Finance Manager

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Line Manager: Executive Director and Treasurer
Salary: £37,500 pro rata during probation | rising to £42,000 after successful completion

Contract: Part-time, permanent (0.6 FTE)

Hours: 21 hours per week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9am–5pm

Benefits:  32 days holiday per year including bank holidays (pro rata) | Employer pension contribution of 3%

Location: 379–381 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2JR | potential for hybrid working after probation

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Job Description

Brent Mencap has been passionate about a healthier and fairer Brent since 1979. We’ve developed and delivered successful services across housing, employment, health, advice, wellbeing and self-advocacy. During austerity and the Covid pandemic, we successfully diversified, taking on NHS contracts to support people with long-term health conditions. We provide social prescribing and health and wellbeing coaching to Brent GP patients. In 2024–25, we supported over 18,000 people and are a leading partner in the Brent Health Educators Programme.

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Our income has grown significantly—from £382k in 2019/20 to £1.71 million in 2023/24. We have responded to this growth by expanding our staff team, improving data use, and investing in marketing.

We also run a successful programme of free creative and wellbeing activities for people with learning disabilities, autism, and long-term health conditions. These include yoga, poetry, singing, gardening, Breathe and Move, self-advocacy, campaigning, CREATE art for young people, external trips and social events. Funded by small grants, donations and reserves, this programme is a core part of our offer while we seek longer-term investment. Our self-advocates want us to prioritise paid employment, youth services, and improving Brent Council’s use of accessible information.

Our outgoing Finance Manager has been instrumental in managing our growing financial complexity: from overseeing payroll, invoices, and funding requirements to handling both large-scale and project-specific budgets with equal diligence. The role is data-heavy but also highly collaborative—working closely with colleagues, contributing to project planning, and regularly engaging with staff and users. It’s a hands-on, vital role at the heart of our organisation.

As Finance Manager, you will hold a senior leadership position—responsible for strategic and operational financial oversight, compliance, and planning. You will work closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees, delivering insights, projections, and reporting that guide long-term sustainability. Your expertise will shape our financial resilience and help us grow.

Key Responsibilities

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Is an experienced charity finance professional with strong technical knowledge

• Has at least 5 years of experience in a finance management or equivalent role

• Is strategic, reliable, and committed to the long-term sustainability of a values-led organisation

• Is confident and proactive in supporting Brent Mencap’s mission and vision

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Financial Oversight

• Lead all day-to-day financial operations

• Prepare accurate quarterly management accounts for the Executive Director and Trustees

• Develop and maintain organisational and departmental budgets

• Oversee payroll and pensions in collaboration with external providers

• Manage weekly payment runs, invoice processing, and PO/creditor records

• Deliver informal training to staff on PO systems, coding, and budget monitoring

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Strategic Planning & Compliance

• Lead financial forecasting and sustainability modelling

• Support the Executive Director with strategic financial planning

• Ensure full compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, and HMRC requirements

• Maintain financial policies and internal controls for effective risk management

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Grant Fund Management

• Monitor and report on restricted and unrestricted funds

• Produce accurate reports for funders and external stakeholders

• Contribute financial data to funding applications and tenders

• Track grant expenditure and ensure compliance with funding requirements

Governance & Audit

• Liaise with auditors and support year-end preparation

• Provide timely and relevant financial reporting to Trustees

• Present financial information clearly and accessibly to Board members

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This post is:

• Subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure

• Exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975)

• Open to candidates who are eligible to live and work in the UK

Please note: Our office base is located on the first floor of a Victorian building with no lift access.

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Person Specification

Essential attributes, skills, and experience:

• Substantial experience in a senior finance role within the charity sector

• Strong understanding of charity financial compliance, SORP, and statutory reporting

• Experience with fund management, management accounts, and audit preparation

• Proven ability in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning

• Proficiency in QuickBooks or similar systems

• Advanced Excel and analytical capabilities

• Experience overseeing payroll, funder reporting, and managing a full finance function

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Qualifications

• Essential: AAT Level 4 or equivalent experience

• Desirable: Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA)

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Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Ability to communicate financial data to non-finance audiences

• Strong planning and time-management skills

• Self-motivated, able to work independently and use initiative

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient in IT systems, including report writing, presentation tools, and databases

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Values & Approach

• Positive, solution-focused, and proactive attitude

• Able to collaborate in a fast-paced, busy office environment

• Committed to continuous learning and personal development

• Values inclusivity, shared responsibility, and professional integrity

 

Desirable

• Experience producing financial reports for grants and tenders

• Experience training others in finance systems and procedures

 

How to Apply

To be shortlisted, candidates must:

• Complete the official application form in full

• Clearly explain how their experience meets each part of the person specification, including examples of real actions or outcomes

• Submit their completed application form to info@brentmencap.org.uk by 9:00am on 28th August

• Note: CVs will not be accepted

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Interview Process

• A two-part interview with senior staff will be held at Brent Mencap on Monday 8th or 15th September 2025

• Shortlisted candidates will complete a paper-based scenario task on the day of the interview

• The interview will last approximately 2 hours, including a 15-minute break