Finance Manager
Charity Jobs NI is delighted to be supporting Adopt NI with the recruitment of a Finance Manager to lead the financial management and governance of an important project supporting adults connected to Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join a values-led charity during a period of growth and development. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Trustee Board, the successful candidate will provide high-quality operational and strategic financial support while strengthening financial systems, controls and governance across the project.
This role is funded by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).
Location
Belfast, with hybrid working options available.
Hours of Work
37 hours per week.
Salary
NJC Point 29: £39,862 per annum.
Contract
Full-time, fixed-term until March 2029, subject to funding.
Closing Date
Friday 14th August 2026 at 5.00pm.
Proposed Interview Date
Interviews are anticipated to take place during the week beginning 24th August 2026.
Salary and Benefits
In addition to the salary, Adopt NI offers:
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Family-friendly policies
- 25 days’ annual leave plus 10 public holidays
- Workplace pension
- Induction and on-the-job training
- Regular supervision
- Parking available at the office
- Time off in lieu for additional hours worked
About Adopt NI
Adopt NI is an independent registered charity established in 1989. Its main priority is to support adults impacted by the lifelong journey of adoption or care.
Based in Belfast and working across Northern Ireland, Adopt NI provides confidential support and services to adults affected by adoption or separation from their family of origin.
The organisation’s purpose is to provide greater access to information and be a voice for adults affected by adoption or care. Its work is underpinned by values of accessibility, empowerment, dedication, integrity, honesty, clear communication and support tailored to the needs of each individual.
The Role
The Finance Manager will work alongside the Chief Executive Officer and provide financial leadership for a project delivering information recovery and family tracing services for adults linked to Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, and their pathways and practices in Northern Ireland.
The successful candidate will provide accurate and accessible financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making. They will also lead the continued development of financial systems, policies, processes and internal controls, ensuring compliance with relevant charity and company regulations.
This is a varied role combining hands-on financial management with budgeting, reporting, payroll, governance, compliance, audit and longer-term financial planning. The Finance Manager will also help colleagues and Trustees understand financial information and use it effectively when making decisions.
This role may also appeal to candidates searching for positions such as Project Finance Manager, Charity Finance Manager, Finance and Governance Manager, Management Accountant or Finance Lead.
Key Responsibilities
The Finance Manager will:
- Lead the day-to-day financial management of the project, maintaining accurate records and effective financial systems, including Xero.
- Prepare management accounts, annual budgets, quarterly forecasts and financial reports for the CEO, Trustee Board, funders and auditors.
- Monitor financial performance, identify variances and provide clear information to support operational and strategic decision-making.
- Oversee financial transactions, payroll, HMRC payments, workplace pensions and staff expenses.
- Maintain robust financial policies, procedures and internal controls, supporting effective governance, compliance and risk management.
- Manage the year-end accounts and external audit process, working closely with auditors and relevant stakeholders.
- Provide guidance to non-finance colleagues and undertake financial forecasting and modelling to support the project’s longer-term sustainability.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have:
- A degree-level qualification or part-qualification in accountancy, finance or a related discipline, together with a strong practical understanding of management accounting.
- At least two years’ demonstrable relevant finance experience.
- Extensive experience using recognised accounting software such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks Online.
- Experience preparing budgets, forecasts, management accounts, variance analysis and other financial reports.
- The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
- Strong organisational, IT and planning skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Additional Shortlisting Criteria
Where required, Adopt NI may also shortlist against:
- Knowledge of the Charity SORP, charity law and relevant financial guidance.
- Experience preparing charity accounts or accounting for multiple restricted funds.
- Experience working within the charity or voluntary sector.
- Experience supporting charity governance, Board reporting or external audit processes.
- Experience strengthening financial systems, policies and internal controls.
Additional Requirements
Applicants should be committed to Adopt NI’s values and trauma-informed approach.
The role may occasionally require flexibility to work outside normal hours. A full current driving licence and access to a car are required. Consideration will be given to alternative travel arrangements for applicants with a disability who cannot hold a driving licence.
Appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including AccessNI checks, references, proof of qualifications and confirmation of the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced finance professional who would welcome the opportunity to strengthen the financial management and governance of a charity delivering sensitive and important work, we would love to hear from you.
Click Apply now to register your interest. A member of the Charity Jobs NI team will then be in touch to discuss your application, provide the relevant application documents and guide you through the next steps of the process.
The closing date for completed applications is 5.00pm on Friday 14th August 2026.
Interviews are anticipated to take place during the week beginning 24th August 2026.
Should a high level of suitable applications be received, the vacancy may close early, therefore early application is highly advisable.
Charity Jobs NI is proud to be supporting Adopt NI as recruitment partner for this vacancy.
This role is funded by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).
