Finance Manager – Charity Sector (East Sussex)
Full-time | Permanent | Salary: £
Hybrid working available
A respected and long-established charity in East Sussex is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to play a key role in ensuring strong financial operations, accurate management reporting and the smooth running of a busy finance function.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong finance professional who enjoys both hands-on accounting and working collaboratively with colleagues across an organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations & Reporting
*Lead the month-end close and produce accurate management accounts to agreed deadlines.
*Prepare balance sheet reconciliations, cashflow forecasts and supporting schedules.
*Produce clear financial reports for internal stakeholders, including non-finance managers.
*Support preparation of annual statutory accounts in line with Charity SORP.
*Coordinate the annual year-end audit as the main operational contact.
*Oversee accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
*Maintain the nominal ledger and ensure financial transactions are correctly coded.
*Prepare monthly VAT returns and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Financial Planning & Analysis
*Support the annual budget process, consolidating inputs from managers.
*Produce variance analysis and highlight key financial trends.
*Prepare rolling cashflow forecasts and contribute to long-term financial modelling.
*Deliver ad-hoc analysis to support organisational decision-making.
Budget Holder Support
*Act as the first point of contact for budget holders.
*Provide clear explanations of monthly management accounts and variances.
*Develop tools and guidance to improve financial literacy across teams.
*Work collaboratively to resolve discrepancies and queries.
Systems, Processes & Controls
*Oversee the finance system (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central).
*Drive improvements in financial processes and controls.
*Maintain finance procedures and documentation in line with best practice.
*Ensure strong financial governance and data protection compliance.
Team Leadership
*Line manage and support the Accounts Assistant and other direct reports.
*Organise team workload to meet reporting deadlines.
*Encourage a positive, collaborative and learning-focused team culture.
About You
Essential
*Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE with strong technical skills.
*Solid month-end and year-end experience.
*Strong technical accounting knowledge, including reconciliations, accruals and prepayments.
*Experience producing management accounts and financial reports.
*Experience supporting an annual audit process.
*Knowledge of accounts payable and receivable processes.
*Strong Excel skills, including modelling and variance analysis.
*Experience managing or supervising staff.
*Excellent communication skills, able to present financial information clearly.
Desirable
*Experience in the charity.
*Knowledge of Charity SORP.
*Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
*Understanding of payroll processes.
*Experience improving financial systems or processes.