Finance Manager ( 4 days per week )

Job Summary

The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Finance Manager to join its small, mission-driven head office team in London. Reporting directly to the CEO, this pivotal role will oversee the full finance function of the charity and its trading subsidiary. The position offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational duties within a supportive, values-led organisation. With a 4-day working week, hybrid working model, and a competitive salary of £40,000 to £50,000 (pro-rata), this role is ideal for a part-qualified or fully qualified accountant who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about contributing to the charity’s growth and compliance. You will work closely with the Board, external auditors, and internal teams to ensure robust financial management and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate accounts for the charity and its subsidiary company, ensuring compliance with all relevant accounting standards.
• Manage the outsourced payroll provider, processing staff salaries, PAYE, NI, and pension contributions in a timely manner.
• Process and make payments for all staff and volunteer expenses, maintaining accurate records.
• Ensure all expenditure payments are made promptly, adhering to agreed payment terms.
• Maintain direct debit subscriptions for members and supporters, reconciling payments against the master database.
• Oversee annual affiliation fee income, including reconciliation of master sheets and reporting to the CEO.
• Raise quarterly invoices for advertising in the Flower Arranger magazine and follow up on outstanding payments.
• Process website stock orders and raise ad hoc invoices for stock sales, ensuring accurate inventory records.
• Manage charity event receipts and expenditures, reconciling against master spreadsheets for audit trails.
• Process supplier invoices and ensure timely payments, maintaining positive vendor relationships.
• Handle banking of cheques, online transfers, and bank reconciliations for all accounts.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns for both the charity and its trading subsidiary, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Prepare monthly management accounts for the CEO, Finance Committee, and Board, adhering to an agreed schedule.
• Maintain documentation for restricted funds, ensuring proper cost allocations and record keeping.
• Perform monthly profit and loss and balance sheet reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts in collaboration with the CEO, providing variance analysis and actionable insights.
• Manage rolling 12-month cash flow forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
• Coordinate the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and providing all necessary documentation.
• Provide financial information and advice to the CEO and Board of Trustees, supporting governance and compliance.
• Keep up to date with financial compliance, legislation, and regulation, ensuring the charity operates within its policies and procedures.
• Maintain the charity’s supporter database, ensuring accurate records of income and contact details.
• Act as Secretary to the Finance and Investment Committee and the Risk and Audit Committee, preparing agendas and minutes.
• Serve as the central point of contact for all financial enquiries from staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Exhibit a strong team-working approach, representing the vision and values of NAFAS at all times.
• Participate in shared office duties, including taking telephone orders, picking, packing, and posting trading goods as needed.
• Attend team meetings, appraisal sessions, and staff development training as reasonable for part-time working arrangements.
• Identify and motivate volunteers and supporters to enhance financial and voluntary support for the charity.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• Significant demonstrable experience in finance and operations within the charity sector, ideally in a similar role.
• Part or fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial modelling.
• Experience of working within a small central team, demonstrating flexibility and a hands-on approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience of managing compliance areas such as data protection, cyber security, insurance, and risk (desirable but not essential).
• A Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent is preferred.
• At least 5 years of financial accounting experience is required.
• Ability to reliably commute to London EC2N 4AH or plan to relocate before starting work.

Skills Inventory

• Proficiency in Xero financial software is essential.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and financial modelling.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities, capable of prioritising a varied workload.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners.
• Knowledge of charity accounting standards, including SORP and restricted fund management.
• Familiarity with payroll processing, pension contributions, and HMRC reporting.
• Experience with VAT returns and compliance for charities and trading subsidiaries.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a hybrid environment.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with regulatory changes.

Salary & Compensation Estimation

The role offers a competitive salary of £40,000 to £50,000 per year (pro-rata for 4 days per week), based on experience and qualifications. This translates to a pro-rata equivalent of approximately £32,000 to £40,000 for the part-time schedule. The compensation package includes 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays (pro-rata), three additional days over the Christmas and New Year period, a HealthShield Cash Plan at Level 2, a company pension with Nest and a 6% employer contribution, a season ticket loan, casual dress code, and hybrid working options with a minimum of three days in the office. This comprehensive benefits package reflects the charity’s commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance.