Finance Manager in Coventry

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.

Key Requirements: This is a hands‑on role, combining day‑to‑day delivery, alongside supporting the Finance Director with finance data analysis, reporting and audit.

Hours: Full time (although 4 days a week would be considered)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £34,000 to £38,000

Role subject to DBS Check: No

Overall purpose of the role: This Finance Manager will provide operational management of the finance department and line management of a small finance team. The role is hands‑on, supporting the Finance Director with finance data analysis, reporting and audit. It will require strong partnership skills to collaborate with other departmental managers across the organisation, enabling departmental budget processes, accounting and financial planning. The role demands proactive and efficient management of the finance function to deliver financial and management accounts & reporting, all aspects of contractual and financial regulatory compliance and a keen focus on growth, efficiency and opportunities to increase revenue.

Responsibilities & Main Duties:

• 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), including 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 manages and develops 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.
• 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, cashflows 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 that tasks and responsibilities are, in some circumstances, unpredictable and varied. Employees are expected to work flexibly when tasks are not specifically covered in the Job Description and must be undertaken. A valid UK driving licence would be useful.

What we are looking for: Our ideal candidate will bring energy and enthusiasm to the role as well as proven experience in finance management, governance and compliance. The candidate should be a qualified accountant, or have demonstrable qualification by experience, with evidence of continued professional development and a commitment to staying abreast of current financial practice and regulation. The ideal candidate will work independently with minimal supervision, be comfortable with responsibility and decision‑making, and have 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 (with access to virtual GP consultations, nutritionist support, get fit programmes, smoking cessation and further health and wellbeing support)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional long service holiday
• TOIL for additional hours worked
• Life Assurance

Person Specification:

Experience:

• Experience of all aspects of financial management including management accounts, statutory accounts, cashflow, reporting and compliance.
• Experience of working with budget holders to produce annual budgets and forecasts.
• Experience of working in the charity sector (membership, grants and government funding projects) and knowledge of charity SORP.
• Experience of statutory reporting, contract compliance, annual accounts (VAT, pension, PAYE etc.) in a charity or public sector organisation.
• Experience of managing a small team, with strong people management skills, and an ability to prioritise, deal with issues, delegate, coach and lead by example.
• At least part qualified or qualified by experience ideally with working knowledge of charity finances.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent IT skills including the use of (MS Dynamics 365) Business Central and Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint), SharePoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly.
• Good financial analysis skills to examine financial consequences of proposals and plans.
• Highly organised, self‑motivated team player with excellent attention to detail and able to work with minimum supervision.

Safer Recruitment: Garden Organic is also 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.

Right to Work: Please note that we only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor working visa applications.