Job Description

Accountable to the Head of Finance & Risk, the Finance & Risk Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of the internal financial operations of Synchronicity Earth and the management of the financial due diligence framework and process for assessing the organizational health of entities funded by company and prospective recipients of grant funding. This is a varied and important role which necessitates cross-functional working to support and guide teams across the organization. It is anticipated that this role will evolve as knowledge and experience grows with a view to progressing within the organization.

This role is ideally suited to a qualified accountant with approximately 3-4 years post qualification experience. Knowledge of the charitable sector is desirable but not essential. Familiarity with a wide range of financial reporting requirements from overseas jurisdictions would be helpful and the ability to speak French is a distinct advantage in this role, given the number of partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Specific responsibilities will include the following:

Management reporting and financial monitoring

• Responsibility for integrity, accuracy and production of Management Reporting (monthly SoFA, Balance sheet, Cash flow, finance commentary and quarterly reporting to the Board).
• Monitoring of Restricted Reserves on monthly basis.
• Provision of information to Programme Team, the Senior Leadership Team and other budget holders.
• Active monitoring of expenditure, cashflows, cash management, outstanding grant commitments and investments.
• Managing the annual budgetary process.
• Play a key role in the development of financial systems and processes.

Investment Management

• Manage subscriptions and redemptions from the Endowment Funds.
• Monitor performance and report to Finance Committee.

Internal controls and procedures

• Ensure internal financial controls and procedures are adequate for the business and adhered to.
• Monitor compliance with CC8 – Internal Financial Controls for Charities.
• Delegation of Authority for operating expenditure.

Audit process

• Responsibility for production of financial information for the Annual Report (in conjunction with Head of Finance & Risk and Head of Comms).
• Liaison with Auditors during year on emerging issues and year end requirements.
• Provision of information to Auditors.
• Ensure accounting policies are appropriate and new requirements are implemented as appropriate.

Finance Committee

• Assist in the preparation of papers for the quarterly Finance Committee meeting.
• Implement actions as required.

Company secretarial

• Filing with Companies House and Charity Commission.
• Liaison with HMRC.

Human Resources

• Management of monthly and annual payroll processing and associated costs e.g., Childcare vouchers, Season ticket loans, parental leave benefit etc.
• Management of pension scheme arrangements (in conjunction with Head of Finance & Risk).
• Liaison with HR Consultants regrading HR issues & employment law.
• Manage Death in Service and Group Sick Pay benefit.

Risk Management

• Keep the SE Risk Register up to date.
• Summary of risks to be presented to Board twice yearly (June and December).

Staff management & development

• Over time, this role will involve managing, developing, and mentoring direct reports (currently 1 person), creating opportunities for learning and clear steps towards personal growth.
• Considering and planning team capacity and succession needs.
• Facilitating cross-team interactions.

Management of the Organizational Health Assessment (“OHA”) workflow including:

• Liaising with company’s Programme Team to identify needs related to Organizational Health Assessment process.
• Prioritizing organizations for review and adaption of the plan where appropriate.
• Liaising with the Head of Finance & Risk to manage and balance the workload and allocate tasks.
• Preparing regular updates to the Head of Finance & Risk and Programme Team and a quarterly report to the Board.
• Conducting an agreed number of Organizational Health Assessments per annum identified as part of the budgeting process, on company’s current and new partner organizations. This involves assessing governance arrangement, financial health, key policies, and risk management. Review and monitor recommended actions arising from the OHAs to ensure adequate and timely follow through.
• Assist in the design and implementation of new due diligence processes, as required.
• Provide support to partner organizations, in relation to organizational capacity building, policy development, financial management, risk assessment and management etc. as needed.

This position is a permanent, full-time position that is based in our offices in Central London, with the option for hybrid office/home working if the successful applicant wishes with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office (laptop would be provided for home working).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Qualification in accounting and finance, preferably in the non-profit sector, including the ability to understand and interpret financial statements in a multitude of formats from various countries.
• Minimum of 3-4 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience of multi-currency cash flows and reporting on and managing foreign exchange exposures.
• Ability to manage a work pipeline and organize workflows.
• Experience of using database systems e.g., Salesforce desirable
• Expertise in the use of Microsoft Excel.
• Written communication skills, as demonstrated in the application.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Desired skills, experience and work behaviors:

• Confident, proactive attitude and flexible approach.
• A passion for working in a not-for-profit environment, and for achieving Synchronicity Earth’s vision of more and better funding for conservation.
• Experience of working with small NGOs/community groups in the developing world or working with small and growing organizations in the UK.
• Self-motivation and an aptitude for working in a growing organization with an innovative mind-set.
• Desire to improve technical capabilities and take on additional responsibilities.
• Other languages (French, Spanish)
• Flexible, team-oriented focus and adaptability to changing situations.
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, communication and diplomacy skills.