At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategic growth for an animal welfare charity.
- Company: Join a respected charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming small animals.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, 25 days holiday, and a pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on animal welfare while shaping the charity's future.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in charity or SME finance roles.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for study support.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
Finance/Operations Manager – Animal Welfare Charity Home-based/Remote (with occasional travel across South Buckinghamshire for meetings) £45,000 – £48,000 + 25 days holiday + pension Full-time, Permanent | Standalone, Strategic Role Are you a proactive finance professional ready to take ownership of financial operations, shape strategy, and make a direct impact on animal welfare? Join one of the nation\’s most loved and established animal welfare charities, operating across South Buckinghamshire, to lead financial stewardship, operational coordination, and strategic growth initiatives. About the Charity Our client is a well-regarded local branch of one of the UK\’s oldest and most respected animal welfare charities. As a self-funded organisation, they operate independently with local governance and are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming small animals including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. They run two high street charity shops and are actively expanding income-generating initiatives including donation logistics, grant funding, corporate partnerships, and e-commerce via platforms like Vinted and eBay. With a projected turnover of £350K-£400K, £300K in reserves, and a committed Board of Trustees, this is an exciting time to join the organisation and shape its next chapter. The Role This is a strategic and operational standalone role, reporting directly to the CEO and acting as second-in-command. You\’ll take ownership of all financial operations while supporting business planning, governance, and process improvement. Key responsibilities include: * Monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, VAT returns, year-end * Managing QuickBooks (or overseeing a future move to Xero) * Improving reporting and coding structures * Overseeing legacy income, donations, Gift Aid, fundraising, and retail income * Supporting grant applications and preparing financials for funding bids * Developing payment approval processes and banking oversight * Presenting to trustees and contributing to strategic planning * Supporting operational rollouts for new donation logistics and e-commerce * Mentoring volunteers and supporting basic IT/finance queries in the shops About You You\’ll be a qualified or part-qualified finance professional (AAT Level 4, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) with solid experience in a standalone or SME-style finance role. You\’ll bring a balance of financial control and forward-thinking strategy. We\’re looking for: * Experience managing all core finance functions in a charity or SME environment * Knowledge of multiple income streams (e.g. grants, retail, fundraising, legacy donations) * Advanced Excel and good working knowledge of QuickBooks or Xero * Ability to produce and present monthly management accounts * Strong interpersonal skills and confidence working with trustees, shop staff and volunteers * A solutions-oriented, can-do attitude and ability to work autonomously * Flexibility to attend monthly evening board meetings and occasional strategy events What\’s on Offer * Salary £45,000 – £48,000 depending on qualifications and experience * 25 days holiday (plus statutory) * 3% employer pension contribution * Remote working, with regular travel to locations across South Buckinghamshire * Flexible, values-driven work environment * Opportunity to shape the future of a trusted, community-based charity * Study support (negotiable for part-qualified professionals) How to Apply We\’re progressing quickly. To be considered, please apply with your CV as soon as possible. First interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis. Please send your CV, quoting reference LX (phone number removed)
Finance/Operations Manager employer: Martin Veasey Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Martin Veasey Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance/Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Research the charity's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will not only help you align your answers during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the charity. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your financial management skills, particularly in a charity or SME context. Highlighting your ability to handle diverse income streams will be crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with QuickBooks and Xero if you haven't already. Being able to discuss your proficiency with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running and contribute to their financial operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance/Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and operations, particularly in a charity or SME environment. Emphasise your qualifications, such as AAT Level 4, CIMA, or ACCA, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your financial stewardship.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and how your skills align with the charity's mission. Mention your experience with multiple income streams and your ability to manage core finance functions effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your advanced Excel skills and familiarity with QuickBooks or Xero. Provide examples of how you've improved reporting structures or contributed to strategic planning in previous roles.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Since the role involves working with trustees, staff, and volunteers, highlight your strong interpersonal skills. Include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams or mentored others in a professional setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Martin Veasey Talent Solutions
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine interest in animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work you've done in this area, as it will resonate well with the charity's mission.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial operations, particularly in a charity or SME context. Highlight specific examples of how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting, especially using QuickBooks or Xero.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves strategic planning, think about how you can contribute to the charity's growth initiatives. Be ready to share ideas on improving income streams and operational efficiencies that align with their goals.
✨Exhibit Strong Interpersonal Skills
This position requires collaboration with trustees, staff, and volunteers. Prepare to demonstrate your interpersonal skills by discussing past experiences where you've successfully worked with diverse teams or mentored others.