Senior Finance Officer/Payroll

Senior Finance Officer PEACE PLUS Programme and Management Accounts (Partially Funded by ONSIDE Evolution) Salary: £32,668.96 per annum Location: Based in Belfast, with travel and support provided across Northern Ireland Working Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Duration: Fixed-term until June 2029 (subject to funding) About Disability Action Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support to empower people with disabilities in employment, education, advocacy, and more, ensuring they can 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 Senior Finance Officer will work within a dynamic, partnership-based environment, supporting delivery across multiple organisations and jurisdictions, ensuring alignment, consistency, and financial integrity across all partners. The responsibilities align with core finance functions such as budgeting, payroll, reconciliations, reporting, and audit liaison, as outlined in comparable public programme finance roles. Key Responsibilities ONSIDE Programme Duties 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 PEACE PLUS claims and supporting documentation. Monitor expenditure against budgets and provide variance analysis and financial insights. Budgeting & Cashflow Support programme budget planning, profiling, and forecasting. Assist in the preparation of financial projections and reforecasts. Payments & Financial Processing Process invoices, payments, and financial transactions in a timely and accurate manner. Reconcile accounts, including bank reconciliations and control accounts. Payroll & Systems Support payroll processing, including salaries, pensions, and associated reconciliations. Utilise financial systems (e.g. 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 PEACE PLUS, 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. Disability Action Finance Duties Take financial responsibility for several projects across the organisation, liaising with Project Managers and finance colleagues to provide financial support and oversight. Review monthly accounts, including the preparation of quarterly management accounts and detailed variance analysis. Develop and implement internal financial controls across programmes to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting. Support the continuous improvement of financial processes and systems. Support the wider finance team with ad hoc duties. 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 explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders. Knowledge and understanding of Data Protection legislation and GDPR, and the 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, i.e. the ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland during normal working hours and, on some occasions, during evenings and weekends. Desirable Criteria Finance qualification or currently working towards a qualification. 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. Hybrid working. Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing. 27 days paid annual leave plus 11 bank holidays (based on a full-time role). Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development, and personal development plans. Equality Statement Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongside a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role.