CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Join our team! We currently have the following positions available within the British Deaf Association

Please see below for details on these roles, and how to apply.

We have the following vacancies, which you can view in detail below:

Introduction to the BDA

Finance Manager

Job Title: Finance Manager

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: Circa £50,000 pa depending on experience and qualifications

Reports to: Chief Executive

Manages: Finance Administrator

Location: Hybrid – 3 days office-based at BDA’s London office, 2 days home based. Occasional travel across the UK.

Contract: 35 hours a week (full-time) permanent. A willingness to work evenings and at weekends as required.

Holidays: 25 days a year plus 8 Bank Holidays

Pension: BDA operates a contributory pension scheme and will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with its auto-enrolment obligations

About the Role

Leading the Finance Department, the Finance Manager will be responsible for the preparation of Management accounts, the Finance Manager will provide accurate, timely Management accounts and other management information as required.  You will be responsible for balance sheet reconciliations of all control accounts, providing Budget-holder information and assisting in the development of the Finance Assistant as their line manager.

You will update and develop finance policies and procedures, systems and practices to support the smooth running of the organisation and will be proactive in assisting with the
development of new systems and processes to meet the needs of the BDA as it grows.

With prior experience of working with charities as well as extensive experience accounting systems (ideally Sage Line 50), you will manage the Sage accounting database and provide excellent support to circa 30 staff across the UK.

You will lead on budgeting and working closely with the Chief Executive to provide effective financial direction to the Treasurer and the Board of Trustees.

Management Accounts

The Finance Manager will be responsible for all aspects of transaction processing up to and including production of monthly Management Accounts. This includes:-

  • Production and publication of Monthly Management Accounts Pack comprising:
    • Consolidated Income and Expenditure account
    • Detailed supporting I&E by department
    • Summarised Balance Sheet
    • Variance analysis (Budget-holders are ultimately responsible for explaining variances against budget or forecast within their departments, with the Finance Manager responsible for highlighting key variances)
  • Fixed Asset Register
    Update and maintain register, calculate and post monthly depreciation charges, reconcile monthly.
  • Monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts including
    • All bank accounts
    • Purchase Ledger
    • Sales Ledger
    • Deferred Income
    • Legacy Control Account
    • Payroll Accounts (Net wages, HMRC etc.)
    • Prepayments
    • Accruals
  • Payroll processing
    Analyse payroll in accordance with funding agreements/forecast/budget, posting to Sage monthly.
  • Recharges
    Ensure recharges are posted monthly in Sage, in accordance with funding agreements/Forecast/Budget for Management Charges, Visual Language Service (VLS) and Project Support.
  • Journals
    Review and approve journals raised by Finance Assistant
    Raise monthly and ad-hoc journals as required.
  • Review of Reserves
    Support Budget-holders in reviewing restricted reserves. Establishing origins and reconciling balances by project/funder.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Responsible for preparing the annual budget and reforecast (as required) in collaboration with Budget-holders.

Pension Scheme Support

Assist in the administration of the organisation’s pension scheme, liaising internally with the Hon Treasurer and externally with the Pension Trust and payroll provider (HR Solutions).

Payment Run/Banking Support

Supporting Finance Assistant with analysis of bank transactions and preparation of the fortnightly payment run (reviewing coding, authorisations etc).

Statutory Accounts support

Provide support for the preparation of the year end audit file including year-end reconciliations for control accounts listed above, providing evidence as requested by the auditors, providing analysis of Sage accounts as requested.

Beacon (CRM)

Provide support for Beacon CRM, including:-

  • Provide support for the Fundraising team by ensuring that the finance inputs processed by the Finance Assistant are accurate and up to date.
  • Reconcile CRM to Sage re bank transactions.
  • Oversee Finance Assistant postings from CRM to Sage.

Budget-Holder Support

Provide support Budget-Holders including:-

  • Setting up new projects on Sage.
  • Answering queries re Management Accounts.
  • Provide reports from Sage with appropriate analysis as requested.
  • Provide support for Budget-holders when reporting restricted fund activities.

Fundraising Team Support

Provide support for the Fundraising team including costing information for bids and other requests for information. Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation’s scale and income generation strategy.

Finance Policies and Procedures

Review existing policies and procedures, updating to ensure that controls are adequate and clearly documented. Develop policies and procedures to support current and future activities.

Finance Team Development and Support

Lead and coach the Finance Assistant to develop finance skills, to allow increased responsibility and increased range of finance tasks undertaken.

Where necessary assist in interviewing, recruiting, and training finance staff and/or finance contractors.

Finance Team Cover

The Finance Manager will provide cover for Finance Assistant for holidays, sickness etc.

Governance/Legal/HR

  • Attend trustee and finance sub-committee meetings, present information to the Finance Committee, Board and liaise with members, particularly the Hon Treasurer.
  • Prepare the BDA’s quarterly VAT Return which includes undertaking the Annual Adjustment, pertaining to its partial exemption status.

BDA General

  • Participate as and when required in team and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, relevant to the role.
  • Ensure, in the course of employment, complete confidentiality is maintained in respect of the Charity, its dealings, transactions, affairs and all other information relating to clients, participants, associates, staff and other subsidiaries etc.
  • Keep up to date with developments within the BDA and other sector-wide practices that influence the day-to-day activities within the role, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and any other relevant internal/external factor(s).
  • Ensure all activities comply with appropriate legal requirements and with BDA policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the aims and objectives of the BDA.
  • Any other duties of a related nature, which might reasonably be required by the Chief Executive.

Person Specification

Essential:

  • Significant experience of preparation of management and accounts, and management information.
  • Proven track record of delivering timely, accurate management accounts.
  • Excellent excel skills.
  • Excellent understanding of financial accounting systems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent time-management and prioritisation skills.
  • Knowledge of aspects of taxation including VAT and payroll.
  • Successful track record of building and maintaining good relationships with finance service-users, internal and external, at all levels.
  • A good understanding of the environment in which charities operate.
  • A UK professional finance qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT or equivalent) or demonstrable equivalent qualification by experience.
  • Experience of working with charity accounts, including knowledge of restricted and unrestricted funding.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of Sign Language and understanding of Deaf issues.
  • Experience of Sage accounting systems (especially Sage Line 50).
  • Experience of using CRMs.

How to apply

Process

We hope that the information provided has enabled you to make an informed decision about your application. Before you apply, please ensure you have read the role profile and person specification in detail.

An application form should be completed (available on our website at bda.org.uk/current-opportunities), including details of two referees. Please also provide a supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4/BSL video no more than 10 minutes) outlining the reasons behind your application. This should respond closely to the person specification, showing how you meet the requirements of the role.

Our diversity monitoring form should also be completed and returned.

We encourage applications from D/deaf people.

All documents should be emailed to recruitment@bda.org.uk Please include your name in the subject field.

Timetable

Closing date: Thursday 15 February 12pm (noon)
Preliminary interviews: Wednesday 21 February 2024
Final panel: Wednesday 21 February 2024

Contact

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role or the process, please contact Claire Walker, Head of Finance on claire.walker@bda.org.uk to arrange a video call in BSL or email conversation.

Community Engagement Officer (Wales)

Job title: Community Engagement Officer – Wales
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 per annum
Reports to: BDA Wales Manager
Location: Cardiff based with remit across Wales
Contract: 35 hours a week (full-time) permanent. A willingness to work evenings and at weekends as required.
Holidays: 25 days a year plus 8 Bank Holidays
Pension: BDA operates a contributory pension scheme and will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with its auto-enrolment obligations

About the role

Job Summary:

BDA is currently providing local support to Deaf people through empowerment and advocacy in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. The aim is community advocacy, community empowerment, and the development of local consultations to ensure that local public service providers carry out BSL Charter pledges.

We are seeking a committed individual from the Deaf community to work with their local Deaf communities and set up forums, training sessions, and consultation activities in line with the Community Development strategy. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in working with Deaf people and is known for accepting challenges.

This needs to be an individual who is passionate about promoting the BDA as the only organisation that empowers Deaf BSL users to improve access and inclusion. The post is based in the South Wales region and travel throughout the region is expected.

The post holder will also support the advancement of the ‘Prepare’ and ‘Promote’ elements of BDA strategy (pages 22 & 23 https://bda.org.uk/strategic-vision/), specifically:

  • Prepare – the ground among Deaf communities in the UK (Wales) through regional member forums to build the #BSL2032 movement leading to positive action by decision-makers (1.1 and 1.4)
  • Promote – increased awareness of BSL through engagement with key stakeholders (2.3)

With activities focusing on two sections of the BDA’s Operating Model Canvas (OMC):

  • Community, Sign Language, Deaf Culture & Identity by providing information on language rights and signposting to 3rd party services and bringing the Deaf community together by capacity building to understand and advocate for their sign language rights.
  • Human Rights, Advocacy & Equality through the provision of Advocacy information to service users and community groups. Additionally, the helpline and BDA advocates network will form a part of the activities provided under this remit.

The Role

The role is to empower local Deaf people through community engagement working with local community groups, setting up forums and information sessions in line with the BDA’s strategic objectives. Working with local service providers to promote the BSL Charter and improve accessibility is an integral part of the role.

 Main Tasks and Responsibilities

  1. Ensure Outcomes are met by
  • Providing community support and advocacy to local Deaf people on an individual basis, either as a one-off or through regular sessions so Deaf people are more confident in accessing local services
  • Providing information sessions so Deaf people learn how to better understand how to access local services
  • Ensuring Deaf people have improved wellbeing and personal outcomes due to better engagements with service providers
  • Working with service providers to ensure that they can demonstrate improved awareness of Deaf access needs.
  1. To achieve the above, carry out the following:
  • Deliver information sessions at a range of key locations, ensuring geographic coverage across the region
  • Identify and provide best-practice Deaf access training to stakeholder services and to provide on-going advice and review opportunities in the implementation best practice measures
  • Promote all project activities through Deaf accessible-media including the British Deaf News and the BDA’s website, and through relevant stakeholder organisations.
  1. Compile monthly reports tracking progress against project activity plan, outcome indicators and project budget
  2. Develop relationships with local Deaf communities and gather evidence from Deaf people to improve BDA’s response to local Deaf communities as part of the Community Development strategy
  3. When required, recruit, train and oversee the accreditation of a team of volunteer advocates from across target region
  4. When volunteers are recruited, provide on-going supervision and support to volunteer advocates, reviewing and advising on their caseloads
  5. Ensure monitoring of all volunteer advocate activity against identified indicators and project activity plan
  6. Support the establishment of a steering group and to organise and service quarterly steering group meetings
  7. Implement best practice and remedial recommendations as identified and advised by the steering group and Access & Inclusion Co-ordinator (Advocacy).
  8. When applicable, promote the project and the BDA at local events that attract large gatherings such as Disability Days
  9. Support the Senior Community Development Manager in developing partnerships with local organisations (e.g. local Deaf services) to enhance the BDA’s profile and meet the Community Development strategy
  10. Support other BDA initiatives such as fundraising events, lobbying and other social events
  11. Contribute to the organisation’s functions by meeting its administrative requirements including recording and tracking of all project expenditure
  12. Any other duties of a related nature, including those identified as essential to the successful delivery of project activities and outcomes in Wales.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Skills / Experience

The candidate will have excellent communication skills and have the ability to adjust to the variety of communication methods used within the Deaf community, have experience of working with Deaf people in different settings, and be able to work on their own initiative.

They will be able to work on developing successful interventions that promote empowerment for both their clients and their local Deaf communities.

Essential

  • Experience of working with Deaf people
  • Delivering community events and workshops such as organising forums
  • Experience of public speaking/presentation
  • Have the ability to use British Sign Language (BSL) to a minimum of level 3
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team contributing toward s the overall work of the BDA in Wales
  • Confidence to work with people at all levels and managing challenging situations
  • Ability to meet organisational targets and work on their own initiative.
  • Understand and commit to equal opportunities and ‘safeguarding‘

Desirable

  • Experience of Advocacy with at least Level 2 qualification in Advocacy
  • Manage regular reports and other evidence of any impact of the BDA’s work with Deaf communities.
  • Experience of Monitoring and Evaluation

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential

  1. Knowledge of MS Office and database.
  2. Knowledge and understanding of Deaf issues facing Deaf people, including an awareness of Deaf culture and varying communication methods
  3. Proven track record of successful study.

Desirable

  1. GCSE or equivalent demonstrating competence in English
  2. Have a good knowledge about disability rights, equality issues and responsibilities and their relevance to Deaf people and how to access them
  3. Ability to speak use basic Welsh or willingness to learn
  4. Have some understanding of the structures and workings of government in Wales
  5. Understanding of marketing skills
  6. Understanding of local consultation processes with service providers
  7. Understanding of local access and inclusion issues, including the structures and working of Local Government departments in Wales.

Other requirements

The successful candidate will be required to:

  1. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
  2. Drive their own car or be able to use public transport easily across Wales
  3. Work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

How to apply

Process

We hope that the information provided has enabled you to make an informed decision about your application. Before you apply, please ensure you have read the role profile and person specification in detail.

An application form should be completed (available on our website at bda.org.uk/current-opportunities),including details of two referees. Please also provide a supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4/BSL video no more than 10 minutes) outlining the reasons behind your application. This should respond closely to the person specification, showing how you meet the requirements of the role.

Our diversity monitoring form should also be completed and returned.

We encourage applications from D/deaf people.

All documents should be emailed to recruitment@bda.org.uk Please include your name in the subject field.

Timetable

Closing date: Thursday 15 February 12pm (noon)

Preliminary interviews: Wednesday 21 February 2024

Final panel: Wednesday 21 February 2024

Contact

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role or the process, please contact Martin Griffith, BDA Wales Manager, on recruitment@bda.org.uk to arrange a video call in BSL or email conversation.