Finance Manager TLNT1_NI

Rural Action is a registered charity (NIC108163) established to meet an identified need to support grassroots communities through meaningful, community-driven projects and programmes. We specialise in designing, developing, and delivering initiatives that respond directly to the challenges and opportunities faced by rural people. Our mission is to inspire action and make a lasting, positive impact on everyday rural life. We believe in the strength of community, the value of shared spaces, and the potential of sustainable living.

We act as a Managing Agent for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), managing the delivery in Northern Ireland of the IFI Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP) and the Communities in Partnership (Cross Border) Programme. We are working in partnership with Cooperation Ireland and East Border Region to animate and provide support to grassroots communities to access funding opportunities under the SEUPB/Pobal managed PEACEPLUS Small Grants Programme. We deliver our own Rural Action Awards where we give back to communities each year. So far, we have invested nearly £30,000 in community action projects, injecting the equivalent of £1,000 per month back into rural communities.

The Finance Manager will provide support to the Head of Finance & Governance to ensure robust financial policies and procedures are in place to deliver the RiSE programme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• To ensure accuracy of day-to-day financial records including procurement, purchases and nominal ledger transactions.
• To implement financial controls and reporting, including monthly management accounts, profit and loss, balance sheet and cashflow, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• To ensure that appropriate financial procedures, controls and structures are adhered to for the safe, effective, efficient and economic management of public monies.
• To manage the procurement of all goods and services in line with the organisations financial policies and procedures and in adherence with SEUPBs eligibility of expenditure guidelines.
• To provide advice, direction and guidance on procurement guidelines to RiSE team members and partner organisations.
• To assist in developing and costing business structures and systems in line with both finance and organisational strategies.
• To prepare monthly, quarterly and annual returns for internal and external users.
• To ensure data integrity and accurate financial reporting by overseeing the input of financial data into the relevant accountancy software, including monthly reconciliations of all departmental profit and loss accounts and journals.
• To co-ordinate and manage the submission of quarterly drawdowns/claims for the Lead Partner and input onto the JEMS system, including all supporting documentation.
• To liaise with external controllers to ensure the timely verification of programme claims and to address any non-compliance issues.
• To provide all programme-specific financial reports as requested by the Programme Manager and Head of Finance & Governance.
• To support the Head of Finance & Governance in the annual budgeting process and year-end accounts.

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified member of a recognised professional accountancy body (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent). OR part-qualified accountant with 3 years relevant experience in a financial role.
• At least 2 years experience in the last 5 years of operating in a similar role as Finance Manager.

Conditions of Service:

The successful applicant will play a key role in helping Rural Action deliver its strategic plan, and as such, a flexible and proactive approach to work is essential. This post is based in Cookstown, with Rural Action currently operating a hybrid working model. Access to personal transport is essential, as the role involves travel across Northern Ireland, the border region of Ireland, and occasionally further afield to attend meetings and events.

Equal Opportunities: Rural Action is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.