Finance Officer, Mill Hill

Hours: 5 days per week

Status: Permanent contract; full-time

Renumeration: £28,000 to £30,000

About The AVOCADO Foundation

The AVOCADO Foundation is a UK charity that operates in the UK and overseas. We are on a mission to eradicate the economic inequalities experienced by youth, entrepreneurs and non-profit organisations, from underrepresented communities. We envision a world where no one is poor because of the colour of their skin or their ethnicity.

Job purpose:

The Finance Officer will oversee the financial management of The AVOCADO Foundation, ensuring robust systems, compliance, and financial sustainability. This role involves strategic oversight of financial operations, reporting, and planning, alongside managing the day-to-day bookkeeping and ensuring the integrity of financial information. The Finance Officer will play a key role in supporting the CEO, trustees, and senior management with financial insight, analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead on the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including cash flow, management accounts, and balance sheets.
• Provide financial analysis and strategic recommendations to support organisational decision-making and sustainability.
• Support the CEO and trustees in developing financial strategies aligned with the Foundation’s strategic goals.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Coordinate and oversee annual budget preparation and financial planning processes.
• Monitor expenditure against budgets, providing variance reports and recommendations for corrective action.
• Advise department heads on budget performance and cost management.

Systems, Payroll & Accounting Oversight

• Oversee and maintain accurate financial records using Sage accounting software.
• Manage payroll, pension contributions, and statutory payments (PAYE, NI) ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Strengthen financial systems and internal controls to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Accounts Management

• Oversee accounts payable and receivable functions.
• Ensure timely processing of invoices, payments, and receipts.
• Manage and reconcile restricted and unrestricted income from grants, donations, and other revenue streams.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including HMRC, VAT, and Charity Commission reporting.
• Lead on the preparation of annual accounts and liaison with external auditors.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP).

Banking & Cash Flow Management

• Conduct regular bank reconciliations and oversee cash flow planning to maintain liquidity.
• Manage reserves and investment planning in line with organisational policy.

Support to Senior Leadership

• Present financial reports and analysis at trustee meetings and management team sessions.
• Support the CEO in preparing financial inputs for funding proposals, donor reports, and strategic planning

Other

• Contribute to fundraising and business development for the organisation’s priorities.
• Attend regular team meetings and participate in The AVOCADO Foundation events, away days, and other staff team commitments and meetings as necessary.
• Participate regularly in individual supervision, training, reflective practice and appraisals.

Skills and Qualifications

Required

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in Sage accounting software, with experience managing financial records, reporting, and payroll.
• Financial Management: Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Compliance & Governance: Knowledge of UK charity finance regulations, including VAT, PAYE, NI, and SORP accounting requirements.
• Analytical & Attention to Detail: Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to maintain accuracy and meet deadlines.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• IT Skills: Competence in Microsoft Excel and other financial tools; ability to use Microsoft 365 for reporting and documentation.

Desirable

• Professional Qualification: ACCA, CIMA, AAT, or equivalent qualification (or working towards one).
• Strategic Financial Planning: Experience supporting senior leadership or trustees with financial analysis, modelling, and decision-making.
• Systems Development: Experience improving or implementing accounting systems and internal controls.
• Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with international charity operations or multi-currency accounting.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid role based in The AVOCADO Foundtion’s London office as required, and from home. Regular attendance at meettings is expected. Evening and occasional weekend work will be required.

The job description may be updated from time to time with other duties and responsibilities to meet the evolving needs of the organisation. It is not intended to be rigid or inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which you are expected to work.

The Charity operates an entire shutdown each year in August and December and requires all employees to take annual leave to cover this period of time. This period is not in addition to annual leave entitlement, so employees need to retain sufficient annual leave to cover this period. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that sufficient annual leave entitlement remains each year available for this period. Employees who do not have sufficient entitlement remaining should speak to their line Officer about other available options.

Probation period: Six months.

Ready to Make an Impact?

• Join us in making a huge difference in the lives of underrepresented groups. Take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career with The AVOCADO Foundation.
• We can’t wait to hear from you! Join us at The AVOCADO Foundation and become part of a team of #WorldChangers dedicated to creating lasting positive impact.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Work from home

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London NW7 3LL