At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and reporting for a charity making a difference in children's lives.
- Company: A dynamic charity focused on empowering children with disabilities.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive salary, and a chance to shape financial systems.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while supporting life-changing services for children with disabilities.
- Qualifications: Senior finance experience in charity or not-for-profit, strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Bridgwater / Hybrid
Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE), worked flexibly
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Monday 19th January 2026 at 9.00am
About the role: As Senior Manager: Finance, you will be a vital member of the Senior Management Team, responsible for ensuring the charity remains financially sound, compliant and strategically informed. You will play a central role in modernising financial systems, strengthening processes and providing high-quality financial insight to support decision-making at all levels. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact, with scope to shape financial infrastructure, explore digital tools and support long-term sustainability. As the organisation continues to evolve, the role may expand over time by mutual agreement.
Responsibilities:
- Produce accurate and timely financial reporting, including management accounts, forecasts, dashboards and cashflow projections.
- Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts, supporting the development of longer-term (3-5 year) financial planning.
- Maintain and enhance financial systems, controls and processes, including reviewing or implementing new accountancy software and digital solutions.
- Oversee year-end processes, statutory accounts and audit preparation, working closely with external auditors and the Treasurer.
- Ensure full compliance with charity finance legislation, Charity Commission requirements, SORP, HMRC obligations, VAT, payroll and pensions.
- Provide clear, strategic financial advice to the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues, highlighting risks, opportunities and financial performance.
- Support bids, tenders and fundraising proposals through detailed financial analysis and costing.
About You: You will be a confident and proactive finance leader with strong charity or not-for-profit experience, able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will enjoy working collaboratively and using financial insight to support life-changing services.
Qualifications:
- Significant experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit environment.
- Strong knowledge of charity finance, SORP, statutory reporting and audit processes.
- Experience of budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and financial modelling.
- A proven ability to improve financial systems, processes and controls.
- Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and trustees.
- A strategic mindset, with the ability to identify risks, opportunities and improvements.
About the Organisation: The charity exists to help children with disabilities achieve greater independence by improving their mobility, communication skills and learning potential through a range of specialist therapies. The children supported have a range of conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy and genetic disorders such as Down syndrome.
Equal Opportunity Statement: The charity is an equal opportunities employer and celebrates diversity, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.
Additional Note: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Senior Manager: Finance in Bridgwater employer: Brainwave Charity
Contact Detail:
Brainwave Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager: Finance in Bridgwater
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those with charity experience. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and the specific challenges faced by charities. We want you to showcase how your skills can help modernise their financial systems and processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager: Finance in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Manager: Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in charity finance, budgeting, and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your financial expertise.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your strategic mindset. We’re looking for someone who can identify risks and opportunities, so share any experiences where you've successfully navigated financial challenges or improved processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainwave Charity
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Manager: Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've improved financial systems or processes, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Charity Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the charity sector, especially regarding SORP and compliance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact financial decision-making. Showing that you understand the unique challenges faced by charities will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about potential risks and opportunities in financial management within a charity context. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You’ll need to present financial information to non-finance colleagues and trustees. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. Consider using past experiences where you successfully communicated financial insights to diverse audiences to illustrate your ability.