At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial strategies and oversee accounting operations for a groundbreaking environmental initiative.
- Company: Join Exchange for Change, a pioneering organisation focused on reducing waste across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and 34 days holiday to recharge.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-driven team making a difference in the world.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in financial operations and management reporting.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
At Exchange for Change, we are building something the UK has never had before. Working across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are designing and delivering a Deposit Return Scheme from the ground up, creating a system that helps reduce litter and waste by encouraging people to return their empty drinks bottles and cans for recycling. This is not just another job. This is a rare opportunity to do meaningful work, shape a landmark national programme, and help deliver lasting positive impact for people, businesses and the planet alike.
Your role
This newly created Finance Manager position offers a unique opportunity to shape the financial and governance infrastructure of a rapidly evolving organisation. The role is pivotal to ensuring sound financial reporting, robust financial controls, and insightful commercial analysis that supports strategic decision‑making across the business. Currently, Exchange for Change’s transactional accounting and finance operations are delivered by an external accounting firm. The Finance Manager will take ownership of this outsourced relationship, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness and quality of all financial outputs in readiness for bringing the finance records & operations inhouse at the appropriate time. This role will act as the key internal finance representative and will work closely with the CFO & the Finance Leadership Team.
Key Responsibilities & Priorities
- Management of Outsourced Finance and External Partner Relationships
Act as the primary internal lead managing the relationship with the external accounting provider. Oversee and review all accounting workflows, including journal entries, reconciliations, month‑end close activities, and financial data submissions. Ensure outputs from the external provider are accurate, timely and aligned to organisational priorities. Project manage the process of transferring finance and accounting records inhouse at the appropriate time. - Financial Reporting & Management Accounting
Lead the preparation and quality control of monthly management accounts, ensuring reporting packs are comprehensive, accurate, and delivered on schedule. Analyse financial results and provide insightful commentary on variances, key metrics, trends and risks. Prepare clear and compelling financial information for presentation to senior leadership, Board committees and external stakeholders. - Financial Controls, Policies & Governance
Support strengthening and standardisation of internal financial control frameworks in line with corporate governance best practice. Identify control gaps and implement enhancements that support scalability, accuracy and compliance. Assist with the development of finance policies, procedures and documentation to support robust financial management. - Statutory Compliance, Audit & Regulatory Reporting
Support the audit planning and statutory reporting activities with the external accountant and audit partners. Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, statutory filing requirements, audit trails, and governance obligations. Support the CFO in responding to regulatory enquiries and reporting requirements. - Systems & Process Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve finance systems, automation and workflow efficiency across the organisation. Drive consistent, scalable processes that align with Exchange for Change’s expansion trajectory.
About you
The ideal candidate will be a highly capable finance professional with strong technical accounting expertise, and experience in a dynamic organisational environment.
Qualifications & Experience
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Proven experience managing financial operations, ideally including oversight of outsourced partners. Experience in management reporting, and financial governance. Background in high‑growth, scaling organisations, or complex multi‑stakeholder environments is highly desirable.
Skills & Attributes
Excellent analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail. Strong communicator capable of influencing multiple stakeholder groups, including senior executives and external partners. Organised, proactive, and comfortable operating with autonomy.
The opportunity
Work that makes a difference - and a place where you can too. This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to help establish a scheme of national importance, working with purpose‑driven colleagues and partners to deliver visible, real‑world impact. You’ll contribute directly to meaningful environmental and social change and in return, we support and reward our team through a range of benefits and initiatives. Competitive base salary, Bonus scheme, 34 days holiday inclusive of
Finance Manager employer: Exchange for Change
At Exchange for Change, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a positive impact on the environment and society. Our Finance Manager role offers not only competitive remuneration and generous holiday allowances but also a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and innovation. Join us in shaping a landmark national programme while enjoying the unique opportunity to work alongside passionate colleagues committed to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨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 Exchange for Change. 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 Manager
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 Exchange for Change.
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 Exchange for Change'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 Exchange for Change
✨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 Exchange for Change.
✨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 Exchange for Change 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 Exchange for Change 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.
