Finance Manager in Highland

Our client is looking to appoint a part-time (12 to 15 hours per week) Financial Manager to join the small team, based near Inverness. Specifically, this role will focus on ensuring sound financial management and compliance through accurate budgeting, reporting, and financial planning, thus contributing to the sustainability and efficient operation of the Trust and our community services, projects and activities. This role works closely with the Trust Bookkeeper. The role can be home based with occasional visits to the office at Whitebridge. Experience of QuickBooks would be an advantage, but training can be given.

Duties include:

• Prepare budgets and forecasts for both accounting and cash.
• Prepare monthly cashflow reporting and report to the Board.
• Prepare quarterly management accounts and reports for the Board.
• Prepare Annual Returns for main community benefit Funders.
• Work with external accountants to complete Annual Accounts.
• Manage and monitor cash flow.
• Ensure effective financial procedures and controls are in place and that financial policies are being followed.
• Maintain all bank accounts, ensuring that proper records are kept.
• Oversee all financial transactions and provide cover for bookkeeper during leave; ie prepare and complete payment runs and payroll, including ensuring all payments are fully bank authorised.
• Manage and support the Bookkeeper in their day-to-day tasks and provide guidance and support as necessary.
• Prepare and review financial policies as required.
• Provide support and guidance to staff for project budgets and external funding claims.
• Review SFCT insurance covers and liaise with the external broker to ensure all covers required are in place.
• Liaise with Trust external accountants concerning payroll matters in the absence of the Bookkeeper.
• Liaise with Trust Financial Advisors concerning investments.
• Liaise with main community benefit funders.
• Attending Trust meetings if required.
• Ensure complete confidentiality of all Trust documentation.

Person Specification:

Experience & Knowledge

• A minimum of five years post-qualifying experience.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise work activities, meeting deadlines while working to a high degree of accuracy.
• Logical and diligent with attention to detail.
• Confident user of MS Office software packages.
• Experienced user of accounting software/systems.
• Experience of budget preparation, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Ability to establish confidence, credibility and trust.
• Highly developed analytical skills.
• Strong written and oral communications skills and an ability to deal effectively with queries and provide advice.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of working within the public sector, charity, or third sector.
• Understanding of community development trusts or similar types of organisations.
• Experience of treasury management.
• An understanding of capital gains tax on investments.
• Experience of using Quickbooks.
• Fully qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant.