Accounts payable jobs

Job Purpose

To support the Finance Manager in delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, including the preparation of management accounts, statutory financial statements, and budget monitoring. The postholder will take full ownership of the charity’s purchase ledger function and banking operations, ensuring robust financial controls and strong supplier and banking relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly management accounts production.
• Lead on the purchase ledger function, including processing, reconciling, and maintaining supplier accounts.
• Administer the purchase order workflow, actively chasing outstanding invoices and resolving queries with requesters to maintain smooth processing.
• Credit Card – Distribute statements for coding and monitor their return to ensure compliance within the specified timeframe.
• Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate payments in line with internal controls.
• Maintain and reconcile bank accounts, including daily banking and month-end reconciliations.
• Support the production of statutory accounts in accordance with the Charity SORP and liaise with external auditors.
• Support the Finance Manager in developing and improving financial systems and procedures, ensuring all documentation remains current.
• Provide financial insight and support to non-finance colleagues across the organisation.
• Assist with payroll processing and pension contributions, as required.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and relevant legislation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Part-qualified or qualified by experience in accounting (e.g. AAT, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven experience managing a purchase ledger and banking platforms.
• Strong understanding of charity finance and the Charity SORP.
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. Sage) and Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial information to non-finance staff.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Familiarity with restricted and unrestricted fund accounting.
• Experience supporting audits and liaising with external stakeholders.

Benefits of working at Chain of Hope

• The opportunity to work for an internationally respected children’s charity, making a tangible difference to young lives around the world
• Fully serviced, modern office based in a FORA building in West London, with access to an on-site gym and high-quality facilities
• Private healthcare
• Supportive, collaborative and values-driven working environment
• Flexible working arrangements, where role-appropriate
• Competitive annual leave allowance, plus public holidays
• Employer pension contribution
• Opportunities for learning, professional development and skills growth
• A chance to be part of a small, passionate team where your contribution is visible and valued

Director of Finance and Operations

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Senior HR Executive (PT) and Database & Operations Officer (PT)

HOURS: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - home and minimum 2 days in the office (Amersham, Buckinghamshire)

PENSION: 7% non-contributory

ANNUAL LEAVE: 28 days, plus bank holidays

OTHER BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will play a crucial role in realising our ambitious plans as a charity. The postholder will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), along with the CEO, Director of Development, Director of Programmes and Director of Fundraising and Communications. The DFO role is responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and organisational infrastructure of the charity, ensures that the charity operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary requirements. This role blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational management and is critical to enabling the charity to achieve its charitable programme as well as provide long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Develop and manage the organisation’s annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Manage the accounting functions, including payroll and pension, and month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to the SLT, Finance and Investment Sub- Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and investments to ensure financial stability and liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, funder requirements, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Manage relationship with investment managers and their adherence to investment strategy.
• Support the Fundraising team in submitting income application, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

Operations & Organisational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Lead and continuously improve policies and procedures related to finance, operations, and administration.
• Manage organisational risk, insurance coverage, and compliance (e.g., legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations).
• Oversee facilities, technology, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Ensure strong data management, financial systems, and operational reporting tools are in place.

Human Resources & Administration

• Oversee HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, employee policies, and compliance with employment laws.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, compensation strategy, and organisational design.
• Support performance management systems and contribute to a positive, inclusive organisational culture.
• Ensure onboarding, offboarding, and personnel record management processes are effective and compliant.

Leadership & Strategy

• As a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making.
• Advise the SLT and Board on financial and operational implications of strategic initiatives.
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor finance and operations staff, fostering professional development and accountability.

This job advert may close earlier than first advertised if enough suitable candidates are received.

We are working in partnership with artsdepot, a leading multi form arts venue and cultural hub in North London to secure their new Head of Finance. The venue incorporates a 395-seat main theatre, 148 seat studio theatre, gallery, Creation Space, dance, drama and art studios, café and bar and other public spaces, and welcomes over 185,000 people to watch, learn or be inspired by a programme of shows and events.

The Head of Finance will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer/Creative Director and will be an active member the Senior Leadership Team, supporting artsdepot’s strategic objectives and decision-making. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership to a small and dedicated team and will be responsible for the financial management of artsdepot, in alignment with organisational strategic plans and budgets, and in compliance with Charity and Company accounting standards and practices.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Qualified accountant with post qualification experience.
• Leadership experience gained in either a cultural or charitable organisation, with a good technical understanding of business and charity taxation, and charity accounting and reporting standards (Charity SORP).
• Experience of analysing financial information for decision-making, scenario planning, forecasting and budgeting.
• Experience of critically appraising financial systems, processes, controls and making changes to increase resilience and efficiency.
• Experience of managing and processing VAT returns and payroll.
• Strong IT skills including Advanced Excel.

We are seeking a collaborative individual with the ability to work at both strategic and operational level, who can inspire, motivate, and empower others. A process and data driven approach, which is solution focused will be essential.

For more information, please see the candidate pack and contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Barnet, London / Hybrid (2 days in the office a week preferred)

Closing date: 8th February 2026

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by the 16th February prior to submission to artsdepot on the 17th. Interviews with artsdepot will take place the last week of February / early March.

Database and Operations Officer (Maternity Leave Cover)

Hours: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).  Part time considered, minimum 4 days per week

Job Location: Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Contract: Fixed-term, 12 months contract to cover maternity leave

Salary: £26,000 pa

Pension: 7% non-contributory

Annual Leave: 28 days, plus bank holidays

Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Job Description

To provide professional, efficient, and effective database management and administrative support to our team. This role sits at the heart of the organisation, supporting all departments through effective office coordination and helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the charity.  The role is instrumental in maintaining a high-quality database, enabling accurate data capture and analysis that supports both fundraising and programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Database Management (Beacon CRM – Fundraising Database)

• Manage and maintain the CRM system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date fundraising and programmes data entry.  Accurately processing all incoming donations and pledges and ensuring others in the team correctly enter and maintain data.
• Develop overall data management structure of supporter records and processes.  Develop and maintain information management structures in the CRM system to enable accurate and timely information and reporting.
• Adhere to data protection legislation ensuring the way we gather, record and use data is compliant with latest policies, working closely with the Data Protection Officer.
• Handle all enquiries received through the CRM system, providing timely and appropriate responses.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth operation and optimal use of the CRM system.
• Generate reports and analytics from the CRM system to track and measure key metrics.
• Conduct regular data audits to identify and rectify any inconsistencies or errors in the CRM database.
• Training staff members on how to effectively use the CRM system.
• Customise and configure the CRM system to meet the specific needs of the organisation.
• Monitor and enhance data quality and integrity within the CRM system.
• Keep abreast of CRM system updates and new features to maximize its functionality.

Operations Administration

• Provide administrative support to the organisation.
• Managing enquiries received by the charity by post, email, and phone.
• Keep a tidy office environment.
• Maintain data management processes and procedures to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security.
• Manage and update filing systems, and other organisational documents.
• To be main day to day contact for our external IT support contractors and cleaning contractor.
• Assist with the coordination and organisation of meetings, events, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare and distribute internal communications and correspondences.

Finance Administration

• Provide administrative support to the Finance team ensuring a system is in place to regularly reconcile the fundraising and finance databases.
• Maintain accurate financial records by recording daily financial transactions.
• Prepare and process invoices, payments, and expenses.
• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Provide support during financial audits and examinations

 This job advert may close earlier than first advertised if enough suitable applications are received.

Goodman Masson are delighted to be partnered with The Scouts to recruit for an Interim Financial Controller on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract (MAT cover). 

The Scouts actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. 

As their Financial Controller, you will lead the Financial Accounting and Payroll team. This hands-on, strategic role requires a leader capable of driving operational efficiency in transactional accounting while managing the complexity of statutory reporting, audit, and internal control frameworks.

It is essential that you have a strong working knowledge of Charity SORP and have led financial control teams within a similar sized organisation. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations (AP, AR, GL, Banking) and drive efficiency. Ensure the integrity, controls, and continuous improvement of all finance systems.

• Be the primary lead for the production of annual statutory accounts and the management of the year-end audit. Ensure full compliance with tax obligations (VAT, Corporation Tax) and external regulations.

• Design, implement, and maintain a robust and effective internal control framework, ensuring processes are documented and controls are strictly followed.

• Lead cash flow management, debt collection, liaise with investment managers, and report on compliance with the financial reserves policy.

• Manage and motivate the Financial Accounting Team and oversee the Payroll Operations Manager, ensuring an accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and pensions service.

• Act as a key advisor to employees and trustees, specifically managing the fixed asset register and partnering on capital expenditure budgets.

Essentials: 

• A recognised, full Professional Accounting Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).

• 5-10 years’ Post-Qualification Experience (PQE) in a senior financial accounting or audit position with a demonstrable track record of success in managing complex financial operations.

• Experience working within a charity environment and strong knowledge of charity SORP. 

• Proven experience in statutory accounts production, managing audits, implementing strong internal controls, and overseeing transactional teams.

• Strong change management skills and a passion for driving continuous process and system improvements.

Salary is up to £68,000 + Excellent Benefits. 

The Scouts are based in Gilwell Park, Chingford, London. Hybrid working with 2 days per week in the office. 

Nearest train station is Chingford Rail Station (25 minutes from Liverpool Street). A regular shuttle bus service operates from Chingford station to the Scouts Office (Gilwell Park). 5 minute journey time.

Ample on-site parking also available.

Applications will be reviewed as and when they are received with interviews set up on a rolling basis. Please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered. 

Are you a dynamic finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment?

Goodman Masson are partnered with a prestigious London based organisation to recruit for a Finance Manager. This is a pivotal role for someone who excels at balancing high-level strategic objectives with meticulous attention to detail. You will lead on all month-end processes and ensure the integrity of financial statements during an exciting period of organisational growth and change.

You will ideally be ACA qualified from an audit background; however other backgrounds will also be considered. You will need to be comfortable rolling your sleeves up in a fast-paced environment, as well as dealing with multiple stakeholders at executive level.

The Role:

As Finance Manager, you will report directly to the Financial Controller and oversee the daily operations of the financial service function. You will be responsible for delivering accurate statutory accounts and maintaining robust internal controls.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the closing process to ensure all entries are posted accurately and on time.
• Oversee accounts payable, receivable, and bank processes, ensuring seamless transaction processing.
• Monitor cash flow, review forecasts, and optimise liquidity.
• Support annual audit processes by liaising with external auditors and ensuring full compliance.
• Utilise accounting system to manage nominal codes and trial balances, while overseeing fixed assets, accruals, and prepayments.
• Foster a collaborative work environment and provide mentorship to the finance team.

Essentials:

• Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent.
• Strong technical accounting and audit expeirence.
• Ability to work under pressure in fast paced environments.
• Experience improving processes and controls.

Salary is up to £65,000 per annum + Benefits.

Central London based with hybrid working.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews being set up immediately. Please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered.

Location: Reading, Hybrid (at least twice a month to Reading Office)
Hours: Full time, however will consider 0.8 FTE
Salary: £75,000 per annum 
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 12th February 2026
First Stage Interviews: 19th & 20th February 2026
Second Stage Interviews: 25th & 26th February 2026 - there will be an informal meet with our CEO.

On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible

At Make‑A‑Wish UK, every role plays a part in creating life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are seeking a Head of Finance who will lead the operational delivery of our finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. In this vital role, you will support the Finance Director in delivering our strategic financial objectives and act as a key liaison between finance and the wider organisation. 

Core Purpose
To lead the operational delivery of the charity’s finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls, and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The Head of Finance supports the Finance Director in delivering strategic financial objectives and acts as a key liaison between finance and other departments. As a member of the Extended Leadership Team (ExLT), the role contributes financial insight to organisation‑wide decision‑making and plays an active part in delivering cross‑charity priorities and operational goals.

To be successful in this role you will need:
Essential Criteria

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with minimum 3 years PQE
• Experience in a similar role.
• Excellent excel and financial modelling skills
• Proven experience in finance business partnering & management reporting.
• Proven ability to manage and develop a finance team.
• Experience of preparing consolidated financial statements from general ledger
• Solid understanding of VAT
• Analytical mindset with ability to problem solve, interpret data and to see the bigger picture, identifying inter relationships between different departments
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of process improvements and automation
• Uses initiative, with ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative with ability to work cross functionally
• Confident in using Microsoft Office tools and accounting software (e.g., Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)
• Integrity and discretion.

Desirable Criteria

• Similar experience with medium to large charity highly desirable
• Similar experience of business partnering with areas of fundraising highly desirable
• Strong technical knowledge of charity accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience of operating under partial exemption for VAT
• Experience with restricted/unrestricted funds and grant reporting.
• Experience with digital transformation or finance system upgrades.
• Experience of working with Xero and Salesforce

Key Responsibilities:
Finance operations       

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
• Ensure timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations in line with agreed timelines – balance sheet account ownership as agreed
• Process month end journals as required
• Review monthly balance sheet reconciliations in line with agreed timelines
• Ensure processes & procedures are documented and kept up to date, and recommend improvements to drive continuous improvement
• Maintain and improve financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Review finance policies on an annual basis and update in line with current legislation and best practice
• Support the organisation with any finance related queries

 Management Accounting 

• Prepare consolidated management accounts, including variance analysis, risks and opportunities, and advise budget holders as required.
• Design financial reports, processes and training guides to drive budget holder self service
• Recommend solutions to streamline month end reporting and other financial processes

 Budgeting & Forecasting 

• Coordinate the annual budgeting & forecast process across departments.
• Produce the consolidated annual budget and quarterly reforecasts for review by FD, in line with agreed timeframes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and funding requirements (currently excel based).
• Review budget & forecast submissions, and challenge appropriately. Perform variance analysis (actuals vs budget/forecast) and explain key drivers.
• Monitor performance against budget/forecast and provide appropriate reports including variance analysis dependent on stakeholder.        
• Ensure finance system and all associated systems are updated with budget / forecast information accordingly
• Recommend solutions to streamline budgeting and reforecasting process

Business Partnering

• Work closely and build strong relationships with operational teams to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
• Influence strategic decisions through clear communication of financial insights.
• Undertake financial evaluation of new projects, business cases, funding bids, and contracts, as required.
• Produce written reports on performance, highlighting key financial risks and opportunities.
• Upskill budget holders in financial awareness and management
• Own the finance business partner relationship and role with some of the more complex profit centres

 Treasury & Cash Management

• Lead cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning across the organisation.
• Manage relationships with banks and investment managers, ensuring compliance with treasury policies.
• Oversee restricted and unrestricted fund reporting and ensure appropriate allocation and usage.
• Support the development and implementation of treasury strategies, including reserve management and ethical investment policies.

 Financial Planning & Analysis

• Support the Finance Director & budget holders in preparing financial models, as required.
• Partner with budget holders to provide financial models and insightful financial analysis and to support decision-making.
• Monitor and report on financial performance against budgets & reforecasts, identifying risks and opportunities
• Deliver high-quality analysis to support new initiatives.

 Finance Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead on the implementation and optimisation of finance systems (eg. Xero).
• Monitor and manage any payment and other system interfaces
• Drive automation and efficiency in financial processes & reporting.
• Support the integration of finance with wider organisational systems - finance representative on technology SCRUMS and SPRINTS

 mCompliance & Reporting 

• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP), Companies House, HMRC, and Charity Commission requirements.
• Responsible for accurate and timely submission of HMRC returns, including quarterly VAT returns, annual employee benefits and Corporation Tax.
• Prepare statutory accounts and lead on the external audit process.
• Quarterly reporting to Make-A-Wish International - APD reporting
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations and best practices.

 Team leadership & Support

• Manage and develop the finance team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
• Provide training and support to non-finance staff on budgeting and financial procedures
• to improve financial literacy across the organization.
• Create Finance resources to encourage self-service for common queries

 General and ad-hoc Support

• Deputise for Finance Director in their absence
• Provide cover for finance team members during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of service and workload management.
• Take on additional duties as appropriate to the level of the role and contribute to team objectives.
• Support fundraising events from a finance perspective

Our client is committed to transforming lives of children and young people by creating opportunities to learn, grow, and develop through Education. The charity is an independent funder, and our income is generated from our endowment which consists of both property holdings and financial investments, therefore we do not fund raise.
 
The organisation has distributed over £230 million in grants to a range of organisations that seek to promote the life chances of children and young people through Education, with around £15 million in grants distributed each year. The charity gives grants to benefit children and young people up to the age of 25 (or up to 30 for people with special educational needs and/or disabilities) who live within nine Boroughs in West, Central and North London.
 
Prospectus is delighted to be working with the charity in recruiting a permanent Finance Officer to join its established team based in Central London. 
 
The role: 
Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, the Finance Officer will ensure the provision of consistent, robust financial support to the charity and will be responsible for processing financial records in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring compliance with regulations, implementing efficient financial processes whilst working collaboratively across the team.
 
In addition, the Finance Officer will be responsible for monitoring and processing income and expenditure, managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, overseeing cashflow forecasting, completing the monthly reconciliations and preparation of financial reports, journals and helping with the VAT preparatory work. The post holder will also be required to support the annual budgeting process, year-end audit and preparation of statutory accounts for approval by the Trustee.
 
The person:
The charity is looking for someone with previous finance experience preferrable but not limited to the charity sector, and strong collaborative and relational skills to work with different colleagues across the organisation. You will be a person who can take initiative, solve problems and get things done timely, be confident working with different internal stakeholders and external professional advisors and capable of considering different requirements and priorities in a knowledgeable way.
 
This person will have excellent attention to detail and will be highly organised and a strong communicator across a wide range of audiences. Educated to Degree level – fully or part-qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA or seeking to do a qualification, this person will have excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and verbal communication and will be up to date on all MS Office packages. Preferable with an experience working on SAGE, or any similar financial software.
 
This role represents a wonderful opportunity to become a key part of a long established and successful charity, which has outstanding roots and a lasting positive legacy in the local communities in Central and Greater London it serves. The charity also offers support in seeking further qualifications and professional development certification.
 
The organisation encourage applications from under-represented groups which reflect the diversity of the charity’s Beneficial Area and the young people we seek to support. This includes Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.  
 
First Round Interviews (On-line): Tuesday 17th February 2026 
Second Round Interview: Tuesday 24th February 2026 

LRMN's Finance Assistant works closely with Finance Manager (FM) to maintain LRMN’s financial records, ensuring that all transactions are accurately and timely recorded to support the FM producing the reporting data for the management accounts and the monthly bank reconciliation.

As Finance Assistant you will:

• Post purchase invoices daily in QuickBooks, aligned with Salesforce records, ensuring PDFs are uploaded and costs correctly allocated

• Process petty cash claims in QuickBooks with supporting receipts, accurate budget allocation, and petty cash reconciliation in liaison with the FM

• Record and post all bank and card expenses monthly in QuickBooks, with receipt/invoice uploads

• Review trade creditors reports with the FM to ensure invoices are captured for weekly payment runs

• Raise sales invoices in QuickBooks as required

• Review trade debtors reports with the FM and monitor timely invoice payments

• Assist and liaise with the FM and CEO as required

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day financial operations of our School and its associated entities.

Reporting directly to the Bursar, you will manage a small team and oversee the daily operations of the School and subsidiaries, including ensuring robust financial controls and accurate reporting and contributing to strategic financial planning.

This role is pivotal in supporting the School’s long-term sustainability and compliance and will suit a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills – ideally with experience in the education or charity sector.

About us

Sutton Valence School is a leading co-educational boarding and day school educating more than 886 pupils aged 2–18 years. Set in the heart of Kent, we boast beautiful surroundings that have been inspiring pupils since 1576. We enjoy an excellent reputation for providing a truly holistic education for our pupils, reflecting our Christian ethos.

Benefits

• Benenden healthcare membership
• Fitness facilities
• Fee remission
• Free school meal
• Free parking
• EV scheme
• Five weeks’ annual leave plus public holidays
• And more!

Closing date: 2nd February 2026.

We welcome early applications, and we may interview candidates and appoint before the closing date.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and a declaration of medical fitness. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the School’s Child Protection policy may be found on the School’s website, which all applicants are expected to read prior to interview.

Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.

In this role, you will develop as a finance professional through business partnering, strengthening financial processes and working within locally led model of international development. You’ll be part of small and mighty team working collaboratively. 

We are bold, we are brave and we’re not afraid to work differently. At All We Can, your working days will be filled with purpose and meaning as we strive for a world where every community has the power, dignity, and resources to lead their own future – creating just societies. Your role will be crucial to maintaining the financial health and integrity of the organisation. By ensuring accurate and timely processed financial records, collaborative working across the team, compliance with regulations, and efficient financial processes, you will support the organisation's ambition.

If you join us, some things you’ll also work on are:

• Maintaining and improving financial compliance, controls, procedures, and guidelines and supporting colleagues to understand and adhere to them. 
• Assisting in the preparation and delivery of the year-end audit 
• Providing high quality business partnering and developing solutions to shared problems within and outside of your immediate team and to other teams in day-to-day business and for specific processes/projects.

We are looking for someone with previous finance experience in charity sector – fully or part-qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA, and strong collaborative and relational skills to work with different colleague across the organisation. You will be a person who can take initiative, solve problems and get things done timely. 

The team you’ll be joining is split between the UK and our six priority countries. In this team, we value participation, inclusive decision-making and good relationships. We also care for each other and create a sense of purpose-driven community. In our organisational culture we work towards trust and accountability, personal development, inclusion and care and being anti-racist. 

For full list of accountabilities and requirements and the recruitment process, please see the application pack.

Location: The contract for the role is London-based – it means that while you can be working anywhere in the UK, you are responsible for the cost of your travel to the London-based office. On a regular basis we ask everyone to be in the office once a month for team day and every other month for Finance and Resources Team Day. Other meetings will happen that will also require in-person presence, but we can’t specify now how frequent they might be.

Why should you work with us?

• We pioneer locally led partnership-based international development model
• Everyone’s welcome! At All We Can, everyone’s welcome irrespective of age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We’re committed to building inclusive and caring culture. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit people who reflect diverse communities. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that everyone’s treated fairly and consistently at every stage of your employment, and we are open to consider reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
• We’ll support your growth and development

Important note about completing your application – please read 

When submitting the application, you will be asked to submit your CV and answer four competency-based questions. There’s no specified length for the answers and we ask you to use your judgment to balance between giving us as much information as needed and being succinct. Only applications that answer the questions will be considered. We’ll not consider answers which say ‘Please see the CV’. The scoring is primarily- based on the answers to the competency-based questions, so please ensure that you showcase your skills and experiences fully through those answers.  

We look forward to receiving applications from people from variety of backgrounds and with different experiences. If you would like to find out more about the role or organisation, we encourage you to get in touch.

Use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Brilliant opportunity to join a young and growing charity at an exciting point in its evolution, and to help establish Crystal Palace Park as an exemplar in urban park management, community-led regeneration and cultural and heritage programming whilst restoring its position as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions. 

We are looking for someone with experience of working in a finance function and who has skills in office management and administration.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, the role is responsible for bookkeeping, credit control, HR administration and ensuring the smooth running of the office (ranging from ensuring there is milk in the fridge to ordering stationery and managing IT requests). As a key point of contact for callers and visitors an awareness of excellent customer service will also be needed. The role is very varied and will 

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

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 highly autonomous, 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!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.