Probationary Period: 3 months
Period of Notice: 1 month during probationary period, thereafter 2 months
Base: Spring North, Suite 118, King’s Court, Blackburn
Job Purpose
We are seeking a diligent and highly organised Finance and Accounts Manager to lead on all financial operations within our organisation. This is a key role responsible for overseeing day-to-day financial management, ensuring statutory compliance, and providing clear financial insight to support strategic decision-making. You will ensure the effective management of budgets, reporting, and financial systems while also contributing to the financial sustainability of the organisation.
Duties of the Post
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management and Reporting
* Prepare monthly management accounts, forecasts, and cash flow reports.
* Lead on the annual budgeting process in collaboration with senior leaders and budget holders.
* Monitor budgets, providing clear variance analysis and financial commentary.
* Prepare year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors to ensure timely submission of statutory accounts.
* Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, including Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.
Operational Finance
* Oversee all day-to-day finance operations, including accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, payroll journals, and monthly close procedures.
* Ensure effective cash flow management and timely payment of suppliers, staff, and partners.
* Prepare and submit all HMRC returns including VAT, PAYE and NI.
* Support the administration of staff payroll (outsourced or in-house), ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Grants and Contracts
* Track and report on restricted and unrestricted income, ensuring robust financial monitoring for funded projects.
* Prepare financial reports for funders and commissioners in line with reporting requirements.
* Support bid development and contract pricing, providing costings, forecasts, and financial modelling as required.
Systems and Controls
* Maintain and improve financial systems, policies and procedures, ensuring strong internal controls and compliance.
* Ensure finance policies are up to date and reflective of best practice.
* Oversee the finance function’s use of accounting software, ensuring data accuracy and effective system use.
Leadership and Collaboration
* Provide financial insight and advice to the senior leadership team and trustees.
* Work closely with project managers and operational leads to embed financial accountability across the organisation.
General Responsibilities
* Uphold high professional standards in all interactions with stakeholders, partners, and the public.
* Contribute to the review and updating of Spring North’s policies and procedures.
* Participate in relevant training and continuous professional development.
* Engage in the ongoing evaluation and improvement of Spring North’s effectiveness in meeting strategic objectives.
* Ensure compliance with Spring North’s Equality & Diversity Policy, Safeguarding, and other organisational policies.
* Participate in supervision, regular performance reviews, and annual appraisals.
Additional Information
* The postholder must be flexible to respond to organisational needs, including occasional work outside normal hours and travel when required.
* This job description is subject to periodic review in consultation with the postholder to ensure alignment with organisational priorities.
Person Specification
* Professional accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience.
* Proven experience in a finance role with responsibility for management accounts and financial planning.
* Understanding of charity finance, fund accounting and SORP (or willingness to develop expertise).
* Proficient in accounting software – Quickbooks
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-financial colleagues.
* Experience of working in the voluntary or community sector.
* Knowledge of public sector commissioning, grant reporting or contract funding arrangements.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Martin on 01254 784105 or email martin.hartley-smith@springnorth.org.uk. If you’re interested in applying, we kindly ask that you share an up-to-date CV in the first instance.
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For any support this jobs or applying, please contact Jason.
Jason - Head of Contracts and Operations
jason.thompson@springnorth.org.uk
01254 784105
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