Head of Finance and HR in Manchester

We're looking for someone who combines real technical expertise with a genuine commitment to the values that drive Macc's work. This is a senior role requiring both depth of knowledge and the ability to use it in service of an organisation whose purpose is to strengthen communities. That combination matters as much as the qualifications.

You’ll need a strong financial background – ideally as a qualified or part-qualified accountant with experience in the charity sector, including a working understanding of restricted funds, grant finance and Charity SORP. Technical knowledge alone isn’t enough: you’ll need to be able to translate complex financial information into clear, accessible advice for managers, trustees and others who aren’t finance specialists. Making the numbers understandable and useful is a core part of the job.

HR sits alongside finance in this role: we’re looking for someone who’s comfortable holding both. You don’t need to be a specialist in both disciplines, but you’ll need solid working knowledge of employment law, HR systems and inclusive recruitment practice. More than that, you’ll need to approach HR with the same values‑led mindset we bring to everything else – embedding equity and inclusion in practice, not just in policy.

This is a role that requires sound judgement and a high degree of integrity. You’ll be handling sensitive financial and people‑related information, advising the Chief Executive and Board, and supporting managers across the organisation. People will need to feel they can rely on your advice and come to you with difficult questions. Building and maintaining that trust will be central to how you work. Strong communication skills are essential.

You’ll be producing financial reports and HR papers for the Board and its subgroups, supporting managers who may be less confident in financial or people management, and helping embed systems that work for everyone. Being clear, patient and accessible in how you communicate will matter as much as being accurate.

We want Macc to lead by example – as an employer, as a financial steward and as a values‑based organisation. We’re looking for someone who sees good governance and inclusive practice not as administrative obligations, but as part of what it means to do this work well. This role will suit someone who’s energised by the breadth of it – finance and HR, strategic and operational, specialist and generalist.

If bringing rigour, integrity and a genuine commitment to equity to a community organisation sounds like the right challenge for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

• Financial Strategy and Sustainability – Work with the Treasurer, Finance Subgroup and Board on financial strategy, reserves policy and long-term sustainability planning
• Reporting and Accountability – Produce timely management accounts, forecasts and reports for the Board, CE, managers and funders – translating complex information into clear advice for non‑specialists
• Statutory Compliance – Lead preparation of annual accounts to Charity SORP, oversee audit completion, and ensure all regulatory returns are submitted on time
• Financial Planning and Control – Lead budget‑setting, maintain financial controls and audit trails, monitor cash flow and flag issues early
• Financial Operations – Oversee payroll, payment administration, bank reconciliations and tax compliance
• HR Systems and Compliance – Ensure HR systems, policies and records are compliant with employment law
• Inclusive Employment Practice – modelling what a progressive, values‑based employer looks like in practice
• Management Support – Build managers' confidence in budgeting, people management and compliance, providing accessible support for day‑to‑day and complex issues alike
• Systems and Continuous Improvement – Design and maintain financial and HR systems that are efficient, user‑friendly and reduce administrative burden
• Risk and Governance – Contribute to risk management and ensure appropriate insurance, contracts and financial safeguards are in place

Key information

• Employer: Manchester Community Central
• Locations: Manchester
• Role Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: Full-Time

More about this role

• Closing Date: Monday 15th June 2026 at 12:00pm
• Anticipated Interview Date: Monday, June 29, 2026 - 13:00
• Contact Name: Pauline Clark
• Contact Information: Email: pauline@macc.org.uk or telephone 0161 834 9823

Employee Benefits

• Flexible working: We value flexible working and offer options such as adjusted working hours, hybrid or home working.
• Wellbeing support: Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing team works to create a culture that supports everyone’s health and wellbeing at Manchester Community Central.
• Carers support: We are committed to supporting carers in the workplace, and we offer five days paid carers' leave per year for those with ongoing caring responsibilities, along with other support.
• Menstrual Health and Menopause friendly workplace: We are proud to be Menstruation and Menopause Friendly employers, providing a range of support to help staff to manage symptoms, as well as educating employees on these topics.
• Professional development: Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and dedicated budgets for external training and growth.
• Volunteering leave: Staff are entitled to up to 2 days per year (pro rata) with pay to engage in voluntary activities.
• Active travel incentives: Support for public transport season tickets, a Cycle to Work scheme, and travel expenses for cyclists.

Flexible Working Options

• Flexitime Working Pattern Details: 35 hours per week. Flexi‑time system with core hours 10am-3pm
• Would You Consider A Job Share For The Role?: Yes