidates to review the attached Job Description and Person Specification prior to applying, to see if this role and organisation is a good fit for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
HR Administrator
£25,000–£28,000
Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid (3 days/week in office)
Location: Wolverhampton
We are working with one of the UK’s leading care providers to find an experience HR Administrator.
Are you an experienced HR or administration professional with a passion for accuracy, efficiency, and employee support? We’re looking for a proactive and detail-focused HR Administrator to join our regional team and play a key role in supporting our HR function across the full employee lifecycle.
About the Role:
You’ll be at the heart of our HR operations, ensuring that all employee records, systems, and processes are maintained to the highest standards of compliance and efficiency. From onboarding and systems updates to note-taking in confidential meetings, your organisational skills and people-first mindset will help drive best practices and continuous improvement in everything we do.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage HR administration processes throughout the employee lifecycle
- Update HR systems (iTrent) and maintain accurate electronic records
- Liaise with payroll, HR data, and resourcing teams to ensure seamless staff changes
- Note-take at confidential meetings and manage sensitive documentation
- Provide references and respond to third-party information requests
- Monitor DBS and visa renewals across the region
- Assist with DSAR requests and ad hoc reporting
- Contribute to HR projects and process improvement initiatives
- Offer first-line policy guidance to managers and staff
What We’re Looking For:
- Prior experience in HR and/or administration
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Highly organised and comfortable with data and reporting
- Proactive problem-solver with great attention to detail
- Resilient and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable working with HR systems, Excel, and digital filing systems
- Confident handling confidential information with discretion
- Right to work in the UK
To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Senior Finance Officer
14 hours per week
As our Senior Finance Officer you will contribute to Career Ready’s finance and operations function by providing high quality financial support to the charity. Working as part of a small team of three, you will perform core finance tasks and will support the Head of Finance and Operations with budgeting, reporting and auditing activities.
Main responsibilities and accountabilities
Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Ensure transactions are properly recorded and entered into Xero Accounts
- Assist with the annual audit
- Maintain financial files and records
- Manage and reconcile the accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Process payable invoices and staff expenses in line with fortnightly payment runs
- Perform credit control for maximum debt recovery
- Reconcile the bank statements for review the Head of Finance & Operations
- Assist with the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and budget monitoring reports
Support to the Partnerships and Income Teams
- Collating financial information for funding applications as required
- Monitoring expenditure on grant-funded programmes
- Preparing financial reports on receivable grants as required
- Maintain electronic files of funding agreements and contracts
Payroll
- To support with the administration of monthly salaried payroll for staff, and internship payroll throughout Jun-Sep each year
- To raise monthly salary journals for review by the Head of Finance & Operations
- To process payroll payments via online banking portals
Essential skills and experience required
· Fully or part qualified – AAT, ACCA or CIMA or qualified by experience
· Clear understanding of financial controls, compliance, and reporting frameworks
· Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel
· Ability to prioritise and meet competing deadlines
· Previous experience of computerised accounting and payroll e.g. Xero
· Previous experience of payroll administration that includes maintaining confidential data
· Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative.
· Excellent attention to detail and high numeracy
· Ability to communicate financial information to different audiences
· Problem-solving ability
Desirable skills and experience
· To have an understanding of Charity Finance.
· Experience of working in a finance function in a charity
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £32,000 to £38,000 per annum FTE (pro rata for part time), depending on qualifications/experience
14 hours per week. Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns
Permanent and remote
You will be rewarded with the following benefits:
· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.
· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.
· Flexible working
· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.
We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check.
Full details can be found in the candidate pack.
Timetable
Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025
Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Summary
Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.
Type: Remote
Salary: £48,000.00 per annum
Hours : 37.5 hours per week
Term: Permanent
Main Responsibilities:
Leadership
1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.
2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.
3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.
4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.
Financial Management
1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.
2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.
3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.
4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.
5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.
6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate
7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.
8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.
9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.
10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.
11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.
12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.
Governance and compliance
1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).
2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.
3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.
4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.
5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.
Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Panathlon Foundation is seeking a Financial Controller (FC) to oversee the charity’s finances and support our mission of delivering inclusive sporting opportunities to children with disabilities and special needs across the UK.
This is a flexible, part-time role (2/3 days per week) that can be fully remote, making it ideal for someone seeking meaningful work with a values-driven organisation alongside other commitments.
As Financial Controller, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day financial management and reporting across the organisation.
You’ll work closely with the CEO, COO, Fundraising team, and Trustees to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and strategic insight.
You’ll also play a key role in budgeting, impact reporting, and funder support.
Key Responsibilities
● Oversee financial operations, including payroll, ledgers, reconciliations and monthly management accounts
● Manage budgeting and forecasting, delivering regular financial updates and variance analysis
● Support impact and KPI reporting, linking financial data to programme outcomes
● Collaborate on donor and fundraising reporting, providing financial analysis for grants and proposals
● Manage invoicing and income tracking with schools and partners using Xero software.
● Support the CEO and Trustees with governance, audits, and committee reporting
About You
Essential
● ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified or part-qualified with relevant charity finance experience
● Strong knowledge of Xero (essential)
● Experience preparing management accounts, budgets, and donor reports
● High attention to detail and strong financial analysis skills
Desirable
● Understanding of charity finance regulations, SORP, or grant-based funding
● Experience working with schools, education and charity sector
Please apply with a short covering letter and C.V. explaining your suitability for the role by the deadline of JULY 25th
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: You can be based near one of the following office locations - Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, or Newcastle.
We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are very open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares.
Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given.
Ideal start date: ASAP, as agreed with candidate
We’ll also need:
- Proof of your right to work in the UK - regretfully we’re currently unable to offer sponsorships at this time.
- References
- To conduct relevant DBS or PVGs checks for Safeguarding purposes if you are offered the role in line with our Safer Recruitment practices.
The Opportunity
The Finance and Operations Officer’s purpose is to work within the Operations Team to provide essential financial and operational support for the whole charity.
Key responsibilities for finance range from providing advice and support for the whole staff team, important day to day and monthly financial processing for key stakeholders and assisting with the budgeting and forecasting process.
1. Finance
- Support the Finance and Operations Manager (FM) to prepare and deliver accurate and regular management information including monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts, one-off finance reports, reporting for funders including grants and trusts, including end of project reporting.
- Monitor the day-to-day financial management and cash flow of the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) working closely with the FM, Head of Finance & Operations (HFO), Operations and Fundraising teams.
- Prepare payment runs for invoices and expenses, update weekly payments received reports and work closely with the Fundraising team to ensure expected income has been received.
- Support the FM, alongside our appointed accountants, to prepare audited Year End Accounts, and work to ensure the Accounts are completed, approved, and filed on time.
- Support the FM to manage and improve our financial systems and procedures, streamlining internal processes to ensure they are effective and safeguard the finances of the organisation.
- Support the FM to devise and implement effective and efficient procedures, including the introduction of a purchase order system. From time to time, you may be requested to support the FM to maintain the payroll function of the organisation.
2. Operations and Administration
- Support the organisation, in ensuring that all staff and volunteers are aware of and trained in the relevant Data Protection policy and procedures and ensure that data protection laws are being adhered to in relation to the storage of data. Run the data deletion process where such requests are received in compliance with GDPR legislation.
- Support the HFO and FM in overseeing operational matters such as SMF office administration, maintaining the asset register, insurance renewals, and Health & Safety compliance; act as point of contact for suppliers and service providers, including property managers, utility companies, couriers and cleaners; maintaining contracts and leases with office providers; purchasing office supplies & equipment and ensuring adequate stock levels are kept.
- Support the wider organisation through appropriate administrative tasks, for example the programme delivery team to ensure a good experience for students, particularly during the residential programmes
- Support the HR team with processes such as ordering laptops for new staff and communicating, updating and maintaining office policies contained in the Office handbook
- Undertake research activities to support Operations Team projects, for example potential new suppliers, benchmarking exercises and contract renewals
3. Strategic Responsibilities
- Support with training staff on finance processes, fraud awareness, data protection, and other areas of operations.
- Being a point of contact for all staff on finance and operations including office administration
- Ensure appropriate adherence to our financial and operational policies and procedures supporting the organisation to enact the highest standards, balancing that whilst processes are appropriately followed, they are not followed to the point where they compromise the standards or outcomes desired.
Need to know
- IT skills: Experience of using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel functions. Experience of using or awareness of any accounting and/or CRM (Salesforce) software.
- Accounting knowledge: Some understanding of basic bookkeeping would be preferable, including the importance of accurate and timely information for the running of the charity and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
Please see the full job description attached for a more detailed person specification.
Benefits
Annual leave
33/34 days (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays).
Other benefits
Cycle to Work Scheme; Employer pension contributions of 5% of qualifying earnings; Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family; Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time; Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following information to our application portal Pinpoint by 23:59PM, Sunday 13th July.
- Why would you like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation? (max. 500 words)
- What makes you a suitable candidate for the role? (max. 500 words)
Please note that generic applications and CV’s will not be considered.
Interviews: First round interviews will take place between 14th July and 18th July with multiple slots available at different times throughout the working day.
We unlock potential, broaden horizons and create opportunities for young people



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Invitation To Tender: Provision Of Accountancy Services
The FFLM invites suitably qualified and experienced accountancy firms to submit tenders for the provision of professional accountancy services.
About us
The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (FFLM) was founded in 2005 and is an
established international membership organisation and charity committed to the
development and maintenance of the highest possible standards in forensic and legal
medicine.
The specialty covers professionals working in the following disciplines: forensic medical
practitioners (forensic physicians, forensic pathologists, forensic psychiatrists, forensic
odontologists); medico-legal and dentolegal advisers; clinicians working in secure and
detained settings and medically and legally qualified coroners.
Introduction
The FFLM is tendering for accountancy services. We are a registered Charity (1119599).
FFLM prepares its accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting
and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in
the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Bidders must demonstrate experience in preparing and advising on accounts compliant
with this framework.
Our financial year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Our annual turnover is between
£800,000 and £1.1M and an overview of our finances is available in our 2024 financial
report.
We employ a Finance and Membership Manager and a Finance Administrator to manage
our day-to-day income and expenditure. We are tendering for an accountant to provide
support to our Finance Team and help us to meet our legal obligations regarding financial
matters.
As our turnover passed £1M, we are now subject to annual independent audit, which is
currently carried out by MHA. We will require an accountant to support the FFLM in
preparing accounts and other documents for this purpose.
We are a small organisation, with 4.7 FTE staff members and support an organisation
funded by the Home office, the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) which has 3.9
FTE staff.
IFAS is a Home Office funded initiative which leads national work on the recognition,
response, and prevention of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation. It functions as an
internal programme of the FFLM, operating under its governance and financial
management structures. All accounting, reporting, and compliance responsibilities for IFAS
are handled within the broader framework of the FFLM.
Our staff work entirely remotely, and we do not maintain any office space. Due to our size,
we need our accountant to provide proactive advice and support, be readily available and
provide excellent customer service.
Tender Submission
If you have any questions regarding the tender or to request a copy of our 2024 accounts, please contact our Interim Office Manager, Charlene Campbell
We look forward to receiving your submission.
Location: Home based
Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 – Full time 35hrs per week
Salary: £27,250 gross per annum
Closing Date: 21 July 2025
Assessment Day: 5 August 2025
Are you looking for a new opportunity?
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people through the Sea Cadets to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society. Working with our staff, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a vision and five-year strategy to take us forward and further improve the astounding contribution already made through our work to the lives of thousands of young people and seafarers, while fully supporting our volunteers who are vital to our success.
We are currently looking for a Growth and Development Worker based in England to join our team. This is an externally funded post which will be focused on opening new provision and supporting existing provision in order to reduce waiting lists within specific funding areas. This is a very varied and rewarding role that requires someone who is self-motivated, organised, creative, tenacious, positive, IT competent and with a real interest in people. You need to be able to coach, empower and inspire our volunteers and cadets, both in person and remotely, to grow the Sea Cadets.
Responsibilities
- Delivering a variety of training sessions on, for example, recruitment of cadets and volunteers
- Developing new growth and recruitment tools and ideas
- Promoting flexible volunteering and the volunteer strategy
- Assisting with running our social media accounts
- Working with and empowering our volunteers to develop plans for growth
- Planning and setting up Juniors Sections in new and existing locations/units
- Delivering assemblies in schools
- Forming part of various working groups with colleagues to develop the tools, resources and processes needed to increase the positive impact of the Growth and Development team.
- Supporting the delivery of funded outreach projects
Requirements
- Previous experience of working with volunteers
- Experience delivering on multiple project plans simultaneously
- Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with a variety of stakeholders remotely and face-to-face
- Experience delivering workshops and/or training
- Self-motivated and able to manage your time and workload effectively
- Flexible and enthusiastic
- Able to work as a team player with creative ideas and solutions who will empower our volunteers to make a difference to the lives of even more young people across the UK
For further information, please download the attached Recruitment Pack.
Benefits
- Flexible Working hours and a hybrid culture
- Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension
- Private medical insurance
- Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
- Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
- Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
- National staff conference: All employees come together once a year to reflect on the past year and celebrate success at our offsite staff conference. This is a great opportunity to listen to employees' views, and for employees to network, share information and socialise.
If you are interested in this Growth and Development vacancy, please apply now!
Additional Information
MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.
We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.
All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.
We help launch young people for life through adventure.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Interim Head of Finance & Operations
Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.
We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.
You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.
The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.
You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.
Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.
This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.
Main responsibilities and accountabilities
· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people.
· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.
· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.
· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.
· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.
· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis.
· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)
· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)
· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity.
· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets.
· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.
· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings.
· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise.
· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.
· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.
· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.
· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.
· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.
· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.
Person Specification
Essential skills and experience
- Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
- Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
- Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
- Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
- Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
- Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
- Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
- Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
- Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
- Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
- Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
- Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
- Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
- Attention to detail
- Ability to present financial information to various audiences
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
- Honest and dependable
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
- Line management experience
- Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
- Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
- Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
- Degree in financial management or accounting
Full details are provided in the candidate pack
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)
28-35 hours per week. Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.
Permanent and remote. Travel to London required on an occasional basis
You will be rewarded with the following benefits:
· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.
· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.
· Flexible working
· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.
We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check.
Timetable
Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025
Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.
This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.