Head of Finance and HR in Manchester

We're looking for someone who combines real technical expertise with a genuine commitment to the values that drive Manchester Community Central's work. This is a senior role requiring both depth of knowledge and the ability to use it in service of an organisation whose purpose is to strengthen communities. That combination matters as much as the qualifications.

You'll need a strong financial background – ideally as a qualified or part-qualified accountant with experience in the charity sector, including a working understanding of restricted funds, grant finance and Charity SORP. Technical knowledge alone isn't enough: you'll need to be able to translate complex financial information into clear, accessible advice for managers, trustees and others who aren’t finance specialists. Making the numbers understandable and useful is a core part of the job.

HR sits alongside finance in this role: we're looking for someone who's comfortable holding both. You don't need to be a specialist in both disciplines, but you'll need solid working knowledge of employment law, HR systems and inclusive recruitment practice. More than that, you'll need to approach HR with the same values-led mindset we bring to everything else – embedding equity and inclusion in practice, not just in policy.

This is a role that requires sound judgement and a high degree of integrity. You'll be handling sensitive financial and people-related information, advising the Chief Executive and Board, and supporting managers across the organisation. People will need to feel they can rely on your advice and come to you with difficult questions. Building and maintaining that trust will be central to how you work. Strong communication skills are essential.

You'll be producing financial reports and HR papers for the Board and its subgroups, supporting managers who may be less confident in financial or people management, and helping embed systems that work for everyone. Being clear, patient and accessible in how you communicate will matter as much as being accurate.

We want Manchester Community Central to lead by example – as an employer, as a financial steward and as a values-based organisation. We're looking for someone who sees good governance and inclusive practice not as administrative obligations, but as part of what it means to do this work well.

Salary: £43,681 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week. Flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm

Location: St Thomas Centre but job offers some working from home flexibility

Contract: Permanent

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Responsible for: Finance Manager and HR Lead

Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified accountant (or equivalent demonstrable expertise in charity finance)

Deadline: 15th June, 12pm

Key responsibilities

• Financial Strategy and Sustainability: Work with the Treasurer, Finance Subgroup and Board on financial strategy, reserves policy and long-term sustainability planning
• Reporting and Accountability: Produce timely management accounts, forecasts and reports for the Board, CE, managers and funders – translating complex information into clear advice for non-specialists
• Statutory Compliance: Lead preparation of annual accounts to Charity SORP, oversee audit completion, and ensure all regulatory returns are submitted on time
• Financial Planning and Control: Lead budget-setting, maintain financial controls and audit trails, monitor cash flow and flag issues early
• Financial Operations: Oversee payroll, payment administration, bank reconciliations and tax compliance
• HR Systems and Compliance: Ensure HR systems, policies and records are compliant with employment law
• Inclusive Employment Practice: modelling what a progressive, values-based employer looks like in practice
• Management Support: Build managers' confidence in budgeting, people management and compliance, providing accessible support for day-to-day and complex issues alike
• Systems and Continuous Improvement: Design and maintain financial and HR systems that are efficient, user-friendly and reduce administrative burden
• Risk and Governance: Contribute to risk management and ensure appropriate insurance, contracts and financial safeguards are in place

What Manchester Community Central offers

At Manchester Community Central, we are committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, and we offer:

• Flexible working: We value flexible working and offer options such as adjusted working hours, hybrid or home working.
• Wellbeing support: Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing team works to create a culture that supports everyone’s health and wellbeing at Manchester Community Central.
• Carers support: We are committed to supporting carers in the workplace, and we offer five days paid carers' leave per year for those with ongoing caring responsibilities.
• Menstrual Health and Menopause friendly workplace: We are proud to be Menstruation and Menopause Friendly employers, providing a range of support to help staff to manage symptoms.
• Professional development: Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and dedicated budgets for external training and growth.
• Volunteering leave: Staff are entitled to up to 2 days per year (pro rata) with pay to engage in voluntary activities.
• Active travel incentives: Support for public transport season tickets, a Cycle to Work scheme, and travel expenses for cyclists.

These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting staff while working together to strengthen Manchester's communities.