5 Payroll and pensions officer jobs in Manchester

We help high-impact nonprofits run brilliantly - now we need someone to do the same for us. You'll own Impact Ops' finances, payroll, contracts and compliance, reporting straight to the founder.

Summary

Impact Ops is looking for a Finance & Operations Manager to join our team. This is a newly created, internal-facing role: rather than working on client portfolios, you’ll own the financial and operational machinery of Impact Ops itself. The salary range for this role is £50,000–£60,000 GBP, depending on experience, with flexibility for exceptional candidates.

We’re looking for a qualified accountant who is genuinely happy to be hands-on, someone who can handle a corporation tax return and a contracting in the same afternoon and see both as worth doing well. If you want breadth, autonomy, and a role where you can see the whole organisation from the inside, we’d love to hear from you. The deadline to apply is 11 October 2026.

About Impact Ops

Impact Ops is an independent organization providing finance and operations support to high-impact nonprofits. Our services include bookkeeping, financial reporting, accounts payable, payroll, recruitment, entity setup, due diligence, and systems implementation. We serve over 50 clients globally, spanning cause areas including global health, animal welfare, AI safety, and climate.

We’re a remote-first team based across the world. We’re looking for motivated, detail-oriented people who care about doing good work in service of organizations trying to do good in the world.

The role

Everything we do for our clients, we also have to do for ourselves — and to date that work has been spread across the founder, the finance team, and external accountants. This role brings it together under one owner.

As Finance & Operations Manager, you’ll run Impact Ops’ own finances, company secretarial obligations, payroll, invoicing, contracting, and HR administration. You’ll report to Joshua Axford (Founder & CEO) and work closely with Eric (Head of Finance), who leads our client-facing finance function.

It’s a broad role with real trust attached. You’ll have visibility into every commercially sensitive part of the business, and you’ll be the person we rely on to keep it running properly.

Finance

• Owning Impact Ops’ bookkeeping, month-end close, and management accounts
• Preparing annual accounts
• Cash flow forecasting and budget tracking
• Accounts receivable and accounts payable: raising client invoices, chasing payment, processing supplier invoices and payment runs
• VAT returns and corporation tax submissions

Company secretarial & compliance

• Confirmation statements, annual returns, and Companies House filings
• Maintaining statutory registers and corporate records
• Insurance renewals across the group, including professional indemnity, private medical and employers’ liability

Payroll

• Running end-to-end monthly payroll for our UK team, including RTI submissions, PAYE/NI, and pension auto-enrolment
• Coordinating payments for team members engaged internationally across several jurisdictions
• Year-end tasks including P60s and P11Ds

Contracts & client administration

• Drafting, issuing, and tracking client Service Level Agreements
• Managing employment contracts and contractor agreements for the team
• Maintaining a reliable view of contractual obligations, renewal dates, and scope changes

HR administration

• Onboarding and offboarding administration
• Maintaining people records and keeping our HR systems accurate
• Leave tracking, benefits administration, and equipment provisioning

About you

You’ll need to have:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) — or qualified by experience with a track record that speaks for itself
• Experience running or providing accounting support for the finance function of a small business, or a comparable breadth of ownership within a larger one
• UK payroll experience, or the confidence to take it on with support
• Genuine comfort with administrative work: this role is hands on and we’d rather be honest about that than have you discover it in month two
• Strong judgement about confidentiality and discretion — you’ll see everything
• The ability to work independently in a remote environment and set your own priorities
• A genuine desire to have a positive impact with your career

It would be a bonus if you also have:

• Practice background: experience in an accountancy practice, particularly with company secretarial work
• Contract administration experience: comfort reading and drafting commercial agreements
• Familiarity with our tool stack: Xero, Ramp, Deel, Apron, or similar
• A process improvement mindset: you spot inefficiencies and take initiative to address them
• Commercial exposure: experience with pricing, proposals, or commercial analysis — not required for the role as scoped, but useful as it develops

Compensation & logistics

• Salary: £50,000–£60,000 GBP, depending on experience. There may be flexibility for exceptional candidates.
• Location: Remote, but we have a strong preference for candidates based in the UK and specifically the South West. This role involves periodic in-person co-working with the CEO, and the trust-level nature of the work benefits from face-to-face time.
• Hours: Full-time, or part-time (at least 3 days a week or equivalent) depending on candidate preference
• Start date: 1 December 2026 preferred, but we’re flexible for the right person — a Q1 2027 start is fine if you have a longer notice period
• Application deadline: 11 October 2026

Growth & Progression

We’re deliberately hiring above the immediate need. The brief described here is where the role starts, not where we expect it to stay: as Impact Ops scales, we anticipate significant operational leadership responsibility sitting with whoever takes this on, and we’d rather find that person now than replace them later.

We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with the business.

Our benefits include:

• Prioritised health & wellbeing: Private medical, vision, and dental insurance; up to 2 weeks’ paid sick leave; a generous mental health allowance
• Flexible working: Set your own schedule (with some overlap with colleagues as needed); remote workspace covered if needed
• Generous vacation: 25 days’ holiday per year plus public holidays — we encourage you to use the full allowance
• Professional development: A generous annual allowance for CPD, plus on-the-job growth and clear progression pathways
• Retirement: Pension with 10% employer contribution
• Parental leave: Up to 14 weeks fully paid, up to 52 weeks total; financial support for childcare where needed
• Equipment: Full remote setup covered (laptop, monitors, chair, etc.)
• Team retreats: Two in-person staff retreats per year

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining your interest in the role and relevant experience. 

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and warmly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Diversity and inclusion

We’re aware that factors like gender, race, and socioeconomic background can affect people’s willingness to apply for roles for which they meet some but not all the suggested attributes. We’d especially like to encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to express interest.

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. If you’re on the fence about applying because you’re unsure whether you’re qualified, we’d encourage you to apply.

If you require any adjustments to the application process, such as accessibility accommodations, additional preparation time, or other, please let us know. We’re happy to support your needs and adjust the application process.

About us

The Alliance for Youth Justice is an alliance of more than 70 non-profit organisations advocating with and for children to drive positive change in youth justice across England and Wales. We mobilise our members’ frontline expertise, children’s lived experience, and evidence from research to champion a child-centred, rights-based and trauma-informed system that treats contact with the justice system as a sign of unmet need and systemic failure, prioritises support over criminalisation and gives every child the opportunity to thrive.

We're widely recognised as the most influential group campaigning for improvements to the system, with trusted access to decision makers, working towards three goals: keeping children safe from the youth justice system through prevention and diversion; racial justice across the system; and custody as a last resort for children.

About the role

Following the launch of our new strategic approach, our Operations and Membership Lead will provide the operational, financial and administrative backbone of the organisation — keeping our finances and governance on track, and coordinating our network of over 70 member organisations.

Finance, operations and governance (70%) — manage bookkeeping in QuickBooks, coordinate banking, prepare management accounts, support grant financial reporting, maintain internal systems (SharePoint, IT), lead on policy compliance (safeguarding, GDPR, health and safety), and support Board governance and statutory filings.

Membership coordination (30%) — manage the end-to-end membership process from enquiries to renewals, coordinate member surveys and data, and organise our events — quarterly member meetings, roundtables and webinars.

Anti-racist, anti-oppressive practice runs through how we work with our Board, staff, members and stakeholders.

About you

You have experience in an operations, finance or administrative coordination role within a non-profit or membership organisation, including managing the full financial cycle within a charity and a working knowledge of charity fund accounting. You're practically experienced with QuickBooks (or equivalent), highly proficient in Microsoft 365, SharePoint and Excel-based tracking systems or CRMs, and bring exceptional organisational skills, discretion and a proactive, self-motivated approach. You have a personal commitment to anti-racism, social justice and child rights.

Why join us

We're a small team of three punching well above our weight, with real scope to shape how we work and few layers of hierarchy. We offer flexible, trust-based home working (within core hours), plus 25 days' leave (pro rata), Christmas office closure, and a 5% employer pension contribution.

We encourage applications from historically marginalised groups even if you don't meet every requirement, and we do not use criminal records to exclude candidates.

Please download the reruitment pack to find out more and read the full job description and person specification.

Finance Manager

We are delighted to share this new and exciting opportunity for a Finance Manager to join the organisation in this full-time role offering hybrid and flexible working.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time arrangements from 21 hours per week or more, please let us know your preferred working hours in your application.

Position: Finance Manager

Location: Manchester/Hybrid (at least 2 days per week in the Manchester office)

Salary: £50,455 pro rata

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week, part-time also considered

Contract: Permanent

Close Date: Midnight, Sunday 18 October 2026

Interviews:  Thursday 29 October in Manchester.

About the Role

As Finance Manager, you will own the delivery of financial compliance, reporting and planning for the organisation. Reporting to the COO, you will provide leadership within the finance function, ensuring the accurate and timely production of management accounts, budgets and forecasts. You will focus on technical review, strategic financial analysis, Board reporting and business partnering with senior stakeholders, supporting effective organisational decision-making.

As an organisation we are led by our unwavering values of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty, therefore if you share these core values, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Key responsibilities include:

Management Reporting, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Review and quality-assure monthly management accounts.
• Provide strategic commentary and analysis for the COO and CEO.
• Lead the annual budget process and reforecasting cycle, setting timelines, assumptions and formats; direct the Financial Controller in the preparation of supporting schedules and present final outputs.
• Develop financial models to support budgeting, forecasting, pricing and scenario planning, providing recommendations to the COO and Leadership Team.

Board & Subcommittee Reporting and Governance

• Prepare financial performance, planning and reporting papers for the Board, Audit and Risk Committee, and Leadership Team.
• Work with the COO to develop, review and maintain financial policies and procedures.

Line Management and Finance Delivery

• Line manage the Financial Controller.
• Manage the relationship with external bookkeeping support.
• Act as the escalation point for complex finance queries.

Financial Control and Systems

• Design and maintain robust financial controls, processes and reconciliations.
• Drive the ongoing development and effective use of Xero to improve efficiency, reporting and quality.
• Ensure tax compliance across VAT, payroll and corporation tax returns.

Statutory Accounts

• Prepare annual statutory accounts (the financial section of the Annual Report).
• Review year-end working papers and analysis, responding to technical and judgement-based audit queries.

Business Partnering

• Act as finance business partner to senior budget holders and Leadership Team members.
• Set standards and frameworks for business partnering delivered by the Financial Controller.
• Meet regularly with senior budget holders to review financial performance, challenge assumptions and support decision-making.
• Lead complex financial analysis and provide advice to support departmental and project decisions.
• Provide financial input into organisational strategy, pricing and business development.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in leading the delivery of high-quality management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis to support organisational decision-making
• Strong governance and financial control mindset, and proficiency in developing, maintaining and improving financial systems, policies and processes
• Effective business partnering and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credible relationships and provide professional financial advice to senior budget holders and the Leadership Team
• Sound knowledge of statutory financial reporting, external audit processes and tax compliance requirements
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and confidently to a range of audiences
• Exceptional organisational skills, demonstrating strong attention to detail while effectively managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines

About the Organisation

As the voice of the UK’s co-operative movement, the organisation empowers and supports co-operative enterprises with specialised knowledge and expertise, to grow the co-operative economy and create a fairer society. From football clubs and farms to convenience stores and pubs, there are more than 7,000 co-operatives in the UK, each owned and controlled by their members and based on a set of shared principles and values. As an organisation it is led by unwavering values of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty, therefore if you share these core values, we would be delighted to receive your application.

Benefits

As an organisation that is owned and controlled by its members, that put people at the forefront of all that it does, benefits include flexible working options, pension scheme, discounted travel to work schemes, employee wellbeing assistance programme including free eye tests, personal and professional growth and development, including coaching and Trade Union.

Other roles you may have experience in could include Finance, Finance Manager, Finance Officer, Finance Lead, Finance Coordinator, Deputy Finance Manager, Accountant, Business Accountant, Senior Accountant.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Your role

We are seeking a Finance & Operations Leader to lead Design for Good’s finance, operations and organisational effectiveness, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director (MD), you will lead the organisation’s core finance, operational and enabling functions, ensuring we have the financial and operational infrastructure, people systems and governance frameworks needed to deliver our mission.

This is a hands-on senior leadership role, suited to someone who is both strategically minded and operationally confident — a collaborative leader who can lead suppliers, strengthen systems and financial processes, and take ownership of day-to-day operational delivery in a growing global charity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial leadership, planning and sustainability

● Support the MD in developing the annual organisational budget and take overall responsibility for financial performance, controls and processes.

● Work closely with the external accountants to ensure timely and accurate management accounts, annual accounts, financial reports, forecasts reporting for the MD, Board and Finance Committee.

● Take ownership of cash-flow forecasting, reserves management, financial planning and financial controls to support the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.

● Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, Companies House requirements (for any trading subsidiary) and charity SORP accounting standards.

● Lead the annual independent examination process and manage relationships with external auditors/examiners and other financial advisers.

● Oversee payroll, pensions, VAT returns and day-to-day financial administration, working closely with the external accounts team.

● Oversee restricted fund accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of grant expenditure, compliance with funder requirements and timely financial reporting.

Operations, systems and organisational effectiveness

● Lead and strengthen the organisation’s operational infrastructure, ensuring systems, processes and ways of working are effective, efficient and fit for purpose.

● Maintain an overall organisational plan, coordinating priorities, timelines and dependencies across the organisation.

● Identify and implement opportunities to improve organisational systems, operational processes and internal coordination to strengthen effectiveness and support sustainable growth.

● Oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation, including office management, IT systems, supplier contracts and operational compliance.

● Ensure the organisation’s IT and digital systems effectively support current and future organisational needs, including identifying and implementing opportunities for AI to improve efficiency and support organisational goals.

● Lead procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money, appropriate controls and effective supplier relationships.

● Lead financial and operational planning for key organisational activities, including the logistics and delivery of major events.

● Oversee joiner and leaver processes, ensuring a consistent, compliant and effective experience and that all required processes are correctly followed.

Governance, risk & compliance

● Lead the management, monitoring and reporting of the organisational risk register, ensuring key risks are actively managed and appropriately reported to the Board and relevant sub-committees.

● Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including employment law, GDPR, health and safety and charity law.

● Act as the organisational lead for data protection, ensuring effective and compliant data protection practices across the organisation.

● Provide the Company Secretary function, including preparing Board papers and minutes, supporting the administration of the Finance and Risk Committees, and maintaining statutory registers and records.

● Work closely with the Chairs of the Finance and Risk Committees to support effective Board oversight of financial, operational and organisational risks.

● Ensure organisational policies are kept up to date, appropriately reviewed and approved by the Trustees.

Key Requirements

● Demonstrable experience in a senior finance and operations leadership role within a charity, not-for-profit, public or values-led organisation.

● Strong experience leading organisational operations and enabling functions, including finance, governance, compliance, IT and organisational infrastructure.

● Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounting, financial controls, audit processes and financial planning.

● Experience contributing to organisational strategy, operational planning and decision-making as part of a senior leadership team.

● Good understanding of governance, organisational risk management and regulatory compliance within a charity or not-for-profit environment.

● Experience working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities, complexity and operational risk while maintaining a high standard of delivery.

Preferred Skills and qualifications

● At least 5 years’ experience in a managerial finance and/or operations role.

● Ability to operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels, balancing long-term organisational planning with hands-on delivery and problem-solving.

● Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret, present and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences, including Boards and senior leadership teams.

● Ability to influence, advise and support decision-making at senior leadership and Board level.

● Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to strengthen systems, improve operational processes and enhance organisational effectiveness.

● Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders.

● Strong IT and digital systems skills, including experience with finance systems, CRM platforms and organisational technology tools.

● Ability to navigate complexity, manage organisational risk, exercise sound judgement and make sound decisions in a values-led environment.

● Excellent time-management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing demands and deliver to deadlines.

Knowledge & Understanding

● Good understanding of charity finance, governance and regulatory compliance, including charity SORP and restricted and unrestricted fund management.

● Good understanding of people administration, employment legislation, organisational risk and operational compliance, including safeguarding responsibilities.

● Understanding of how financial management, operational infrastructure and people practices contribute to organisational effectiveness and the delivery of mission and impact.