Management Accountant

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We re here to make sure people across all ages and care groups can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

local Healthwatch organisations, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

innovative Personal Health Budget projects that allow people to access items and services to improve their wellbeing.

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

This position involves supporting the Finance department by providing financial assistance to the Head of Finance in maintaining the organisation s financial records and internal controls.

You will utilise your finance skills to ensure that transactions are accurately and promptly recorded, and you ll assist in preparing high-quality month-end reports. You will also collaborate closely with the Finance Officer and wider teams to contribute to the organisation s financial reporting and planning.

Key responsibilities

Prepare monthly management accounts and internal reports for departmental managers and participate in regular review meetings; conduct variance analysis against budget and forecasts and provide commentary for senior management.

• Prepare, check, and submit end-of-month financial data to external accountants.
• Respond to internal and external finance queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Process the month-end transactions on Quick Books.
• Assist the Head of Finance with payroll processing, audits, financial reports, and ad hoc finance-related tasks.
• Prepare budgets and financial forecasts in collaboration with the Head of Finance and ensure accurate upload into the financial system.
• Monitor cash flow and support cash flow forecasting.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of financial procedures and systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist with the preparation of year-end accounts and liaise with auditors as required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, internal policies, and reporting standards.
• Support the Finance Officer in reconciling bank accounts.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the Head of Finance to support the effective running of the finance function.

General responsibilities

• Work according to the Equality Act 2010 and other forms of legislation that combat discrimination and promote equality and diversity.
• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.
• Contribute to internal and external monitoring reports.
• Adhere to organisational policies, including those related to health & safety, safeguarding, and risk management.
• Work in alignment with our mission, vision, and values.

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, as well as those with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

• Proven experience in a finance role, preferably in a management accounting or analytical capacity.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, reporting, and analysis
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial software systems.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise a heavy workload and multi-task
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to work flexibly and to tight deadlines
• A proactive, solution-focused approach to improving systems and processes.

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Accounting qualification or studying towards an accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Experience of working in the charitable or voluntary sector
• Knowledge of data protection regulations and managing confidential information.