At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and business operations for impactful youth programmes.
- Company: Urban Pursuit, a dynamic organisation empowering young people through adventure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, supportive team, and wellbeing practices.
- Other info: Join a fun-loving team committed to building lasting relationships and making an impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and operations, with a passion for youth empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 42069 - 46149 £ per year.
Urban Pursuit are seeking a Finance & Business Manager to oversee the financial management, business systems, and organisational infrastructure that are the foundation for our Bristol programmes to thrive. This role combines hands‑on financial management with strategic leadership of business operations. You will play a key role ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, operationally effective, and compliant during a period of growth.
Our programmes empower young people to make significant personal progress, gain hope, and journey towards a positive future. At the heart of our ethos is a spirit of adventure and responsible risk‑taking. We use adrenaline sports and adventure activities to deliver personal and social development programmes that lead to lasting change in the lives of many young people.
Responsible for:
- Financial management and reporting
- Leadership of business operations, inc. systems and process
- Business infrastructure and organisational risk management
Salary: Pay is awarded on a tiered system, with pro‑rated actual salary starting at £25,900 and rising to £28,412. (Equivalent to £42,069 to £46,149 FTE).
Contract: Permanent contract, initially 3.5 days per week. Bristol term‑time working pattern.
Working arrangements: School term‑time plus up to 10 additional working days during school holidays. Flexibility required, particularly around payroll, month‑end, and operational deadlines. Hybrid flexibility available by agreement following induction period. Minimum expectation of working across four days, with two office‑based days each week.
Location: Bristol harbourside office, with occasional local travel as required.
In addition to your contracted workplace pension and eleven non working weeks per year, we boast of our supportive team, wellbeing practices, great shared office location, complimentary drinks fridge and company vehicles provided for work hours.
About the Role: The Finance & Business Manager will play a critical leadership role within Urban Pursuit, overseeing the financial and business infrastructure that supports our programmes and staff team. You will lead on day‑to‑day finance management, including invoicing, payroll, budgeting, and reporting. You will ensure appropriate IT provision and manage internal systems. You will also ensure compliance across facilities, insurance, operational policies, and organisational risk management.
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will support the CEO by providing accurate financial reporting and management accounts, as well as business oversight and commercially sound recommendations. Key priorities during the first year will be: successful migration from QuickBooks to Xero, procurement and implementation of a new Management Information System, strengthening management reporting and forecasting, and embedding business systems to support cost efficiency through organisational growth.
About you: You are highly dependable, capable of balancing detail with strategy, and you calmly make confident decisions, even under pressure. You will be fully on‑board with our vision: “Every young person finding hope and a future”. You are confident handling finance, compliance, and operational administration within a growing SME environment. You are organised, commercially minded and enjoy solving problems, building systems, and simplifying complex operations.
You are comfortable being the organisation’s ‘go‑to’ person for financial clarity. You are able to communicate financial information clearly to non‑financial colleagues and can build trust across a diverse staff team. You will enjoy an environment alongside fun‑loving operational staff, as opposed to a dull back‑office.
You’ll fit in well if you can align yourself with our core values:
- We’re committed to building lasting relationships
- We’re proud to go the extra mile
- We never give up on young people
We recognise that strong candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds. You may, for example, be a School Business Manager, Finance & Operations Manager, Finance Manager, or Business Manager within a charity, SME, or education setting. If you have experience leading finance and organisational infrastructure and are motivated by our mission, then we encourage you to apply.
Stage 1: If you are selected, we will arrange a short phone call on Monday 29th June.
Stage 2: Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview on Thursday 2nd July.
Start date: The successful candidate will ideally begin 3rd September 2026.
Safeguarding statement: Urban Pursuit is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Finance and Business Manager employer: Urban Pursuit
Urban Pursuit is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Bristol harbourside, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial management and business operations within a dynamic organisation dedicated to empowering young people. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive team culture, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in our mission to inspire hope and positive change through adventure and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance and Business Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Urban Pursuit. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance and Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Urban Pursuit.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Urban Pursuit's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Pursuit
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Urban Pursuit.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Urban Pursuit will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Urban Pursuit employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
