At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and administration, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial records.
- Company: Welsh Mountain Zoo, a conservation charity making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns considered; excellent career progression available.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to meaningful conservation work.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles and strong analytical skills required.
Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoological Society of Wales
Location: Wales
Salary: £28,840 - £30,900 per annum (depending on experience)
35 hours per week, Full‑time, Permanent (part‑time or alternative working patterns will be considered for the right candidate)
Finance & Administration Team Leader
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance & Administration Team Leader to lead our finance and office function. This varied role combines hands‑on financial management, team leadership and systems improvement. Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will ensure the Zoo's financial records, controls and processes are accurate, compliant and fit for future growth, while supporting the smooth running of our wider administration function.
What You'll Bring
- Experience in a Finance Officer, Senior Bookkeeper, Accounts Supervisor or similar finance role.
- Strong bookkeeping and financial administration experience, including purchase ledger, sales ledger and reconciliations.
- Experience using financial systems, ideally Xero.
- Experience supporting month‑end processes, management reporting and audit preparation.
- Ability to develop and improve financial systems, controls and procedures.
- Strong analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate financial information confidently to non‑finance colleagues.
- Experience supervising, coaching or supporting colleagues would be advantageous.
- AAT Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) is desirable; candidates qualified through experience are encouraged to apply.
- A collaborative and positive approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Leading the day‑to‑day operation of the Zoo's finance and administration function.
- Overseeing purchase ledger, sales ledger, reconciliations and financial processing.
- Managing income reconciliation across admissions, retail, memberships, donations and other revenue streams.
- Supporting monthly reporting, audits and year‑end processes in partnership with external accountants.
- Acting as the organisation's Gift Aid lead and ensuring compliance with charity accounting requirements.
- Developing and embedding effective financial controls and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Supporting payroll processes and financial administration.
- Leading, supporting and developing a small administration and finance team.
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, systems and ways of working across the organisation.
- Ensuring all activities comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Finance, GDPR, Health & Safety, Security and People policies.
Why join us?
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and strengthen a growing finance function within a conservation charity at a pivotal time in its development. You'll be joining a passionate team committed to making a positive impact for wildlife, visitors and future generations.
What We Offer
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Enhanced company sick pay scheme following qualifying service
- 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing to 33 days after 5 years' service
- Free admission to the Zoo for your immediate family
- Complimentary access to BIAZA member zoos across the UK and Ireland
- Staff discount scheme across Zoo retail, catering and experiences
- Discounted gym membership
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Free on‑site parking
- Uniform provided where applicable
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation
- The opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work at the National Zoo of Wales
Welsh Mountain Zoo is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Finance & Administration Team Leader employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Storesperson at the iconic Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, RZSS fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing through generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to a healthcare plan. Employees also enjoy unique perks like free entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Administration Team Leader
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Administration Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)'s website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
