Trainee jobs in sandbach, cheshire east

Are you an organised and driven relationship-builder with a flair for writing and a passion for purpose-led work? Join Cruse Bereavement Support as we launch our new three-year strategy to ensure bereaved people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland get the support they need.

We’re looking for a Partnerships Officer to play a key role in our evolving income generation team. This is a varied and rewarding role supporting Trusts and Foundations, Corporate Partnerships, and External Training and Consultancy. You’ll manage a portfolio of warm funders and partners, help develop new opportunities, and ensure our supporters receive excellent stewardship and communications.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 17th July, with interviews taking place on 21st-23rd July, via a video call.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by 5pm on Friday 18th July, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.   

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.

Managing Director

UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA)

Location: Remote/Home-based
Salary: Circa £65,000 FTE plus benefits
Contract: Permanent, Part Time – Flexible 21- 28 hours per week 3-5 days

Closing Date: 11th July 2025

Interview Dates: First interviews w/c 21st July 2025, Second interviews w/c 28th July 2025

About Us

UKATA is a charity and company limited by guarantee dedicated to advancing Transactional Analysis (TA) training, qualifications, and practice across the UK. We support our members through professional development, accreditation, and promoting TA as a valuable approach in therapy, counselling, education, and organisational contexts.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a dynamic and hands-on Managing Director to lead our small but dedicated team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives in an environment where you can make a direct impact and see the tangible results of your work.

As our MD, you'll work closely with the Trustee Board to shape our future direction while taking personal responsibility for the day-to-day operations. You'll lead a small team of employees, contractors, and volunteers, translating our strategic aims into practical outcomes that deliver real value to our members.

What You'll Do

• Work with Trustees to develop and execute strategic plans that align with our mission
• Take direct responsibility for financial management, including budgeting, investment strategy, and fundraising
• Oversee and personally contribute to the development of membership systems and website improvements
• Build relationships with key stakeholders including members, committees, and international TA organisations
• Lead the delivery of our annual National Conference and quarterly magazine
• Recruit, develop, and manage our small team, fostering a positive work culture
• Ensure compliance with charity regulations and governing organisational policies and procedures
• Function as Company Secretary, handling legal requirements and annual reporting

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in practical delivery. You'll be:

• An experienced senior leader with understanding of the non-profit sector
• A strategic thinker who also excels at practical implementation
• Financially astute with proven budget management experience
• An excellent communicator with the ability to build effective relationships
• Self-motivated and comfortable working from home
• Knowledgeable about the mental health sector (desirable)
• Familiar with Transactional Analysis or willing to undertake training (desirable)
• Educated to degree level (desirable)

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to lead a respected organisation while making a genuine difference to our members and the wider TA community. You'll have:

• The autonomy to shape both strategy and operations
• The satisfaction of seeing your ideas implemented directly
• The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals passionate about TA
• Flexible remote working arrangements
• Employer Sick Pay Scheme
• 33 days annual leave per annum FTE
• Access to private healthcare benefits

UKATA is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

We look forward to hearing from you.