Finance Officer - Funding / Projects

Your new company
Hays are delighted to be working with a faith‑based charitable organisation in the North East is seeking a highly capable Project Finance Officer to take a leading role in managing, monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of grant‑funded projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys variety, autonomy, stakeholder engagement and meaningful work that directly supports community‑focused initiatives.

Your new role
Role SummaryThe Project Finance Officer will oversee the financial management of externally funded projects, ensuring accurate reporting, budgeting, forecasting and compliance with funding requirements. You will work closely with project leads, senior managers, community partners and internal finance colleagues to ensure financial information is timely, reliable and aligned with organisational policies.This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both detailed financial work and building supportive relationships with non‑financial stakeholders.Key Responsibilities

Lead project financial reporting to internal boards, committees and stakeholder groups, shaping the style and content of reports.
Support funding applications by preparing financial information and submitting grant claims through relevant grant management systems.
Manage grant claims from local project partners, ensuring accuracy, eligibility and compliance with internal financial regulations.
Advise and support community partners in preparing eligible claims, including occasional site visits.
Maintain accurate project accounting using restricted fund and project accounting principles.
Monitor and report against project budgets, investigating variances and liaising with budget holders.
Set up new projects and manage approved budget changes within the accounting system.
Coordinate project budget submissions and ensure alignment with funding agreements.
Produce forecasts and financial commentary for senior leadership and governance boards.
Contribute to process improvements within the finance and transformation teams.
Provide wider finance team support including year‑end preparation, budget setting and cover during staff absence.

What you'll need to succeed

AAT Qualified or nearing qualification, or studying towards CIMA, ACCA or ACA
Advanced Excel skills - majority of the reporting is in Excel
Experience of process improvement
Experience of database management
What you'll get in return
You will be offered a full-time, permanent contract, with access to hybrid working and free on-site parking.
Further benefits will be discussed on application.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed