Job Description

Title:

Finance Lead Officer

Hours

: 36

Salary

: 37,643 - 40,033 per annum

Reporting

: Director of Finance and Operations

Contract

: Permanent

We have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Lead Officer to join our team on a permanent full-time basis. Reporting into the Director of Finance and Operations you'll play a key role in ensuring financial accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement.

This key role will involve:

Preparing monthly management accounts and supporting year-end financial statements Supporting budget holders with forecasting and financial planning Managing accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and fixed asset registers Overseeing cashflow, banking, and investment transactions Supporting the audit process and ensuring compliance with HMRC and statutory requirements Contributing to process improvements and financial reporting enhancements

JOB PURPOSE

Working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations, the role holder will support the organisation in budgeting, forecasting, and year-end accounts preparation. They will also contribute to strategic planning and performance monitoring alongside the wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The role includes oversight of all financial processes, controls and systems to deliver monthly management accounts and supports organisation leadership and budget holders with financial management.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain core financial processes and systems, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, BACS payments and bank reconciliations Provide financial advice and guidance to Senior and Line Managers to enable effective financial management Undertake the production and reconciliation of the outsourced monthly payroll, including HMRC requirements, to enable accurate payment to employees Manage banking arrangements, cashflow forecasts and cash processes to ensure adequate financial controls are in place To oversee organisational asset register and compliance with procurement regulations to ensure effective and efficient use of resources Manage the provision of evidence and work with the appointed auditor to enable completion of the final accounts Undertake the production and submission of the quarterly VAT return to HMRC to ensure compliance with tax legislation Manage and maintain the operation of the pension schemes including providing appropriate advice and guidance to their members, to ensure compliance with the requirements of the pension regulator Provide monthly management accounts, with commentary and full year forecast, highlighting significant variance from approved budget to enable effective financial management Provision of budget timetable, meet with budget holders and consolidation of budget submissions (supported by the Director of Finance and Operations) Monitor the consistent application of all relevant policies and procedures including safeguarding, health & safety and equality & diversity to ensure a compliant service Assist with identification of opportunities to improve processes and systems used by the organisation Undertake any other duties to meet service and organisational objectives following consultation with your manager

Key Relationships - Internal & External

External - Company banker, auditor, HMRC, Outsources payroll provider and Pension providers

Internal - Strategic and Leadership members, Operational management members, staff and volunteers

Qualifications

Membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or equivalent

Experience

Good understanding of budgeting and financial reporting Forecasting and cashflow experience Significant experience of working in the field of finance and payroll within a charity Demonstrable experience of planning, monitoring and evaluating your own work Demonstrable experience of communicating through verbal and written presentations Demonstrable experience of payroll and tax accounting Demonstrable success in promoting diversity

Knowledge

Detailed understanding of charity financial policy and regulation Detailed understanding of VAT regulations Understanding of occupational pension regulations Awareness of political, economic and social landscape at local, regional and national level in relation to financial matters Awareness of safeguarding legislation and guidance Understanding of Health & Safety legal requirements and best practice

Skills

Developed communication and presentational skills, with the ability to communicate ideas, issues, systems and procedures at all levels to a variety of audiences Developed inter-personal and team working skills, and a proven ability to motivate and inspire individuals. Highly developed skills in Microsoft Office and database systems

Personal attributes

Sound judgement and awareness of organisational sensitivities Sound professional and tactical judgement and the ability to establish priorities and principles Resilient and the ability to work independently when required Commitment to Positive Steps vision and values

Additional requirements

Prepared to work flexibly to meet the needs of the organisation Standard DBS required
If you are interested, please feel free to contact Richard O'Connell via email richardoconnell@positive-steps.org.uk for further information, or visit https://www.positive-steps.org.uk/work-with-us to read the full role profile, complete and submit your application.

Closing Date

: Tuesday 7th October 2025

Short-listing

: Wednesday 8th October 2025

Interview

: Tuesday 14th October 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 37,643.00-40,033.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oldham OL1 1DJ