To apply to the position of Finance and Procurement Lead, applicants must submit the following via the online application form via getgot Please note CV's will not be accepted. You will be asked to complete: Online Application and; 4 x essential criteria, 1 x desirable questions with word limits; Completed applications and 4 essential and 1 desirable questions must be received by 8th January 2025 at 1pm late applications will not be received. Person Specification Essential criteria Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field OR a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CPA) with at least three years of experience in a fast-paced finance role. A minimum of three years of experience in a finance role, demonstrating a strong focus on procurement and management experience. Strong proficiency in accounting software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Excellent analytical, organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across departments. Proven track record in managing staff, driving team performance and fostering a collaborative work environment. Desirable criteria Experience with grants, funder reporting and a solid understanding of funder compliance requirements is an advantage. Experience in a lead role in procurement activities, showcasing the ability to manage procurement processes effectively. Key Knowledge and Skills Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse complex financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights. Organisational Skills: Strong ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and ensure efficiency in both procurement and financial reporting. Proficiency in Accounting Software and Excel: Advanced skills in managing and manipulating financial data. Grant & Funder Compliance: Familiarity with funder compliance and reporting standards, including managing funder claims and drawdowns. Leadership: Strong leadership skills, including team management, performance reviews, and development. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate financial information to stakeholders at all levels, both inside and outside the organisation. Main Duties and Responsibilities 1. Lead in Procurement Activities Oversee and lead the end-to-end procurement process within the public sector, encompassing sourcing, contract negotiation and ongoing supplier relationship management to deliver optimal value, compliance with internal policies and adherence to public sector procurement standards. Develop and implement strategic procurement plans that align with the organisations financial goals and operational requirements, incorporating value-for-money assessments and cost-saving initiatives. Conduct regular evaluations to enhance process efficiency, mitigate risks and drive cost-effectiveness. Collaborate closely with key internal stakeholders across departments to understand procurement needs, plan expenditures and ensure alignment with organisational objectives and regulatory guidelines. Guide departments through procurement exercises ensuring compliance with public sector standards, appropriate sourcing strategies and value-driven outcomes for every procurement activity. Take ownership of contract management including and maintaining a detailed contract schedule to track renewal dates, key terms, and compliance requirements. Proactively manage contract renewals, ensuring timely renegotiation and continuity of services while seeking opportunities to enhance value and terms. 2. Prepare Management Accounts Lead the preparation and presentation of monthly management accounts, ensuring accurate and comprehensive reporting of financial performance across the organisation. Analyse financial data to identify trends, variances and potential financial risks, providing actionable insights that inform senior-level decision-making and strategic direction. Prepare detailed commentary and analysis on budget vs. actuals, highlighting critical financial insights to aid in strategic planning and organisational goals. Update and maintain cash flow forecasts for all departments, ensuring accurate projections that support effective financial planning and resource allocation. Lead monthly financial review meetings with budget holders fostering collaboration and alignment on financial objectives, addressing variances and guiding budget holders in proactive financial management. 3. Assist in Year-End Accounts Preparation Assist in the preparation of year-end accounts playing a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial reports. This includes preparing supporting schedules, reconciling key accounts, and reviewing data to facilitate a smooth year-end close process. Coordinate with various departments to gather and verify financial information, ensuring that all required documentation is compiled and reviewed for accuracy and compliance with financial reporting standards. Act as a primary point of contact with both internal and external auditors, facilitating audit requests, providing supporting documentation, and responding to queries to ensure a seamless audit process. Collaborate closely with the Head of Finance to meet year-end deadlines, assisting with complex financial reconciliations, addressing discrepancies and contributing to the overall accuracy of year-end financial statements. Prepare and review detailed schedules, including fixed assets, prepayments, accruals, and other critical account analyses, ensuring completeness and adherence to auditing standards and organisational policies. 4. Completion of Monthly Funder Claims Accurately complete and submit monthly and quarterly funder claims ensuring compliance with grant requirements and funding agreements. Liaise with program managers to gather required financial data, monitor expenditure against budgets and resolve discrepancies to ensure smooth claim submissions. Manage the drawdown of funds from grant providers, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with funder requirements. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to forecast funding needs, ensuring timely access to funds for project continuation. Provide regular reports on drawdown status to senior management flagging any potential issues or delays. 5. Monthly Payroll Checks Conduct a comprehensive monthly review of payroll. Validate monthly payroll data, including salaries, deductions, and tax calculations promptly addressing any discrepancies and ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing. Collaborate closely with HR to integrate payroll adjustments, including new starts, terminations and updates to employee benefits, ensuring all changes are accurately reflected in payroll records. Provide guidance and support to finance staff involved in payroll processing, ensuring consistent application of payroll procedures and high standards of accuracy. Serve as a backup to finance staff on payroll matters, filling in as needed to ensure uninterrupted payroll operations. Lead efforts to assess and potentially migrate to a new payroll system, overseeing the implementation process, training and transition to enhance payroll efficiency and integration. 6. Line Management of Staff Provide effective line management for a team of three staff members, establishing clear objectives and performance goals aligned with departmental and organisational priorities. Ensure each team member understands their role and expectations, providing the direction and clarity needed to achieve high performance. Offer ongoing feedback and conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, celebrate achievements and address any challenges, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement. Conduct regular performance reviews, identify and facilitate professional development opportunities tailored to each team members strengths, career aspirations and areas for growth, encouraging skill enhancement and promoting long-term engagement. Oversee workload distribution and resource allocation, carefully balancing responsibilities and ensure all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. Proactively adjust workloads as needed to accommodate shifting priorities, maintaining optimal team productivity and performance quality. 7. Lead Finance Role in Key Projects (including ILBF and CINE) Serve as the lead financial role on key organisational projects, including ILBF and CINE with responsibility for strategic planning, budgeting and financial oversight. Report directly to departmental heads delivering monthly financial updates and insights to ensure alignment with project goals and financial objectives. Collaborate closely with project stakeholders to establish clear financial objectives, monitor expenditures and provide actionable financial insights that drive project success and sustainable resource management. Develop and maintain robust tracking mechanisms for project budgets, ensuring transparent reporting, optimal fund utilisation, and proactive identification of any budgetary issues. Represent the finance team at board meetings, presenting financial updates, forecasts and strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making at the executive level. 8. Deputise for the Head of Finance Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Head of Finance, overseeing finance operations and attending key meetings. Make critical decisions to ensure continuity and stability in financial management. Skills: Accountant Procurement Managing Staff Management Accounts Accounts Payroll Benefits: nilgosc pension toil hybrid generous annual leave