Finance Manager in Sutton Coldfield

Location: Pathway Project Offices, The Hope Centre, Lichfield WS13 7LB

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Hours: 37.5

Salary: £32K to £35K

Contract: Permanent

This post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1. We value diversity and are committed to ensuring that our organisation is an inclusive place to work. We encourage applications from women from all backgrounds and communities and actively welcome applicants from Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority backgrounds and women with a disability.

About Pathway Project:

We are a domestic and sexual abuse service that supports clients in Lichfield, Tamworth, Cannock, Burntwood and the surrounding villages of South Staffordshire. We offer a range of support services to victims of domestic abuse including two refuges in confidential locations. We have been operating for over 30 years helping adults and children overcome domestic abuse, and to build a future where they live in safety and are free from fear. Since our founder, Kathy Coe MBE, created Pathway Project, we have helped over 25,000 people, with 5,814 hours of support provided in the last year. We offer a wide range of services, including adult and children outreach and community support, mental health, wellbeing and financial advice. We support the relatives of those who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and offer specialist counselling, advocacy and support to all who need us.

Pathway Project believes in working as a cohesive team and are service user led. Our helpline is access to all and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Why choose to work for us?

Pathway Project is an inspiring place to be, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy. We are currently evolving a bold new strategy and a passion for excellence in service delivery. Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans. It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey. We are a flexible and supportive employer, committed to the personal and professional development and wellbeing of our employees. We welcome applications from women with lived experience of domestic abuse and from minority or under‑represented groups.

We offer the following benefits:

• 25 days paid leave plus statutory holidays (pro rata)
• A competitive pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme delivered by Health Assured which offers incredible support to staff and their families

We value our colleagues and are constantly reviewing our policies and practice, looking for ways in which we can better demonstrate this. We also recognise the potential impact of working in this field and provide clinical supervision to all of our employees, whatever their role.

Purpose of the Role:

The Finance Manager is responsible for the effective day‑to‑day financial management of the charity, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements including the Charity Commission and Charity SORP (FRS 102). Working closely with the CEO, SMT and Trustees, the postholder will provide clear, timely financial information to support sound operational and strategic decision‑making and help ensure the long‑term sustainability of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management and Reporting: Manage the day‑to‑day finance function including processing invoices and bank transactions and monitoring cash balances to ensure sufficient liquidity. Oversee monthly cash banking of donations and rental income. Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts including variance analysis. Journals to include prepayments, accruals, bank, credit card and cash reconciliations, depreciation and maintenance of the fixed asset register. Update and maintain the cashflow forecast and provide commentary on key movements. Monitor financial performance against approved budgets and report findings to the CEO and Trustees. Prepare the Trial Balance and supporting schedules for year‑end accounts and act as the main point of contact with external auditors. Maintain and develop effective financial systems, processes and controls in line with Charity Commission guidance and good practice.
2. Budgeting and Forecasting: Support the annual budgeting process, working closely with the CEO and Treasurer to develop realistic budgets aligned to strategic priorities. Produce periodic reforecasts and assist with multi‑year financial planning as required. Provide financial input to support new initiatives, funding applications and business planning.
3. Income and Expenditure Oversight: Oversee all income streams including grants, contracts, donations, trading income and fundraising activity. Ensure accurate fund accounting and correct allocation of restricted and unrestricted funds. Support fundraising and business development activity by providing financial information for funding bids and reports. Monitor expenditure and support value for money through effective supplier and cost management.
4. Payroll and Pensions: Prepare and review information for the outsourced monthly payroll. Manage monthly pension uploads and ensure compliance with auto‑enrolment requirements. Ensure compliance with PAYE, National Insurance and pension regulations. Maintain accurate staff cost reporting and support SMT with salary reviews and cost projections.
5. Compliance and Governance: Support compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements including HMRC, Charity Commission and Companies House. Prepare financial papers and summary reports for the Board of Trustees and relevant committees including Audit and Risk. Assist with the maintenance and review of financial policies and procedures, incorporating audit recommendations. Contribute to risk management processes including financial risks and reserves monitoring.
6. Systems and Process Improvement: Manage and develop the QuickBooks accounting system. Identify opportunities to streamline finance processes and improve efficiency and accuracy. Ensure appropriate data protection and cyber security controls within finance operations.
7. Teamwork and Collaboration: Provide guidance and support to the Financial Abuse Specialist to ensure accurate recording of financial information. Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to improve financial understanding and accountability. Contribute positively to the wider management team and organisational culture.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Part‑qualified or qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience).
• Experience working in a charity or not‑for‑profit finance role, including fund accounting.
• Good working knowledge of Charity SORP (FRS 102) and charity regulatory requirements.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills with good Excel capability.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑finance colleagues.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience using QuickBooks or similar accounting systems.
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting audits and liaising with external auditors.
• Experience of restricted funds, grant reporting and donor compliance.
• Experience mentoring or supporting colleagues.
• Experience of Gift Aid.
• Familiarity with payment platforms such as PayPal, Zettle or Enthuse.

Performance Indicators:

• Timely and accurate management accounts and forecasts.
• Strong compliance with financial regulations and audit requirements.
• Positive feedback from auditors, trustees and senior management.
• Effective cashflow and reserves monitoring.
• Improved financial understanding across the organisation.

This role description cannot cover every eventuality or task that may arise within this position and the post holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with the role.

Other information:

Pathway Project is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes diversity across our services. All employees are required to adhere to our Equality & Diversity policies and to challenge discrimination wherever it is appropriate.

Safeguarding Statement:

Pathway Project is committed to safeguarding the vulnerable adults and children who we work with. We have a range of policies and procedures in place to support us to promote a Safeguarding culture and safe working practices. Pathway Project will employ a safer recruitment process which will include disclosure and barring service checks where applicable and references for all posts. We strive to be as inclusive as possible and look to recruit individuals with the right skills, experience and attitude, however, for genuine occupational requirement reasons we are looking to appoint a female only for this post (exemption under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9). The role is subject to a 6 month probationary period.