Job Description & Person Specification 

Finance Assistant 

Salary:              £26,500-£29,000 per annum

Contract:         Permanent  
Hours:              Part-time, 40 hours per week   

Location:          Manchester M14   

Reports to:      Finance Manager 

Closing Date:   Rolling  (until a suitable candidate is identified)

We are unable to sponsor applicants for visas for this particular post. Applicants must be resident in the UK and have the right to work in the UK. 

About READ Foundation

READ Foundation is a UK based registered charity working to provide access to quality education to vulnerable children in our regions of work. We create opportunities for orphan and needy children to go to school, to gain an education and build a better life for themselves. We currently focus on constructing new schools, providing sponsorship for orphans and are now expanding our educational portfolio to reflect the large humanitarian and development needs ongoing throughout the world.

Purpose of Job 

As the Finance Assistant, you will be responsible for providing crucial support to the Finance Manager. Your role will include preparing payment trackers, maintaining accurate records of invoices and approvals, and ensuring the timely processing of payments to partners, clients, and vendors. Additionally, you will be responsible for recording transactions in the accounting system, ensuring accurate allocation of expenses as per budget guidelines, managing credit card statements, processing credit card payments, and maintaining complete support documentation. You will also assist in monthly financial reviews and other tasks assigned by the Finance Manager.

 Main Responsibilities 

Included but not limited to; 

Payment Processing:

·        Prepare and maintain payment trackers.

·        Maintain and keep accounts payable inbox up to date.

·        Ensure timely processing of payments and record them in the accounting system.

·        Verify and reconcile invoices and share them for approvals.

Record Keeping:

·        Maintain up-to-date and accurate financial records.

·        Allocate expenses as per budget guidelines.

·        Organise and maintain all supporting documents related to payments.

·        Maintain and keep contracts/agreements record up to date.

Credit Card Management:

·        Review and maintain credit card statements on a weekly basis.

·        Process timely payments to credit cards.

·        Ensure complete documentation for all credit card transactions.

·        Enter credit card transactions into the accounting system.

·        Reconcile credit card statements with accounting records.

Financial Reviews:

·        Assist in monthly financial reviews.

·        Participate in financial reviews for partners and donor-funded projects.

Support to Finance Manager:

·        Contribute to the preparation of financial reports and analysis.

·        Provide support in booking of income into accounting system.

·        Any other task assigned by the supervisor

·        Assist in various tasks and projects as assigned.

This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop due to changes in organisational and other circumstances, so the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description. 

Instructions to Apply 

Please apply with your CV and supporting outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification for the post.  

Successful applicants will be subject to relevant reference and identification checks.   

Due to the volume of applications, we may be unable to respond to all candidates. If your application is short-listed, we will get in touch. If you have not heard from our team within 8 weeks, please assume your application has not met the criteria on this occasion. 

No agencies please. 

Thank you for your interest in READ Foundation, we look forward to receiving your application.

Requirements

Person Specification  

Experience & Qualifications 

·        Education in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

·        Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

·        Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·        Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

·        Familiarity with budget guidelines and financial reporting

Skills  

·        Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

·        Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

·        Proactive and able to manage multiple tasks effectively

Special working conditions

·        Work occasional flexible hours including evenings and weekends

·        Be able to communicate in Urdu/Punjabi as well as English as the majority of donors speak those languages

 Commitment to Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) 

All staff members, regardless of their role or level within READ Foundation are required to uphold READ Foundation’s safeguarding standards and commit to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Adhere to READ's Safeguarding and PSEA Policies and Code of Conduct at all times. 
• Report any safeguarding concerns or SEA incidents they become aware of, following READ's reporting mechanisms. 
• Participate in mandatory safeguarding training and refresher sessions. 
• Cooperate in good faith with any safeguarding investigations, audits, or reviews conducted by READ. 
• Promote a culture of safeguarding within their respective roles and ensure that safeguarding risks are identified and mitigated. 
• Failure to comply with these safeguarding responsibilities may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment, in line with organisational policies. 

Safeguarding Commitment: At READ Foundation, we are unwavering in our dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for all, especially children and vulnerable adults. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation and abuse. To uphold this commitment, this role necessitates background checks and strict adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and pledge to uphold our safeguarding principles. 

Benefits

Company benefits  

The position also comes with the following benefits:   

·        Role specific training, development and growth opportunities 

·        Health insurance cash plan (including 24/7 access to GP services, discounted gym membership & counselling service) (after probationary period) 

·        Eye care contribution 

·        Hybrid working options available (some days working remotely can be discussed at time of interview)  

·        Occupational Pension Scheme  

·        Cycle to work scheme (after probationary period) 

·        Car salary sacrifice scheme (after probationary period) 

·        32 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays and company-wide holidays)  

·        Paid time off for bereavement, sick days and medical appointments  

·        Awards for employee of the year  

·        Annual years of service rewards 

·        Access to Bright Exchange discounts 

·        Annual away days/retreats involving training, teambuilding, outdoor and social activities.  

·        Free parking in a central location 

·        Access to prayer facilities 

·        Free refreshments 

READ Foundation is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work, along with encouraging a healthy work life balance.   

READ Foundation is an accredited National Living Wage Employer.