Finance Consultant (Freelance)

About Us

Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) is a community-based charity with income of c. £400k-£500k per year. We are supported by a small staff team and a large volunteer base.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to undertake a short-term review of our finance processes and controls and to implement improvements where appropriate. The successful candidate will work closely with our administrator, providing support to the Treasurer in ensuring that our financial arrangements are robust, proportionate, well documented and aligned with the needs of the charity.

The Role

This is a short-term project role (approx. 2-3 months) with potential for a small ongoing involvement to maintain and run the processes put in place.

The focus is on practical implementation and knowledge transfer, ensuring that improvements are embedded and sustainable

Key Responsibilities

• Review, enhance and document key financial processes and controls, including:
  • Reconciliation procedures for key balance sheet accounts
  • Month-end and period-end processes
  • Journal and accounting procedures, including income recognition and accruals
  • Restricted fund monitoring and reporting
• Review balance sheet accounts and support the ongoing refinement and documentation of accounting treatments where appropriate
• Develop and refine a practical management reporting pack
• Create practical tools and supporting documentation, including:
  • Month-end checklists
  • Process guidance and templates
• Work closely with the administrator to:
  • Provide training and support
  • Ensure processes are practical, sustainable and well embedded
• Provide support to the Treasurer on finance process improvement initiatives

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified accountant (or highly experienced equivalent)
• Has strong hands-on experience in small organisations or charities
• Has experience setting up financial processes and controls
• Is pragmatic and able to keep things simple and proportionate
• Is comfortable working collaboratively and supporting non-finance colleagues
• Strong Excel skills. Xero skills are helpful.

Charity experience, including restricted funds accounting, is helpful but not essential.

Time Commitment

• Approx. 1.5-2 days per week for 2-3 months
• Potential for a small ongoing role (time to be agreed based on need)

Equality

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed. We encourage applications from groups that are currently under-represented and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.

Safeguarding

FPS is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all individuals. We expect all who work or volunteer with us to share this commitment and to follow our safeguarding practices at all times. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and proof of identity.

IR35

This role is open to independent contractors via a Personal Service Company (PSC). As FPS qualifies for the Small Company Exemption under the Off-Payroll Working Rules, the responsibility for the IR35 status determination rests entirely with the contractor.