Job Title
Financial Services Officer (FSO)
Reporting to Head of Finance & Governance
Grade Staff Officer (NICSSO scale £37,694 to £38,990)
Hours 35 hours per week
Period To June 2029 (subject to funding)
Background
RiSE is a newly developed innovative PEACEPLUS funded project which aims to unlock the potential of rural innovation & social enterprise within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The project brings together a multi stakeholder partnership comprising of Rural Action, Irish Rural Link, Scotland Social Enterprise Academy and Social Enterprise NI.
The programme aims to increase the capacity of rural organisations engaging in or wishing to engage in social enterprise. The project will create the conditions through which rural communities, schools, and youth organisations on each side of the border can come together around the shared challenge of rural sustainability and the opportunities social enterprises present in support of this.
The programme will be delivered over 3 strands:-
* Strand 1: Social Enterprise Leadership & Development (60 organisations)
* Strand 2: Making it Happen (48 organisations)
* Strand 3: Youth Social Enterprise (20 organisations).
Purpose and Objectives
The Financial Services Officer will provide support to the Head of Finance & Governance to ensure robust financial policies and procedures are in place to deliver the RiSE programme.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The FSO’s detailed activities will be agreed annually with the Head of Finance & Governance through an agreed forward work plan which will include output targets and identified time scales. The broad activities of the post will include:
* To ensure accuracy of day-to-day financial records including procurement, purchases and nominal ledger transactions.
* To ensure that appropriate financial procedures, controls and structures are adhered to for the safe, effective, efficient and economic management of public monies.
* To manage the procurement of all goods & services in line with the organisation’s financial policies and procedures and in adherence of SEUPB’s eligibility of expenditure guidelines.
* To provide advice, direction and guidance on procurement guidelines to RiSE team members and partner organisations.
* To prepare monthly, quarterly and annual returns for internal and external users.
* To assist with budgeting, cashflow management, project reporting to ensure Senior management have an accurate summary of the programme’s financial performance.
* To ensure data integrity and accurate financial reporting by overseeing monthly reconciliations of all departmental profit and loss accounts.
* To co-ordinate and manage the submission of quarterly drawdowns/claims for the Lead Partner and input onto JEMS system which includes providing all supporting documentation.
* To co-ordinate with partners the timely submission of partner claims via the JEMS system to a pre-determined timetable.
* To liaise with external controllers to ensure the timely verification of programme claims and to address any non-compliance issues.
* Provide all programme specific financial reports as requested by the Programme Manager and Head of Finance & Governance.
* Support the Head of Finance & Governance in the annual budgeting process and year end accounts.
Our Organisational Values & Expectations
At Rural Action, we believe that how we work is just as important as what we achieve. These principles guide our culture and define what we expect from every member of our team:
Our Principles
* Champion our mission: Always promote Rural Action positively and help strengthen the partnerships that support our work.
* Act with integrity: Conduct yourself in a trustworthy, reasonable, and responsible manner in all aspects of your role.
* Foster respect and inclusion: Promote a harmonious working environment where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity, and equality — and where intimidation or harassment is never tolerated.
Our Professional Standards
* Policy adherence: Abide by all organisational policies and procedures, ensuring they are implemented fully within your areas of responsibility.
* Safety and safeguarding: Maintain full compliance with health and safety and safeguarding requirements relevant to your role.
Employee Specification
The Employee Specification outlines the essential skills, knowledge, qualifications, and attributes required to successfully carry out the duties of this role. When completing your application form, please ensure you address each criterion listed — drawing on your full range of experience, whether gained through paid employment, voluntary work, education, or other relevant settings.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
* Qualified member of a recognised professional accountancy body (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) or Part-qualified accountant working towards final exams with 3 years relevant experience in a financial role.
Experience
At least 2 years’ experience in the last 5 years of operating in a similar role as Financial Services Officer, to include:
* Maintaining financial records to include recording and accounting for income and expenditure using excel spreadsheets and accountancy software.
* Monitoring budgets and producing variance analysis for senior managers.
* Producing financial reports for both internal & external users including forecasting, cashflow management and strategic planning.
* Compiling claims for external funders.
* Working with external auditors or verification officers.
* Procuring goods & services.
* Supporting process improvements and system developments
* Skills and Attributes
* Ability to plan work, meet targets and work to deadlines
* Ability to communicate financial information to non-financial colleagues
* Highly motivated team member
* Able to work to own initiative
* Be proactive
* Good written and oral communications skills
* ICT literate and proficient in excel
Desirable Criteria
* Previous experience of Peace funding.
* Experience of financial monitoring of a project with multiple partners.
* Financial reporting in multiple currencies.
Other Factors
* Access to transport is essential
* Willing and able to travel within NI, Ireland and occasionally further if required.
* Willing and able to work occasional extended hours if required.
Conditions of Service
The successful applicant will play a key role in helping Rural Action deliver its strategic plan, and as such, a flexible and proactive approach to work is essential.
This post is based in Cookstown, with Rural Action currently operating a hybrid working model. Upon successful completion of the probation period, the postholder will have the opportunity to work flexibly within this model. However, due to the collaborative nature of the RiSE programme, regular face-to-face engagement with colleagues and partners will be required.
Access to personal transport is essential, as the role involves travel across Northern Ireland, the border region of Ireland, and occasionally further afield to attend meetings and events.
Please note that successful applicants will be required to undergo an Access NI check. This post is subject to funding and is confirmed until June 2029.
Benefits
We pride ourselves in being a flexible, family-friendly employer and try to offer the best terms and conditions for our employees to enable them to achieve a healthy work/life balance.
Our benefits include:
* 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 after 5 years’ service) plus 12 bank and public holidays (based on 35hrs per week, pro-rata for part-time positions)
* Enhanced sickleave policy
* Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave policies
* Paid compassionate leave
* Employer pension scheme
* Flexible working policy
* Mileage allowance at the prevailing HMRC Rate
* Time off in lieu (TOIL) policy for additional hours worked
* Training & development policy
* Free on-site car parking
* Early finish on Fridays
On successful completion of probationary period:
* Life assurance
* Health insurance
* Hybrid working model to enable working from home
Additional Information
Equal Opportunities
Rural Action is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.
Application Process
The closing date/time for submission of applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 15th October 2025
Please ensure your form and any requested supporting documentation is emailed. You will need to apply directly by clicking the link
CVs are not accepted
Please Note: We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time.
A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
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