Finance Manager

You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive team that genuinely values your contribution, with long service awards to celebrate your dedication, a life assurance scheme for added peace of mind (after qualifying period), and a health cash plan to help with everyday healthcare costs. If you’re looking for a role where you can use your financial expertise to make a meaningful difference in a positive and uplifting environment, this role could be for you.

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead our Finance Team and manage the day\-to\-day financial activities of The Rossendale Trust. The role includes direct management of four Finance team members and requires strong financial, leadership and managerial expertise.

You will provide timely, accurate and accessible financial information to the Board of Trustees, Chief Executive, Finance and Audit Committee and Senior Management Team, supporting effective decision\-making and the continued delivery of high\-quality services.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead, manage and develop the Finance Team, maintaining high standards and effective financial processes.

· Manage the Trust’s day\-to\-day financial activities and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

· Prepare and present management accounts, forecasts, budgets, cash\-flow information and financial analysis.

· Support the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees in maintaining an appropriate financial policy and control framework.

· Review the key assumptions used in the Trust’s medium\-term financial plans and annual budgets.

· Advise Trustees and senior managers on financial performance, risks, controls and significant financial decisions.

· Contribute to the preparation and delivery of the Trust’s strategic plan.

· Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes and monitor performance against agreed plans.

· Manage the year\-end accounts and external audit process, ensuring information is provided accurately and on time.

· Maintain effective financial controls, reconciliations, systems, policies and procedures.

· Oversee payroll, banking, cash management, income, expenditure and statutory financial requirements.

· Ensure the Trust meets relevant charity, company, accounting and regulatory obligations.

· Explain complex financial matters clearly to colleagues and Trustees without a finance background.

· Work collaboratively with operational managers to strengthen financial understanding, accountability and value for money.

· Identify financial risks and control weaknesses and ensure appropriate action is taken.

· Undertake any other duties and projects appropriate to the role.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategy and Policies

· Ensure, in close cooperation with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees, that an appropriate financial policy framework is in place to guide that charity's financial decision making, In particular, clarity will be required on reserves, expense ratios and income mix questions

· Ensure the appropriateness of the key assumptions included in the charity's medium term financial plan and annual budget proposals. Provide advice to senior management colleagues and trustees on these matters.

· Contribute to the preparation of the charity's strategic plan. Prepare the annual budget and forecasts.

Internal Relationships

· Advise the Board of Trustees on major financial Issues which arise, and which are outside the agreed boundaries of management authority, for example, a proposed major new fundraising initiative or a contract for service provision.

· Prepare the statutory annual accounts and file reports to the relevant statutory bodies.

· Provide accounting services for use by managers in planning and controlling the work of the Charity, this includes financial accounting, management accounting, forecasting, budgeting and control systems.

· In close consultation with the Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees, establish a relationship with each trustee so that everyone has an opportunity to understand fully the key financial issues confronting the charity.

External Relationships

· Plan and manage cash flow and investment activity \- the latter in consultation with investment advisers and the relevant trustee sub\-committee, if any.

· Maintain contact with bankers, investment managers and pension advisers.

· Keep abreast of financial developments across the charity sector by liaising with senior finance staff in other charities, and relevant Third Sector Bodies – VODG, CFG etc…

· Keep abreast of financial changes across the accounting sector.

· Maintain regular contact with Local Authorities, most importantly regarding annual fee increases, which are to be negotiated each year.

Tax

· Maintain records to meet legal and tax requirement and to measure both the inputs and the outcomes of the Charity's operations.

· Plan and manage the Charity's tax liabilities under existing and proposed legislation. Evaluate the tax liability impact of contemplated courses of action, minimise the tax burden and deal with tax authorities.

Audit

· Manage the annual audit preparation and process with the current external auditor.

· Complete the Year\-End process following the completion of the financial year.

· Provide timely and accurate information to the auditors for the annual accounts to be created and reported on.

• Discuss and respond to any queries outlined in the Management Letter by the external auditors.

· Chair the internal Finance and Audit committee and attend other management meetings as required.

· To process financial transactions through the Sage Line 50 accounts package for Purchase Ledger.

· Oversee all payment runs for all purchases made for the Trust, including oversight of the fortnightly payroll.

· Annual review of death in service and all other payroll/staff benefits.

Monthly Management Accounting

Executive Summary:

· Brief overview of the month's financial performance.

· Key highlights and lowlights.

Income Statement:

· Summary of revenue, cost of operations and surplus/deficit.

· Operating expenses and analysis.

Balance Sheet:

· Overview of assets, liabilities, and equity.

· Key changes from the previous month.

Cash Flow Statement:

· Summary of cash inflows and outflows.

· Operating, investing, and financing activities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

· Metrics such as, Fundraising Efficiency Ratio, Administrative Expense Ratio, Revenue Growth Rate, Monthly Cashflow/Surplus and Operating expense to Revenue Ratio.

· Comparison with targets and previous periods.

Variance Analysis:

· Explanation of significant variances between actual results and budget/forecast.

· Reasons for variances and potential actions.

Narrative and Commentary:

· Detailed explanations of financial results.

· Insights into operational performance and strategic initiatives.

Forecast and Outlook:

· Projections for the upcoming months.

· Potential risks and opportunities.

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum, depending on experience, skills and qualifications

Hours: 37\.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm

Location: Office\-based

Closing Date: Friday 30th October 2026 at 4 pm

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We therefore encourage early applications.

Pay: £50,000\.00\-£55,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking


• On\-site parking

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