Finance

In general, most days go by pretty fast, as the finance department is always quite busy!

For me overall, I assist the Finance Manager in the day-to-day management of the finance team. The finance team supports all national office departments and local Jigsaw services.

My main tasks are to process payroll, review purchase orders, supplier invoices and staff expenses for weekly payment runs. I assist with month-end work, and review monthly reconciliations of banks and credit cards. Also I review monthly budget reports and related grant expenditure in advance of sending to budget holders.

As a team we work closely together to ensure good financial governance is maintained at all times.

There’s always lots of quick messaging or calls for updates to each other. We don’t work in isolation. No one is left to figure something out for themselves, we can always ask management or each other for guidance.

Before joining Jigsaw, I worked in the corporate sector: in retail, leasing, and manufacturing industries.

I developed various skills, acquired knowledge specific to the different business sectors, learned a number of IT systems and packages. I also completed my CIMA exams (Adv Dip) and worked on the roll-out of an SAP System upgrade.

I often wondered what it would be like to work in an organisation that was philanthropic, to work somewhere different where the core objective was not about making a profit and gaining market share. I job hunted with this in mind, and then found Jigsaw!

The mission and values of the organisation appealed to me, and the culture of the organisation was important too. I was looking for a friendly, equitable and positive work environment.

After that, it was about the type of accounting work required within the finance department. I felt much of my own experience would be a good fit for the role. I also considered it a new challenge to learn about financial accounting and regulations within the charity sector.

>> Read about the benefits of working at Jigsaw

The fast pace of work keeps me challenged. I have learned much here about financial regulations in the charity sector and requirements for good governance. I work within a great team, in a supportive environment, and have formed very good relationships with management and colleagues.

I take pride in the work I do and have more to learn which motivates me. New ideas on processes and procedures are always welcomed.

The sharing of team info and updates across the organisation provides good insight into the work of other departments. They also show how Jigsaw supports young people, directly through the services, involvement of various communities and engagement with government and other policy makers.