IPR Advice

Islington People's Rights

Independent Welfare Benefits
and Debt Advice in Islington

Vacancies

Part Time Finance Manager

Islington People’s Rights (IPR) wishes to engage the services of a Finance Manager with extensive charity experience, on a freelance basis. The role we anticipate will average up to 1 day per week over the year, undertaking high-level financial management tasks, and other financial tasks. We will be offering the post at the day rate of £220 – £245.

The key elements of the role would be;

  1. Producing management accounts for the Trustees, Chief Executive and Treasurer, notably quarterly management accounts for the Board of Trustees, to ensure the effective governance of the organisation.
  2. Producing a draft budget for the organisation, to be agreed by the Board, and then monitored throughout the year.
  3. Producing quarterly finance reports for the Board, and attending quarterly evening IPR Board Meetings, when required.
  4. Bank reconciliations on a regular basis to ensure all aspects of the income/expenditure of the organisation are recorded.
  5. Overseeing and reviewing the bookkeeping and financial tasks undertaken by the Administrative Support Officer. 
  6. Dealing with payroll matters and ensuring that staff salaries are paid on a monthly basis, and that HMRC and pensions matters are dealt with as appropriate.
  7. Ensuring that an Annual Independent Examination/ Audit takes place on a timely basis. Preparation of all the necessary documentation as an Audit File, and liaison with the auditors.
  8. Assisting with financial aspects of funding applications and funder reporting requirements as required.
  9. Dealing on occasion with creditors and debtors.

The Finance Manager would be responsible to the Chief Executive of the organisation and liaise with them on a day-to-day basis. They would also liaise with the Treasurer and other key members of the Board of Trustees. IPR employees an Administrative Support Officer two days per week, who undertakes bookkeeping tasks for the organisation, as well as undertaking other roles. The Finance Manager will not be expected to do basic book-keeping (payments and receipts ledgers) but will need to provide oversight and review the financial tasks undertaken by the Administrative Support Officer.  IPR uses SAGE. The Finance Manager would be expected to regularly attend the IPR Offices in Holloway, London N7, to liaise effectively with key IPR Staff and Trustees.

We are looking for someone who can help us improve reporting and general efficiency of financial processes.

The services are expected to be provided regularly, around 1 day per week throughout the year, accounting for 50 days. The Annual Audit preparation may mean more time is required during that period.

IPR wish to appoint the Finance Manager initially for 1 year and then review the scale of services required as appropriate annually. There would be a 3 month probationary period, and two months notice on either side. It is hoped delivery of the services could begin during June 2025.

Further background information can be viewed here….

Applications should be made in writing, and be not be more than 5 pages of A4 in 12 point font. Only information relevant to the role should be included.

The following information should be provided, which will form the basis of the appointment. We intend to conduct interviews during May.

  • Experience of providing Finance/ Management Accountancy services to the not-for-profit sector and demonstrate technical expertise in accounting for charities, notably production of Management Accounts.
  • A full understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to Registered Charities and Companies Limited by Guarantee, particularly with regard to financial matters.
  • Experience of producing Finance Reports for Board Meetings and liaison with trustees as appropriate
  • Experience of dealing with Payroll Matters, Pensions and HMRC
  • Experience of production of Audit Files and dealing with Annual Audits of an organisation, and external Auditors.
  • Experience of providing financial information to funders
  • Details of the individual/s who will provide the services, relevant expertise and qualifications, and availability/flexibility to undertake the role.
  • Two references of charities where accountancy services have been provided that can be taken up as required.
  • The costings for delivery of the accountancy services required.
  • Experience of using SAGE 50 Accounts or equivalent.

A CV should be provided in addition to provide a summary of key roles and experience.

Applications should be submitted electronically to Gerard Omasta-Milsom, Chief Executive of Islington People’s Rights at gerard@ipradvice.org.uk with the subject “Finance Manager Application” by the 30th April 2025.

 

Trustee Recruitment

Islington People’s Rights (IPR) is seeking to recruit additional trustees for its board, to take responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of this dynamic organisation, committed to reducing poverty. Specific areas of expertise required include: financial management, business planning, fundraising and HR/Personnel.

We will however welcome people with the enthusiasm to work with and learn the necessary skills to be an effective part of the board of trustees. Trustees would join the board of the registered charity, and also be directors of the company limited by guarantee, and act as the Management Committee of the organisation.

IPR is a well-established independent advice agency, providing targeted specialist welfare benefits and debt advice. It was set up in 1969, and has a strong track record of supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. IPR is proud of its current services that focus on those with mental health issues, disabilities, drug and alcohol problems; as well as carers, ex-offenders and those linked to certain Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) communities. It has small experienced staff team, primarily made up of specialist caseworkers. IPR has funding from Islington Council confirmed to March 2028, and is financially secure, and is looking to build on this. More information on the IPR website at www.ipradvice.org.uk including our latest Annual Review.

We have 9 trustees currently, and board meetings are held quarterly at the IPR Offices in Holloway, based in the Manor Gardens Centre. They start at 6pm and last around 2 hours. There are also occasional working groups, plus other events that IPR is involved with, that trustees can get involved with. There is an AwayDay once a year, and the Annual General Meeting in November. The role of a trustee at IPR is not onerous in terms of time commitment.

If you are interested in joining the IPR Board of Trustees contact the Chief Executive, by emailing your details to