Senior project support officer jobs in portland, dorset

Harris Hill – Charity Recruitment Specialists is excited to be partnering with a purpose-driven organisation to recruit their new Executive Assistant, who will play a central role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of their operations. This is a permanent position, offered on a full-time or part-time basis (five or four days per week). While primarily home-based, the successful candidate will be required to work on a hybrid basis for the initial months (1-2 times a week in the office in Farnham, Surrey).

Our client manages a portfolio of charitable grants on behalf of a private, anonymous Trust. Their work spans continents and a diverse range of issues, from education and health to humanitarian relief and sustainable development, always with a focus on long-term impact. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to building an equitable, sustainable world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and live a healthy life. The Trust wishes to remain as anonymous and low-profile as possible to give humbly and keep focus on those who are working to alleviate suffering.

Although high-level executive support is a key component of this role, it is far more than diary management. The Executive Assistant will become a trusted member of our client’s small team, helping to develop and maintain streamlined administrative systems, supporting the setup and oversight of grants, coordinating meetings and hybrid events across different time zones, and liaising with a wide range of stakeholders. From managing expense claims and grant documentation to planning international gatherings and ensuring follow-through on action points, this is a varied and essential role.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience as an Executive Assistant, supporting a CEO and senior management team—ideally within a charity, trust, or foundation. They will bring significant experience in diary management, event coordination, and committee servicing, and be a confident and efficient minute taker. Highly organised, proactive, and adaptable, the post holder will have the ability to plan well, build relationships, and be comfortable in taking the initiative. The new EA will be comfortable using a wide range of digital tools and platforms (including MS Word and Excel, CRM databases, SharePoint, MS Teams, Zoom, and project management applications). They will thrive in a remote-first environment and be confident juggling multiple priorities while working both independently and collaboratively.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and motivation by the 30th of June 2025.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

The Association for Cultural Enterprises (AfCE) supports over 500 member organisations across the UK and internationally, helping the cultural sector generate earned income through commercial activity. As an Arts Council England-funded organisation, AfCE delivers sector-leading training, benchmarking, data-led insights, events, and advocacy to drive financial resilience in arts, heritage, and culture.

AfCE runs a year-round programme of live training events around the UK and Europe, as well as its signature annual Cultural Enterprises Conference and Trade Show. We have ambitions to grow attendance at these events, as well as growing our membership.

The Association is a charitable organisation, which also has a trading company, Cultural Enterprises (Trading) Limited (CET).

We are looking for a new Finance Manager to join a small, friendly, and ambitious team, to review the day-to-day processes and policies and identify opportunities to improve reporting  and make operational efficiencies. The Association is growing, so now is an exciting time to join our team and work with our members across the cultural sector.

Job Summary

The purpose of this role is to provide sound financial management for the Association and CET through:

• Statutory financial reporting in line with Charity SORP/UK GAAP, including annual returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission

• Management accounting, reporting and analysis to funders, management, staff, and Trustees/Directors

• Preparation and maintenance of budgets, forecasts and plans, including cashflows and project budgets

• Supervision and control of day-to-day accounting transactions, including oversight of the finance aspects of the Apprentice role

• Oversight and implementation of robust financial systems, policies, and procedures

• Responsible for financial queries, working with the Apprentice as first point of contact for external contacts
   

Main Duties

• Supervise day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate financial record keeping, including coding, allocations, reconciliations, and tax accounting

• Oversee invoice generation and debt recovery processes

• Process payments and staff expenses for authorisation

• Produce regular management accounts on an accruals basis, providing interpretation and advice to the Executive Team, Finance & Risk Committee, Trustees/Directors, and funders

• Lead on budget preparation and forecasting, including project-specific budgets; monitor and reforecast as needed

• Prepare statutory accounts in compliance with charity SORP and liaise with external auditors and the Treasurer

• Manage contracts with financial services providers, including bookkeepers, auditors, banks, and investment managers

• Attend AfCE and CET Board meetings

• Fulfil company secretarial duties, including:

  • Filing confirmation statements and annual accounts for ACE and CET with Companies House and Charity Commission

  • Filing changes in Trustees/Directors

• Complete Arts Council England (ACE) returns, including provision of financial information for quarterly payment processes when required

• Negotiate and implement insurance policies including:

  • General insurance

  • Cyber security

  • Life assurance

  • Staff sickness policy

  • Trustees’ liability

  • Conference insurance

• Oversee monthly payroll, including statutory payments to HMRC and pension providers, and liaise with bookkeepers for payroll updates or changes

• Review VAT returns for accuracy before submission to HMRC
   

Note on External Bookkeepers
External bookkeepers currently provide support limited to payroll and VAT processing.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Self-disciplined, organised, proactive and self-motivating

• Logical and methodical approach to finance and administration

• Trustworthy, honest, reliable and conscientious

• Confident, professional, and personable, able to communicate easily within a small team and with external stakeholders
   

Professional Competencies

Essential

• Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA

• Strong knowledge of charity SORP and charity finance regulations, including VAT and Gift Aid

• Experience with Xero or equivalent cloud-based accounting systems

• Strong reporting skills

• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Experience producing management accounts and supporting senior leadership and boards

• Ability to interpret financial data for non-financial colleagues
   

Desirable

• Experience working in a small charity or business

• Understanding of the cultural or charitable sector

• Experience of remote working
   

Benefits

• Unlimited holiday policy

• 5% employer pension contribution

• Life insurance

• Flexible working arrangements by agreement with the CEO

We are an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of experience, merit and organisational need.