6-Month Interim Management Accountant/Finance Lead

The Opportunity

An established and purpose-led not-for-profit organisation in Bristol is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to take responsibility for its financial management, reporting, governance and planning.

This is a broad and varied position combining strategic financial oversight with hands-on accounting responsibilities.

You will work closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders, providing accurate financial information and supporting informed organisational decision-making.

The organisation manages multiple income streams and funds, with annual income and expenditure of approximately £1.4 million.

Key Responsibilities: Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee the organisation's day-to-day financial operations.
• Prepare accurate and timely management accounts.
• Monitor income and expenditure against budgets.
• Identify financial risks, variances and opportunities.
• Manage cash flow and support effective financial planning.
• Prepare year-end accounts and act as the main contact for auditors or independent examiners.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process.
• Support medium and long-term financial planning.
• Produce forecasts and financial analysis.
• Provide clear financial advice to support organisational decisions.
• Work with budget holders to improve financial understanding and accountability.

Governance, Compliance and Controls

• Maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
• Support senior stakeholders in meeting their financial and governance responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate audit trails and financial records.
• Support risk management, internal controls and fraud prevention.

Income and Fund Management

• Oversee restricted, designated and unrestricted funds.
• Monitor and reconcile multiple income streams.
• Support financial reporting relating to grants, donations, events and commercial activity.
• Provide financial insight for fundraising and income-generation initiatives.

Payroll and Staffing Costs

• Oversee payroll processing alongside internal colleagues and an external payroll provider.
• Monitor pensions and other staff-related financial matters.
• Support compliance with employment and HMRC requirements.
• Work with managers on staffing budgets and forecasts.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Maintain and develop effective finance systems and software.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and reliable financial data.
• Review and improve processes to increase efficiency and transparency.
• Promote strong financial controls across the organisation.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with senior leadership and governance stakeholders.
• Present financial reports clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Attend relevant committee meetings when required.
• Support staff and budget holders with financial queries.
• Provide professional advice and constructive challenge where appropriate.

About You: You will have:

• Significant experience in finance, accounting or financial management.
• Strong management accounting and financial reporting experience.
• A good understanding of budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Experience working within a charity, not-for-profit or public-sector environment.
• Knowledge of charity finance, governance and regulatory requirements.
• Experience preparing year-end accounts and supporting external audit or examination.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using financial software.
• Excellent accuracy, attention to detail and professional integrity.
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The confidence to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a faith-based or similarly values-led organisation.
• Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Familiarity with complex or multi-stream income.
• Knowledge of payroll, pensions and employment-related finance.
• Experience improving financial systems, controls and processes.

What Is on Offer?

• A broad Finance Manager position with significant organisational responsibility.
• The potential to consider reduced hours.
• Flexible or hybrid working opportunities.
• The chance to work within a collaborative and purpose-led organisation.
• A varied role combining operational accounting, reporting, governance and financial planning.