Finance & HR Lead

Job Title: Finance & HR Lead

Location: Colchester, Essex (Hybrid – up to 25% remote)

Hours: Part-time – 28 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Job Overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a capable and motivated Finance & HR Lead to join a small but impactful team within the not-for-profit sector. The role is ideal for someone with a strong background in finance and human resources who thrives in a multi-tasking environment, supporting an organisation through a period of growth and development.

The postholder will take ownership of day-to-day financial operations and oversee HR functions to ensure the organisation operates efficiently, compliantly, and with strong governance. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and key stakeholders to provide timely financial insights, maintain robust systems, and contribute to a positive and inclusive work culture.

Key Responsibilities

Finance

Deliver effective and high-quality financial management services
Prepare and analyse financial and accounting data, including income and expenditure
Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records; prepare annual accounts
Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
Produce reports for funders and internal teams, presenting data clearly and meaningfully
Attend board meetings and contribute to financial decision-making
Ensure full compliance with financial, legal, and regulatory obligations
Monitor and mitigate financial risk; contribute to organisational risk register
Keep informed of sector-wide financial developments and updates to charity legislation
Recommend best practice for financial governance and internal controls
Liaise with external stakeholders (e.g., auditors, funders, banks)
Manage monthly payroll processing using Xero
Line manage a junior administrator

Human Resources

Monitor employee leave and attendance
Support recruitment and onboarding processes
Ensure correct usage of HR systems and records
Maintain and update workplace policies and procedures
Administer payroll and ensure accurate remuneration processes
Support implementation of performance management systems
Monitor staff development, training, and engagement
Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture
Oversee HR admin: onboarding, offboarding, equipment management

Person Specification

Experience

Proven experience in charity or non-profit finance management
In-depth knowledge of financial controls, charity law, and governance
Familiarity with charity accounting systems and reporting requirements
Experience managing HR operations in a small or medium-sized organisation
Competency in using accounting software (e.g., Xero)

Skills & Attributes

Strong analytical and financial reporting skills
Excellent communication – both verbal and written
Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights
Detail-oriented, organised, and deadline-driven
Collaborative and team-oriented, but also able to work independently
Proactive, solutions-focused and resilient during periods of change
Honest, transparent, and committed to inclusion and integrity

If you’re a proactive finance and HR professional who thrives in a values-driven environment and wants to make a genuine impact – we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape a more inclusive future.