Finance Officer

Registered Charity Number: 1155897HIRINGWE ARE Vacancyinformation packFinance OfficerContact us:admin@empowermentcharity.org.uk0300 32 32 100333 Bispham Road, Blackpool, FY2 0HHJOIN OURTEAM!Applications Close: Friday 10 April 2026thWe may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficientapplications. If this opportunity excites you, please apply assoon as possible!Interview date: Tuesday 28 April 2026 thThursday 30 April 2026thOur Values Our VisionTo journey alongside people in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast whofeel they are not seen or listened to, empowering them to bringabout positive change to their own lives, and the lives of others.Our MissionWe listen, we care and together, we actWorking with KindnessWorking for JusticeWorking towards Equality for everyoneBeing HumanWe are an innovative charity based in Blackpool who have madea long term commitment to supporting people in our localcommunities and improving lives.We are committed to empowering people in our community tohave their voices heard.  We are proud of the fact that we makeeveryone welcome, no matter who you are, or your background.Our values of Kindness, Justice, Equality, and Being Human,underpin everything we do, and it is our hope that you personallyexperience all of these values if you choose to join our wonderfulteam.Empowerment... who are we?Together we will bring about Lived Experience inspired change inBlackpool and the Fylde Coast.Our Diversity CommitmentAs users of the Disability Confident Scheme we guarantee tointerview all applicants living with a disability who meet theminimum criteria for this vacancy. If you require additional supportduring the application process, please get in touch.We encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds,including those from the Black, Asian and Ethnic MinorityCommunity, the LGBT community, our Armed Forces veterans andpeople with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.DBSThis role requires an enhanced DBScheck. A criminal record will notautomatically prevent you from workingwith us; decisions are made based onthe nature of the role and thecircumstances of any offences.Empowerment will arrange and pay forthis check.To view our privacy policy please click here.Working for EmpowermentAbout the role£24,242.40 per annumThe Empowerment Base333 Bispham Road, Blackpool, FY2 0HH35 hours per week. Flexible/part‑time workingcan be discussed at interview.Permanent subject to continued funding29 days per year (plus bank holidays)Auto enrolment into to the workplacepension scheme (Smart Pension)Job title: Finance OfficerWe are seeking a detail-oriented and committed Finance Officer tojoin our team and help ensure the financial integrity of ouroperations.The Finance Officer will be responsible for recording and managingfinancial transactions, relating to a diverse range of grant andcontract funds, donations and fundraising activities and providingfinancial support to the Director of Finance and Senior FinanceOfficer. This role supports the charity’s financial health andcompliance with regulatory standards.Role Purpose:Raise customer invoices for contracts, grants andcommissioned services or for other chargeable activities inaccordance with agreed timescales. Maintain the sales ledger, ensuring all customer records andincome allocations are up to date. Monitor aged debtors, follow up late payments and escalateconcerns to the Director of Finance where required.Liaise with customers regarding invoice queries, payment plans,credit notes or discrepancies in a professional and timelymanner. Ensure accurate documentation and audit trails exist for allcustomer transactions.Maintain and reconcile financial records (BACS, Direct Debits,Card Payments) using Xero accounting software.Accurately record financial transactions (income andexpenditure) for a diverse range of grant income, contractincome, donations and fundraising income.Maintain the purchase ledger, ensuring supplier accounts,contracts and payment terms are correctly recorded.Verify supplier details, including performing basic due‑diligencechecks when onboarding new suppliers (e.g., bank detailverification, charity/Companies House checks). Manage supplier statements, performing monthlyreconciliations and resolving discrepancies. Ensure procurement procedures are adhered to, includingobtaining quotes where required. Support the Director of Finance in reviewing supplierperformance and value for money.Main Responsibilities:Compile the weekly BACS list for approval and set up supplierpayments in accordance to payment terms to ensure cash flowremains stable and sufficient to meet the charity’s operationalneeds. To send out remittances when required. Support the preparation of annual accounts and audits.Process invoices, payments, and expense claims ensuringcompliance with the organisational policy and record on Xero.Prepare the information required for the monthly salaries journalto be entered onto Xero.Import bank transactions/statements and reconcile with Xero. Import Equals Money transactions and reconcile with Xero. Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.Liaise with fundraisers and donors to ensure accurate financialdocumentation.To investigate and resolve discrepancies with regard to supplierpayments and communicate any discrepancies to the Directorof Finance or Senior Finance Officer.Monitor and maintain the petty cash system and reconcile on amonthly basis.Support the wider team with financial queries and reporting. Contracts/Funding ComplianceEnsure financial transactions comply with the terms of grants,contracts and service-level agreements. Maintain clear financial records to support restricted andunrestricted funds. Track grant expenditure and provide timely information tosupport monitoring returns.Customer Service & Stakeholder InteractionProvide excellent customer service when interacting withsuppliers, partners, donors, commissioners and internal staff. Respond to finance-related enquiries professionally, ensuringinformation is accessible and timely.Audit Support: Respond to auditor queries and provide supporting evidence.Maintain clear and accessible audit trails for all financialtransactions.Assist in implementing audit recommendations and improvingfinancial controls.Data Protection & SecurityEnsure all financial data handling complies with GDPR andinternal data protection policies.Maintain secure digital and physical financial records.Systems & Process ImprovementSupport improvements in financial systems and processes toenhance efficiency and accuracy.Assist in developing and documenting finance procedures.You will be working effectively and flexibly as part of a busy team.This list of tasks and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the PostHolder may be required to undertake other duties as required bythe Director of Finance or Senior Finance Officer.Please note: Empowerment exists to respond to the needs of individuals, somany of the tasks and responsibilities are unpredictable and varied. It istherefore expected that all staff will work in a flexible manner whenrequired, undertaking tasks that have not been specifically covered in theirjob description. The post holder may reasonably be expected to undertakeother duties commensurate with the level of responsibility. It is theresponsibility of the post holder to comply with Health and Safety andEqual Opportunities at all times.To be flexible and responsive to individuals and the needs of theservice.To attend and participate in team meetings.To attend and participate in supervision and appraisal process.To participate in relevant training and developmentopportunities.To develop others and one’s own knowledge and practice.To take responsibility for own development.Contribute to the development and effectiveness of teamworking.Staff Development:To demonstrate kindness and respect at all times to the peoplewho engage with the service, and to colleagues.To comply with all policies and procedures relating to theservice.Ensure accurate records and documentation are maintained inline with both statutory and organisational requirements.Promote people’s equality, diversity and rights.Contribute to developing and maintaining cultures andstrategies in which people are respected and valued asindividuals.Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in theworkplace in line with relevant legislation at all times.Staff will be required to work flexibly and attend meetings,training and supervision to ensure the effective operation of theservice.General:The Person SpecificationAt Empowerment, we firmly believe in treating everyone withfairness, respect and equal consideration, irrespective of theirpersonal characteristics. We are committed to upholding a cultureof inclusivity and diversity, valuing the unique perspectives andtalents that each individual brings.At Empowerment we are actively seeking individuals who possess astrong foundation in the desired skills and qualifications for aspecific job role. While meeting all the criteria is certainlyadvantageous, we also recognise the value of diverse perspectivesand are open to considering candidates who demonstratepotential and a genuine passion to learn and grow in the role. Webelieve in providing opportunities for individuals to thrive and weencourage all motivated candidates to apply, regardless ofwhether they meet every single requirement.Personal QualitiesEnthusiasm.A demonstrable belief in the rights of service users andcommitment to anti-discriminatory practice.Positive, professional attitude and non-judgemental approach.Kindness and flexibility.Honesty and integrity.Reliability (in terms of tasks given and attendance).Commitment to the organisations vision, mission and values.Essential Qualifications and ExperienceMinimum AAT Level 2 qualification.Experience in managing both sales and purchase ledgers.Proven experience in a finance or bookkeeping role.Experience in dealing with customers, suppliers or externalpartners. Ability to resolve invoice or payment queries professionally. Understanding of GDPR and secure data handling within finance. Experience producing or supporting financial reports formanagers or funders.Strong understanding of financial systems and accountingprinciples.Proficiency in cloud based accounting software (preferablyXero).Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.Strong organisational and time management skills.Ability to handle sensitive financial information confidentially.Good communication skills, both written and verbal.Desirable Skills and AttributesAAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting or higher qualification.Experience working in the charity or non-profit sector.Experience in debt management or credit control. Experience setting up new suppliers or verifying supplierinformation. Experience working with restricted funds or project‑basedaccounting. Knowledge of procurement processes.Knowledge of charity finance regulations and Gift Aid.Experience with donor management systems or CRM platforms.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesGood knowledge of Microsoft Office IT literateAccurate record keeping with very good attention to detail Good standard of written EnglishEffective communication skills (written and verbal), including theproduction of written reports. Self-motivated and ability to prioritise workload and managetime effectively. IT literateAdministratively self-sufficientAbility to make information accessible. Ability to work within the constraints of confidentiality and beable to sensitively and appropriately handle confidentialinformation in a professional manner. Ability to work as part of a close-knit team. Ability to work independently and use own initiativeKnowledge of Finance responsibilities.ExperienceExperience of cloud based accounting software packages andfinancial data input.Experience of working to deadlines.Experience of using email and the internet.Experience of maintaining accurate records.Good luck with your application. If you have any questions regarding your application, pleasereach out to; admin@empowermentcharity.org.uk. To learn more about us, visit;www.empowermentcharity.org.uk