Business support administrator jobs in manchester

The Association for Cultural Enterprises (AfCE) supports over 500 member organisations across the UK and internationally, helping the cultural sector generate earned income through commercial activity. As an Arts Council England-funded organisation, AfCE delivers sector-leading training, benchmarking, data-led insights, events, and advocacy to drive financial resilience in arts, heritage, and culture.

AfCE runs a year-round programme of live training events around the UK and Europe, as well as its signature annual Cultural Enterprises Conference and Trade Show. We have ambitions to grow attendance at these events, as well as growing our membership.

The Association is a charitable organisation, which also has a trading company, Cultural Enterprises (Trading) Limited (CET).

We are looking for a new Finance Manager to join a small, friendly, and ambitious team, to review the day-to-day processes and policies and identify opportunities to improve reporting  and make operational efficiencies. The Association is growing, so now is an exciting time to join our team and work with our members across the cultural sector.

Job Summary

The purpose of this role is to provide sound financial management for the Association and CET through:

• Statutory financial reporting in line with Charity SORP/UK GAAP, including annual returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission

• Management accounting, reporting and analysis to funders, management, staff, and Trustees/Directors

• Preparation and maintenance of budgets, forecasts and plans, including cashflows and project budgets

• Supervision and control of day-to-day accounting transactions, including oversight of the finance aspects of the Apprentice role

• Oversight and implementation of robust financial systems, policies, and procedures

• Responsible for financial queries, working with the Apprentice as first point of contact for external contacts
   

Main Duties

• Supervise day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate financial record keeping, including coding, allocations, reconciliations, and tax accounting

• Oversee invoice generation and debt recovery processes

• Process payments and staff expenses for authorisation

• Produce regular management accounts on an accruals basis, providing interpretation and advice to the Executive Team, Finance & Risk Committee, Trustees/Directors, and funders

• Lead on budget preparation and forecasting, including project-specific budgets; monitor and reforecast as needed

• Prepare statutory accounts in compliance with charity SORP and liaise with external auditors and the Treasurer

• Manage contracts with financial services providers, including bookkeepers, auditors, banks, and investment managers

• Attend AfCE and CET Board meetings

• Fulfil company secretarial duties, including:

  • Filing confirmation statements and annual accounts for ACE and CET with Companies House and Charity Commission

  • Filing changes in Trustees/Directors

• Complete Arts Council England (ACE) returns, including provision of financial information for quarterly payment processes when required

• Negotiate and implement insurance policies including:

  • General insurance

  • Cyber security

  • Life assurance

  • Staff sickness policy

  • Trustees’ liability

  • Conference insurance

• Oversee monthly payroll, including statutory payments to HMRC and pension providers, and liaise with bookkeepers for payroll updates or changes

• Review VAT returns for accuracy before submission to HMRC
   

Note on External Bookkeepers
External bookkeepers currently provide support limited to payroll and VAT processing.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Self-disciplined, organised, proactive and self-motivating

• Logical and methodical approach to finance and administration

• Trustworthy, honest, reliable and conscientious

• Confident, professional, and personable, able to communicate easily within a small team and with external stakeholders
   

Professional Competencies

Essential

• Professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA

• Strong knowledge of charity SORP and charity finance regulations, including VAT and Gift Aid

• Experience with Xero or equivalent cloud-based accounting systems

• Strong reporting skills

• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Experience producing management accounts and supporting senior leadership and boards

• Ability to interpret financial data for non-financial colleagues
   

Desirable

• Experience working in a small charity or business

• Understanding of the cultural or charitable sector

• Experience of remote working
   

Benefits

• Unlimited holiday policy

• 5% employer pension contribution

• Life insurance

• Flexible working arrangements by agreement with the CEO

We are an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of experience, merit and organisational need.

Data Officer

We are looking for a Data Officer with a keen, analytical mind who is comfortable working with large datasets to be a Data Officer within the Knowledge and Insight team.

Position: SIT53 Data Officer

Location: Home-based, UK, Nationwide. However, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work related meetings)

Salary: Circa £32,100 per annum (inner London weighting £3,950 per annum or outer London weighting £2,275 per annum may be applied in accordance to where you live)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 11 July 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Data Services, the Data Officer will meet data needs relating to the management and delivery of supporter and engagement products. You will work alongside three other Data Officers to assess, prioritise and provide solutions including the building of data selections and journeys for direct marketing purposes and the running of supporter data imports and exports.

Experience of using CRM Dynamics, Faststats and PeopleStage and or any Donor CRM for marketing purposes will make you a person of interest to us. We will support you in learning to use any of the tools and applications used and actively encourage the development of your data and analytical skills. Communication skills play a key part in this role, because you will need to be able to talk through or present selections or solutions to stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Delivering data selections, Building automated journeys for fundraising and engagement activity to support increased income generation and supporter retention, ensuring communications are delivered to agreed Service Level Agreements.
• Providing reports and data sets to supporter product owners, managers and delivery staff to help them maximise the impact of activities.

About You

You will have a proven record of:

• Working with large datasets for marketing purposes and provide solutions and or data in response to enquiries from colleagues and other teams.
• Using a relational customer/supporter database to import and export data to and from external suppliers; including data mapping and the design of appropriate import processes.
• Use of a marketing automation tools such as Faststats and PeopleStage.

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.

To fulfil the role you must be resident in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role.

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme, please indicate this in your supporting statement.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support. 

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Data Officer, Data Manager, Database Officer, Database Manager, Data Marketing Officer. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for a Legacy Manager to join our team. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a salary from £42,810 per annum

About the Legacy Manager role:

The Public Fundraising team are responsible for recruiting and stewarding new supporters in order to secure long-term income and growth. The fundraising team has real ambition to grow and develop, and Legacy and  In-memory giving will form a key part of these plans.

You will lead on the development and implementation of a new Legacy & In Memoriam fundraising strategy that will

support our vision to grow income in this area. To do this you will be an ambitious, confident and experienced Legacy fundraiser with a passion for excellent customer experience and a natural collaborator. You will be

great at building relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will work with teams across the charity to establish potential within our existing networks as well as reaching new audiences.

This is an opportunity to build and shape Legacy and In-mem giving at Royal voluntary service. You will be responsible for putting together plans to acquire new donors as well as building comprehensive stewardship plans for legacy pledgers and in-memoriam donors.  You will have experience of delivering legacy events, marketing and setting and meeting ambitious KPI’s.

The role will work closely with the Head of Public Fundraising, research and implementing other new Legacy and in memoriam opportunities. All legacy administration is handled externally.

Location: This role is Home based with occasional national travel

Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Benefits

• 26 days’ holiday (pro rata) plus paid statutory Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Ten weeks’ company sick pay following successful completion of probation
• A great pension scheme
• 2 x Salary Death in Service Benefit, subject to qualification
• Enhanced Family Leave schemes
• An employee benefits package that gives access to an exclusive rewards website to get discounts and cashback online
• A 24-hour doctor line, financial support with dental/optical and other therapies
• A free and confidential employee assistance programme with up to six face-to-face sessions counselling included
• Extensive online and on the job training to ensure you will succeed in your role
• Opportunities to discuss flexible working
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• The chance to make a positive, lasting impact that changes lives, communities and society

What you'll bring as our Legacy Manager :

Knowledge

• Experience of developing and managing a mixed Legacy and In-Mem Marketing portfolio.
• Experience of stewarding legacy prospects to become pledgers
• Excellent knowledge of GDPR, Fundraising Regulator guidelines, and other fundraising standards.
• A good understanding of working across a variety of fundraising channels; including digital, email, social media, direct mail, telemarketing, and SMS.
• A good understanding of using Charity CRMs.
• Proven record of managing agencies
• Proven track record of planning and delivering events
• A proven track record of delivering successful legacy and in memory fundraising programmes
• Understanding of UK legacy and in memory giving market including future trends and direction.
• Ability to report and analyse online and offline campaigns, including interpreting results, applying learnings and making recommendations to increase income.
• Ability to design, develop and deliver training and development activities for both staff and volunteers.
• Proven track record of delivering legacy cultivation events

Skills

• An excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing, and able to build and develop strong working relationships across an organisation.
• Strong public speaking skills and experience of speaking at events for volunteers and supporters .
• A self-motivator with excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise and deliver multiple projects to schedule.

Experience

• At least 5 years’ fundraising experience especially in legacy and in memory fundraising
• Experience of integration of legacy & in memory fundraising promotion across an organisation
• Experience of working in a dispersed charity with operational volunteers
• Experience of working with volunteers in a fundraising capacity.
• Experience or understanding of the nature of home/remote working.

Please refer to the role profile available to view on this vacancy for full details of this opportunity.

If you feel have the skills and experience to become our Legacy Manager  please click ‘apply’ today, we’d love to hear from you!

The closing date for this role is Friday 4th July 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

At Royal Voluntary Service our goal is to welcome everyone and build inclusive and diverse teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work. To find out more about our commitment to EDI, visit our website.

Join Royal Voluntary Service and together we can change lives, change communities and change society.

Qualifications/ skills: CIPD qualified or equivalent professional HR qualification (Level 5 or above)

Time: Minimum 12 up to 16 hours per week. Can be worked flexibly but there are some essential meetings on a Monday. 

Where: Remote - UK based. Two team days per year in London / South East or online. 

Salary: £35,000-£38,000 full-time equivalent, depending on experience. This salary is in line with our organisational pay structure.

Deadline to apply: 11th July 2025

Estimated start date: September 2025

Role overview

This HR Lead role will support a unique, employee-owned, self-managed organisation. You'll play a key part in ensuring the smooth running of HR practices, advising on employee relations, and contributing to a positive, self-directed work environment.

As a self-managed organisation HR is distributed between a number of different roles. You will be working alongside our Organisational Development Lead, Training & Development Lead, Compliance Lead, HR Support, Onboarding/Offboarding Lead, Team Companion and the leadership team.

As this is a new developing role, the responsibilities listed in the Job Description are areas where Chiltern has identified HR expertise is needed at this current point in time. This gives the role holder the opportunity to further develop and shape this area of our business.

Key duties include advising on employee relations, supporting self-managed teams, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and employee ownership, and you'll also work closely with individuals to ensure HR policies are adhered to, individuals feel empowered and engaged and that the organisation's culture aligns with its values in the delivery of HR practices.
 

Accountabilities

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

1. HR Strategy & Organisational Development

• Collaborate with the leadership team to drive the organisation’s People Management Strategy

• Devise and deliver HR projects to improve business efficiency and effectiveness

• Lead succession planning initiatives across the organisation

• Horizon scan for emerging HR practices and employment law developments

2. HR Policy, Compliance & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and the Employee Handbook to ensure legal compliance

• Ensure compliance with UK employment law across all HR functions

• Lead on:

  • Third Party Risk Policy

  • Equality Impact Assessment Policy

  • Stakeholder Engagement Policy (ensuring service user perspectives are integrated)

• Monitor adherence to internal policies, including whistleblowing, grievances, and dignity at work

• Audit EDI data bi-annually and create strategies to promote diversity and inclusion

3. Employee Relations & Case Management

• Providing advice and leading on the process for :

  • Grievances

  • Disciplinaries

  • Bullying, harassment, and capability issues

  • Redeployment and redundancy

• Lead meetings prior to disciplinary sanctions in collaboration with our HR administrator

• Mediate disputes and facilitate conflict resolution within the context of HR discussions

4. Compensation and Benefits

• Developing and maintaining salary structures

• Conducting salary benchmarking and market analysis

• Overseeing annual salary reviews

• Ensuring compliance with pay equity laws

5. Recruitment, Onboarding & Talent Management

• Oversee advertising and attraction strategies

• Support onboarding processes to aid efficiency

• Review terms and conditions, contracts, and engage with external advisors as needed

6. Attendance & Performance Management

• Manage absence cases including statutory and contractual entitlements

• Support the leadership team with performance and attendance-related challenges

7. Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and enhance HR systems, ensuring lean processes and the integration of e-systems

• Regularly review and improve the Staff Portal alongside our Training & Development Lead

8. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

• Stay updated on EDI legislation and best practice

• Support the organisation in being legally compliant, culturally relevant, and innovative in its EDI approach

• Lead data audits and present an equal opportunities review every two years

9. Professional Development & Networking

• Engage with local HR support networks, including CIPD and ACAS

• Maintain continuous professional development (CPD)

• Be an active member of Social Enterprise UK HSC HR group and attend relevant meetings

Person specification

We are looking for an efficient, well-organised, friendly person to join the team with the following qualities:

• CIPD qualified or equivalent professional HR qualification (Level 5 or above)

• Experience in a generalist HR role, including employee relations, policy development, and HR project delivery.

• Experience working on or leading Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels

• Confident facilitator and leader of sensitive meetings and discussions, with a culture of care

• As this is a hands on role, a high level of organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously is needed

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to adjust to changing priorities and respond effectively to new or unforeseen challenges.

Job benefits

A key benefit in working for Chiltern is being a part of a forward thinking employee owned team, where our culture celebrates and values the voice of each individual.

Staff members benefit from a flexible working environment, creating a personal schedule based around the requirements of the role.

Ultimately, at the heart of what we do is our value of ‘care’, which is felt strongly across the team.

Additional benefits include:

• Flexible working

• 32 Days (FTE) per annum annual leave allowance (including bank holidays)

• High street discount shopping portal

• EAP package - access to confidential support and wellbeing services

About Chiltern Music Therapy

Chiltern is an award-winning social enterprise that provides music therapy, community music services and training to over 1700 people of all ages and many different needs across England each year. Formed in 2011 from a desire to change how music therapy was offered in the UK, we hold accessibility and financial inclusivity at our heart, working across health, education, social care and community settings.

Proud to be a self-managed and employee-owned organisation, we strive to create a world where music therapy is the transformative thread in the lives of the children and adults we support. At Chiltern we recognise the different strengths within our team. We provide an environment where people can take charge of the work they do and make informed decisions using professional judgement and life experience, alongside peer support. We’re welcoming, inclusive, and have worked hard to create a positive environment that we are proud of. You can find out more about us on our website.

How to apply

To apply, please apply with your CV and a one-page covering letter which should include your reasons for wanting to join Chiltern Music Therapy and suitability for the role. 

We welcome enquiries and applications from people of all identities and backgrounds and value diversity in our workforce.

We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible as we may close applications early depending on application numbers.

For more information about Chiltern Music Therapy please visit our website. 

Based within schools, we are looking for friendly and committed children and young people counsellors who are passionate in supporting in helping their clients to help them on their journey towards positive mental health and who will embed and share Beacon's values. You will deliver face to face counselling and within the role, be enthusiastic, caring, positive and committed to learning and developing to ensure we continue to provide the best service to our clients.

The main objectives of the role:

• To provide a confidential and ffective counselling service for children and young people 
• When working in a school, to work as Beacon’s main representative  and ambassador in the school and the community.
• To work with the manager, supervisor, and school’s counselling team to assist in the development of Beacon’s counselling service 
• To work flexibly and cover additional schools or areas at different locations if required. 
• To manage your caseload through working with your supervisor and maintain appropriate documentation of your work. 
• If required, to facilitate group sessions with children and young people to meet the needs of the school
• To establish and maintain excellent working relationships with key staff in schools and other partnership organisations, liaising, as appropriate, within BACP confidentiality guidelines 
• To work to a high professional standard and within the BACP’s Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy 

Salary: £18,731 pro-rata including holiday pay, based on a working pattern of 30hrs/week across 4 or 5 days, and 39 weeks/year. £26,700 FTE
Location: Homebased with travel within West Midlands (mainly Wolverhampton and Telford)
Hours: 30hrs a week, working term time only (39 weeks/year). The hours and days of coverage may be negotiable for the right candidate and experience.
Contract: Permanent
 
An ideal opportunity if you enjoy working with young people and want to help them be the best they can be.
 
Flexible and rewarding position within a dedicated and supportive team, working together to develop teamwork, leadership, and employability skills that inspire the next generation to aim high.
 
Are you looking to join an exciting organisation that truly making a difference?
 
The Jon Egging Trust are seeking a highly motivated individual with experience of working with young people, to plan and deliver inspiring teamwork, leadership and employability programmes in the West Midlands. The role involves liaising with school staff, local partners (including the Military and local businesses) and volunteers to ensure programmes meet the needs of our young people and is supported by the Regional Manager, Midlands. You will be joining a fantastically motivated and committed team of workers who are all passionate about improving the lives of young people through our specialist youth programmes.
 
The successful candidate will be based from home with a requirement to travel to partner schools and business sites in and around Wolverhampton and Telford. Fuel expenses are paid and travel time is included as part of working hours. Working with secondary schools to provide early support programmes, core delivery time is usually within the school working day and during school terms only. All other working hours can be managed with flexibility by the post holder to ensure that all administrative tasks are completed as required.
 
Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch. 
 
About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)
 
At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 30,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.
 
Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working
• Enhanced annual leave
• Homeworking allowance
• Occupational pension scheme
• Occupational sickness scheme
• Special paid leave provision
• Enhanced family leave

 
Child and adult at risk protection policy statement
 
The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment.
 
To apply
 
Please complete our online application form.
 
The closing date is Sunday 6th July 2025 at 23.30 hrs
 
Formal Interviews to be held via Teams plus an in-person session delivery at one of our partner schools in West Midlands week commencing 14th July 2025, location to be confirmed.
 
Please note:
 
Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback.
 
To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role.
 
As part of our safer recruitment process, all candidates invited to a final interview will also be required to complete a confidential self-disclosure form, which allows any relevant information to be discussed in line with our safeguarding policy.
 
On 20th August 2011, Flt Lt Jon Egging lost his life whilst completing a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival. He was coming to the end of his first year with the world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, flying in the position of Red 4.
 
Jon was an inspirational individual, and inspiration is at the heart of everything we do. Like Jon, our staff and volunteers are chosen for their ability to act as positive role models; in turn they inspire and enthuse our vulnerable young students to reach their full potential. Our long-term support programmes increase self-confidence, self-esteem and aspiration, and ultimately empower young people to become role models within their own communities.
 
The Jon Egging Trust realises Jon’s dream of inspiring young people through his love of aviation, STEM, teamwork and leadership, helping them to overcome adversity, identify their strengths and work towards their dreams.
 
REF-222045

Managing Director

UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA)

Location: Remote/Home-based
Salary: Circa £65,000 FTE plus benefits
Contract: Permanent, Part Time – Flexible 21- 28 hours per week 3-5 days

Closing Date: 11th July 2025

Interview Dates: First interviews w/c 21st July 2025, Second interviews w/c 28th July 2025

About Us

UKATA is a charity and company limited by guarantee dedicated to advancing Transactional Analysis (TA) training, qualifications, and practice across the UK. We support our members through professional development, accreditation, and promoting TA as a valuable approach in therapy, counselling, education, and organisational contexts.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a dynamic and hands-on Managing Director to lead our small but dedicated team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives in an environment where you can make a direct impact and see the tangible results of your work.

As our MD, you'll work closely with the Trustee Board to shape our future direction while taking personal responsibility for the day-to-day operations. You'll lead a small team of employees, contractors, and volunteers, translating our strategic aims into practical outcomes that deliver real value to our members.

What You'll Do

• Work with Trustees to develop and execute strategic plans that align with our mission
• Take direct responsibility for financial management, including budgeting, investment strategy, and fundraising
• Oversee and personally contribute to the development of membership systems and website improvements
• Build relationships with key stakeholders including members, committees, and international TA organisations
• Lead the delivery of our annual National Conference and quarterly magazine
• Recruit, develop, and manage our small team, fostering a positive work culture
• Ensure compliance with charity regulations and governing organisational policies and procedures
• Function as Company Secretary, handling legal requirements and annual reporting

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in practical delivery. You'll be:

• An experienced senior leader with understanding of the non-profit sector
• A strategic thinker who also excels at practical implementation
• Financially astute with proven budget management experience
• An excellent communicator with the ability to build effective relationships
• Self-motivated and comfortable working from home
• Knowledgeable about the mental health sector (desirable)
• Familiar with Transactional Analysis or willing to undertake training (desirable)
• Educated to degree level (desirable)

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to lead a respected organisation while making a genuine difference to our members and the wider TA community. You'll have:

• The autonomy to shape both strategy and operations
• The satisfaction of seeing your ideas implemented directly
• The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals passionate about TA
• Flexible remote working arrangements
• Employer Sick Pay Scheme
• 33 days annual leave per annum FTE
• Access to private healthcare benefits

UKATA is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.