Finance and Operations Manager

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced finance manager who is able to work both strategically and operationally across a small, distributed team with a central office in London. The role will lead on all aspects of financial planning, management and reporting to First Story. Job Description Key Info: £40,000-£42,000 0.6 FTE Flexible hybrid working Expected to travel to London regularly to attend meetings FTE 25 days annual leave + public holidays + your birthday off Interviews: w/c Monday 15 September 2025 You will…

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced finance manager who is able to work both strategically and operationally across a small, distributed team with a central office in London. The role will lead on all aspects of financial planning, management and reporting to First Story.

Job Description

Key Info:

• £40,000-£42,000
• 0.6 FTE
• Flexible hybrid working
• Expected to travel to London regularly to attend meetings
• FTE 25 days annual leave + public holidays + your birthday off
• Interviews: w/c Monday 15 September 2025

You will lead on all aspects of financial planning, management and reporting to First Story, to support the processing of all day-to-day financial transactions, and to ensure that the finance function is carried out effectively and efficiently. The successful candidate will have experience of SORPs and will have both a strategic and operational ‘hands on’ approach. You will work closely with Senior Leadership Team (SLT) colleagues to ensure that operations run effectively across the organisation.

The role would suit an experienced finance manager who is able to work both strategically and operationally across a small, distributed team with a central office in London. You will work closely with the CEO, reporting to the board on a quarterly basis.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with the Head of Programmes, Head of Development and CEO to deliver and monitor our ambitious strategy, Reach and Impact, effectively. You will contribute to the strategic development of First Story over the next period, presenting to the board.

As a leader, you will exemplify our values and organisational culture across the team.

Location:

Our office is is at 44 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QW. London office staff work hybrid, with a commitment for full time staff to work 2 days per week in the office. For this role, there is an option for home working in one of our regions for an exceptional candidate.

Please note, for this role you will be expected to travel to London regularly (at least monthly) to attend meetings in person. Occasional evening and weekend working will be required, for example to attend board meetings and Finance Committee meetings.

Job Requirements

Essential:

• AAT book keeping qualification or equivalent
• Proven experience in a senior finance role
• Proven experience of producing monthly management accounts including accruals and journal adjustments
• Good working knowledge of PAYE/NI
• Experience of preparing a first draft of an annual report and accounts for independent examination
• Proficiency in XERO and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent written/oral communication skills
• Ability to manage own workload and meet deadlines
• Commitment to First Story’s vision and ethos
• Adaptable approach to work demands

Desirable:

• AAT Level 3 or 4, ACA/ACCA or equivalent
• Experience of working within the charity sector
• Experience of financial reporting on grants
• Understanding of Gift Aid
• Knowledge of Salesforce
• Experience of working with a Board of Trustees
• Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements
• Interest in creative writing and/or education

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Provide and report on monthly and quarterly management accounts
• Lead on financial risk management and reporting
• Co-ordinate the Finance Committee
• Lead the development and preparation of the annual budget
• Lead on the preparation of the statutory annual report and accounts and the audit process
• Oversee all insurance requirements
• Liaise with payroll providers and provide support and cross cover as needed
• Administer all banking and financial products
• Lead on developing financial policies and procedures
• Provide oversight of the IT helpdesk, asset register and procurement of IT
• Ensure that operational systems and processes are maintained and used effectively
• Act as the main contact for communications with respect to landlord, lease and office services
• Maintain up-to-date HR records
• Support the wider team to deliver First Story external activities as required on an occasional basis

For a full list of responsibilities, please refer to the job pack.