Finance Officer

Job description

The Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Finance Officer to support our financial operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and help us continue our work effectively and transparently.

**About Us**
AOTOS is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to supporting and developing voice teachers and singers across the UK working in all styles of music. We run workshops, conferences, and outreach programmes to advance vocal education. We are a volunteer run organisation, supported by a part time freelance administrator in addition to this role.

**About the Role**
This freelance, part time role offers flexible, remote working, with occasional requirement for attendance at in person meetings. Hours may vary according to our activities, with a typical requirement of 4 to 6 hours per week. Reporting to our Secretary, as our Finance Officer you will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, processing income and expenditure, preparing reports for trustees, and assisting with the financial reporting obligations required of a UK charity. This is a vital role supporting the operational integrity of the organisation and enabling us to meet our charitable objectives.

**About You**
You will have proven experience in a similar role, preferably within a non-profit setting with a solid understanding of bookkeeping and accountancy principles. You will be detail-oriented and flexible, with strong communication skills and the ability to manage your workload independently. If you also share our passion for music, that's a bonus.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Record all financial transactions in QuickBooksOnline and maintain budget and reporting spreadsheets
- Reconcile bank and PayPal, Stripe and GoCardless accounts monthly
- Process invoices, expense claims, and payments
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for the trustees
- Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and year-end accounts including for the Trustees Annual Report
- Process GiftAid claims through HMRC
- Ensure compliance with Charity Commission financial regulations
- Liaise with external accountants or independent examiners as required
- Maintain accurate and accessible financial records for audit purposes
- Support financial tracking of restricted/unrestricted funds and programme budgets
- Provide occasional ad hoc financial information to trustees and subcommittees

**Essential Skills & Experience**
- Proven experience as a Bookkeeper, ideally within a charity or nonprofit setting
- Solid understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles, particularly for UK charities
- Proficiency with bookkeeping software (e.g.QuickBooks and Excel/Google Sheets)
- Familiarity with financial compliance for CIOs and Charity Commission reporting
- Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage time and workload independently

**Desirable Skills and Experience**
- AAT qualification or similar accounting certification
- Experience with Gift Aid reporting
- Proficiency with QuickBooksOnline accounting software
- Understanding of membership-based organisations or arts education bodies
- Passion for music, singing, or performing arts (helpful but not required)

**What We Offer**
- Flexible, remote working arrangements
- Opportunity to contribute to a well-respected organisation in the music education sector
- Supportive and collaborative volunteer-led team
- Meaningful role in a mission-driven organisation

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.