Service officer jobs in leighton buzzard, central bedfordshire

Contract: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), permanent with 6-month probation period

Salary: £56,650-70,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Remote working, with option to use co-working space

Start Date: As soon as possible

Reports to: Executive Director

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Closing Date: 4th January 2026 (23:59 GMT)

To apply, please submit the following: 

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)

• CV

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function during a period of sustained growth. The Financial Controller will work across Programme teams ensuring strong financial management and reporting to funding partners, maintain strong financial controls, ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, and provide accurate financial reporting to our Directors and Board of Trustees.

The Financial Controller will oversee the small finance team, including line management of a Finance Assistant and management of an external bookkeeper consultant. This team will be responsible for the majority of financial accounting, processing payroll, and accurate bookkeeping, for which the Financial Controller will be ultimately accountable.

The role includes managing restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements and programme needs, preparing statutory accounts for external audit, and overseeing payroll processing. This role reports directly to the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets and financial strategy, and works closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee to present its implementation.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills, experience in charity finance, and a proven track record of effective financial management of a growing organisation. You should be comfortable both managing a small team and working hands-on when needed, building collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will need to be a multitasker with the ability to work at pace, and be willing to develop the finance function and best practices to enable the organisation to grow further.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial records and bookkeeping in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP)

• Prepare monthly management accounts including variance reporting and rolling forecasts

• Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the annual independent audit process in its entirety

• Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements

• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and funding partners

Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including payment processing, staff expenses, and cost allocation (including staff costs)

• Oversee monthly payroll using QuickBooks (led by Finance Assistant)

• Manage treasury functions including bank and cash management

• Oversee procurement of key assets such as IT equipment

• Cashflow management

Grant and Budget Management

• Support budget development for funding bids and proposals

• Monitor spend against grants and projects, working towards full cost recovery

• Prepare financial reports for donors and funding partners

• Lead annual budget-setting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the Board and Executive Director

Financial Systems and Controls

• Develop and maintain robust financial systems, processes, and controls

• Continuously improve finance processes and identify efficiencies

• Advise on financial governance and best practice

• Manage financial risks and opportunities (e.g., insurance, foreign exchange)

Team Management and Stakeholder Relations

• Line manage the Finance Assistant and oversee external bookkeeper consultant

• Build collaborative relationships across the organisation

• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including banks, international transfer services, and audit partners

• Work closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee and BASIC's Treasurer

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant relevant experience
• Proven experience in a mid-level to senior finance role, with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting
• Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes
• Experience in a growing organisation, implementing and improving financial systems and controls
• Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of financial controls
• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency with accounting software (experience with QuickBooks highly desirable)
• Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable working hands-on when needed while also providing strategic oversight
• Ability to work at pace in a fast-growing organisation
• Commitment to BASIC's mission and values

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in charity finance and understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP)
• Experience line managing finance staff
• Experience in an international organisation or with international funding
• Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements

Join Emmaus Hertfordshire and use your finance skills to help transform lives and support people out of homelessness. As our Finance Co-ordinator, you'll bring accuracy, heart and organisation to a mission-driven charity making a real local impact.

Emmaus Hertfordshire is a charity supporting people who have experienced homelessness by providing stable homes, meaningful work, and skills development. Through its social enterprises, the organisation helps individuals rebuild their confidence and independence while contributing to a vibrant, supportive community.

Overall Purpose of the Role

The Finance Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring that Emmaus Hertfordshire maintains accurate, timely and compliant financial information in support of its charitable and social enterprise activities.

You will work closely with the Operations & Finance Manager, Trustees, Chief Executive, staff, companions, and external partners to provide clear financial reporting, strong financial controls, and expert guidance that supports good decision-making across the organisation.

As a proactive member of the Management Team, you will also contribute to financial policy development and continuous improvement of systems and processes, working within the Emmaus values, ethos and principles.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Controls

• Maintain effective financial control over all revenue, expenditure, and cash handling across the community.
• Prepare spreadsheets for monthly payroll and pension contributions.
• Support the Finance Manager, Chief Executive and Treasurer in preparing, setting and creating the annual budget.
• Maintain companion rent accounts, Housing benefit and Gift Aid applications.
• Lead the year-end process and liaise with external auditors to ensure an efficient and compliant audit.

2. Financial Reporting

• Produce accurate and timely financial information, including providing information to support monthly management accounts and forecast reports.
• Support the preparation of financial reports for the Board, Committees and senior leadership as required.

3. Financial Analysis

• Undertake financial analysis of business development and new income-generation opportunities to help minimise financial risk.
• Provide analysis and insight to support decision-making across social enterprise operations and to maximise trading income.

4. Additional Duties

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic and business plans.
• Attend and actively participate in staff, companion, Trustee and Board meetings where required.
• Review internal controls and identify opportunities for improving financial processes.
• Develop procedure manuals and promote best practice within the finance function.
• Work flexibly as part of the leadership team to meet the wider needs of the charity.
• Undertake any other financial duties required by the Finance Manager and Chief Executive.

Key Tasks

Daily / Weekly

• Manage day-to-day accounting using QuickBooks. (Experience with Zero accounting software would be advantageous)
• Maintain accurate accounting records and financial ledgers.
• Reconcile financial accounts and manage spreadsheets.
• Oversee credit control.
• Administer online banking, cheque handling and payment processing.
• Process invoices, expense claims and payment requests.
• Verify financial calculations in QuickBooks.
• Carry out bank reconciliations and cash management.
• Manage petty cash.
• Manage Companion Allowances.
• Provide ad hoc reports and information to the Finance Manager and Chief Executive.

Monthly

• Prepare and submit salary calculator spreadsheet for Payroll and submit HMRC returns. Manage PAYE payments.
• Manage companion rent accounts and housing benefit records.
• Prepare VAT returns.
• Work with the external accountants to produce monthly P&L and balance sheet reports.
• Complete gift Aid submissions.
• Support our external accountants in preparing documentation for Month End accounts

Annually

• Support the preparation of annual statutory accounts.
• Liaise with external advisers on statutory financial information.
• Assist the Finance Manager, Chief Exec and Trustees with annual budget setting.

 Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial reporting, planning, budgeting, and analysis.
• Experience using QuickBooks or similar accounting software.
• Ability to work both independently and within a diverse team.
• Experience developing and implementing financial systems and processes.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in the voluntary/charity sector or in working with a Board of Trustees.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults or those with complex needs.
• Project management experience.

Education / Professional Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or related field.
• Desirable: Additional finance-related training or professional development.

Skills

• Strong financial and analytical skills, with proven expertise in financial reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of business principles and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and motivational skills.
• Discreet, trustworthy and reliable.
• Effective time-management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work methodically, independently and to deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and prioritisation skills.
• Competent IT user (Word, Excel, email, internet).

Knowledge and Commitment

• Commitment to confidentiality, data protection and professional boundaries.
• Understanding and embodiment of the Emmaus ethos and principles.
• Desirable: Awareness of issues around homelessness and lived experience.
• Desirable: HR knowledge or experience.

Personal Characteristics

• Belief in the potential of every individual and the importance of community.
• A positive team player with the ability to lead, collaborate and delegate.
• Empathetic and supportive of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Self-aware, self-motivated and calm under pressure.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and social development.
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Welcoming, non-judgmental and respectful towards companions, staff and volunteers.

General Information

Emmaus St Albans operates its retail six days a week (Monday–Saturday). The Finance Co-Ordinators working hours will be agreed with the line manager, and flexibility is essential.

All roles at Emmaus Hertfordshire involve working with vulnerable people and therefore require strict adherence to professional boundaries and confidentiality. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Staff must uphold the reputation of Emmaus Hertfordshire by following all policies and maintaining positive relationships with staff, volunteers, companions and Trustees.
You are also expected to engage to some degree with the wider Emmaus movement at local, regional, national and international levels.

We expect all employees to work in an environmentally aware manner, applying value-for-money principles in purchasing decisions.
Volunteers are a vital part of the Emmaus mission, and all staff are expected to support and encourage volunteer involvement.