Job Description

Who we are?

At Vibe UK, we work together, with young people, with our youth team and with our partners to run inspiring and inclusive clubs, activities and programmes that help young people to build positive relationships with themselves and others, helping them to make a positive contribution to their community.

Young people are at the heart of all we do.

What is important to us?

A quote from one of our staff members - "It's simple... making a positive difference to young people's lives."

The Finance Director will play a key strategic leadership role in overseeing the financial management and strategy of Vibe UK. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring financial health, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting. This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees. The Finance Director will provide insight into the charity's financial performance and contribute to the organization's sustainability and growth.

Person Specification

The successful person will have significant working knowledge and experience of financial management, planning, reporting, compliance and working to tight deadlines under pressure.

You should have/be:

Ability to work in a high pressure environment with strict financial deadlines and targets, maintaining exceptional attention to detail. Passion for the cause with a strong commitment to Vibe UK's mission, vision and values Strategic and creative approach to financial leadership with the ability to support organisational growth and sustainability. Driven, self motivated and willing to go the extra mile to achieve financial and strategic objectives. Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a dynamic senior management team. Strong analytical skills and the ability to think strategically, interpreting complex financial data for varied audiences. Emotional intelligence and the ability to influence and advise senior leaders, Trustees, partners and stakeholders with authority and credibility. Proven experience of successfully leading financial growth and sustainability within a non-profit or charity Experience of developing and implementing effective financial monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems. Up-to-date knowledge of charity financial regulations, SORP, HMRC, FCA requirements and VAT regulations. Proven experience of relationship management with auditors, funders, external partners, and regulatory bodies. Strong leadership skills to manage and develop financial literacy across the organisation. Skilled in the use of financial management systems and Microsoft Office applications particularly Excel.
You should have a strong commitment to young people and a thorough knowledge of the issues they face, working with passion and motivation. You will gain an in depth understanding of our fantastic Theory of Change which supports young people to develop positive relationships.

Strategy

Develop and implement Vibe UK's financial strategy to support long term sustainability and growth. Advise the CEO and Board of Trustees on financial performance and strategy providing clear, actionable financial insights. Lead on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and risk management. Ensure the charity's financial objectives align with its mission, vision and values. Contribute to Vibe UK's corporate strategy and policy as a member of SMT. Ensure young people are at the heart of all we do.

Delivery

Oversee the preparation of financial statements, reports and forecasts ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., SORP - Statement of Recommended Practice). Manage the charity's cash flow, investments and reserves ensuring efficient and effective use of resources. Monitor financial performance against budget and provide recommendations for corrective actions as needed. Lead on year end financial reporting, liaising with auditors and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. Lead the annual budget process and ensure that budgets reflect both operational needs and strategic objectives. Provide the Board of Trustees and SMT with regular financial reports and forecasts to inform decision making. Complete quarterly VAT reporting and manage relations with HMRC, FCA and banking partners. Work closely with the fundraising team to support the development of financial plans for fundraising campaigns. Ensure that financial processes are in place for tracking and reporting on donations, grants and funding from various sources. Ensure that restricted funds and grants are properly managed and report on the usage in line with donor expectations. Act as the main point of contact for financial matters with the Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders. Assist the Trustees in their understanding of the charity's financial position and any potential risks. Prepare and present regular financial reports and strategic insights for Trustee meetings.

People

Lead, motivate and manage the finance team ensuring the development of staff and maintaining high performance. Provide training and support to other departments on financial matters fostering a culture of financial literacy across the charity. Act as a key advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees on financial matters, providing expert analysis and advice on a wide range of issues.

Managing resources

Ensure that the charity complies with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements. Develop and implement financial risk management strategies including insurance, investment management and financial controls. Ensure that all internal financial controls and procedures are robust and effective, safeguarding the charity's assets. Take full responsibility for Vibe UK's asset register. Ensure that financial plans are developed for activities and that activities operate effectively within agreed budgets and annual performance targets. Support business growth by ensuring new funding applications include accurately costed budgets. Evaluate all existing contracts to ensure financial viability and performance. Consider and propose expenditure efficiencies.

Monitoring and evaluation

Ensure appropriate systems and controls are in place for budgeting, monitoring and reporting financial performance. Record and report on KPI data and financial performance for programmes and contracts and provide proactive analysis on performance vs contracts. Maintain a continuous review of finance controls and systems and the monitoring and evaluation strategy in relation to sector best practice.

Building relationships

Manage and develop key partnership arrangements across a range of colleagues, stakeholders, funders and partners. Liaise with external auditors to ensure annual audit is completed on time, compliance with all requirements of organisation, charity law and statutory obligations.
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and is subject to review.

Essential

Qualified Accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience in financial management. Significant experience (typically 5+ years) in senior financial management, with experience in the charity sector or a similar not-for-profit organization. Strong knowledge of charity accounting, financial regulations and SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice). Proven ability to develop and manage budgets and forecasts and provide strategic financial advice to senior leaders and Trustees. Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to mentor and develop staff. A collaborative team player who can work effectively with senior management and external stakeholders. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Experience in managing relationships with external auditors, funders and regulatory bodies. A strategic thinker with the ability to manage both the operational and strategic aspects of financial management. Excellent IT, Excel and report writing skills. Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail Ability to produce accurate financial reports to specific deadlines. Experience of managing and monitoring evaluation frameworks. Ability to work effectively under pressure, managing conflicting priorities and to meet challenging deadlines. Outstanding written and communication skills Ability to work independently and think laterally, a proactive self starter Evidence of continuing professional development in project specialism.

Desirable

Experience with charity fundraising and grant management. Knowledge of accounting software and financial management systems used within the charity sector. Knowledge of the issues facing youth sector Driving Licence D1+E

Safeguarding statement

Vibe UK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are committed to recruiting candidates who share this commitment to safeguarding and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

At Vibe UK, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We celebrate individuality and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. As a Disability Confident employer, we are dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive environment, ensuring fair opportunities for all. If you need adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know - we're here to help. Together, we're building a culture of respect, innovation and collaboration.

What do you get in return?

Salary: 55,000 - 60,000 per annum (DOE)

Days/Hours of work: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (will include some evenings & weekends when necessary)

Location: Throughout Merseyside - Driving desirable

Benefits: Flexible working

Bereavement leave

Company pension

28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Free onsite parking

Health & wellbeing programme

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and Development opportunities

Sick pay

Closing Date

Friday 30th May 2025

Interviews

Week commencing Monday 16th June 2025

Start date

TBC

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the closing date should sufficient numbers of applications be received. We recommend that you submit your application early.

Due to the volume of applications, we cannot provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Vibe UK is not associated or affiliated in any way with Conquer Life in Bootle.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 55,000.00-60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Private medical insurance Sick pay Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with local law/regulations?
Experience:

Financial management: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Liverpool L1 0BG

Application deadline: 30/05/2025
Expected start date: 01/10/2025