Accounting Jobs in London, Greater London
Type of role: Full time, permanent
Annual Salary:£28,000 to £31,000 (depending on location and relevant experience)
Holidays:25 days per year and up to 5 discretionary efficiency days
Location: London, Victoria or Manchester Ancoats
Working Hours & Pattern: 40 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (flexible)
Start date: As soon as practicable
Welcome to Ada!
We are the National College for Digital Skills, established in 2016 as the first new Further Education College in England since 1993. Our mission is: to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent, and our values of Rigour, Resilience, Creativity, Curiosity and Collaboration sit at the heart of what we do and how we go about our work. We seek to harness tech as a positive tool for social mobility and improve the gender and ethnic diversity of the tech workforce.
We are a small, specialist college with c.500 students and apprentices on roll at present but with plans now well underway to grow to 850+ learners by December 2025 across our two fantastic new city centre hub campuses in London (Pimlico) and Manchester (Ancoats).
We stand apart from other Colleges due to:
- The quality of teaching, learning and assessment of computer science and related subjects
- Our fantastic progression outcomes for our learners
- The breadth and depth of our industry partnerships
- Our focus on outreach and learner diversity, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds
- Our high support, high expectations culture for staff and learners
We received ‘Good’, with Outstanding features, in our first Ofsted inspection in October 2018 and again in March 2023.
Job Purpose
The post holder will work cross-functionally to provide front-line administrative and transactional systems support to the People team and the Finance team. Within the HR/People elements of the role, the focus will be on day-to-day systems and process queries, recruitment, HR system support to Ada’s staff, compliance and general HR administration. This will require the post holder to have strong communication skills, strong attention to detail, and have the ability to manage and prioritise their workload.
To be successful in the role the post holder will:
- Have excellent organisation skills with the ability to structure processes and set up efficient systems to support Ada’s continued growth;
- Be consistent and accurate and have a keen eye for detail;
- Have experience in and be committed to following careful procedures to protect the sensitive personal data involved in this role;
- Have excellent numerical skills and good knowledge of Excel;
- Learn quickly, be adaptable, flexible and able to work in the ever-changing context of a growing organisation;
- Be able to take the initiative and demonstrate a creative problem-solving approach;
- Have well-developed interpersonal skills, working well independently and as part of a small team, and collaborating well with colleagues in person and remotely.
Role Responsibilities:
Finance Support: 60%
Support the Assistant Finance Manager in updating the Purchase Ledger:
- Ensure that purchase requisitions are received and processed on the accounting system in a timely manner,
- Ensure that all expenditure is recorded against the relevant nominal code and cost account, and that the correct VAT code is used,
- Ensure all suppliers’ invoices are attached to purchase requisitions on ApprovalMax
- Prepare mid and end of the month BACS payment run and ensure that suppliers are paid within payment terms,
- Receive and check all statements from suppliers,
- Investigate and action any issues that arise with regards to creditors,
- Regular review and maintenance of the outstanding purchase order and goods received notes report,
Support the Assistant Finance Manager in updating the Sales ledger:
- Ensure that all income is recorded against the relevant nominal code and cost account and that the correct VAT code is used,
- Ensure that all requests for sales invoices are processed and sent to debtors promptly,
- Ensure that all requests for sales invoices are monitored and chased so that the prompt payment is received
Petty Cash:
- Ensure that the disbursement of the funds, keeping records of those disbursements and requesting replenishment of the fund is done accordingly to the Petty Cash Policy;
- Ensure that the reconciliation of the business petty cash transactions is done on the bi-weekly basis in the Xero finance system.
Other finance duties:
- Support Assistant Finance Manager in preparation of the pay runs;
- Monitoring finance account inbox and dealing with staff, students and supplier queries to ensure they are quickly and properly resolved;
- Support staff in following the financial policies and procedures, such as: filling out charge card tracker, purchase orders, setting up new supplier;
- Support the Finance team in setting up a Fixed Asset Register and making sure it is kept up to date on a regular basis;
- Support the Finance Team with any other queries that may arise.
HR Support:
Recruitment
- To work with the HR Manager to draft adverts for posts being advertised, ensuring that they are well-written and engaging.
- To obtain quotes for advertising on various job boards and recruitment media channels in a timely and accurate fashion ensuring the best possible exposure for vacancies
- To coordinate interview/selection logistics including room bookings, diary management, scheduling and preparation of relevant materials and sending invites to candidates
- To support the HR Manager with the administration processes around onboarding and offboarding of staff including consultants, mentors, volunteers and governors.
Inbox Management & Staff queries
- To manage the recruitment inbox, responding to candidate and hiring manager queries in a timely manner
- To work with the HR Manager to manage the HR inbox, responding to staff enquiries in a timely manner recognising that some correspondence will be highly confidential and/or sensitive in nature.
Systems & Compliance
- To be the main point of contact for all HR system queries and to action all first-level system transactions, escalating more complex transactions to the Head of People & Talent or the HR Manager.
- To send out reference requests for all shortlisted candidates, chasing responses and passing on to the relevant line manager
- To maintain spreadsheets and trackers to ensure all relevant HR information is collected and collated (eg vacancies, DBS and other pre-employment checks, probationary periods, performance management, exit interviews.)
- To create and maintain electronic copies of personnel files
- To support with the updating of the Single Central Record for all staff, volunteers, consultants, agency workers and governors
- Under the direction of the Head of People, issue relevant letters to staff in relation to Employee Relations (ER) matters ensuring that timelines are strictly followed, meetings arranged, notes/minutes taken and all paperwork, including checklists, is fully completed.
- To support the People team with all HR policies, processes and projects as required.
General Administration
- To provide accurate data for Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in monthly data returns,
- Liaising with CIVICA support team to seek advice on better use of MIS (REMS),
- Acquire data from primary and secondary sources and update database system REMS,
- Keeping up to date with the latest ESFA funding rules and regulations.
Additional duties:
- Undertake confidential shredding and filling,
- Coordination Support for the Finance or People/HR elements of staff on-site events
Person Specification
- Previous Officer/Administrator experience and used to working with limited supervision ideally in a Human Resources field.
- Ability to undertake administrative tasks and development of effective office systems and procedures
- Ability to use information technology for,word processing, spreadsheets and databases and excellent typing skills
- Ability to pick up new applications and software quickly
- Ability to work under pressure in a constantly changing and demanding environment
- Excellent written communication skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- A good understanding of equal opportunities issues as they affect our stakeholders
- Strong stakeholder management, working with individuals across an organisation
- Aligned with the values of the College in their approach to their work.
- Perform duties with the highest level of confidentiality and have a strong sense of integrity
Other Requirements:
- Passion for working with young people and adults to help improve their life chances
- A commitment to on-going personal development
- A willingness to work flexibly and where necessary outside of normal working hours
- Suitable to work with young people and vulnerable adults in accordance with Government guidelines for safeguarding.
Variation to this Job Description
This is a description of the job as it is at present, and is current at date of issue. The duties and responsibilities described above are not exhaustive and additional assignments, duties or responsibilities may be required of this position. The job description will be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that appropriate revisions are incorporated, and that it relates to the job to be performed.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Any job offer will be conditional on various, appropriate, pre-employment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and Barred List Check, having the legal right to work in the UK and having satisfactory overseas criminal records checks, if deemed necessary, and supportive references.
Equal opportunities
Ada. National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:
- To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
- To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
- To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
- To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
- To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.
Applicants with disabilities
Ada. National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please write to us.
How to apply for the role
Please submit your CV and a supporting cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the relevant experience you have in the subject field please write “Application for Finance and HR Officer” followed by your name.
Closing date for applications: Monday 20 May 2024 at 09.00
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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.
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 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)
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, management & control of the finance function, including the completion of all finance tasks including financial & management accounting. Reports directly to the Executive Director.
The post holder will have ambition and enthusiasm to drive change in the department to meet the needs of an evolving organisation.They will need experience of working closely with budget holders and ensuring financial processes are embedded.
The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, accuracy and integrity of the financial accounting systems within the organisation. They are responsible for producing monthly accounts, undertaking variance analysis and implementing financial controls
Responsibilities
Annual Audit
• Overseeing the preparation of the annual audit pack and the statutory audit process.
• Management of the annual audit, liaising with BFT’s auditors.
Financial Planning
• Work as necessary with the Executive Director in drawing up annual company budgets, production budgets, annual operating plans and cash-flows, and long-term financial planning.
Monthly Management Accounts
• Report against annual budget on a monthly basis.
• Accuracy and completeness of data input
• Maintaining Purchase ledger and supplier information.
• Supplier payments.
• Petty cash payments, control, reconciliation and filing.
• Assisting on the export and creation of financial reporting.
Reporting and Accounts
• All financial accounting duties.
• Production of draft Monthly Management accounts for the Belarus Free Theatre.
Person Specification
They will be a good communicator, with the ability to work with a range of staff across all departments, have excellent analytical and spreadsheet skills, hands on experience as well as a formal accounting qualification (or part qualification) such as AAT or ACCA/CIMA.
Essential
• Full or part qualified ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent)
• Experience of Sage Line 50 and Sage payroll
• Excellent and proven IT skills including excel (vlookup, pivot tables etc)
• Accounts preparation to TB and Management Accounts
• A proven track record of managing finance in a small to medium sized organisation
• An understanding of Charity VAT, TTR and PAYE
• Experience of Charity Accounts and SORP
• A good communicator and advocate for the department
• Enthusiastic team player and internal communicator
• Efficient and methodical
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Responsible and reliable
• Ability to work across tight deadlines and manage a diverse workload
Desirable
• Experience of dealing with transactions in other countries
• Experience of production and or project accounting
• Experience of charity and/or arts environment
• Experience of preparation of quarterly VAT return including partial exemption calculations
• 3 years managerial
Request our candidate pack for further details about Belarus Free Theatre and the responsibilities of the role. The Candidate pack is available in audio and BSL formats.
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Leading international development grant assurance specialists seek experienced French speaking audit professional for exciting management opportunities.
Responsibilities
• Travelling internationally to a wide range of locations, on a regular basis, conducting audits or special assignments; working with, and supporting NGOs, public sector organisations & institutional donors such as the UN.
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of public sector audit issues and techniques and provide guidance to other team members based on previous experience;
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of public sector structures and the legal and contractual frameworks in which the assignments are performed and provide guidance to other team members based on previous experience;
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and provide guidance to other team members based on previous experience;
• Be involved in the assignment process from planning to finalisation;
Prepare a tailored plan for large or complex assignments based on an understanding of the terms of reference;
• Lead assignment fieldwork teams including locally based staff for large or complex assignments;
• Demonstrate the ability to identify the findings on an assignment and write them up in a detailed, precise and clear way in the assignment report;
• Lead opening meetings and present the audit findings at closing meetings;
• Conduct assignments in a sceptical but constructive manner;
• Draft a report for each assignment on a timely basis;
• Be responsible for completing the audit programme and audit file;
• Be aware of assignment deadlines and work with the team to ensure deadlines are met;
• Monitor the time spent on assignments against budget and discuss with the Manager if budget overruns are anticipated;
• Prepare proposals for specific assignments within a framework contract
• Contribute to drafting tenders;
• Identify potential opportunities for obtaining new work. Take action to follow up such
opportunities with a manager/partner;
• Develop internal contacts and demonstrate an awareness of the services offered by other
departments in the firm;
Internal development
• Provide on the job training and guidance to more junior team members throughout the
assignment process;
• Contribute to office-based training sessions including development of training material;
• Conduct induction training for new staff members;
• Do job appraisals for more junior team members;
• Check that the staff planner is kept up to date for each assignment;
Please note, if you are not a fluent French speaker similar opportunities may be availabe - so please apply.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
These unique and rewarding freelance audit opportunities would suit experienced experienced audit professionals that are flexible, love diverse travel experiences, supporting worthwhile causes and inspiring people. AfID is recruiting on behalf of a leading specialist in international NGO grant audit services for development donors such as the UN and the World Bank. Assignments would suit experienced qualified audit professionals with grant audit / management experience, ideally in a not-for-profit/ international development context
Role overview.
Complete international grant expenditure audits for a diverse range of projects (grant recipients) funded by international donor institutions ranging from emergency aid, to long term development in areas such as agriculture, health or infrastructure or technical research. Assignments are 1-3 weeks in length and based across the European mainland and the developing world. These are offered on an assignment by assignment basis, one to two months in advance.
Contractors can be based outside the UK
Requirements
- Qualified ACA / ACCA or equivalent – 5+ years post qualified experience
- Grant management and audit and reporting experience with international institutions. Preference given to individuals that have worked on UN or EC grant assurance assignments
- Diplomacy and cultural sensitivity while working with a hugely diverse range of clients and beneficiaries
- A real interest in international development and associated funding structures
- Ideally but not essential fluency in a second language such as Spanish, German, French, Arabic & Portugese
- Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills in English.
- Resilience and adaptability
Personal attributes:
- At least 5-10+ years of relevant audit experience
- Ability to work under pressure; Strong planning, organisational and time management skills
- Sound technical and analytical skills, report writing and presentation skills
Passionate about international travel and development and willing to work in international locations. Individual must be prepared to travel to challenging locations when it is deemed safe to do so. Individuals must also be able to demonstrate effective past working practices when working remotely with a range of clients.