Head of Finance and Operations

Head of Finance and Operations

Salary: £50,000 – £54,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)

Location:

Manchester (Hybrid working with regular office attendance: 2 days a week)

Contract:

Permanent, Full Time

Our client is an independent economics think tank and charity dedicated to tackling the UK's most pressing economic challenges. For over 40 years, they have collaborated with local governments, the NHS, national government, universities, and communities to create impactful, practical solutions. Their expertise in community wealth building has gained international recognition, and they embody their progressive ethos by offering a four-day full-pay working week.

They foster a deeply collaborative and flexible environment where strong relationships are valued, reflected in their regular social activities and annual residential gatherings.

Our client is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Head of Finance and Operations who will play a crucial role in steering their financial and operational functions. Working closely with the senior management team, the successful candidate will combine strategic insights with hands-on delivery, ensuring the efficient management of financial systems, governance, and HR processes. The postholder will be supported by a dedicated Finance and Office Administrator, allowing them to focus on higher-level financial oversight and operational excellence.

• Manage day-to-day finances including cash flow, financial controls, and oversight of bookkeeping tasks.
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual management accounts, VAT returns, and payroll submissions.
• Lead the administration of governance, working closely with the board of trustees on compliance and regulatory filings.
• Oversee daily office operations, including IT infrastructure and health and safety.
• Administer HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, and the management of employee records.

• You possess a recognised accounting qualification (ideally ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or AAT Level 4, with substantial senior-level charity finance experience.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, including preparation of management accounts and familiarity with accounting software such as Sage.
• Strong understanding of governance and compliance within a charity context, alongside experience in HR administration.
• Excellent organisational skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to work.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, building trust and collaboration.

• A four-day working week with full pay for a 30-hour commitment.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Generous holiday entitlement, starting at 20 days (the equivalent of 5 full weeks off) and rising to 24 days (6 weeks) with service, plus additional leave for birthdays and Christmas.
• A robust pension scheme with an employer contribution starting at 6% and increasing with tenure.
• A supportive learning and development culture, with a dedicated budget for professional growth and annual team retreats.

Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive workspace and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. They actively encourage candidates from all sections of the community to apply.

Please note, a rolling recruitment process is in operation, so early applications are encouraged. Initial application cutoff is Monday, 24th of August 2026 at 9:00am. Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 2nd of September 2026. If the position is not filled, the advert will remain open for ongoing applications.

Our client looks forward to welcoming you to their team!