Accountant Jobs in Watford, Hertfordshire
About The Fostering Network
The Fostering Network (TFN) is the UK’s leading fostering charity. TFN provides membership services, including advice, guidance and support to almost 59,000 individual foster carers and more than 450 fostering service providers across the UK.
About the role
Following a period of growth, we are looking to hire a second management accountant to our team to increase our capacity and enable us to more effectively partner with the teams throughout the business.
Responsible to the Head of Finance the post-holder will need to:
· Build partnerships with lead managers and their teams to support effective budget management
· Deliver financial reporting required assigned projects including reporting for funders and budget holders
· Assist with the preparation of accurate and timely management accounts including commentaries on variances
· Assist with planning and reporting of the annual budgets
· Assist the Head of Finance in ongoing reporting and analysis
· Support the finance officers as required with an understanding of systems and operational finance
Candidates should have previous management accounting experience in a similar size organisation, advanced level of excel and be fully qualified/part qualified as an accountant under CIMA/ACCA/ACA. Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to communicate financial information to those with non-financial backgrounds.
Up to date knowledge of charity tax rules including VAT and partial exemption, experience of using MS Dynamics, Netsuite , report writing skills and experience of system change/integration will be desirable.
This is an ideal post for candidates who are looking to get stuck into a growing organisation and help us deliver excellent financial management.
The post is offered on a full-time basis.
As an organisation we are committed to supporting flexible working. All colleagues currently work hybrid arrangements, some travel to the London office will be required.
Closing date: Sunday 12th May 11pm
Interview date: First round w/c 13th May, second round 22nd May
Interview location: First round interviews will be via Microsoft Teams, second round will be in person in our London office
For more information and to apply please go to our job vacancies page on our website CVs will not be accepted.
The Fostering Network is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially encourage applications from groups which are under-represented. All applicants are treated equally and selected on the basis of individual merit and ability to meet the requirements of the role.
The Fostering Network is a registered charity in England and Wales 280852 and in Scotland SC039338.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
- Prepare the monthly management accounts, review variances, trends and performance, and identify cost drivers on an ongoing basis.
- Liaise with budget holders to discuss financial performance and results, and to formulate plans for remedial action where necessary.
- Prepare year-end accounts for one or more specific directorates, and contribute to the production of the HCPC's overall annual report and accounts.
- Provide financial advice and support to major HCPC projects and initiatives, liaising with senior managers and project leaders as necessary. Ensure that all project costs are accurately recorded and reported, and that variances are identified at an early stage
- Coordinate the financial aspects of the HCPC's efficiency programme, including target setting, profiling, validation and reporting of all planned and confirmed efficiency savings.
- Qualified Accountant/Working towards Accountancy Qualification in the UK (ACCA, CIMA)
- A strong background reviewing variances, trends and performance and identification of cost drivers on an ongoing basis.
- Significant previous experience of management accounts to include production of the annual budget and subsequent quarterly forecasts and monthly management information.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent relationship and stakeholder management skills, at all levels of the organisation.
- Able to challenge and influence decisions at all levels with an assertive and confident approach to managing conflict and gaining credibility quickly.
- A positive, proactive and curious mind-set with the experience to apply critical analysis and judgement when faced with challenges; ensuring these solutions are customer focused and balance the wider needs of the organisation.
My client is a prestigious organisation that seeks to support an integral part of UK’s medical profession. With a diverse business model they provide a huge range of services to its members and seek to influence NHS policy and direction for the benefit of all. The organisation is recruiting a Technical Accountant to play a pivotal role in the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations.
- You will be Technical Accounting Lead for the development and transition to Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations from the current on-premise system. Due for delivery in mid-2025, your role will be to ensure that the D365 F&O system set up and internal control framework are delivered to accommodate the reporting requirements for a Charity.
- The implementation of Microsoft Dynamics D365 with its scope and functionality will allow the Charty to deliver on its ambitions to reach an international audience, it will be your role to ensure that the system can deliver and account for international transactions. Other technical area’s we will be looking to use your expertise will be in Investments and Pensions.
- As the Technical Accountant you will ensure the system build complies with current group reporting standards and will adapt to the upcoming changes to FRS 102. You will also provide assurance that the internal control environment within the D365 F&O system are robust, fit for purpose and will meet the external and internal audit requirements.
This post is an excellent career opportunity for a qualified Accountant who wants to have an influential role in a large transformation programme from the discovery phase all the way through to implementation.
About us
Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.
Our Finance Team is expanding and we have an exciting opportunity available for a Management Accountant! You will be part of our finance team and will be responsible for producing monthly management accounts, assisting annual budgeting and restricted funding income. This is to provide support in decision making across relevant areas of the organisation and to continuously improve the efficiency and quality of what we do to support other functions in driving efficiencies and reducing costs.
You will report into the Financial Controller and will work as part of a team alongside our experienced and knowledgeable Finance Business Partners.
Title: Management Accountant
Salary: £47,397 per year FTE
Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Based in London but with extremely flexible home-working available in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working policy
About the role
As management accountant, you will –
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts for the organisation
- Assist forecasts and budgets in liaison with the Finance Business Partners and budget managers providing support and advice for new projects/contracts when required. Applicants will need a keen eye for detail!
- Manage and plan restricted funding ensuring funds are spent in accordance with supporter requirements.
- Assist in year-end statutory audit process
About you
To be successful in this role you will have ACCA/ CIMA or equivalent CCAB recognised accounting qualification, or working towards such a qualification, or can demonstrate being qualified by experience. The ideal candidate for this role will
- Be a self-starter with an excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide industry-leading customer service to all internal and external customers.
- Have strong interpersonal skills are required to liaise confidently with other parts of the Business
- Have an inquiring and analytical mind, and be able to demonstrate good attention to detail
- Have an innovative approach and ability to work in a changing environment
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How to apply
If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below.
Closing date: Sunday 5 May 2024 (at 23:59)
Interviews will be held on Friday 17 May 2024 via Microsoft Teams
Are you an experienced Management Accountant? Do you have experience managing a small team? Are you immediately available of on a short notice period? If so, read on...
Goodman Masson are partnered with a leading mental health charity to recruit for an Interim Management Accountant.
You will be responsible for delivering the monthly Management Accounts pack as having the opportunity to build relationships and be the finance lead for various areas of the business.
Day to day duties include:
- Deliver the monthly Management Accounts pack by gathering the outputs of the finance function
- Overseeing the full annual audit process
- Line manage and develop 2 Accounts Assistant's
- Continuous improvement of the management accounting process and reporting
- Improve and develop reporting, dashboards and management information
- Lead system and process improvements to enable more accurate information
- Assist with regular rolling forecasts
- Provide business cases analysis, investment appraisals and other analysis for decision makers
- Partner with Heads of Departments in modelling financial and strategic decisions
Essentials:
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA)
- Management Accounting, budgeting and forecasting experience
- Experience dealing with restricted funding
- Post qualified experience within a non-profit organisation
This role is offering a competative day rate, London based with hybrid working on offer for the coming 3 month period
Please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered. Candidates will ideally be on a maximum of 1 week notice.
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
A prominent Housing Association which has been running for over 50 years, is looking for a Development Accountant to join their collaborative, passionate team.
The organisation provides affordable, safe homes to its residents and puts a strong emphasis on tenant and worker satisfaction, resulting in an environment that is enjoyable and provides opportunities to grow and develop.
The Capital and Development team are looking for a Development Accountant to come in on a 12 Month FTC (to begin with) to join the driven and dynamic team.
Role:
- Year end support from the Development perspective
- Carry out Monthly reconciliations and assist with financial statements
- Liaise with the wider directorate providing a strong business partnering experience
- Liaise with external auditors and assist with annual budgets
Requirements:
- Qualified/Part Qualified Accountant with housing association experience desired
- Good communication skills and willingness to partner with a range of stakeholders
- Strong excel skills
- Willingness to get involved with various projects and adhoc tasks
If this role is of interest, please get in touch as the position is moving quickly.
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
A reputable housing association is looking for a Fixed Asset Accountant to join the team in an exciting period for the organisation.
The company provides safe, affordable homes that benefits communities and provides support for those who need it.
This is a great role for a candidate who has demonstrable experience working in housing/property on the Fixed Asset Register, who has made improvements to systems and procedures.
Role:
- Ensure accuracy and maintenance of Fixed Asset Register
- Update the Register and maintain the property ledger
- Assist with quarterly and annual returns
- Month end support within chosen area
Requirements:
- Qualified Accountant
- Housing Association experience including track record maintaining Fixed Asset Register
- Experience with complex reconciliations and financial records
- Excellent excel skills
If this role is of interest, please get in touch as the role is urgent.
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
Your new company
Working for a world-leading geoscience charity based in Central London. The organisation has a membership following of 12,000, many of whom are Chartered Scientists and Geologists who are experts in their field. The finance team is relatively small and made up of 4 people, therefore an enthusiastic individual who is extremely collaborative and willing to get involved in various areas, would be well suited.
Your new role
- Reporting to the Financial Controller and supporting them in the annual budgeting process, including gathering data from budget holders and leading meetings.
- Providing support for the annual audit process, working to tight deadlines and delivering information to auditors.
- Posting month-end journals, accruals and prepayments. As well as performing bank and control account reconciliations.
- Working with the FC to produce monthly management accounts.
- Identifying and recording VAT accurately.
- Assisting in developing and implementing procedure changes in parallel with the implementation of their new Dynamics 365 CRM system.
- Assisting the FC in the management of fixed-term cash deposits, monitoring investment returns and forecasting cash flow.
What you'll need to succeed
- Intermediate excel skills - pivot tables and v lookups are a must!
- A part-qualified accountant who is highly enthusiastic, energetic and proactive.
- Strong management accounts experience.
- Strong experience with bank reconciliations and double-entry.
- Highly communicative and personable.
What you'll get in return
- 10% employer pension contribution.
- 25 days of annual leave (increasing with length of service).
- Study package.
- Season ticket loan.
- + more
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
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My client is a prestigious organisation that seeks to support an integral part of UK’s medical profession. With a diverse business model they provide a huge range of services to its members and seek to influence NHS policy and direction for the benefit of all. The organisation is recruiting for a Systems Accountant to lead a high-profile, end to end transformation programme.
- You will be the Finance Transformation Lead during the development of and transition to Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations from the current system. The project is due for delivery in mid-2025 and you will work closely with the third-party implementation team and the project team responsible for delivering the statement of work.
- As the Transformation Lead you will be involved in a number of projects associated with this programme, one project will be to support the Finance team and Implementation team in the development of the internal control framework, Chart of Account, Ledger set up, authorisation routings and other data structures for a D365 F&O environment. A second on-going project will be the development of a suite of Financial Reports and Dashboards across all Finance functional areas.
- A key deliverable for you as the Transformation Lead will be to bring together all the key stakeholders and design a system that delivers the end to end transactional processes and reporting structures and controls required for an organisation that has charitable status.
- The post provides a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Systems Account to deliver a large, organisation-wide Finance Transformation Programme from the discovery phase all the way through to implementation. This programme will add value to the organisation and it’s members for years to come and you can play a part key part in leaving this legacy.
If you are a qualified Systems Accountant with Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI experience and have delivered an end to end programme of a similar nature please apply.
A well-known National health and well-being charity dedicated to supporting young people are seeking an ambitious Financial Accountant to join the team in this newly created role.
About the role
As Financial Accountant, you will support the Head of Finance with the financial management of the charity.
You will have ownership of the balance sheet and assist in the preparation of the statutory accounts, management accounts, general ledger reconciliation and control activities as well as assisting with month end responsibilities.
You will lead and manage the Accounts Receivable and Payables team of 2 as well supporting the Head of Finance to review and improve the current financial controls, systems and processes to drive an increase in efficiency.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to qualify within the next 12-18 months as full study support is offered.
A summary of some of the key responsibilities below:
- Assist the Head of Finance in managing an efficient year-end audit and assisting in the annual budget process.
- Support the Head of Finance with the preparation of the Charity’s monthly management accounts
- Maintain the charity’s fixed asset register, ensuring assets are recorded and depreciated according to the correct accounting policies
- Maintain and monitor all assigned control accounts, reconciling on a monthly basis as well as investigating and correcting any variance.
- Identify and implement process improvements in own role leading to greater efficiency and more time spent on value adding activity.
- Deputise for Head of Finance as and when required, taking on all associated responsibilities and duties.
- Manage the AP & AR team of 2
About you:
- You will be a part-qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) and actively studying to become qualified
- Charity experience is desirable but not essential
- Demonstrable experience owning the balance sheet
- Experience supporting or producing statutory accounts
- Experience within other Financial accounting positions
- Good knowledge and understanding of transactional finance
- Management experience is desirable but not essential
What’s on offer?
- £40,000 - £45,000
- Study support
- Hybrid working (1 day per week required in the Central London Offices)
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
MLC Partners are recruiting a Year End Accountant, 9 month fixed term contract within the Higher Education sector. The main objective of this position is to support timely delivery of financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of relevant regulatory bodies. In particular, the annual report and financial statements of the University and their individual subsidiaries.
Role responsibilities (but not limited to):
- Responsibility for successful delivery of Group’s annual financial statement audit
- Preparation of the Group Consolidation File
- Liaise and delivery of all audit deliverables
- Co-ordination and review of all Corporation Tax Computations
- Preparation / review of the Group and Subsidiary financial statements
- Manage the production of subsidiary Statutory Accounts for all legal entities
- Preparation and successful audit of the Annual Reports and Accounts that is in full compliance with IFRS, OfS, and any other regulatory disclosure requirements
Key skillset criteria:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA)
- Extensive audit experience within audit practice
- Experience of completing and managing an annual accounts preparation
- Expertise in IFRS accounting standards and strong technical accounting knowledge
- Desirable experience within the Higher Education sector
- Desirable experience of Agresso/Unit4
If your skillset meets the criteria above, and you are available immediately – we want to hear from you! Please apply now as applicants are under constant review. For any additional questions, please reach out to Annabelle at MLC Partners.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
My client is a values led organisation whose purpose is to seek justice for those who have died or been seriously injured in conflict, including deciding whether a criminal investigation should be part of the investigation.
The organisation is responsible for investigations into deaths and serious injuries, recovering information for families, victims, and survivors of conflict, working towards much needed closure for all those affected.
The Management Accountant is a key role that will provide in-year financial management, produce financial reports and add insight and analysis to meet budget holder needs.
Key responsibilities of the role will include;
- Budget management, working with budget holders to develop robust budget plans and monitor delivery
- Support budget holders with monthly forecasting
- Identify and monitor budget risks and opportunities, supporting stakeholders to develop mitigating actions
- Undertake all month-end tasks to ensure accurate financial information
- Prepare finance reports and translate financial information to non-finance stakeholders, providing narrative behind the numbers to influence decision making
In order to be successful in the role, you will need to be either formally qualified or working towards qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIPFA) as well as extensive financial experience, including journals and accruals, forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis.
Experience gained in a government department or ALB/NDPB would be preferred however applications from within wider Not for Profit or public sector organisations would also be encouraged.
As this is a relatively new organisation, candidates will also need to enjoy working in a dynamic environment and be keen to contribute to the continual development of the function.
This role is offered on flexible hybrid basis with at least 1 day per week in the London Westminster office.
Excellent benefits include 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements, 5 days volunteering per year, defined benefit pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
In order to apply, please send your CV along with a statement of suitability (no longer than 750 words) outlining how you meet the criteria of the role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
My client is a leading and pioneering UK health charity. From education to prevention, support and counselling to political campaigning, they deliver a wide range of services to people across the country.
Currently in the middle of a major transformation programme, they are keen to secure some additional resource for the busy finance team that can lead them through year end.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Preparation of year end statutory accounts – financial reporting and analysis, trial balance, P&L and balance sheet.
- Working with finance colleagues on information required for internal and external stakeholder reporting.
- Responsible for preparing analysis to support the statutory disclosures.
- Handling external audit queries with auditors.
The successful candidate will be fully qualified and have experience of preparing accounts for year end in the charity sector. A good level of Excel and practical, can-do approach are also essential.
This role has been assessed as inside of IR35. With flexible office working practices, this role can be delivered fully remote.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is a leading UK charity dedicated to improving the health and dignity of Palestinians affected by conflict, occupation, and displacement. With a focus on the occupied Palestinian territory and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, we provide vital health and medical care to those in need, particularly in crisis zones like Gaza. As part of our commitment to meeting the growing needs of the communities we serve, we're expanding our team.
The ideal candidate will have responsibilities that include monitoring compliance with MAP’s financial and procurement policies, developing strong cash and treasury management policies, and managing financial accounting systems. You will also ensure timely and accurate preparation of annual statutory accounts, compliance with relevant accounting and legal requirements, and submission of necessary returns to regulatory bodies.
Duties and key responsibilities
Leadership, Collaboration & Line Management
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Support the Director of Operations through preparation for and reporting to governance meetings.
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Participate actively as a member of the Leadership Team.
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Provide leadership, direction, training, and motivation as appropriate to the UK Finance Manager, and the overseas Finance Managers in conjunction with overseas Directors.
Finance Policy & Process Management
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Be responsible for monitoring compliance with MAP’s financial and procurement policies and review and update these policies on a regular basis.
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Develop and implement strong cash and treasury management policies and procedures.
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Manage and develop all financial accounting systems in consultation with the Head of Reporting to ensure they are fit for purpose.
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Help to ensure value for money and the effective use of funds across the organisation.
Compliance & Regulatory Reporting
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Manage the ongoing relationships with the external auditors.
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Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of the annual statutory accounts for the annual audit and implement recommendations from the auditors and/or Board.
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Monitor institutional income and related contracts and ensure that all restricted income, including Zakat, is properly accounted for.
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Ensure the financial management of MAP is compliant with relevant accounting, legal, HMRC and tax requirements, including VAT and corporation tax, and that the correct returns are made.
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Submit the necessary returns and maintain our records with the Charity Commission and Companies House on a timely basis.
Cashflow & Bank Account Management
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Manage the ongoing relationships with MAP’s banks in the UK.
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Maintain UK bank accounts and ensure financial governance is in place for overseas bank accounts.
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Ensure bank mandates and online banking operations are reviewed and updated on time.
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Monitor and manage the organisation's cash flow to ensure there are sufficient currency funds to meet operational needs.
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Review fund and payment requests from overseas offices and that planned activities are within budget.
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Release all payments from UK bank accounts, including UK payroll.
Financial Controls
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Implement appropriate internal controls, policies, and procedures to protect against fraud and misappropriation.
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Oversee and manage all payroll budgets and forecasts.
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Oversee the payroll functions, ensuring adequate internal controls and approvals are in place and adhered to, and all statutory requirements are met.
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Ensure regular reconciliations are made between the accounting system and the CRM.
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Oversee legacy administration liaising with the Legacy Advisor.
Risk Management
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Risk management – manage strategic and operational financial risks working with the Head of Internal Audit & Compliance.
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Maintain insurance policies across all MAP offices to ensure appropriate and adequate risk mitigation and meet statutory requirements.
Person Specification
Experience
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Extensive experience in a finance leadership role within a complex charitable organisation, working internationally.
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Experience of UK charity finance practice and governance - UK Charities SORP FRS 102.
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Excellent technical knowledge and skills in accountancy principles, governance, and standards, including preparation of statutory accounts.
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Successful track record of managing financial systems, and cashflow.
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Experience of working in a multi-currency organisation.
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Ability to contribute to the management of in-country finance colleagues, while not taking direct line-management responsibility for them.
Skills and abilities
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Leadership skills to undertake a complex management role in an international organisation.
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Excellent staff management, communication, and inter-personal skills.
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Clear written /verbal communication skills, with the ability to present.
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Strong decision-making skills and ability to translate priorities into operational goals and plans.
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Excellent IT skills, including experience of using Office 365 software.
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Solution-focused approach, ability to work under pressure.
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Fluent written and spoken English.
Knowledge
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Thorough understanding of financial accounting principles and techniques, particularly those relating to charities including charity regulations and the SORP.
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Knowledge of the taxation regime for UK charities.
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An appreciation of the political complexities in the Middle East region, of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of the position of the Palestinian refugee population in regions where MAP operates.
Education
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A recognised professional Accounting Qualification, for example ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA.
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A commitment to continuing professional development.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Task Ahead: Finance Manager
As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.
As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
Areas of Responsibility
The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:
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Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.
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Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.
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Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.
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Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.
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Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.
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Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.
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Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.
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Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.
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Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.
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Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.
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Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences:
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Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.
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Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.
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Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.
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Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself.
Why Work for The Difference?
Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children.
Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.
Our Organisation
The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.
The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.
Our Values
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High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves. We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis.
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Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.
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Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/
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Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them. We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.
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Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions.
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Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.
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Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.
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Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times.
How To Apply
To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.
First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.
If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.
Recommended Reading
If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
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Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
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