Join to apply for the Finance Officer role at RE Today Services
Join CEM, a progressive, values-driven charity in Birmingham, as our Finance Officer. You’ll manage day-to-day finance operations, support system improvements, and work collaboratively across a friendly, multidisciplinary team. Salary £26,000–£30,000, 10% pension, flexible working.
Finance Officer
* Location: Longbridge, Birmingham (Office-based)
* Hours: Full-time, 9am–5pm (Monday to Friday)
* Salary: £26,000 – £30,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
* Benefits: 10% non-contributory pension, flexible working
* Contract: Permanent
* Start Date: Monday 6 October 2025
About the Charity
CEM is an educational charity and company limited by guarantee. We operate across several charitable and commercial strands, including:
* Publishing high-quality resources and delivering consultancy in Religious Education (RE) across the UK through RE Today and the British Journal of Religious Education (BJRE)
* Delivering international work through the International Bible Reading Association (IBRA)
* Providing management, membership and marketing services to the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE)
Our organisation is progressive, values-driven, and growing. We are committed to supporting schools and RE teachers to educate, equip and empower pupils to navigate the world’s religious and non-religious worldviews with integrity and understanding.
The Role
We are seeking a highly organised, adaptable, and detail-oriented Finance Officer to join our friendly and fast-paced team. In this varied role, you will be responsible for managing financial transactions, ensuring accuracy across our systems, and supporting process improvements that underpin our charitable and commercial operations.
You will work closely with colleagues across departments and with our developers to enhance our bespoke Management Information System (CEMist), including involvement in system testing and process mapping. This role requires accuracy, initiative, and the ability to balance multiple priorities with care.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make a tangible impact in the education and charity sectors.
Key Responsibilities
* Sales Ledger & Credit Control – Maintaining a live sales ledger, processing receipts, issuing refunds, chasing debts, and liaising with the Customer Services team.
* Purchase Ledger & Expenses – Processing supplier invoices, setting up accounts, scheduling payments, and managing expenses.
* Banking & Reconciliations – Reconciling bank transactions, processing direct debits, and managing deposits.
* Month-End & Year-End Support – Performing ledger reconciliations, maintaining accruals, preparing audit documentation, and liaising with auditors.
* Grant & Project Reporting – Tracking grant income and maintaining accurate records.
* Internal Support – Acting as the first point of contact for finance queries, providing administrative support, and assisting with reporting.
* Excel & Data Support – Creating templates and supporting colleagues with financial data analysis.
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in a finance or accounting support role
* Bookkeeping/accountancy qualification (AAT or equivalent)
* Strong working knowledge of Sage 50 (or equivalent)
* Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, lookups)
* Experience with CRM systems integrated with finance platforms
* Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently to deadlines
* Positive, adaptable, and solutions-focused approach
* Experience in a charity or not-for-profit setting
* Familiarity with internal systems development, process mapping, or software testing
* Knowledge of bespoke MIS systems or Salesforce
Working Environment & Professional Development
This role is office-based in Longbridge, Birmingham, with occasional flexible working considered. You will be part of a small, collaborative finance function and a wider multidisciplinary team. Opportunities may be available to develop skills in budgeting, reporting, grant compliance, or charity finance.
Christian Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.
We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity in our team. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.
Please note: Candidates must already hold the right to live and work in the UK on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. No agencies.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification to Lorraine Williams at: lorraine.williams@christianeducation.org.uk
Application note: This job posting is for an internal application process and may be subject to change.
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