Assistant Finance Manager
Assistant Finance Manager

Assistant Finance Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Happy Doggo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the CFO in finance operations and ensure accurate financial processing.
  • Company: Join Happy Doggo, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of street dogs worldwide.
  • Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in finance while making a positive impact.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values resilience and joy over suffering.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance or bookkeeping; studying towards AAT, ACCA, or CIMA preferred.
  • Other info: Dynamic startup environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

In early 2023, Happy Doggo was just an idea taking shape in Niall Harbison’s mind: a charity, operating like a startup, working to fix the global street dog problem for good. Fast forward to 2026 months and we are an official charity, with a global team and a worldwide following. At its core, Happy Doggo will always operate a little differently: instead of showcasing the (very real) suffering of street dogs around the world, we share stories of their incredible resilience, ingenuity, and joy. Our mission is just getting off the ground, and we’re ready to take everything to the next level.

Role Overview

The Assistant Finance Manager will play a key support role within the finance function, working closely with the CFO to ensure accurate financial processing, strong internal controls, and the effective implementation of finance policies and procedures. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is detail-oriented, organised, and comfortable managing day-to-day finance activities while supporting higher-level finance operations. The role does not carry ultimate financial responsibility but is critical to ensuring the smooth running of the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the CFO in the implementation and ongoing maintenance of finance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Assist with day-to-day finance operations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
  • Act as a key point of contact for finance-related queries from internal teams.
  • Review and process employee expense claims in line with company policy.
  • Review, code, and categorise supplier invoices accurately.
  • Ensure invoices and expenses are correctly approved and recorded in a timely manner.
  • Support payment preparation and supplier reconciliations as required.
  • Carry out light bookkeeping tasks, including posting transactions and maintaining accurate financial records.
  • Assist with bank reconciliations and basic account reconciliations.
  • Support month-end processes, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and on time.
  • Assist in the preparation of internal financial reports for review by the CFO.
  • Help maintain accurate cost categorisation to support reporting and budget tracking.
  • Support ad hoc financial analysis and data requests.
  • Identify opportunities to improve finance processes and administrative efficiency.
  • Support audit preparation and respond to information requests where required.
  • Ensure financial records are maintained in line with regulatory and organisational requirements.

Skills & Experience

  • Previous experience in a finance, accounts, or bookkeeping role.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Comfortable working with accounting software and spreadsheets (Xero experience preferred, but not required).
  • Good understanding of basic accounting principles.
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work independently while closely supporting senior finance leadership.
  • Part-qualified or studying towards AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or similar.
  • Experience working in an SME or charity environment.
  • Exposure to finance policy development or implementation.

Personal Attributes

  • Methodical and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership over tasks.
  • Confident communicating with non-finance colleagues.
  • Discreet and professional when handling sensitive financial information.
  • Proactive and willing to learn and develop within the role.

Assistant Finance Manager employer: Happy Doggo

Happy Doggo is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, where every team member plays a vital role in our mission to improve the lives of street dogs globally. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and encourage innovative thinking to enhance our finance processes. Located in a dynamic environment, our charity operates with the agility of a startup, making it an exciting place for those looking to make a meaningful impact while advancing their careers.
Happy Doggo

Contact Detail:

Happy Doggo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in charities or SMEs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Happy Doggo and its mission. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of street dogs. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills can support our unique approach to finance.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your financial skills! Brush up on your bookkeeping and accounting principles, especially if you’re familiar with software like Xero. We want to see that you can hit the ground running and support our finance function effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Happy Doggo team.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Manager

Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Accounting Software Proficiency
Basic Accounting Principles
Financial Reporting
Bookkeeping
Bank Reconciliation
Expense Management
Supplier Reconciliation
Finance Policy Development
Communication Skills
Proactive Learning
Experience in SME or Charity Environment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant finance roles you've had, especially those that show your attention to detail and organisational skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about finance and how you can contribute to our mission at Happy Doggo. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Finance Manager role.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with accounting software and any qualifications you’re pursuing, like AAT or ACCA. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Happy Doggo

✨Know Your Numbers

Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge. Be ready to discuss basic accounting principles and any relevant experience you have with finance software like Xero. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in the financial aspects of the charity.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

As an Assistant Finance Manager, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail and organisational skills made a difference. This could be anything from managing expense claims to ensuring accurate record-keeping.

✨Communicate Confidently

You'll need to interact with non-finance colleagues, so practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and confidently, which will help build rapport with the interviewers.

✨Be Proactive About Learning

Express your willingness to learn and grow within the role. Mention any courses or qualifications you're pursuing, like AAT or ACCA, and how they relate to the position. This shows that you're committed to developing your skills and contributing to the team's success.

Assistant Finance Manager
Happy Doggo
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