About the organisation
Youth Leads UK is a youth-led charity committed to empowering young people across the UK to realise their potential, develop their leadership skills, and become active contributors to their communities. Our mission is to create opportunities that enable young people, particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, to build confidence, gain new skills, and access meaningful experiences that shape their futures.
Our Objectives:
- Empowerment through Opportunity: We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. We provide access to training, mentoring, and leadership programs that help young people develop critical skills, grow their confidence, and prepare for future employment or education.
- Amplifying Youth Voices: We work to ensure that young people’s voices are heard in their communities and beyond. Through our various platforms and initiatives, we empower young people to speak out on issues that matter to them and become advocates for change.
- Creating Inclusive Spaces: We are dedicated to fostering inclusive environments where young people from all walks of life can come together, share experiences, learn from one another, and build a sense of belonging.
Why We Do What We Do:
At Youth Leads UK, we understand that many young people face significant barriers to achieving their full potential, from socio-economic disadvantages to limited access to positive role models and opportunities. We are driven by the belief that every young person has the potential to lead and effect positive change, and we are passionate about helping them unlock that potential.
Our programmes have a proven impact – last year alone, we reached over 750 young people, with 87% reporting increased confidence, 92% developing new skills, and many taking up leadership roles in their communities. We strive to continue this impact by expanding our reach and deepening our support to ensure no young person is left behind.
About the role
We are seeking a dedicated finance professional to volunteer with Youth Leads UK, a small Greater Manchester-based charity, on a distinct project to support our transition to a new financial management system. This project is focused on enhancing our financial processes to improve transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. The volunteer's primary responsibilities will include:
Transition to New Financial System:
- Support the setup and migration of our financial data to a new accounting system, ensuring all information is accurately transferred and securely maintained.
- Assist with the configuration of cost codes and expense codes, determining the appropriate level of detail and categorisation for effective financial tracking and reporting.
- Establish clear and accurate budget lines that align with our organizational goals and funding requirements.
System Configuration and Customisation:
- Provide expert guidance on structuring the new system, including setting up payroll, linking expenses to cost codes, and creating standardised financial reports.
- Offer hands-on support and training, particularly if proficient in Xero, to ensure the team is comfortable with the new system's functionality and features.
- Develop and document processes for ongoing financial management, including generating specific budget reports.
Project Scope and Timeline:
This is a distinct project with an estimated duration of 3-6 months, depending on the progress and complexity of the system transition. The role will be project-based, with a clear end date once the transition to the new financial system is complete and fully operational.
Meetings and Commitments:
The volunteer will be required to attend monthly Finance Committee meetings to provide updates on the project's progress and ensure alignment with the overall financial strategy. Additionally, there will be occasional check-ins with the Board as necessary, but no ongoing Chair or Sub-Committee responsibilities are expected.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for a finance professional with a passion for making a difference in the charity sector. Our ideal candidate will possess a combination of essential skills, experience, and personal qualities that will enable them to lead our financial system transition effectively and collaboratively.
Essential Skills and Qualities:
- Professional Finance or Accounting Experience: A solid background in finance or accounting, with experience in managing financial systems, budgets, and reporting.
- Proficiency in Accounting Software: Strong proficiency in accounting software, ideally Xero, including the ability to customise and optimise software for organisational needs.
- Analytical and Detail-Oriented: Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail to ensure accurate financial records, cost coding, and budget management.
- Project Management: Demonstrated experience in managing projects, including setting timelines, coordinating activities, and achieving defined objectives.
- Understanding of Charity Finance Regulations: Knowledge of financial management practices within the charity sector, including compliance with UK charity financial regulations and best practices.
Desirable Skills and Qualities:
- Experience in the Charity or Non-Profit Sector: Familiarity with the unique financial challenges and opportunities faced by charities, including funding restrictions, grant management, and donor reporting.
- Payroll Management Experience: Experience managing payroll processes and integrating them into financial systems.
What’s in it for you
Volunteering with Youth Leads UK offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our organisation and the young people we serve. By helping us transition to a more efficient financial management system, you will play a vital role in strengthening our financial sustainability, enabling us to invest more resources directly into our programmes and initiatives.
Make a Real Difference:
- Impact on the Organisation: Your expertise will directly contribute to enhancing our financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that every pound is maximised to benefit the communities we serve. This project will help us reduce costs, streamline processes, and improve financial planning, which in turn will empower us to deliver more impactful programmes and services to over 750 young people annually.
- Impact on the Community: By supporting our financial systems, you will enable us to focus on our mission: empowering young people to develop their confidence, skills, and leadership abilities. Your contribution will help us expand our reach, develop new initiatives, and provide more opportunities for young people to thrive.
Develop Your Skills:
- Gain New Skills: This role offers a chance to apply your financial expertise in a new context, with the opportunity to develop skills in project management, financial system implementation, and training delivery.
- Enhance Your CV: Volunteering with a growing charity like Youth Leads UK will enhance your professional profile, demonstrating your commitment to using your skills for social good and your ability to manage significant change projects.
Expand Your Network:
- Networking Opportunities: Join a vibrant community of passionate professionals and volunteers. You will have the chance to work closely with our Board of Trustees, connect with like-minded individuals, and expand your professional network within the charity and finance sectors.
- Involvement in Events and Initiatives: You’ll be invited to participate in our key events, workshops, and community initiatives, providing you with further opportunities to make a difference and connect with our beneficiaries, partners, and supporters.
Be Part of a Meaningful Mission:
- Support a Youth-Led Charity: You will be contributing to a youth-led charity that has won multiple awards for its impact on young people's lives. Your work will help ensure we continue to grow and innovate, reaching more young people and providing them with the opportunities they need to succeed.
Apply for the role
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Please provide a cover note if it is requested in the role description. Applications which are personalised, setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation and relevant skills/experience, are far more likely to be successful.
