Finance Manager (Charity & Operations)
Location: Beccles, Suffolk (mix of office and home based work)
Hours: 2 days per week in the first instance
Salary: £37k - £45k pro-rated, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: General Managers – Hall / Lido, with regular liaison with the Board of Trustees and Finance Group
About Us
Beccles Lido and Beccles Public Hall are much-loved community assets at the heart of local life. Operated by Beccles Lido Limited, a charitable organisation, we provide a diverse range of leisure, cultural and community activities that enrich the lives of local residents and visitors alike.
The organisation has a varied operational and financial structure, including multiple trading entities, significant property and fixed assets, a range of income streams, and a diverse portfolio of grant and commercial funding. Whilst community-focused, the charity operates with the complexity of a growing business and requires robust financial management to support its activities.
As the organisation continues to evolve and grow, we are investing in strengthening our financial systems, processes and governance arrangements to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to support our finance function and play a key role in implementing a programme of improvements designed to enhance financial control, reporting and operational efficiency.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on finance professional who enjoys combining day-to-day financial management with process improvement and organisational development.
You will take ownership of the operational finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, timely reporting and effective use of systems. Working closely with the General Managers of Beccles Lido and Beccles Public Hall and Trustees, you will help embed best practice and support informed decision-making across the organisation.
We are looking for someone who is motivated by more than simply producing accurate accounts. The successful candidate will share our commitment to the charity's purpose and recognise the vital role that strong financial management plays in sustaining valued community assets. You will take pride in supporting the organisation's mission, working collaboratively with colleagues and Trustees to help ensure Beccles Lido and Beccles Public Hall continue to thrive for future generations.
The role offers the opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact within a well-established charity serving the local community.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations
- Manage the day-to-day finance function across the organisation.
- Oversee purchase ledger processing and supplier management.
- Maintain accurate accounting records within Xero.
- Perform monthly bank and supplier reconciliations.
- Prepare and process payment runs in accordance with approval procedures.
- Ensure appropriate supporting documentation is maintained.
- Support sales invoicing processes and debtor monitoring.
Month-End and Reporting
- Lead the month-end close process.
- Prepare monthly management accounts.
- Produce budget versus actual analyses and variance commentary.
- Monitor balance sheet reconciliations and reserves positions.
- Present clear financial information to the General Managers, Managing Director and Board Trustees.
- Support year-end preparation and liaison with external accountants and auditors.
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Coordinate the annual budgeting process.
- Develop and maintain rolling cashflow forecasts.
- Support the preparation of medium- and long-term financial projections.
- Assist operational managers in understanding and managing their budgets.
- Monitor key financial performance indicators.
Systems and Process Improvement
- Lead the implementation and ongoing administration of Hubdoc.
- Maximise the use of Xero functionality to improve efficiency and reporting.
- Review and improve finance procedures and controls.
- Develop and document standard operating procedures.
- Support the implementation of delegated authority frameworks and approval processes.
- Promote continuous improvement across the finance function.
Governance and Compliance
- Help ensure compliance with charity accounting requirements and internal policies.
- Maintain strong audit trails and control procedures.
- Contribute to the development and review of financial policies.
- Support Trustees in fulfilling their financial oversight responsibilities.
Training and Support
- Provide guidance and support to managers involved in financial processes.
- Promote understanding of financial responsibilities across the organisation.+
Support preparation of Grants
- Support the preparation and submission of grant funding claims, ensuring financial information is accurate, complete and submitted within required deadlines.
About You
You will be an organised, practical and collaborative finance professional with the confidence to improve processes and build effective working relationships.
You will ideally have:
Essential
- Experience in a Finance Manager, Senior Bookkeeper or similar role.
- Strong working knowledge of management accounting and financial controls.
- Experience of preparing management accounts and cashflow forecasts.
- Excellent reconciliation and analytical skills.
- Experience using Xero.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Integrity, discretion and sound judgement.
Desirable
- AAT qualification (Level 4 or above), part-qualified accountant, or equivalent experience.
- Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
- Knowledge of Hubdoc.
- Experience working with Boards, Trustees or governance committees.
Pay: £37,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexitime
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Beccles NR34 9AD
