Finance Manager

As a newly established non-profit (UK community interest company) Syli - pronounced SOO-Lee - supports mission-driven journalism in service of informed audiences around the world. We have a specific focus on climate activities.

We want to see a world in which everyone has access to equitable, trustworthy and accurate information.

We support and advance mission-driven journalism by fostering new, forward-looking concepts and identifying sustainable financial models for journalism. We are creating a healthier, more sustainable media ecosystem for better informed global audiences who are empowered to take action for the benefit of all people, communities and the planet.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to take responsibility for Syli’s financial activities working as part of our core team and reporting to the Executive Directors. The post holder will also contribute to strategic planning and organisational management.

The position is for an immediate start and is a remote role. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK. You will need to ensure you have access to a suitable professional and confidential environment with a reliable internet connection to carry out your duties.

The position is full time working five days per week. This is a fixed term contract ending 31st December 2025, however, pending securing the required funding, we intend for this to become longer term.

The pay for this role is £42,000 per year based on five days per week.

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage appropriate financial control procedures including record keeping.
• Plan, monitor and provide real-time snapshots of the organisation’s budget including resource management, cash-flow, and performance.
• Prepare monthly financial reports to programme managers and external reports as required, including end of year accounts and audits.
• Responsible for all accounting and financial systems including authorising payments, bank reconciliations, managing restricted and unrestricted funds, and pensions.
• Support Syli CIC Directors with the preparation of budgets for submission to potential funders.
• Manage relationships with HMRC, and our accountant and auditors.
• Prepare VAT returns, corporation tax and other tax returns as needed.
• Ensure financial and reporting compliance for Syli as both a Limited Company and a Community Interest Company (CIC).

About You

We have identified the range of qualifications, knowledge, and experience we think you’ll need for this role. You’ll have a background in finance, accounting or business operations, ideally gained in a small or rapidly growing nonprofit organisation. 

• Proven experience in financial management at a senior level.
• Ability to produce robust management and statutory accounts to SORP standards.
• Can interpret and clearly present financial information to those with a non-financial background.
• Can forecast future spend and provide strategic input to management.
• Experience overseeing external independent audits.
• Ability to plan ahead, identify future problems or opportunities, and develop strategies to address them.
• Experience using Google Sheets and Xero for financial management.
• Ability to self-motivate in a remote working environment. 
• Excited to support the growth of a new initiative in the journalism and climate space.

If this sounds like you, or if you feel that you have what is needed to succeed in this role but your background is a little different from above, we’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to talk to us informally before applying, get in touch.

To Apply
Please submit a CV and a cover letter, addressing how you are qualified for this role, highlighting the skills, knowledge and experience you bring. You must also answer the screening questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Process
We will review applications as they come in and will follow a set process to reduce bias in selection. The closing date for applications is 9am, 4 November 2024. The process will include an initial call during the week commencing 11 November 2024 and final interviews to take place during the following week. We may close applications early if we find the right person for this role.

A Bit More About Us
Syli is a nonprofit organisation and by joining us you’ll become part of our passionate, energetic team committed to achieving Syli’s social objectives. All the work we do is underpinned by our values of sustainability, synergy, equality and transformation.

It’s important to us that Syli is a great place to work for everyone - here are some of the things we offer our team:

• Working hours: 9am to 5pm (UK time) Monday to Friday are our core working hours and we look forward to discussing the shape of your ideal part time working pattern.
• Location: We are a remote-first company.
• Wellbeing: We believe good physical and mental health is important for everyone and we support and encourage our team to make wellbeing habits part of their working day.
• Fika: a weekly opportunity to grab a cuppa and hang out online and socialise with your colleagues.
• Environmental action: being climate friendly is at the heart of everything we do and the way we work.
• Professional development: as we transform the media ecosystem, it’s essential we grow personally and keep learning as a team.
• Tech equipment: laptop provided so you can do your job.
• Pension: with ethical fund options available after successful completion of probation.
• Annual leave: time to switch off and get away is something we value, that’s why we give our UK employees 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. If you are unable to apply via the online application portal or require any amendments that will assure a fair process, please get in touch.