Overview

Action for Conservation is an innovative young charity with a mission to create the next generation of nature conservationists. We are currently looking for a capable, reliable, efficient and motivated individual to join our growing team as our first Finance & Grants Officer.

For more information about our work see actionforconservation.org and a summary of our key work areas here.

Role Description

We are looking for a capable Finance & Grants Officer to work with the Chief Executive and our Programme Team to grow the organisation and deliver our vision. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to manage the charity’s finances, prepare and maintain project budgets and annual accounts, and support with reporting to donors and maintaining donor relations. This position suits a motivated and experienced individual who is a team player, passionate about our mission, willing to learn and take on responsbility quickly and who shows attention to detail and has a positive attitude. If this sounds like you and you would make the most of an opportunity to join an exciting young charity and hit the ground running, then we want to hear from you.

This is a part-time, 12-month fixed term contract with a starting salary of between £21,000 and £25,000 per annum pro rata – two or three days per week. There is a possibility of extending the contract and/or increasing hours, subject to sufficient funds being raised and an assessment of workload. You may occasionally be required to travel nationally, including to our office in London.

The role will ideally be Bristol based (where our Chief Executive is based) but we are open to discussing London as an option, where we also have an office.

Prior to appointment, the chosen candidate will be required to provide two references and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be carried out.

The Finance & Grants Officer will be directly responsible to the Chief Executive and also provide support to the Programme Team and Programme Manager where necessary.

Responsibilities

The Finance & Grants Officer’s key responsibilities are as follows:

  • Monitor day-to-day financial operations, including expense claims, payments, invoices, direct debits and reconciling expenditure.
  • Manage all financial administration for grant or donor funded projects and ensure reporting and audit requirements are met.
  • Prepare annual budgets, monthly financial reports and management accounts for quarterly trustee meetings.
  • Establish, streamline and maintain financial policies and procedures.
  • Support the Chief Executive with producing annual accounts and submitting returns to the Charity Commission.
  • Support the Chief Executive in researching and developing funding applications, including by producing project budgets, and reporting to donors.
  • Support the team in managing contracts and their renewals (e.g. insurance or software licences) and perform other adminstrative/secretarial responsibilities where necessary.
  • Support the Programme Team in identifying programme funding requirements and allocation of programme budgets.

Person Specification

Essential attributes:

  • Financial management expertise.
  • Experience using Xero or similar software.
  • Excellent IT skills and highly proficient in Office applications.
  • General office management skills.
  • Good time management and organisational skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
  • Confidence, enthusiasm and initiative.
  • A degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Willingness to learn and to take on lots of responsibility quickly.

Desirable attributes:

  • Strong knowledge and awareness of environmental issues.
  • Experience of fundraising and donor management, including writing grant applications to trusts and foundations, preparing grant reports, managing project expenditure or ensuring donor compliance.
  • Experience in a similar capacity for an NGO. 

How to Apply

To apply please send your CV, with contact details for two referees, and a cover letter of no more than two sides of A4 outlining your suitability for the role, addressed to the Chief Executive, to: careers@actionforconservation.org with the subject line: ‘Finance & Grants Officer’. Referees will only be contacted after interview and prior to appointment.

Deadline 

The deadline for applications is 13th January 2019 at midnight and interviews will take place during the week of 21st January 2019 in either Bristol or London. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible after interview.

Equal Opportunities 

Diversity is one of our core values as an organisation and so we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Job Title:                    Finance & Grants Officer
Reporting to:             Chief Executive
Location:                    Bristol (possibly London, subject to discussion)

Contract:                    Part-time, 12-month fixed term

Remuneration:            £21,000 – £25,000 per annum FTE, depending on experience