Assistant Finance Manager

Who we are

In early 2023, Happy Doggo was just an idea taking shape in Niall Harbison’s mind: a charity, operating like a startup, working to fix the global street dog problem for good. Fast forward to 2026 months and we are an official charity, with a global team and a worldwide following. At its core, Happy Doggo will always operate a little differently: instead of showcasing the (very real) suffering of street dogs around the world, we share stories of their incredible resilience, ingenuity, and joy. Our mission is just getting off the ground, and we’re ready to take everything to the next level.

Role Overview

The Assistant Finance Manager will play a key support role within the finance function, working closely with the CFO to ensure accurate financial processing, strong internal controls, and the effective implementation of finance policies and procedures.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is detail-oriented, organised, and comfortable managing day-to-day finance activities while supporting higher-level finance operations. The role does not carry ultimate financial responsibility but is critical to ensuring the smooth running of the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the CFO in the implementation and ongoing maintenance of finance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Assist with day-to-day finance operations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Act as a key point of contact for finance-related queries from internal teams.
• Review and process employee expense claims in line with company policy.
• Review, code, and categorise supplier invoices accurately.
• Ensure invoices and expenses are correctly approved and recorded in a timely manner.
• Support payment preparation and supplier reconciliations as required.
• Carry out light bookkeeping tasks, including posting transactions and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Assist with bank reconciliations and basic account reconciliations.
• Support month-end processes, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and on time.
• Assist in the preparation of internal financial reports for review by the CFO.
• Help maintain accurate cost categorisation to support reporting and budget tracking.
• Support ad hoc financial analysis and data requests.
• Identify opportunities to improve finance processes and administrative efficiency.
• Support audit preparation and respond to information requests where required.
• Ensure financial records are maintained in line with regulatory and organisational requirements.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a finance, accounts, or bookkeeping role.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Comfortable working with accounting software and spreadsheets (Xero experience preferred, but not required)
• Good understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while closely supporting senior finance leadership.

Desirable

• Part-qualified or studying towards AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or similar.
• Experience working in an SME or charity environment.
• Exposure to finance policy development or implementation.

Personal Attributes

• Methodical and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership over tasks.
• Confident communicating with non-finance colleagues.
• Discreet and professional when handling sensitive financial information.
• Proactive and willing to learn and develop within the role.