Interim Management Accountant​/Finance Lead

Position: 6-Month Interim Management Accountant/Finance Lead
The Opportunity
An established and purpose-led not-for-profit organisation in Bristol is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to take responsibility for its financial management, reporting, governance and planning.

This is a broad and varied position combining strategic financial oversight with hands-on accounting responsibilities. You will work closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders, providing accurate financial information and supporting informed organisational decision-making.

The organisation manages multiple income streams and funds, with annual income and expenditure of approximately £1.4 million.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

Oversee the organisation's day-to-day financial operations.
Prepare accurate and timely management accounts.
Monitor income and expenditure against budgets.
Identify financial risks, variances and opportunities.
Manage cash flow and support effective financial planning.
Prepare year-end accounts and act as the main contact for auditors or independent examiners.
Budgeting and Financial Planning

Lead the annual budgeting process.
Support medium and long-term financial planning.
Produce forecasts and financial analysis.
Provide clear financial advice to support organisational decisions.
Work with budget holders to improve financial understanding and accountability.
Governance, Compliance and Controls

Maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
Support senior stakeholders in meeting their financial and governance responsibilities.
Maintain accurate audit trails and financial records.
Support risk management, internal controls and fraud prevention.
Income and Fund Management

Oversee restricted, designated and unrestricted funds.
Monitor and reconcile multiple income streams.
Support financial reporting relating to grants, donations, events and commercial activity.
Provide financial insight for fundraising and income-generation initiatives.
Payroll and Staffing Costs

Oversee payroll processing alongside internal colleagues and an external payroll provider.
Monitor pensions and other staff-related financial matters.
Support compliance with employment and HMRC requirements.
Work with managers on staffing budgets and forecasts.
Systems and Process Improvement

Maintain and develop effective finance systems and software.
Ensure accurate record-keeping and reliable financial data.
Review and improve processes to increase efficiency and transparency.
Promote strong financial controls across the organisation.
Collaboration and Communication

Work closely with senior leadership and governance stakeholders.
Present financial reports clearly to non-finance colleagues.
Attend relevant committee meetings when required.
Support staff and budget holders with financial queries.
Provide professional advice and constructive challenge where appropriate.
About You

You will have:

Significant experience in finance, accounting or financial management.
Strong management accounting and financial reporting experience.
A good understanding of budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
Experience working within a charity, not-for-profit or public-sector environment.
Knowledge of charity finance, governance and regulatory requirements.
Experience preparing year-end accounts and supporting external audit or examination.
Strong Excel skills and experience using financial software.
Excellent accuracy, attention to detail and professional integrity.
The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
The confidence to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.

Desirable Experience

Experience working within a faith-based or similarly values-led organisation.
Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds.
Familiarity with complex or multi-stream income.
Knowledge of payroll, pensions and employment-related finance.
Experience improving financial systems, controls and processes.
What Is on Offer?

A broad Finance Manager position with significant organisational responsibility.
The potential to consider reduced hours.
Flexible or hybrid working opportunities.
The chance to work within a collaborative and purpose-led organisation.
A varied role combining operational accounting, reporting, governance and financial planning.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date…