At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage balance sheet reconciliations, payroll accounting, and prepare quarterly VAT returns.
- Company: Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement focused on transforming food and farming.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cash back plan, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Position based in Godalming, UK, with hybrid working pattern of 2 days in the office.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven organisation supporting sustainable food practices globally.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience in financial reporting and reconciliations.
Godalming HQ UK (Hybrid working pattern 2x days in the office) Finance Full time Permanent. Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement transforming the future of food and farming. We are now seeking a Finance Manager to help ensure our global mission is supported by strong, accurate and trusted financial management.
Location: Godalming, UK (hybrid working pattern 2x days in the office per week). The office is based close to Godalming station, with direct trains to London Waterloo in approximately 45 minutes.
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
About the role
As Finance Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of Compassion in World Farming’s financial information across our global team. Working closely with the Global Financial Controller, Global Finance Director and wider finance team, you will take ownership of core financial processes including balance sheet reconciliations, payroll accounting, VAT returns and regular financial reporting. You will also support the preparation of annual financial statements and audits across multiple entities.
Key responsibilities:
- Line manage and support the Finance Assistant
- Own and reconcile balance sheet accounts across all CIWF’s international entities
- Manage payroll accounting, ensuring accurate allocation and timely payments
- Prepare the quarterly UK VAT return
- Support the Global Financial Controller with annual accounts and audit preparation
- Assist with statutory filings across multiple international entities
- Respond to ad hoc finance queries and support budget holders
- Contribute to finance projects and continuous improvement of processes and reporting
About you
To succeed as our Finance Manager, you will need to be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent, finalists also considered) with strong experience in financial reporting, reconciliations and supporting the year‑end and audit cycle. You'll need to be confident working in a complex global environment, take pride in producing accurate, high‑quality financial information, and enjoy collaborating with colleagues across the organisation.
Required skills and experience:
- Proven experience in financial reporting and balance sheet ownership
- Knowledge of payroll accounting and VAT
- Strong analytical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to explain financial information clearly and confidently to non‑finance colleagues
- Confidence using financial systems and Excel to manage and analyse data
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective, trusted working relationships
- Experience working in the non‑profit sector, within a global organisation, or contributing to improvements in finance processes and reporting would be an advantage, but not essential.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Free onsite parking and office next to mainline station in Godalming (approx. 45 minutes from London Waterloo)
- Health Cash Back Plan and 24/7 GP access
- Employee Assistance Programme and MHFA support
- Electric car scheme available
- Defined contribution pension scheme
- Enhanced discretionary sick pay
- Hybrid working model (role and location dependent)
- Cycle Benefit scheme and other savings options
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
Equal Opportunity Statement
Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector. We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other.
Finance Manager employer: Compassion in World Farming
Located in Godalming, UK, Compassion in World Farming offers a health cash back plan and ongoing learning opportunities. The team is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for food and farming worldwide.
Contact Details:
Compassion in World Farming Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Compassion in World Farming.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Compassion in World Farming.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Compassion in World Farming.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Compassion in World Farming. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Compassion in World Farming. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Finance Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compassion in World Farming
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Compassion in World Farming. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
