Finance Manager

Employee Ownership Association

Hours
22.5 hours per week

About the Organisation

Employee ownership in the UK is at a critical moment. The sector has more than doubled since 2020. Awareness is rising. Evidence is compelling. Businesses, communities, and policymakers are increasingly recognising that a people-powered approach can unlock fairness, resilience, and productivity. We believe the UK can reach 10,000 employee-owned businesses within the decade, transforming succession, broadening ownership, and reshaping the economic landscape.

But achieving this relies on bold, strategic, values-led leadership across our community. The eoa exists to build and connect that community: a network of more than 820 member businesses, thousands of employee owners, specialist advisors, policymakers, and partners committed to powering fairer livelihoods and stronger businesses through employee ownership. As Data and Insights Administrator, you support the effective operation of eoa’s core systems by ensuring data is accurate, consistent, and well-maintained.

This role has a particular focus on the AMS (CRM) as the eoa’s single source of truth, and the Employee Ownership Business Register (EOBR), which provides sector intelligence. The role takes responsibility for day-to-day data administration and quality assurance tasks, helping to reduce manual workload across teams and enabling colleagues to confidently use data to inform operational and strategic decision-making.

If you are energised by the opportunity to help shape a fairer, more resilient UK economy - and to support a community capable of real impact - we would be delighted to hear from you. Employee ownership gives employees meaningful stake and meaningful voice, unlocking higher commitment, stronger performance, and a clear sense of shared purpose. The evidence is consistently strong:

• 8 - 12% higher productivity
• Stronger resilience and long-term investment
• Improved innovation, retention, and culture
• Successful succession for founders and families
• Significant contributions to local, regional, and national economies

The UK now has over 2,800 employee-owned businesses, contributing more than £30bn to GDP and spanning every sector - from manufacturing and engineering to care, digital, retail, architecture, and professional services. Looking ahead, research shows enormous potential. More than 120,000 UK SMEs will need succession plans over the next decade. With the right conditions, employee ownership can become a mainstream choice, expanding to 10,000 EO businesses and creating a more inclusive, long-term-focused UK economy. Your leadership as Chair will be instrumental in shaping these conditions.

About the role

The Finance Manager leads the eoa’s finances to ensure the business's resources are used effectively, efficiently, and sustainably. You will develop robust financial systems, reporting, and analysis to provide insight and assurance to the SLT and Board, playing a central role in safeguarding the eoa’s financial health and enabling its strategic goals to be achieved.

Success in this role means the eoa has reliable, efficient, and well-governed financial operations that underpin all aspects of the business. You will ensure day-to-day finance processes are accurate and timely, cash flow and budgets are effectively managed, and statutory obligations are met with confidence. By providing clear analysis and insight, you will support the SLT and Board in making informed decisions, drive improvements in systems and reporting, and enable the eoa to achieve its strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s financial strategy, ensuring it underpins and enables operational delivery.
• Manage the annual budget-setting process, working closely with colleagues to align budgets with strategic priorities.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations, including financial accounting, membership renewals, bank account management, cash flow monitoring, credit control, payments, and function oversight.
• Take responsibility for accurate and timely payroll and pension delivery, working in partnership with an external provider.
• Prepare and reconcile monthly and year-end accounts, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and robust controls.
• Produce accurate, timely financial forecasts, management accounts and financial analysis to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including tax (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax) and financial reporting obligations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and risk management processes, safeguarding the organisation’s financial health.
• Act as a signatory on company bank accounts, ensuring appropriate authorisation and governance arrangements are in place.
• Lead the ongoing development and improvement of finance processes and systems, and automations to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Knowledge, Experience & Attributes:

• Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and delivering accurate management accounts and financial analysis.
• Experience of working for or preparing SME accounts, managing audits, risk, and internal controls, with a focus on continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• Strategic thinker who can translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight for senior leaders and the Board.
• Highly organised, proactive, and solution-focused, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and professional, demonstrating integrity and sound judgment in all financial matters.

Required Qualifications

• Degree-level education and either ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualification

Compensation & Benefits

• Pension: 5% employee, 3% employer. Salary Sacrifice available as an option.
• Annual Leave: 30 days leave + bank holidays

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Manchester office and remotely
• Attendance at the office is expected at least twice per month, and more often where needed.

How to apply

• Please submit a two-page CV and either a covering letter or a video of up to 10 minutes setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role.
• Please send enquiries or applications to [email protected].
• We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
• Applications should be submitted before 9:00 am on 14th July 2026. We will close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Interviews

• Interviews will be in Manchester on 28th & 29th July 2026.

Policies

The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our purpose.

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