Finance Manager

The Waqf Fund is a newly established organisation founded by Human Appeal to raise and invest funds in Shariah-compliant investments. Investment returns will be used to further the charitable objectives of The Waqf Fund while preserving the invested capital

The Finance Unit provides financial services and support for fundraising, investments and charitable activities, supporting internal and external stakeholders with accurate, timely and compliant financial information.

The Finance Manager will lead the timely and accurate processing, control and reporting of income, expenditure, balance sheet performance, payroll and VAT. The role will manage the annual audit, the year end financial statement. He/she will work closely with budget holders and the Fundraising teams to identify and resolve financial issues.

The Finance Manager will deliver the month-end close and performance reporting including quarterly financial reporting for the Board.

The role will provide stakeholders with timely, up-to-date analysis of income, expenditure, trends, forecasts and ad-hoc support as required to the leadership team.

The Finance Manager will ensure that financial controls, policies & procedures operate effectively and comply with applicable UK accounting standards, Charity SORP, charity law and other relevant legislation.

Success in the role will be measured against the following key performance indicators:

• Deliver accurate monthly management accounts, including income and expenditure, balance sheet reconciliations, cash flow and budget variance analysis, within the agreed month-end timetable.
• Maintain effective financial controls so that all material balance sheet accounts, bank accounts, investment balances and donor income records are reconciled monthly, with exceptions investigated and resolved promptly.
• Prepare annual statutory accounts, audit schedules and supporting evidence to agreed deadlines, achieving an efficient audit with no significant control weaknesses or avoidable adjustments.
• Ensure full and timely compliance with Charity SORP, HMRC and other applicable regulatory requirements, including accurate submission of VAT, tax and statutory returns and implementation of agreed audit recommendations.
• Provide the Board, Waqf Manager and budget holders with timely, reliable financial reports, forecasts and investment-performance information that support effective oversight of capital preservation, Shariah-compliant investments and the use of distributable returns for charitable purposes.
• Maintain accurate fund accounting and restricted-fund records, ensuring donations, investment capital, investment returns and charitable distributions are correctly classified, traceable and used in accordance with donor restrictions and approved purposes.
• Manage cash flow, banking and payment processes so that approved obligations are met on time, sufficient liquidity is maintained and all payments comply with delegated authority, segregation-of-duties and value-for money requirements.
• Lead and develop the finance function, meeting agreed service standards, resolving stakeholder queries promptly and delivering continuous improvements that strengthen data quality, efficiency and financial governance.

NB:
Employee duties are not limited only to the above-mentioned responsibilities; they may perform other duties as assigned.

• Qualified Professional Accountant in a finance discipline (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA) or Qualified by Experience.
• Experience

• Significant experience managing a finance department within the charity sector, with an understanding of charitable programmes, fundraising, and operational activities.
• Significant experience providing assurance and oversight of finance functions, systems, processes, and procedures.
• Experience using NAV or other accounting systems, with strong knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger processes, chart of accounts, and financial procedures.
• Experience supporting operational, fundraising, and programme teams on finance-related matters.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working effectively with colleagues across multiple office locations.
• Experience with tax accounting, partial exemption, and VAT returns.
• Knowledge of Charity SORP accounting.
• Experience working within the humanitarian, international development, or NGO sector.
• Experience supporting fundraising…