Finance Manager

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Finance Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organisation. Reporting to the Head of Business Operations, the postholder will oversee all financial operations, providing strategic insights to inform decision-making and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
This role is integral to supporting the organisation s mission of advancing health research through effective financial stewardship, and it offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced finance professional to make a significant contribution within a mission-driven organisation.

Main responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Planning
• Develop and implement robust financial strategies to support the organisation s strategic goals.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial plans, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Support procurement and commercial processes, ensuring value for money and delivery assurance.

Financial Management, Reporting and Regulatory Compliance
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, and cash flow management.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for the executive team, Trustees and external stakeholders.
• Lead the preparation of annual accounts and coordinate with external auditors, specifically in relation to Companies House and Charities Commission obligations.

Stakeholder engagement
• Work closely with workstream leads to provide financial advice and insights that guide strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with external funders, grant providers, and other stakeholders to ensure transparent financial management.

Process improvement
• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, processes and tools, to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent.
• Proven experience in independent financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements in the UK, specifically in relation to not-for-profit, charitable and research organisations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with non-finance stakeholders.
• Experience of working in a health and/or data research environment.
• Familiarity with grant management and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of financial systems, implementation and optimisation.
• Experience in developing financial strategies within a growing organisation.
• Experience of modelling operational costs to support decision making and delivery.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the proven ability to prioritise and, at times under pressure, produce accurate work to deadlines.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in an organisation in its infancy or a start-up.
• Understanding and experience of using project management tools and techniques.
• Understanding and experience of procurement of good and services in a health and/or data research environment.

Dimensions

• This is expected to be a full-time post however AHS would consider applicants looking for part-time opportunities.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply to . co. uk with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, your preferred working hours (FTE or PTE) and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 23 November 2025.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 15 December 2025.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team in 2025. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.