The Avenues Youth Project

Financial Controller sought for thriving youth charity 28 hrs per week, flexible Salary £33k-£36k (£47k-£51k FTE) dependant on experience London W10 Job Description This is a responsible position managing the accounts and payroll of a medium-sized West London youth charity. The role is central to maintaining the charity s financial wellbeing and thereby enhancing opportunities for young people. It is a part-time role, with plenty of flexibility. Working from home and coming into our office at least once a week, you can spread the weekly hours across 3, 4 or 5 days whatever works for you. You ll be working closely with the Treasurer, Chief Executive, Fundraiser and Programme Director as well as our HR Manager and Operations Manager, with whom you will share some admin support. About us As a leading London youth club, our work is challenging but very rewarding. For over 40 years The Avenues Youth Project has provided a safe space for young people aged 8 to 18 to play, socialise, acquire and develop skills and receive advice and motivation. In an area of north Westminster with plenty of social challenges, The Avenues is seen as a beacon organisation, hugely valued by our community and widely respected in the youth sector. Our standards are high; we are recognised by Westminster City Council as one of three key youth hubs in the borough and, in 2024, were re-awarded London Youth s prestigious three-year Gold Level Quality Mark, one of only nine youth organisations to hold this badge of excellence. Our team is professional, hard-working and great fun to work with. Each one of us is passionate about giving every child and young person the opportunity and support to make the most of their future, regardless of their background, and we apply the same principle to those who work at Avenues. Role Requirements Manage day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable/grants claims, bank reconciliations, general accounting functions. Perform monthly journals and reconciliation of balance sheet/control accounts, including accruals, prepayments, deferred income and fixed assets. Claim monthly the Gift Aid that has not already been collected through donation platforms. Produce timely and accurate monthly reports for budget holders to help them effectively manage their budgets, ensuring that spend is being properly tracked and allocated against programmes and grants/donations. Hold regular meetings with budget holders following the production of the monthly reports. Work with the CEO, Treasurer, Fundraiser and programme/operational budget holders where necessary to: o Provide the Finance Committee with a monthly dashboard o Co-ordinate the annual budget process, and produce quarterly financial forecasts. o Manage cashflow projection Support the Monitoring and Evaluation manager with donor reports Liaise with the auditors throughout the audit process, providing supporting schedules and grant documentation in support of the TB figures provided. Prepare the statutory annual accounts for review by the auditors. Manage payroll (30+staff), pensions and the allocation of project personnel costs. This includes liaison with the HR and programme managers to ensure the Employment Hero payroll system is processing HR information and timesheets correctly. Process improvement work with key stakeholders to ensure that finance processes are fit for purpose and implementing change where improvements can/should be made. Ensure the Avenues has appropriate internal controls in place and is meeting all tax and audit obligations. Preparation and maintenance of a finance manual. Deal with general finance queries, both externally and from members of the team Co-supervise the finance and operations administrator Person Requirements Accountancy qualification eg- ACA/CIMA/ACCA/AAT Professional Level or QBE Demonstrable experience of working in a similar role. Previous experience in the charity sector would be highly desirable although not essential. Good knowledge of QuickBooks system and proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel. Experience of process improvement and system implementation an advantage. Strong communication skills well versed in speaking finance with non-finance colleagues. Ability to adhere to deadlines Confident in holding self and others to account Ability to work to high standards, without needing detailed supervision Avenues is an Equal Opportunities employer welcoming people from all backgrounds. Avenues puts the safety of our members first. Candidates are subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

Job Title: Fundraising Manager Reporting: to Chief Executive Contract: Permanent Hours: Part-time role, 32 hours a week Benefits: 29 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays) pro rata, pension scheme contributions, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Location: Mostly home-working with regular visits to The Avenues, London W10. Job purpose Forward-plan funding streams to ensure a smooth and regular flow of income that meets The Avenues budget (currently £1.2m p.a., much of which has been secured for the next 18 months). Develop existing and new relationships with funders to maximise immediate and long-term income for the organisation and its various projects. Write compelling proposals and applications that secure significant income from trusts and foundations, coordinating input from across The Avenues team. Research and identify new prospects from a diversity of sources with a view to securing medium and large grants for The Avenues. Accountabilities and responsibilities Identify and develop opportunities from a range of trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies. Draft, submit and manage the progress of all funding applications for The Avenues priority projects (approximately 30-40 applications per year). Develop fundraising proposal budgets in collaboration with Programme and Finance colleagues, ensuring needs are accurately costed and aligned with donor requirements. Work with colleagues to develop new project ideas that fit within The Avenues organisational goals and within budgets that meet funders criteria. Handle the post-grant paperwork, notifying the team and updating our records. Develop and manage positive relationships with funders, including necessary communications with grants officers, potential major donors, corporate donors and community supporters. Manage the pipeline of applications and fundraising database; providing financial reporting and other management information to colleagues on a timely basis. Work with the Chief Executive, trustees and community volunteers to help organise our fundraising events (dinner-auction, party, quiz night, marathon). Assisting with the smooth-running of these events, including writing and producing communication materials. Write the quarterly email newsletter for our supporter mailing list. Manage and optimise the charity s CRM system (Beacon), ensuring fundraising contact data is accurate, well maintained, and used effectively. Perform other duties as required by the Chief Executive to the overall direction and running of the charity and develop productive relationships with external stakeholders. Experience and skills Excellent writing skills with the ability to write concise and creative bids. 3+ years proven track record in a fundraising position, with a focus on trusts/foundations and public sector income streams. (Or, you may equally have experience in sales and marketing in a commercial environment.) Skilled at budgeting and presenting financial information in easy-to-understand formats. Relationship builder and collaborative worker. A creative and proactive approach to problem-solving High standard of software literacy (Office software, Mailchimp and internet). Highly effective verbal communicator, able to build rapport quickly and engage a wide range of stakeholders with confidence and credibility. Degree or equivalent relevant qualification Personal attributes and attitudes Self-motivated and hard-working. Committed to improving youth services and the lives of disadvantaged children. Excellent influencing and negotiation skills. Able to tackle challenges constructively and creatively find ways forward. Tactful and amiable, with the ability to communicate at all levels with a variety of donors. Proactive and eager to learn, with a hands-on approach and willingness to take initiative and get stuck in where needed END