Role Details
Location: Reading with Hybrid working. Candidates need to be comfortable travelling to Make-A-Wish office at least once per month at their own expense.
Contract: Part time (15 to 20 hours), permanent
Salary: £12,212.44 to £16,283.25 per annum (part time, 15 to 20 hours)
Closing Date: 18th September 2025, 12:00 PM
We may close this role sooner if we receive a significant number of applications.
Core Purpose
As part of the Finance team, the core purpose of the Finance Officer role is to deliver high quality, accurate, and responsive financial support that ensures the smooth operation of Make-A-Wish finance function. This role is central to maintaining the integrity of financial data through timely processing of transactions, effective communication with stakeholders, and diligent reconciliation of accounts. By supporting both internal teams and external partners, the role helps uphold financial compliance and operational efficiency, enabling Make-A-Wish to focus on granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
To see the full job description please see our website.
Key Responsibilities
* Customer and Communication Support - Monitor the finance mailbox daily, ensuring all emails are reviewed and responded to in a timely, professional, and accurate manner. Provide first-line support for internal and external customer queries, escalating complex or unresolved issues to the appropriate team member or manager.
* Sales and Purchase Processing - Process sales invoices accurately and efficiently in accordance with MAW's financial procedures, ensuring correct coding, VAT treatment, and timely dispatch to customers.
* Reconciliations and Debt Management - Perform supplier statement reconciliations regularly, identifying and resolving aged or unmatched items. Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure accounts are accurate and up to date.
* Expense and Credit Card Management - Process monthly credit card statements, ensuring all transactions are supported by receipts, correctly coded, and approved in line with company policy.
* Inventory and Stock Control - Conduct stock takes at agreed intervals, working with relevant departments to ensure accurate counts and investigate variances. Support the maintenance of accurate stock records in the finance system.
* Financial Recording and Reporting - Post and process journal entries for accruals, prepayments, and other adjustments to ensure the general ledger reflects accurate and complete financial information. Maintain supporting documentation for all entries.
Essential Criteria
* Proven experience in a finance or accounts role, with a solid understanding of financial processes such as invoicing, reconciliations, and ledger management.
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial reporting.
* GCSE Maths or equivalent, grade C or above.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to respond professionally to internal and external queries.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing workload effectively and meeting deadlines.
* Proficient in using finance systems, particularly Xero and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
* Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion.
* Strong organisational skills and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience working within a charity, non-profit, or mission-driven organisation.
* Experience with stock control or inventory management.
* Knowledge of VAT and basic accounting principles.
* AAT qualification or working towards a relevant finance qualification.
* Experience supporting audits or financial reviews.
* Willingness to take on additional responsibilities and support team members during absences.
To apply for this role:
To apply for this role you must submit both your CV and Cover Letter via our website, ensuring all questions below are answered in full.
General Questions
* Are you eligible to work in the UK?
* Will you require any reasonable adjustment during the selection stages?
* When are you available to start this role?
Assessed Questions
* Thinking about the context of the job description, how would you demonstrate our values of magic, inclusion and inspiration in a meaningful way in this role
* Please tell us about your experience as it relates to the key responsibilities for the role.
* Why do you want to work for Make-A-Wish UK?
Interviews
First stage - 25th/26th September
Second stage - 1st/2nd October
If you have any queries or issues submitting your application, please contact
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12,212.44-£16,283.25 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Gym membership
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* Paid volunteer time
* Sick pay
* Store discount
* Work from home
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Reading RG1 1LX