Finance Officer

Finance Officer (Partially funded by ONSIDE Evolution)

Salary: Band 4 - £28,138.87

Job Location: Based in Belfast with travel and support provided across Northern Ireland

Working Hours: F/T 35 hours per week

Duration: Fixed term until March 2029 (subject to funding)

Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities across Northern Ireland. They provide a wide range of services and support to empower people with disabilities in employment, education, advocacy, and more, helping them live independently and participate fully in society.

The ONSIDE Evolution Programme is a cross-border initiative that supports disabled people and carers to become more connected. The programme works across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and will support thousands of disabled people and carers to increase their confidence, build digital skills, and participate more fully in community life.

The primary focus of this role is to ensure that the ONSIDE Evolution Programme, led by Disability Action, delivers measurable impact while maintaining the highest standards of financial governance, accountability, and compliance. The Finance Officer will work in a partnership-based environment, supporting delivery across multiple organisations and jurisdictions, and will also support the wider finance team with ad hoc duties.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate financial records, systems, and ledgers in line with organisational and funder requirements.

• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts.

• Assist with financial reporting to funders, including PEACEPLUS claims and supporting documentation.

• Monitor expenditure against budgets and provide variance analysis and financial insights.

Budgeting & Cashflow

• Support programme budget planning, profiling, and forecasting.

• Monitor cashflow to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet programme obligations.

• Assist in the preparation of financial projections and reforecasts.

Payments & Financial Processing

• Process invoices, payments, and financial transactions in a timely and accurate manner.

• Ensure all expenditure is eligible, evidenced, and compliant with funding rules.

• Reconcile accounts, including bank reconciliations and control accounts.

Payroll & Systems

• Support payroll processing, including salaries, pensions, and associated reconciliations.

• Utilise financial systems, such as Sage, and contribute to system improvements.

• Maintain accurate audit trails across all financial activities.

Partnership Working

• Act as a key member of the ONSIDE Evolution team, led by Disability Action, building strong relationships with programme partners.

• Provide financial guidance and support to delivery partners.

• Ensure that financial projections, monitoring returns, and reconciliations are completed accurately and consistently across all partners.

Audit, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with PEACEPLUS, organisational, and statutory financial regulations.

• Support internal and external audit processes, including preparation of documentation.

• Contribute to the development and strengthening of financial controls and procedures.

General

• Provide financial advice and support to programme staff.

• Contribute to continuous improvement and best practice in financial management.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.

General Finance Duties

• Financial transactions and processing, including managing accounts payable and receivable and bank reconciliations.

• Budgeting & Forecasting: assist in preparation of annual budgets and monitoring spend against budgets.

• Financial reporting: preparing management accounts, summary accounts for managers, and creating ad hoc reports when required.

Essential Criteria

• 5 GCSEs, or equivalent, including English and Mathematics or an equivalent relevant qualification.

• A recognised qualification in accounting, finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

• At least 2 years experience in a financial role within the public, voluntary, or private sector.

• Experience of financial processing, reconciliations, ledger management, budget monitoring, and financial reporting, along with experience supporting audits or compliance processes.

• Experience using financial systems and Microsoft Excel.

• Ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently.

• Ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders.

• Knowledge and understanding of Data Protection legislation and GDPR, and ability to apply these when handling confidential participant information.

• A full driving licence and access to a car for business use.

If the effects of a disability preclude an individual from holding a driving licence, please indicate how you can meet the mobility requirements of the post, including the ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland during normal working hours and on some occasions at evenings and weekends.

Desirable Requirements

• Finance qualification or working towards one.

• Experience working with grant funding programmes, such as PEACEPLUS or EU funding.

• Experience working with disability organisations or community groups.

• Experience supporting partnership projects.

• Understanding of public sector financial governance.

• Understanding of digital inclusion or community participation programmes.

What We Can Offer You

• Enhanced maternity packages.

• Death in service package.

• Cash plan.

• In-house counselling services.

• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.

• 27 days paid holidays per year and 11 bank holidays, based on a full-time role.

• Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development, and personal development plans.

Additional Information

Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. They offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongside a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. As a progressive charity, they provide employees with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience across a wide range of areas in a secure and thriving workplace.

We are a Responsible Body for Access NI. A disclosure check will be undertaken, although a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role. Onside Evolution is supported by Peace Plus, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

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