ABOUT US

Wigan and Leigh Hospice is a well-established charity which has been operating since 1983. We provide a wide range of palliative care services to people with advancing life-limiting illnesses of any diagnosis and to those people important to them. The support we offer is tailored to meet individuals’ physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs.
We are committed to protect the privacy and security of your personal information. To see how we do this please visit our website and read our “Role Applicants Data Protection Compliance Statement (Privacy Notice)”.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Finance Manager
Directorate: Business Development Team/Function: Finance
People Manager: Yes Direct Reports: 3
Size of team: 5 Grade: TBC

JOB SUMMARY:

As Finance Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the finance function, ensuring the accurate and efficient management of financial transactions, reporting, and compliance.
You will be responsible for a small team of three, supervising financial processes, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll input, reconciliations, month-end and year-end closing activities, posting journals and supporting budget setting. You will use your financial insights to support decision-making, ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, and work closely with the Head of Finance to drive operational efficiency.

All Wigan & Leigh Hospice employees are expected to:

• Show commitment to our vision, mission, and values: Compassion, Accessibility, Respect and Excellence and demonstrate this through their work and interactions internally and externally, and on our behalf.
• Reflect the values of Wigan & Leigh Hospice in all behaviour and activities including alignment with the hospice’s strategic priorities
• Be committed to furthering the aims of the charity and developing your own skills to benefit both yourself and the charity.
• Respect our obligations and approaches to health and safety, data protection, equality and diversity and safeguarding compliance and best practice.
• Take responsibility for the safety of yourself and others, raising concerns about anything you feel may put someone at risk
• Promote and safeguard the good reputation of the charity by acting in a way which is ethical and moral, and avoiding any activities that could bring the charity’s reputation into disrepute.

Main Responsibilities:
1. Responsibility of the day-to-day operation of the finance department, including overall management of the purchase ledger, receivables ledger, payroll reporting and cash management ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies.
2. Line manage, mentor, and develop finance team members, ensuring adherence to best practices. Carry our all appraisals and supervision for the team, in line with Hospice policies.
3. Prepare month-end accounts up to trial balance and management accounts level, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
4. Coordinate with auditors alongside the Head of Finance to ensure smooth year-end processes and timely resolution of queries.
5. Ensure financial records are accurately maintained, adhering to audit, regulatory, and governance requirements and excellent internal controls.
6. Responsibility of balance sheet reconciliations, reviewing, investigating and resolving discrepancies to maintain financial integrity.
7. Support the Head of Finance in the budget setting processes.
8. Support the wider business in managing budgets and head counts and monitor financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities for cost savings or income generation.
9. Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, including Charity SORP and HMRC requirements (including VAT/PAYE/Gift Aid).
10. Deputise for the Head of Finance when required.
11. Develop financial policies and procedures, ensuring continuous improvement in financial management and internal controls.
12. Please note that job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, and all employees may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Other things to note about this role are:
There may occasionally be a requirement to work unsociable hours. When this is required, notice will be given and time given off in lieu.
Person Specification, About you:

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE - ESSENTIAL

• CIMA/ACCA (or equivalent) qualified
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary finance environment
• Experience in managing and mentoring a small finance team, including conducting 1:1s and supporting professional development.
• Experience of working in charity / public sector finance role - Desirable

SKILLS & ABILITIES - ESSENTIAL

• Proven ability to maintain accounting systems while implementing strong internal controls and process improvements.
• Understanding of restricted and unrestricted funds, donor reporting and compliance - Desirable
• Experience using Sage 50 or similar accounting software
• Proficient in the use of MS Excel (including formulas, pivot tables and data analysis)
• Strong working knowledge of chart of accounts management and general ledger structures, including their role in financial reporting.
• Knowledge of the principles of Information Governance, confidentiality and data protection.
• Experience managing financial audits and liaising with external auditors.
• Previous experience of preparing VAT returns - Desirable
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience in cashflow management.
• Experience in supporting a budget setting process.

THE ROLE

With responsibility for a small team of three, as Finance Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the finance function, ensuring the accurate and efficient management of financial transactions, reporting, and compliance.
We are looking for an excellent communicator, who is approachable and self-motivated and prides themselves on being a supportive team leader. You will have the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure in a calm and collected manner.

The successful candidate will:

• Be CIMA/ACCA (or equivalent) qualified
• Have experience of working in a multi-disciplinary finance environment
• Have excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Have experience in managing and mentoring a small finance team
• Be experienced in using Sage 50 or similar accounting software.

The role is available 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm (Friday 4pm finish), on a salary of £38,928 - £40,796 per annum. The role is office based with occasional home working.