Finance Officer
Who we are.
People First is an independent customer-led charitable organisation that has worked in Cumbria for over 30 years. We are passionate about our values of equality, respect, and inclusion. We provide a wide range of support and information services across Cumbria, Lancashire, and Teesside, all aimed at helping people to live informed, respected, healthy, and fulfilled lives. Our Head office is based in Carlisle, supported by offices in Barrow, Stockton and Lancashire.
Role Summary.
The Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the charity’s day-to-day financial operations. Working as part of a team of Finance Officers, the postholder will contribute to a range of core finance functions, with specific responsibilities to be agreed after appointment. This is a collaborative role within a supportive finance team, reporting to the Finance Manager and using Sage 50 to ensure accurate and efficient financial processing.
The Person.
The successful candidate must believe in the core values of People First and be driven by our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Process financial transactions in line with policies and procedures, which may include:
- Purchase and sales ledger
- Bank and petty cash reconciliations
- Journal entries and month-end tasks
- Payroll support and staff expenses
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using Sage 50.
- Assist with month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations and schedules.
- Respond to finance queries from colleagues and external contacts in a professional and timely way.
- Ensure appropriate financial controls and documentation are maintained.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.
- Provide flexible support across the finance and business teams as needed.
Other Responsibilities
• Work closely with other Finance Officers to ensure smooth delivery of all core finance functions.
• Participate in team meetings and training.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties to support the finance function and wider organisation.
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Person Specification
Essential
• Experience in a finance or accounting role.
• Familiarity with Sage 50 or a similar accounting system.
• Good understanding of basic financial processes and controls.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and confident with data entry and reconciliation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Well-organised and able to manage workload to meet deadlines.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative, team-focused approach.
• Willingness to learn and take on a range of finance and administration tasks.
Desirable
• Studying towards AAT or similar accounting qualification.
• Knowledge of payroll
Other Duties
The duties outlined above are not intended to be exhaustive and may change as the needs of the organisation alter in line with current agendas. Due to the developing nature of our organisation, we require staff to remain highly flexible in their approach, and work to meet the changing needs of the projects.
- Post is subject to satisfactory DBS Clearance.
To Apply
If you’re interested in the role and think you’d be a good fit, we’d like to hear from you.
To apply for this position, please email a copy of your CV including details of two references, to [email protected]
or alternatively, you can post for the attention of Barry to People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street, Carlisle, CA2 5XB
All applications should be clearly marked:
Confidential – Finance Officer
Closing date - 5.00pm , 31st July 2025 (may close sooner)
If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful