Finance Manager

Garden Organic is looking for a Finance Manager to deliver the operational management of the finance department and line management of a small finance team. This is a hands‑on role, combining day‑to‑day delivery, alongside supporting the Finance Director with finance data analysis, reporting and audit.

Location: Garden Organic, Wolston Lane, Coventry, CV8 3LG (Hybrid); Salary: £34,000 to £38,000; Full‑time (4‑day week considered); Permanent; Role subject to DBS Check: No.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the month‑end process, including review and posting of journals, ledger management, adjustments, and balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Produce the monthly management accounts pack (P&L, cash flow, and balance sheet), with clear financial analysis, commentary on variances, and trend insights for the Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.
• Oversee day‑to‑day financial operations, including payroll, Gift Aid, VAT, membership income, donations, and other charitable income streams, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting cycle, working collaboratively with budget holders to develop accurate and meaningful financial plans.
• Support the Finance Director in developing management information and key financial KPIs to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources as required.

Team Leadership & Business Partnering

• Line‑manage and develop the Finance team, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and workload planning.
• Act as a trusted business partner across the organisation, providing financial insight, guidance, and training to non‑finance colleagues.
• Support managers in assessing the financial viability of new initiatives, ensuring full cost recovery and sustainable planning.

Systems, Controls & Audit

• Lead on the implementation and optimisation of financial systems (e.g. Business Central, SharePoint), ensuring best practice and effective use across the organisation.
• Maintain and continuously improve financial controls, ensuring they are robust, proportionate, and fit for purpose.
• Lead the preparation for the annual audit, acting as the primary contact for auditors and ensuring all documentation is complete and audit‑ready.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, payroll providers, pension providers, and insurers.

Project / Grants, Membership & Fundraising Support

• Oversee income management across fundraising, grants, trading, and membership streams, ensuring accurate recording, allocation, and compliance with donor restrictions.
• Support fundraising activities, including financial input into grant applications, reporting, and maximising tax‑efficient income (e.g. Gift Aid).
• Support departments with project budgets, cash flows, and grant applications.
• Oversee membership income processing (Direct Debit, card, online, and bank transfers), ensuring accurate reconciliation between finance systems and CRM.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of subscription income, debtors, and deferred income, including appropriate adjustments and write‑offs.
• Work closely with the membership team to provide analysis and reporting to support performance and governance.

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Support the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources in maintaining strong internal controls, governance frameworks, and assurance processes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial, legal, and regulatory requirements, including charity and tax regulations.
• Assist in monitoring compliance with supplier, landlord, and service delivery contracts.

General

The nature of the work of Garden Organic is unpredictable and varied; all employees are expected to work flexibly when tasks arise that are not specifically covered in the Job Description. A valid UK driving licence would be useful.

What we are looking for

• A qualified Accountant or equivalent evidence of demonstrable qualification by experience, with continued professional development and a commitment to staying abreast of current financial practice and regulation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, comfortable with responsibility and decision‑making, and possessing a proactive, curious, and can‑do approach.

What we can offer

• Salary: £34,000 to £38,000, depending on experience
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional leave at Christmas (pro‑rata)
• Group Pension Scheme with 8% employer contribution
• Relaxed and friendly office set within an organic garden
• Salary Extras benefits platform (instant discount scheme and health, wellbeing and financial support)
• We Care benefits platform (virtual GP consultations, nutritionist support, get‑fit programmes, smoking cessation and additional health and wellbeing support)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional long‑service holiday
• TOIL for additional hours worked
• Life Assurance
• Garden Organic membership

Equal Opportunities

At Garden Organic we embrace diversity and recognise the value it brings to our organisation. We welcome candidates from various backgrounds irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity or reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and take pride in ensuring that everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered.

Safer Recruitment

Garden Organic is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects employees, associates, and volunteers to share this commitment. We may require some candidates to undertake a DBS check relevant to the requirements of the role.