Job Purpose

The Finance Coordinator is responsible for delivering accurate, timely and well-controlled financial operations across all the business's entities, including Retail, Life, Care (Aftermath), Foundation and Services.

The role provides day-to-day oversight of bookkeeping, income processing, supplier payments, reconciliations, payroll administration and VAT compliance, ensuring financial records are maintained to trial balance level.

Reporting directly to the Director, the postholder will work with a high degree of autonomy while liaising closely with operational teams. A senior finance function supports management accounts preparation, payroll and VAT, providing advice, guidance and assurance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Operations & Bookkeeping

• Oversee and undertake bookkeeping across multiple entities
• Ensure accurate recording of all income and expenditure
• Process retail shop takings, including cash, card and online sales (eBay, World of Books, Zettle)
• Review and post income streams including grants, subsidies, discounts and intercompany recharges
• Identify and introduce cost-effective financial systems and technology to improve efficiency and communication

2. Bank, Cash & Credit Card Reconciliations

• Complete and review regular reconciliations for all bank accounts
• Oversee credit card reconciliations and ensure correct coding of expenses
• Maintain oversight of petty cash, floats and cash-based activity income

3. Accounts Payable & Supplier Management

• Manage supplier invoice processing and payment runs
• Ensure strong financial controls, accurate coding and timely payments
• Resolve supplier queries and support managers with purchasing processes

4. Accounts Receivable & Income Management

• Monitor debtor balances and undertake credit control activity

5. Payroll Administration

• Process salary payments with appropriate checks and authorisations
• Maintain accurate records of starters, leavers, contract changes, absences and statutory payments
• Complete payroll year-end processes, including P11D information and payroll imports
• Present payroll and financial information to the Director and, where required, the Board of Trustees

6. VAT, Tax & Compliance

• Support accountants with the preparation and submission of VAT returns and Gift Aid claims
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, policies and procedures across all entities
• Maintain an up-to-date fixed asset register

7. General & Organisational Responsibilities

• Support the wider administration of the business, including occasional HR-related administrative tasks
• Work in accordance with policies and procedures
• Support organisational development and attend events when required (including occasional out-of-hours work)

Person Specification

Essential - Financial Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in financial operations and bookkeeping
• Excellent reconciliation skills (bank, credit card, income, payroll)
• Sound understanding of financial controls
• Proficient with accounting software (e.g. Sage) and Excel

Desirable - Financial Skills & Experience

• Payroll processing experience
• Experience in charity, retail or care sectors
• Knowledge of grant accounting and restricted funds
• Experience with EPOS systems, online sales platforms and direct debit processing
• AAT Level 2 or 3, part-qualified accountant, or equivalent experience

Essential - Personal Attributes

• Able to work independently and manage competing deadlines
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical, organised and methodical approach
• Strong communicator, able to explain financial information clearly
• Confident working with senior leadership and trustees
• Resilient, reliable and committed to maintaining high standards
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive relationships internally and externally
• Effective team player
• Good IT literacy (Word, email, record-keeping, web-based research, website and social media)
• Honesty, openness and integrity
• Responsive to feedback and committed to ongoing personal development
• Commitment to equality of opportunity
• Understanding of confidentiality, GDPR and safeguarding
• Ability to demonstrate core values and work in accordance with its Christian ethos

This is a permanent role - office based - 37.5 hours - parking on site - Poole £30,000 - £32,000 DOE

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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