Company Overview
Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a charity dedicated to rescuing and re-homing animals in need. With a rich history spanning over 80 years, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue our vital work in animal welfare.
Summary
We are seeking someone to lead the charity's finance function, ensuring robust financial planning, control, and reporting across the organisation. The postholder will be responsible for managing the charity's financial operations, safeguarding cashflow, overseeing compliance and statutory returns, and supporting strategic decision-making through timely and accurate financial insight.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Insight
· Prepare the annual accounts to Trial Balance and prepare supporting notes and reports.
·Lead the annual budget-setting process in collaboration with departmental heads, ensuring alignment with business planning and organisational priorities.
·Deliver monthly management accounts and cashflow forecasts, with supporting commentary for senior leaders and trustees.
·Monitor charity reserves and investment performance, providing recommendations and implementing drawdown strategies as required.
Financial Control & Compliance
·Ensure financial policies, procedures, and systems meet best practice, audit standards, and regulatory compliance (Charity Commission, HMRC, etc).
·Maintain accurate and timely records of income and expenditure, including restricted funds and designated accounts.
·Submit VAT claims, Gift Aid returns, and other HMRC submissions in a timely and compliant manner.
·Coordinate year-end accounts and audit, liaising with external accountants and ensuring all statutory returns are completed.
·Maintain and regularly update the Fixed Asset Register.
·Lead on the annual insurance review, ensuring the right cover is in place for the charity.
Internal Collaboration & Support
· Act as the finance business partner to the Senior Leadership Team, supporting budget holders to make informed financial decisions, attend meetings, including SLT and trustee meetings as required.
·Work alongside the Shared Services Manager to coordinate transactional finance tasks and maintain a responsive and well-functioning finance service.
·Identify skills gaps or training needs within the finance function and colleague team, providing professional development planning, upskilling, and induction for new team members such as finance for none finance colleagues.
General Responsibilities
·Manage a small finance team, providing 121s, annual reviews and day to day support.
·Maintain professional development and keep abreast of developments in charity finance, regulation, and best practice.
·Uphold confidentiality, integrity, and the values of the charity at all times.
·Champion financial responsibility and stewardship across the charity.
Working Conditions
·You will be expected to work occasional evenings and weekends where needed to support fundraising activities.
·A friendly and positive representation of the Sanctuary must be upheld at all times especially when working with visitors and members of the public.
·The Sanctuary reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post-holder at any time according to its needs.
·Job Descriptions only reflect 80% of a role and are not an exhaustive list of duties. You will be expected to carry out other activities that are within the scope of the role.
If you are passionate about making a difference in animal welfare and possess the financial expertise we need, we invite you to apply and help us continue our important work
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Application question(s):
* Must be PQ CIMA qualification or equivalent
Work Location: In person