People and change lead jobs in south kensington, greater london

We’re looking for two proactive individuals who are passionate about volunteering to join our team.

Our Volunteer Coordinators are responsible for co-ordinating volunteer recruitments, providing volunteer management advice and guidance to staff who work with volunteers, and establishing positive relationships with volunteers to ensure they have a fulfilling volunteer experience at Battersea.
As well as administration and support, this role also has the opportunity to work on projects to improve our volunteer programme at Battersea.

• One Volunteer Coordinator role will work directly with cattery volunteers at Battersea London.
• The other Volunteer Coordinator role will work directly with kennel volunteers in Battersea London.

We work on a hybrid working rota of 3 days in the office, and 2 days from home per week. There may be the need to work on a weekend day on occasion.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate an onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause. As our Volunteer Coordinators support our onsite volunteers, the expectation in this role is to spend 3 days of every week onsite.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Acceptable use of AI:

At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.

To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.

Closing date: 14th September 2025
Interview date(s): 22nd/23rd September 2025

For full details on the role, please download the recruitment pack. All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department/Service:

The finance department is responsible for the overall financial management and administration of the 4million turnover at GSU. The department plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, including HMRC, Charities Commission, Companies House, and pensions. This includes supporting our annual external financial audit.

The finance team act as Business Partners to the rest of the organisation ensuring they understand financial processes to aid effective working. The team also work alongside our external payroll provider and our external digital system provider to ensure smooth and effective working.

Job Purpose:

Provide a professional, accurate, and timely accounting service in respect to all management and statutory reporting. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external support services to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Finance department, ensuring excellence in service delivery.

Reports to:

• Currently reporting to the CEO whilst the senior management role in the Finance Department is under review. The senior management post is currently vacant.

Responsible for:

• Supporting, managing, supervising, and developing one Finance Coordinator and one Finance Assistant.
• Temporary Interns and/or student staff supporting the Finance team as required

Duties and Key Responsibilities

1. Management and Statutory Reporting:

• Prepare accurate management accounts on a timely basis each month.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts monthly, including accruals and prepayments.
• Prepare and submit statutory reports, including VAT Returns, Companies House, and Charities Commission Annual Returns.
• Support the preparation of the annual accounts for the external financial audit and play an instrumental role during the audit process.
• Reconcile GSU bank accounts including PayPal online accounts weekly and monthly.
• Reconcile Commercial Income to Bank Accounts producing weekly sales and analysis reports.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cashflow Statements:

• Support in the preparation of the annual budget and reforecasts.
• Create forecast reports and statements as and when required.
• Produce monthly and annual cashflow and liquidity statements.

3. Business Partnering and Collaboration:

• Act as a business partner to all GSU staff members, providing financial insights and support to meet organisational goals.
• Work alongside external support services (e.g., payroll providers and digital finance systems) to ensure smooth operations and excellence in the Finance department.
• Collaborate with external auditors and other stakeholders to ensure compliance and effective financial management.

4. Managing and Supervisory Duties:

• Supervise and support the professional development of two GSU finance staff members.
• Foster a team culture that promotes accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Oversee the responsibilities of Finance Coordinator and Finance Administrator and ensure their tasks align with departmental goals.
• Supervise and support interns and student staff as appropriate.

5. Digital Systems and Processes:

• Maintain efficient digital finance systems and processes to streamline financial operations (Twinfield, Ezora & Basecone for example).
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of digital records and reporting systems.
• Evaluate and improve digital tools and workflows to enhance departmental efficiency.

6. General Finance Department Duties:

• Oversee and assist with sales ledger, purchase ledger, and payroll functions as needed.
• Support the Finance Coordinator and Finance Assistant to issue and maintain records of purchase orders and associated invoices.
• Support the Finance Coordinator and Finance Assistant to maintain and post all petty cash transactions.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and information for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Trustee Board, and other stakeholders as required.
• Respond proactively to financial queries from GSU staff.
• Support the ongoing review and development of Finance department systems and procedures.
• Maintain customer-facing systems and ensure smooth operations for Finance department stakeholders.

7. External Audit and Compliance:

• Prepare schedules and reconciliations for the annual audit.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including HMRC and Charities Commission guidelines.

General Responsibilities:

• Represent and be an ambassador for GSU.
• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position.
• Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct, and practices.
• Support and promote liberation, diversity, and equality of opportunity in the workplace.
• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private, or sensitive information about individuals, organisations, clients, or staff and project data.
• Adhere to the Sustainability Policy and strive to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint.
• Actively seek better ways to assist GSU in becoming a more sustainable workplace.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience:

• Experience in preparing management accounts budgets, forecasts, and cashflows.
• Experience in preparing and reconciling VAT returns.
• Experience in reconciling balance sheet control accounts including salaries
• Proficiency in using accounting software and digital finance systems.
• Previous experience working in a Finance department.
• Experience in customer service and promoting financial literacy.
• Experience in payroll processes.
• Familiarity with supporting and developing team members.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong customer service focus and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and support team members.
• Excellent communication skills (face-to-face, MS Teams, phone, and email).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Proficiency in IT tools for report writing, email, and database management.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and methodical working.

Knowledge:

• Regulatory requirements and best practices in accounting and finance.
• Knowledge of HMRC, Charities Act, SORP, VAT, PAYE, and pension compliance.

Education/Training:

• Part-qualified ACCA or a training towards a relevant professional accounting qualification.
• Relevant practical experience in accounting and finance.

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements:

• Hybrid or office-based work with the ability to travel to other campuses when needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or stay overnight as necessary.
• Strong team player with a flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• Awareness and application of diversity issues in all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation