Working in Finance for a Charity POST 3#

By Rob Hayter,
Director, TPP Not for Profit and Chairman, National Childbirth Trust

Rob specialises in recruiting at a senior level in the not-for-profit, charity, voluntary and public sectors. Rob has recruited to senior local government posts including two large-scale, multi-vacancy campaigns. He is currently leading the growth and development of the executive division at TPP Not for Profit, a specialist, national third sector recruitment consultancy. Rob Hayter was appointed as a trustee of the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) in June 2008, chair from June 2010. 

Working in Finance for a Charity  By Rob Hayter -  Continued....

 What to expect as a finance professional

As part of the finance department within the charity or not for profit sector, you will find yourself at the heart of the organisation. Whether you’re working in a team processing invoices, managing gift aid and preparing donor reports, completing the monthly management accounts or financial year end to SORP, your role will be pivotal in the overall success of the organisation.

Working in Finance for a Charity - Post 2#

Working in Finance for a Charity  By Rob Hayter -  Continued....

Salary overview for Accounting Roles

Contrary to popular opinion, salaries in the charity sector are actually rather competitive in comparison to other sectors and charitable organisations have begun to recognise the need to be more comparative with the commercial sector in order to attract the best accountants and finance professionals. However, it is often superior benefits, such as excellent holiday entitlement, pension schemes, flexible working hours and a good working environment, that really motivate candidates to move into the charity sector.

An Accounts Assistant can expect to earn a base salary of £18,000 - £23,000 while a Finance Manager could expect to be on a pay scale of 34,000 - £39,000. These salaries can vary though, depending on the size of the organisation, their income and the qualifications required.

Here is an overview of estimated pay scales in the charity sector:

Average salary of roles placed with TPP in 2010

	Average	Lowest	Highest
Assistant/Clerk	21k	13k	25k
Officer	26k	14k	34k
Accountant	34k	27k	45k
Controller	35k	21k	45k
Manager	37k	25k	52k
Director/Head of	46k	35k	65k

More detailed information on salaries in the sector is included in the CFDG’s annual salary survey.

If you would like to know what to expect in terms of your role and career prospects in the Charity sector, watch this space for Working in Finance for a Charity POST 3#

 

Note to editors

TPP Not for Profit has over 14 years of experience of providing a wide range of specialist recruitment services to organisations in the third and not for profit sectors. TPP has eight distinct divisions: Fundraising & Development; HR, Learning & Development; Senior Appointments; Marketing & Communications; Office & Specialist Support; Finance, & Accountancy; Medical & Social Care and Education & Training - covering a wide range of roles at all levels - both temporary and permanent.

For further information please contact Natalie Ponting (Marketing Manager) on 020 7198 6180 or natalie.ponting@tpp.co.uk. W: www.tpp.co.uk

 

Working in Finance for a Charity - Post 1#

By Rob Hayter,
Director, TPP Not for Profit and Chairman, National Childbirth Trust

Rob specialises in recruiting at a senior level in the not-for-profit, charity, voluntary and public sectors. Rob has recruited to senior local government posts including two large-scale, multi-vacancy campaigns. He is currently leading the growth and development of the executive division at TPP Not for Profit, a specialist, national third sector recruitment consultancy. Rob Hayter was appointed as a trustee of the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) in June 2008, chair from June 2010. 

Why work as an accountant in  the Charity sector ?

There are currently over 180,000 registered charities in Britain; all of whom are in need of financial support, in one form or another.  As is the case with any other organization, a charity too needs a strong financial and technical infrastructure, with a high calibre of staff to help increase the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness.  Consequently, there is a constant flow of finance opportunities and a demand for accountants who have a genuine interest in the charity sector.

Many finance professionals who work in the charity sector list  job satisfaction, a good work life balance and the chance to give something back to society among the top perks that keep them motivated and happy in their roles. The Charity sector includes a wide range of organisations with different working environments, some of which can be just as demanding and fast paced as the commercial sector. This sector requires dedicated accountants who are seeking recognition for their work and would like to see their achievements make a difference to the organisation.