Senior database systems officer jobs in Bristol, city of bristol
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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!
About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an independent environmental charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment for people and wildlife.
We work across urban and rural landscapes to deliver practical river restoration, natural flood management, climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community engagement projects at a catchment scale. Our work ranges from removing barriers to fish migration and restoring river habitat, through to supporting regenerative farming, creating wetlands and woodlands, and engaging communities in citizen science and environmental action.
As the Trust continues to grow in scale, ambition and complexity, we are seeking an experienced and highly organised Head of Operations to help strengthen our organisational systems, support our team and enable the effective delivery of our strategic vision.
Location
Hybrid working – with regular attendance across BART offices, project sites and meetings within the Bristol Avon catchment.
Reports to
Chief Executive Officer
Hours
Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Flexible working arrangements considered.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Operations will play a central leadership role within Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, ensuring the organisation operates safely, effectively, efficiently and sustainably as it continues to grow.
This is a strategic and hands-on operational role overseeing organisational systems, support governance, HR, compliance, health & safety, programme management support and internal operations.
Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will help manage the organisations systems and culture needed to support high-quality delivery across a growing environmental charity.
The role will suit someone who thrives in dynamic organisations, enjoys problem solving and optimising systems, understanding and making sense of complexity, and is motivated by supporting teams to deliver meaningful impact and achieving the organisations goals.
Key Responsibilities
Organisational Leadership & Operations
- Lead and oversee day-to-day organisational operations across the Trust
- Develop and improve internal systems, processes and operational procedures
- Support organisational planning and delivery against BART’s strategic objectives
- Work closely with the CEO and senior managers to support organisational growth and resilience
- Contribute to organisational decision-making and leadership culture
People & HR Management
- Oversee HR systems, policies and procedures
- Support recruitment, onboarding and staff development processes
- Help foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture
- Support managers with operational people-management matters
- Coordinate staff wellbeing and professional development initiatives
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with charity, company and employment regulations
- Support the CEO with governance processes, trustee reporting and organisational policies
- Oversee organisational risk management systems
- Ensure appropriate insurance, contracts and compliance frameworks are in place
- Lead on operational health & safety systems and organisational compliance
Organisational Systems
- Support organisational budgeting and financial monitoring alongside the finance and Senior Leadership team
- Oversee operational procurement and contract management systems
- Support implementation and optimisation of organisational systems, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and IT systems including cyber security
- Improve internal reporting and programme coordination systems
Programme & Delivery Support
- Support operational coordination across BART programmes and projects
- Help ensure teams are appropriately resourced and supported
- Improve organisational project management systems and workflows
- Support efficient collaboration across delivery teams
- Contribute to organisational development opportunities and partnerships
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience in operational management, organisational leadership or business management
- Experience developing and improving organisational systems and processes
- Strong understanding of governance, compliance and organisational risk management
- Experience supporting HR and people-management processes
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work strategically while also being comfortable with operational detail
- Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and organisational software systems
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within the environmental, charity or public sector
- Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments
- Experience supporting organisational growth and change management
- Familiarity with CRM systems and operational databases
- Understanding of health & safety systems within field-based organisations
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Is highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused
- Enjoys enabling others to succeed
- Can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery
- Is calm and adaptable in a growing organisation
- Has strong emotional intelligence and leadership skills
- Wants to help a small organisation grow and deliver its goal of restoring rivers, landscapes and communities
Why Join BART?
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s growing rivers trusts at a pivotal stage in its development.
You’ll join a passionate and ambitious team delivering meaningful environmental change across the Bristol Avon catchment, while helping build the organisational foundations needed for long-term impact.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas close
- Flexible and hybrid working
- 9% Employer pension contribution
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Employee wellbeing support
- Opportunity to shape a growing organisation with real environmental impact
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those underrepresented within the environmental sector.
Job Summary
To manage and ensure control of the funding, financial and corporate resources of the Charity to ensure a financially secure service, delivering value for money.
Work with the Co-Directors to advise and develop the financial strategy, model new projects, prepare annual and project budgets, and report on financial performance, contributing to the overall future strategic direction of the Charity.
Manage the day-to-day finances for the Charity. Ensure all aspects of the financial systems are accurate and up to date, including banking, sales and purchase ledgers, payroll and cash management.
The postholder is expected to foster excellent working relationships with all staff, volunteers, senior colleagues and trustees.
The postholder will be expected to attend the following meeting groups:
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Monthly All Staff: regular attendance
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GDPR/Data Working Group
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Finance and Income Generation (FING) Committee Meetings
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Responsibilities to and attendance at all other meetings: attendance only as and when required and/or at the direction of the Co-Directors
Key Responsibilities
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Supervision and management of Senior Finance & Admin Officer (SFAO)
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Day to Day Financial Management
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Provision of accurate reports to Board and senior managers
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Payroll, Pensions, and Tax Management overview and control
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Budget Process Management
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Statutory Reporting & Charity compliance
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Account Management – Key Suppliers/Contractors
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Financial Risk Management
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Governance support to FING Committee and Trustees
Core External Relationships
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Payroll Provider
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TPT Pensions
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HMRC
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All Banks
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Charity Commission
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Companies House
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Charity Auditors
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IT Contractor & Insurers
Day to Day Financial Management
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Regularly review and maintain financial policies and procedures.
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Review the monthly reconciliations carried out by the SFAO thereby ensuring all transactions are properly and efficiently recorded.
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Oversee the management and appropriate allocation of Restricted Funds, ensuring the monies are allocated according to the donor’s wishes and ensure that records are always maintained
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Regularly review and make recommendations for improvements to financial controls and ensuring methods are documented and made clear to staff.
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Support with funding bids and reports back to donors
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Management of all charity bank accounts, acting as authorised signatory with Banks
Payroll, Pensions and Tax Management
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Supervise the payroll process carried out by SFAO
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Responsible for the effective management Charity’s Pension Scheme
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Ensure payments to HMRC are made accurately and on time, and ensure all available allowances are claimed.
Budget Process Management
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Take the lead on preparing the Annual Budget, working closely with SLT to capture all spending plans Develop and run a process which is thorough, consistent and inclusive of all managers.
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Alongside the Co-Director, present the Draft Budget to Board for approval
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Present monthly management accounts and Cost Centre reports for all managers
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Work closely with all SLT to ensure they fully understand their budgets and ongoing organisational performance against budget
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Monitor variations against spend and integrate within an overall Cashflow analysis
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Recommend corrective actions to Co- Directors and/or Board as necessary
Statutory Reporting & Charity compliance
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Act as lead member of staff with the Charity’s Auditors
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Oversee the preparation of the Annual Accounts plus any supporting papers required to enable an efficient and effective annual audit to take place
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Maintain fixed asset register and inventory of all equipment contracts/agreements
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Ensure the Charity is fully compliant with statutory bodies and key external institutions, and act as lead on behalf of the charity with the following bodies:
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Charity Commission
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Companies House
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Pensions Regulator
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HMRC
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Valuation Office
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All Banks
Account Management – Key Suppliers/Contractors
Insurance
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Take the lead in managing the insurance renewals process, and ensure that a comprehensive suite of insurances is in place to cover key risks across the Charity
Financial Risk Management
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Ensure appropriate financial risk management techniques and controls are in place at strategic and operational levels.
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Develop, update and produce long term cashflow forecasts to evidence that the Charity can operate as a going concern.
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Provide up-to-date dashboards and reports of the financial position, projections and scenarios, considering the financial implications of alternative business models, advice on new and current business income generation initiatives and analysis of financial risk and performance.
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Work with the Co-Directors, to ensure that the appropriate processes are in place for the long-term financial viability of the charity, advising on the financial consequences of proposed actions
Governance support to FING Committee and Trustees
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Assist the Chair of FING Committee (Treasurer)
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Prepare all associated papers and minutes
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Prepare finance papers for Treasurer to deliver to Board of Trustees
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Attend Board of Trustees meetings and present information as requested
General
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Postholder to adhere to their relevant Code of Ethics as laid down by their professional body, being mindful that adherence to the code takes precedence over charity policy and practice should a conflict ever arise. [NB Sections A + C of the current professional code are applicable.]
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Keep abreast of financial developments across the charity sector and ensure any opportunities for tax reliefs, cost reduction, value for money and more effective systems are seized as appropriate.
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Undertake any other duties as determined by the Co-Directors.
Personal Specification
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Personally committed to Caring in Bristol’s vision and values and collaboration-focused method of work.
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Committed to reflection and learning, including sharing failures and uncertainties; openly taking feedback from the team and members of the community on your behaviour and work.
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Bring ideas for improvements and is open and honest in all communications where relevant and appropriate.
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Awareness of your own needs: the homelessness sector can be challenging – you will be good at knowing your limits under pressure and will be confident to ask for help when you need it. You will receive support from your team, and we are keen to nurture an environment where no-one feels worried about asking for help or support when they need it.
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Resilience working under pressure, ability, and willingness to both give and take constructive feedback.
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Willingness to work the extra hours where needed, with a flexible working policy.
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Growing levels of self-awareness, including an understanding of how your background has shaped the opportunities afforded to you and how you relate to people from different backgrounds to you.
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Willing to develop emotional intelligence, including a growing ability to empathise with and appreciate others, creating opportunities for those you work with to grow.
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A passion for social justice and to change Bristol for the better.
Essential
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Minimum part qualified accountant or qualified by experience with strong financial management experience, with an ability to understand the practical impact of finance decisions and processes across the whole charity.
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Specialist knowledge of Charities required, including Charity SORP guidance and procedures, underpinned by strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
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Ability to work with the Co-directors to lead the formulation of long-term financial plans and strategies which will influence the long-term direction of the charity.
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Experience in developing major finance policy development.
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Experience in budgeting and financial planning.
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Experience in management accounting.
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Ability to receive, process and provide highly complex or sensitive financial information including ability to analyse and clearly communicate financial information.
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Strong IT skills including the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, and experience of using databases.
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Solid organisational skills including consistency, accuracy, and an eye for detail.
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Experience of line management and supporting and developing staff.
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Knowledge and understanding of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion practices.
Desirable
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Experience in using QuickBooks accounting software is desirable or transferrable knowledge of similar online accounting packages.
First stage interviews to take place on 17 June 2026
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!
Community Fundraising Assistant - North
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.
After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!
It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.
- Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
- Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?
- Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
- Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands?
Have you answered Yes to these questions?
Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?
Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.
If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


