Finance Assistant

Role overview

READ Foundation UK is hiring a Finance Assistant to support the Finance Manager with day-to-day finance operations. This is a permanent part-time position based in Manchester M14, with hybrid working available in discussion at interview. The post is paid at £26,500 to £29,000 per year and is set at 40 hours per week. The closing date is rolling until a suitable candidate is found.

READ Foundation is a UK-registered charity focused on expanding access to quality education for vulnerable children. Its work includes building schools, supporting orphan sponsorships, and widening its educational and humanitarian reach.

What the role involves

You will help keep payment processes running smoothly, maintain accurate financial records, support credit card administration, contribute to monthly financial reviews, and assist with reports and income entries in the accounting system. The role also includes broader support tasks assigned by the Finance Manager.

Key duties

• Maintain payment trackers and keep the accounts payable inbox organised and current.
• Process payments promptly and log them correctly in the accounting system.
• Check invoices, reconcile them, and route them for approval.
• Keep financial records accurate and up to date.
• Allocate spending in line with budget rules and preserve all supporting paperwork.
• Keep contracts and agreements records current.
• Review credit card statements every week, process card payments, and file full transaction support.
• Enter credit card activity into the accounting software and reconcile it with the records.
• Support monthly finance reviews and donor-/partner-funded project reviews.
• Help prepare financial reports and analysis.
• Assist with booking income into the accounting system.
• Carry out other duties and project support as directed by the supervisor.

Candidate profile

Applicants should have a background in finance, accounting, or a related subject, along with solid experience using accounting software and Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Strong organisation, attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are important. Familiarity with budgets and financial reporting is also expected.

Additional skills and working conditions

The role calls for strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, confidentiality when handling sensitive information, and the capacity to juggle several tasks efficiently. The successful candidate should also be prepared to work occasional flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and be able to communicate in Urdu or Punjabi as well as English because most donors speak those languages.

Safeguarding and compliance

All staff must follow READ Foundation’s safeguarding standards and remain committed to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes complying with safeguarding and PSEA policies and the code of conduct, reporting concerns through the proper channels, attending mandatory training, cooperating with investigations or audits, and helping build a safeguarding culture. Failure to meet these obligations may lead to disciplinary action, including termination. The post requires background checks and adherence to safeguarding procedures.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a CV and supporting statement explaining how their experience and skills match the person specification. Reference and identification checks will be carried out for successful candidates. Due to application volume, only shortlisted candidates are likely to receive a response; if you do not hear back within 8 weeks, your application should be considered unsuccessful on this occasion. No agencies please.

Benefits

The package includes role-specific training and development, a health insurance cash plan with 24/7 GP access, discounted gym membership and counselling after probation, eye care support, hybrid working, an occupational pension scheme, cycle-to-work and car salary sacrifice schemes after probation, 32 days of annual leave including bank holidays and company-wide holidays, paid time off for bereavement, sickness and medical appointments, employee recognition awards, years-of-service rewards, access to discounts through Bright Exchange, annual away days or retreats, free parking in a central location, prayer facilities, and free refreshments. The organisation also promotes diversity, equality of opportunity, and a healthy work-life balance, and is an accredited National Living Wage Employer.

Employment details

This is a permanent part-time role reporting to the Finance Manager. The organisation cannot sponsor visas for this post, so applicants must already be resident in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.