Finance Manager

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential, Mental Health and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year. Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the children, young people, families and vulnerable adults in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world-class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops!

Where and when do we need you?

We are currently recruiting for a Finance Manager to work within our established finance function. In this role you will be reporting directly into the Finance Director and will play a key part in driving the service improvements and compliance at an operational level. You will operate as a critical member of the organisation through the management of the finance function, effectively leading the management of day-to-day financial operations and ensuring the needs of internal and external stakeholders are met. This will be done through working as a true strategic partner within the charity, advising and consulting with managers on a wide range of issues ensuring the delivery of key financial objectives supporting the charity in meeting its goals for growth and financial stability.

In this role you will be involved in exciting and rewarding things like:

• Leading and developing a fantastic team - Undertaking line management responsibilities for allocated members of the finance team undertaking dedicated coaching, development, 121's and any day to day support that is required to ensure that finance colleagues are supported and developed appropriately and that we deliver an outstanding service both internally and externally.
• Advising and Consulting - Producing high quality monthly financial reporting which is accurate, timely and meets the needs of managers and directors using financial information extracted from the appropriate finance systems to assist them to manage their departments' budgets and understand budget variances.
• Data analysis and Reporting - Leading on the year-end audit and accounts closedown process through the collation and analysis of appropriate financial information and liaising with auditors to ensure agreed deadlines are met. This work will contribute to the production of best practice statutory reporting and provide internal and external stakeholders with assurances that the charity's finances are well managed.
• Managing Compliance and Risk - Ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations and legislation by monitoring controls and procedures and making recommendations to adapt to changing circumstances. This is to ensure that any risk associated with non-compliance is assessed, rectified and managed appropriately moving forward in order to ensure that any impact to the charity is managed effectively.
• Delivering Excellence - Supporting the delivery of the Finance strategic agenda including taking the lead on the development and monitoring of the annual department Continuous Improvement Plan. This will involve undertaking a SWOT analysis of the Finance function in collaboration with colleagues in order to assess the current environment and produce a development plan to address shortcomings and aim for excellence.
• Being a subject specialist - Leading on VAT issues on behalf of the organisation in conjunction with external VAT advisors. Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns, review existing processes and consider the implications of changes in VAT regulations in order to ensure the charity is complying with legislation and maximising charitable reliefs available.

Successful candidates will be working a 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday, you will hybrid work between home and a minimum of 1 day per week at our office at Lakeside in Portsmouth.

All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways. 

You and your specialisms

Management roles within the charity are pivotal in achieving our mission of making a difference through passionate care, support, and education. To support this, you will be required to have, or be working towards a minimum of the following qualification levels:

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACMA, ACCA, CIPFA)
• Advanced Excel spreadsheet skills
• Significant experience of preparing monthly management accounts
• Clear understanding of risks relevant to the finance environment and controls required to mitigate risks.
• You will have experience as a Finance Manager, leading and developing a team of professionals, and a good knowledge of accounting and tax issues in a high performing organisation.
• Excellent communication skills to drive engagement with Finance issues and manage change effectively.
• Prioritise and deliver effectively in a fast-paced environment with your values at the core of your decision making.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the Not For Profit sector and knowledge of the Charities SORP.
• Good working knowledge of HMRC and particularly VAT tax regulations

Let us look after you!

At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:

• Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
• Health and Support: Benefit from Health Shield, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
• Growth and Development: Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master's level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
• Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you're passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!