Finance Manager in Bristol

This is a newly created position, designed to lead day-to-day finance across our group of social enterprises. You will own the month-end process, produce consolidated management accounts, and act as the day-to-day finance lead for the board and entity managers – freeing the part‑time FD to focus on strategy, governance, and board‑level matters. The role requires someone who is as comfortable talking through a cash flow shortfall with a business manager as they are closing a month‑end or building a consolidated report. Strong technical skills matter, but so does the ability to communicate clearly, build trust with non‑finance colleagues, and work autonomously in a fast‑moving environment. This is a varied, autonomous role at the heart of a genuinely purposeful organisation. You will work closely with a part‑time Finance Director, a small finance team, and directly with entity managers across the group.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Finance & Reporting
  • Own the month-end close process across all 16 entities, working with the bookkeeping team to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
  • Prepare consolidated monthly management accounts for review by the FD and circulation to the relevant boards.
  • Maintain and develop cash flow reporting across the group.
  • Produce clear, concise financial analysis and commentary to support decision-making.
  • Support the FD in preparing quarterly board packs and year‑end reporting.
  • Oversee the integrity of Xero accounts, ensuring consistent coding and processes.
• Operations & Stakeholder Management
  • Act as the primary day-to-day finance contact for the Leadership Team handling ad‑hoc requests and queries.
  • Conduct regular cash flow review meetings with entity managers, providing financial insight and challenge.
  • Improve consistency and quality of financial reporting across the group.
  • Work with entity managers to ensure timely, accurate monthly information feeds into the group reporting cycle.
  • Resolve day-to-day finance queries independently, escalating to the FD only where it is needed.
• Team & Development
  • Support and develop the Management Accountant, helping them grow into a broader finance support role.
  • Work alongside the Purchase Ledger Bookkeeper to ensure smooth supplier payment processes.
  • Contribute to ongoing improvements in systems, reporting, and ways of working.

Who you are:

Essential

• Solid experience in a management accounts or finance operations role, ideally in a multi‑entity, group, or multi‑site environment.
• AAT qualified, or ACCA/CIMA part‑qualified (or qualified by experience with a strong track record).
• Confident user of Xero or similar cloud accounting software.
• Excellent communicator – able to translate financial information for non‑finance audiences.
• Organised and analytically minded, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable working autonomously and making decisions without constant senior oversight.
• Genuine interest in social enterprise, community organisations, or the third sector.

Desirable

• Experience working across multiple Xero accounts or entities.
• Familiarity with charity or social enterprise reporting requirements.
• Experience line managing or developing junior finance staff.
• Background in a similarly complex, stakeholder‑rich environment.

What we offer:

• A genuinely meaningful role at the centre of our network, blending business and purpose to deliver lasting community impact.
• Real autonomy and scope – this is not a back‑office role; you will have visibility and influence across the whole group.
• A supportive and experienced part‑time FD who will invest in your development.
• The opportunity to shape a newly created role and build processes that will last.

Contract Terms:

• Permanent Contract.
• Full Time – 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
• £40‑45k per annum – dependent on experience. Candidates at the higher salary range would be able to demonstrate experience and qualifications across both the essential and desirable criteria.
• 25 days holiday per annum pro rata (excluding bank holidays).
• You will be based at our site in Aston Down. The role will involve regular travel to our other sites in Cirencester, Stroud and, occasionally, Bristol.
• Start date – June 2026 (or as soon as possible).

Reporting Lines:

You will report to the Finance Director and will be responsible for line‑managing two finance administrators.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that everyone brings.

Right to Work in the UK:

In line with UK employment law, applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required during the recruitment process.