At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a £3 million+ charity.
- Company: Join Faith in Families, a growing charity making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of charity finance and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with charity finance experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Line reports: Finance Officer (and future finance staff as required)
Location: Swansea, with occasional travel to centres, partners and audit meetings
Hours: 17.5 hours per week
Salary (£48,000 per annum, pro rata based on full time equivalent of 37 hours)
Responsibilities
The Finance Manager is responsible for the strategic financial leadership, oversight and sustainability of Faith in Families. This is a new senior role created to ensure the organisation has the financial systems, controls and strategic insight required for a £3 million+ charity with multiple funding streams, capital projects, complex service delivery and expanding operations including Cwtch Mawr and the Multibank model.
The Finance Manager leads long-term financial planning, financial governance, budgeting, forecasting, audit and charity compliance. Working closely with the CEO and COO, the postholder ensures trustees receive high-quality, accurate financial information and that the organisation’s financial strategy supports growth, resilience and impact.
The role provides hands-on supervision of the Finance Officer, while holding responsibility for financial planning, regulatory compliance, risk, reserves management, scenario modelling and strategic decision support.
1. Strategic financial leadership
- Develop and lead the organisation’s long-term financial strategy, ensuring sustainability and alignment with organisational priorities.
- Provide expert financial advice to the CEO, COO and Board of Trustees, including scenario modelling, risk assessments and investment planning.
- Lead financial planning for growth, capital projects and major partnerships, including multibank activity.
- Ensure alignment between financial strategy and operational delivery.
2. Financial governance, audit and compliance
- Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including Charity SORP, Companies House and HMRC obligations.
- Lead preparation of annual accounts and audit processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency and strong financial governance.
- Maintain robust financial controls and ensure adherence to the Scheme of Delegation.
- Ensure all financial policies and procedures are updated, embedded and implemented.
3. Budgeting, forecasting and management reporting
- Lead the annual budget-setting process in collaboration with the CEO, COO and Senior Managers.
- Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for the SMT, CEO and Board.
- Produce mid-year reforecasts and long-term financial projections.
- Ensure accurate reporting of restricted, unrestricted and project-based funds.
4. Financial systems, processes and efficiency
- Oversee financial systems to ensure they are efficient, secure and fit for purpose.
- Support modernisation of financial processes, reporting tools and digital infrastructure.
- Ensure accurate processing of income, expenditure and payroll, working with external providers where needed.
- Maintain oversight of banking, cashflow, reserves management and treasury matters.
5. Risk management and organisational controls
- Maintain the financial risk register and contribute to the overarching organisational risk register.
- Ensure appropriate controls for procurement, authorisation, asset management, cash handling and audit trails.
- Provide financial due diligence for contracts, grants, partnerships and commercial opportunities.
- Monitor risk exposure and advise the CEO and trustees on mitigation strategies.
6. Leadership, supervision and cross-organisational support
- Line manage and develop the Finance Officer, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and professional growth.
- Support budget holders to understand financial performance and responsibilities.
- Work closely with operations, fundraising, governance and community teams to support integrated financial planning.
- Provide financial leadership for bids, investment proposals and business cases.
7. External relationships and representation
- Act as the senior financial representative, liaising with auditors, banks, suppliers, funders and regulators.
- Support financial relationships with major partners, including contributors to the multibank model.
- Provide financial reports and insight for key funders, commissioners and stakeholders.
- Represent Faith in Families at external finance and sector forums where appropriate.
Qualifications
Person specification
Essential skills, knowledge and experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent senior-level experience.
- Significant experience in charity finance, including multi-funder or multi-project environments.
- Experience preparing statutory accounts, audits and financial reports.
- Strong understanding of Charity SORP, financial controls, risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Experience developing financial strategies, long-term plans and scenario models.
- Experience supporting or advising a Board of Trustees.
- Experience managing budgets of £1m+ and overseeing cashflow, reserves and financial planning.
- Strong IT and financial systems skills, with experience improving or modernising processes.
- Experience supervising finance staff and supporting non-financial managers.
Desirable
- Experience in logistics, distribution or commercial partnerships.
- Experience in a growing or scaling charity.
- Understanding of Welsh funding, commissioning or policy landscape.
- Experience with CRM and finance system integration.
Personal qualities and attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability.
- Calm, credible and confident in senior-level decision making.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to communicate complex financial information clearly.
- Collaborative leadership style with strong relationship-building skills.
- Values-led, with high levels of integrity and professional standards.
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment.
Key Competencies (Aligned to Levels 2 & 3)
- Strategic leadership: Provides financial direction supporting long-term sustainability.
- Governance and compliance: Leads financial governance, audit, regulation and risk.
- Operational and systems oversight: Ensures financial processes and systems are robust.
Finance Manager in Swansea employer: Faithinfamilies
Contact Detail:
Faithinfamilies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Finance Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their financial strategies, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in charity finance, focusing on how you’ve led financial planning or improved processes. We want to hear how you can bring that expertise to the table and make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that Finance Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in charity finance and strategic financial leadership, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our needs. Talk about your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and compliance, and how you've successfully managed financial systems in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your personality shine through, so make it engaging but professional!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Faithinfamilies
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, 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 managed budgets or improved financial processes.
✨Understand the Charity Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and regulations that charities face, especially regarding financial governance and compliance. Being able to discuss the Charity SORP and how it impacts financial reporting will show your expertise and commitment to the sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle a budget shortfall or a compliance issue. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly, as this will showcase your strategic thinking skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since you'll be managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've developed finance staff or collaborated with non-financial managers. Highlighting your ability to build relationships and support others will resonate well with the interviewers.