Assistant financial accountant jobs in grays, thurrock

This is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic and inspirational individual to join Keychange in an important new role.  We are looking for a candidate who is excited about delivering high-quality management information and helping to drive forward efficient and effective data management.  The successful applicant will collaborate with the finance team at Keychange to provide comprehensive financial data to community managers, the senior leadership team and trustees.  Additionally they will support the senior finance team in producing consistent and reliable non-financial organisational data.

This role will be supported by an accountancy training "day release" style package paid for by Keychange, aiming for a CCAB qualification within 2-3 years.  We are therefore looking for someone who demonstrates a willingness to learn while delivering financial analyses and generating management information for non-finance users, as well as a team player with a flexible "can do" attitude, taking initiative to solve problems and excietd to develop their communication skills.

Keychange provides support and care to people facing vulnerability.  We do this by providing housing to women and young people experiencing homelessness and providing residential care to older people across the South of England.  This position is based at our central office in London Waterloo, where hybrid working patterns are available.  Occasional visits to our operating sites may be required.

To find out more about working with us and further information about how to apply for this trainee role, please see the job pack.

Do you have a meticulous eye for numbers and a desire to support a great cause? We’re hiring a Finance Assistant to support the smooth and accurate financial operations of the charity, ensuring all transactions are recorded and processed in a timely manner. This role is key to helping the charity to manage its resources efficiently and transparently.

Find out more in the candidate pack on our website.

A Finance Officer is required within our vital and growing community organisation to; manage financial systems, create and report on finance to the trustee board and stakeholders of the Loughborough Community Centre.

What you would do:

Oversight and day to day management of the organisational financial systems, including:

• Using Quick Books, spreadsheets to track expenses and company spending.
• Company payroll, tax and financial auditing.
• Keeping well-organised files and records of business financial activity.
• Archive of reports, receipts, and other financial evidence.
• Keeping financial databases up to date.
• Interacting with customers either on the phone or in person.
• Following up on business financial communications, billing, and ordering.
• Communicating with funders, suppliers and vendors.
• Company Invoicing.
• Using Quick Books, spreadsheets to track expenses and company spending.
• Collecting and inputting company data within the financial systems.
• Learning about the company's mission and available products/services.
• Assist with financial technical support.
• Acting as a personal assistant to the Director and/or board of LCC for financial matters.
• Giving feedback on finance efficiency and suggesting possible improvements.

We're pushing for better, right here, right now. Every one of us has a crucial role to play as both drivers and enablers of change.

Parkinson’s UK is the UK’s leading charity for people with Parkinson’s.  We're a growing organisation with 605 employees, 4000 volunteers and a projected income of £50m+. Our proud history dates back nearly 60 years, but now we’re on a mission to be fit for the future, ensuring we have the infrastructure, culture, and operating model to drive even more impact for people with Parkinson’s, both now and in the future. 

The Operations team plays a key role in driving that mission. Over the coming years we’ll be modernising our systems and processes to ensure they’re fit for now, as well as in the future. Much of this work is already underway, and we’re now ready to start our exciting new chapter.

We’ve been working to get ourselves in the best shape to deliver that progress over the next few years, and we’re now looking for ambitious, driven, and purpose-led people to join our team of ‘relentless doers’.  To hear more about these exciting new changes and how you can play your part in our story, click here to hear from Ben Clarkson, Chief Finance and Operating Officer.

About the role

You will be responsible for supporting the finance manager on managing the charity’s finance ledgers, year-end accounts, completing monthly balance sheet reconciliations, posting journals, dealing with cash banking and quarterly VAT return submissions.

You will support the directorate to improve the efficiency of processes using data and digital tools to drive those efficiencies and effectiveness across the organisation. 

What you'll do 

• Be responsible for a key financial ledger (e.g. purchase/sales/cash) and provide first line support to the rest of the charity in managing that ledger

• Support the financial accounting manager in delivering the month end closedown process

• Produce monthly reconciliations to support the financial accounting manager facilitate the overall charity balance sheet reconciliations

• Understand and support the other assistant financial accountants with their areas of responsibility to provide flexibility and continuity of service to the organisation

• Provide support to budget managers on transactional accounting activities and queries

What you'll bring

• Experience of working in a financial accounting team with good working knowledge of accounting principles and basic understanding of VAT for charities

• Have, or studying towards, an accounting qualification 

• Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills e.g. advanced excel techniques

• Experience of using accounting packages and other databases e.g. CRM to complete tasks

• Experience of managing a financial ledger, double entry bookkeeping and understanding of chart of accounts

If this opportunity sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! 

To apply, please submit a CV and a supporting statement that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria (marked with an 'A') in the 'what you'll bring' section of the job description.

The in person/office attendance expectation for this role will be a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Role Title :Finance Assistant
Salary: £27,153 to £31756
Location: London
Tenure: Permanent - Full Time

ActionAid UK is a member of the ActionAid Federation, an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. We work with our partners and dedicated staff in 43 countries to end violence and fight poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want

Are you a keen advocate of women and girls’ rights in emergencies? 

Are you ready to take the lead in delivering an exceptional supporter experience and shaping the way people engage with one of the UK’s most impactful international charities? 

Do you want to combine your finance skills with a role that makes a genuine difference in the world?

Then we'd love to hear from you!

 At ActionAid UK, we believe in empowering communities and tackling the root causes of inequality. We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join our dynamic team in London or Somerset, helping to ensure our finances run smoothly so that we can focus on creating lasting change.

In this role, you will be at the heart of our finance operations, supporting the team with purchase ledger processes, staff expenses, and payment runs. You will build strong relationships with colleagues and suppliers, resolving queries quickly and ensuring that all transactions are processed with accuracy and care. From preparing BACS payments to managing reconciliations and keeping our financial records in order, your work will help us maintain the highest standards of accountability. This is also a chance to grow your skills and career. You will gain hands-on experience across various finance tasks, supported by a team that values professional development and collaboration. Whether it’s assisting with year-end processes or contributing to ad-hoc projects, you’ll play a key part in keeping our finance function efficient and transparent.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, proactive, and keen to learn. You’ll ideally you’ll be working towards or have a degree or AAT qualification or equivalent in experience , strong Excel and MS Office skills, and a sharp eye for detail. Experience with purchase ledgers or charity finance is a plus, but more important is your can-do attitude and ability to work effectively with others.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be asked to participate in criminal records checks at the point of offer. 

Additional information

Diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging:

Diversity, inclusion and belonging are key to our organisational culture. We are on a journey to become not only an anti-racist organisation but one that proudly celebrates the diversity of all applicants and employees. We look forward to you bringing your full self to work, proudly sharing your unique perspective and helping us to shape our combined future. We especially welcome applications from those from under-represented/marginalised communities.

AAUK is a Disability Confident Committed organisation and as such any candidate that declares a disability will be shortlisted for interview if they meet the essential criteria for the role.

Referencing and safeguarding:

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include safeguarding, criminal records and terrorism finance checks. By submitting an application the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

ActionAid UK is committed to preventing any form of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse (including child abuse and adult at-risk abuse) and responding robustly when these harms take place. We expect all ActionAid UK staff and ActionAid UK representatives to share this commitment. We will not tolerate our staff or other representatives carrying out any form of sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse towards anyone we come into contact with through our work.

Working practices:

ActionAid is committed to supporting flexible working. If you would like to discuss flexible working options, including the possibility of a job share for this role, there will be space to do so during the interview process.

ActionAid UK has a hybrid working policy for many of our roles. The requirement will vary from team to team and the responsibilities of individual roles. As a minimum, all colleagues are expected to attend the office 12 days per year, plus additional time for induction, training, and company connection days. Some roles may require in-office attendance on all days and if so, these will clearly be marked as in-office roles.

Please note that ActionAid UK does not offer fully remote working options. We encourage you to discuss hybrid working expectations at interview.

Recruitment processes:

Please note that ActionAid UK may review, shortlist and interview candidates prior to the closing date so we encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible. If we receive a very high response, we may close the vacancy early and will not accept further submissions.

This is a crucial and hands-on leadership role, responsible for overseeing the charity’s financial management. You will ensure accurate and timely financial and management reporting, maintain robust financial controls, support the Senior Leadership Team in strategic decision-making, and drive continual improvements in systems and processes.

You will oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and audits, ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, and develop the Finance Team to deliver excellence.  To read the full job description, including information on role particulars, and why New Wine is a fantastic place to work, please download the attached document.

Key Responsibilites:

Routine Financial Oversight

· Oversee all accounting, cash management, reconciliations and authorisation of payments.

· Monitor day-to-day financial operations: banking transactions, current and deposit accounts, payroll, and other transactions.

· Maintain the fixed assets register and monthly depreciation.

· Manage cash flow, investing excess cash where appropriate.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting

· Manage and prepare annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with the Director of Operations and senior leadership team.

· Provide timely, accurate and accessible management accounts and reports for senior managers, budget holders and Trustees.

· Interpret complex financial information clearly for non-finance colleagues.

· Regularly update forecasts with a target of quarterly reporting.

Statutory Accounts, Compliance & Audit

· Lead the preparation and audit of end-of-year statutory accounts, working closely with external accountants/auditors.

· Ensure all statutory obligations are met including VAT returns, Gift Aid claims, Companies House, Charity Commission and HMRC requirements.

· Stay up to date with Charity SORP and charity sector financial regulations, ensuring compliance and training the team accordingly.

Systems, Process Improvement & Controls

· Design and implement financial systems and process improvements to drive efficiency.

· Maintain strong financial governance and internal controls.

· Monitor the effectiveness of financial practices and policies and make recommendations for improvements.

Team Leadership

· Supervise, develop and motivate the Finance Team to achieve high standards.

· Carry out quarterly reviews and provide day-to-day support.

· Foster a collaborative, proactive working culture.

Event Finance Management

· Oversee financial management at New Wine events, including systems for income reconciliation, cash controls, onsite banking and petty cash.

· Ensure accurate reconciliation of income from the event booking system.

HR & Payroll Administration

· Oversee payroll preparation and submissions including HMRC and pensions.

Other Duties

· Respond to queries from Trustees, Director of Operations, budget managers and external stakeholders as required.

· Work well with all members of the wider staff team.

· Attend and sometimes lead staff prayers and other meetings.

Person specification:

Essential Attributes

• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Excellent time-management with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Analytical approach to problem-solving and sound decision-making capabilities
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a drive to deliver high-quality results
• Commitment to high standards, accuracy, and robust financial controls
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Collaborative team player with a task-focused mindset and proactive attitude
• Ability to positively influence and persuade others
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information
• Ability to think critically and maintain good judgement under pressure

Essential Skills & Experience

• CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent substantial experience
• Significant experience in financial management, accounting, and budgetary control
• Proven track record in producing management and statutory accounts, and managing audits
• In-depth knowledge of Charity SORP, financial governance, and compliance within the charity sector
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Xero and Microsoft Office, including Excel (advanced), Outlook, Word, and Teams
• Experience in payroll administration, including workplace pensions and leave accruals
• Experience of financial governance and control mechanisms
• Proactive approach to adopting new and more efficient ways of working, using the latest software where appropriate, and providing timely, accurate and relevant reports to colleagues.
• Experience supervising or line managing staff, with the ability to develop and motivate teams

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience managing restricted or trust funds
• Up-to-date and practical VAT knowledge
• Experience within a faith-based or charity organisation
• Experience engaging with Boards or Trustees
• Familiarity with the financial aspects of event operations
• Understanding of safeguarding, HR, or operational compliance processes
• Diplomatic approach and understanding in stakeholder engagement

Desirable Knowledge

• Strong understanding of charity finance regulations and sector best practices
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of New Wine
• Highly proficient in accounting systems and Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams, Planner)

The above list of job deliverables is open and partial, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

This job description is intended to summarise the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended to include all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or all capabilities that may be required now or in the future.  New Wine reserves the right to revise the duties outlined in this job description at its discretion.  

RideWise is a Nottingham based charity that is dedicated to education and support for the environmental benefits of green forms of transport, helps thousands of people each year to gain travel independence, reduce reliance on fossil fuel vehicles and helps to break the barriers of isolation, inactivity, mental health and transport poverty by supporting people through active travel.

At RideWise, we believe that affordable, accessible and green forms transport should never be a barrier – through a range of support, walking and cycling can transform lives and communities. 

This is a key role within a small and busy finance team. The postholder is responsible for a range of transaction processing and finance administration; mostly focused on purchase ledger, sales ledger, assisting with the month-end process, and plays a vital role in upholding the charity’s financial controls.

Working closely with the Finance Manager, the Finance Officer will also need to communicate effectively with staff across the organisation and a wide range of suppliers to help resolve queries and ensure that the purchase and sales ledger processes are operating efficiently and effectively. Excellent organisational skills, the ability to prioritise to achieve internal reporting deadlines, and meticulous attention to detail, are critical for this role.

Essential Skills And Experience:  

• Experience of working in a small team on data processing and administrative tasks

• Experience of working in a finance team

• Experience as a Bookkeeper, Finance Assistant or Finance Officer

• Solid understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting payable/receivable principles

• Proven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records.

• Experience of working under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Able to communicate effectively with finance and non-finance professionals alike.

• A supportive colleague, skilled at working collaboratively within a small team. 

• Meticulous attention to detail, especially numerical detail

• Able to prioritise and organise your workload effectively.

• Excellent attitude to following systems and procedures.

• Good IT skills, particularly Excel, and comfortable with using cloud-based accounting or data processing software

Desirable  

• Experience of working in the charity sector

• Experience of working in a small organisation 

• Experience of working with QuickBooks

• Accountancy qualifications, e.g. AAT 

Application is by CV and covering letter. Assessment will be by CV and covering letter, objective test and interview. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 

Finance and Grant Controller

Contract: Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week.

Location: London, United Kingdom

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face‑to‑face (London office, external meetings or travel).

60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: £48,867- £51,439 per year with excellent benefits

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid:

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team:

The Finance and Grant Controller role is part of the central finance team and sits within the Management Accounting function which provides our country programmes and the region offices with professional and technical finance leadership for WaterAid UK’s international work. The role will work closely with the Project Delivery Lead and the Monitoring and Learning Coordinator for the Multi-country Urban Water Project.

About the role:

The Finance and Grant Controller will manage all financial aspects of WaterAid’s Multi-country Urban Water Project, ensuring rigorous financial oversight, compliance with donor requirements, and alignment with organisational financial policies. This is a bold initiative aiming to raise $40 million and reach two million people with clean water in urban areas across six anchor countries: Colombia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.

In this role, you will:

1. Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare and review all financial reports in line with specific contract requirements and deadlines
• Monitor project budgets, tracking actual expenditures against budget allocations and flagging variances to the project team
• Monitor movement in exchange rates and local currency budget variations

2. Budget and Forecasting Development & Grant Support

• Assist program staff in preparing detailed budgets in each country project
• Deliver regular reforecasts, ensuring realistic timing of spend
• Conduct cost allocations and ensure appropriate coding of expenses

3. Compliance and Controls

• Review contracts and grant agreements to identify financial requirements, restrictions, and deliverables

• Ensure financial activities comply with contractual terms, organisational policies, and legal and regulatory requirements, including guiding eligible costs, procurement, and financial compliance to programme teams
• Support related audits, ensuring all necessary documentation is available and compliant

4. Finance Business Partner

• Collaborate closely with programme lead, providing consolidated financial reporting, financial insights and supporting decision-making.
• Coordinate timely reporting to cross-federation leadership teams from multiple country programmes
• Advise on reallocation of budget if required to meet programme delivery targets

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

Technical Qualifications and Skills

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
• Experience in the use of SUN, or a similar multi-dimensional accounting system.
• Experience in managing programme or project finance funded by institutional donors ( e.g. USAID, FCDO or other reputable organisation)
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skill
• Working knowledge of Business Intelligence tools such as Power BI
• Knowledge and experience of donor fund management in an international context
• Experience of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting of projects
• Ability to analyse financial data and provide insightful narrative for range of audiences
• Finance Business Partnering experience with senior stakeholders 

Desirable skills

• Proven ability to work effectively with staff at different levels and from different cultural backgrounds including experience of coaching or training
• Knowledge of development issues and the sector, preferably gained in an International Development Organisation
• Knowledge of French or Portuguese will be an advantage

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 11th August 2025. Shortlisting and interviews may take on a rolling basis and we may close the role prior to the mentioned closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10 %
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !

The Food Foundation is an award winning charity with a vision of a sustainable food system which delivers health and well-being for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered. We believe that embracing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is fundamental to our success and the positive impact we make. 

We are looking for an experienced financial leader who is a self-motivated, approachable, adaptable and resourceful team player for this hands-on role. You will be able to work under pressure and react quickly and calmly when needed, with excellent analytical and communications skills.

This crucial and hands on role will be responsible for the timely and accurate management and financial reporting across the organisation. Working closely with the whole team and its stakeholders, you will be exposed to all areas of our work, playing a critical role in our delivery of impact. As part of the Senior Management team, you will work towards the continued development of our organisation aligned to our strategy. You will report to the Executive Director and line manage the Operations Manager.

This is a part time role from 20-25 hours per week. This is a hybrid role requiring at least 2 days per week in our office in
Brixton 

For further information please view our full job pack which you can find attached. 

Your new company
My client is a large London-based charity.
Your new role
My role is Finance Assistant working in a busy team. Duties will include:
- Ensure all payments are allocated to customers' accounts and posted onto systems accurately and promptly; investigate and correct anomalies.
- Ensure queries and adjustments to accounts are dealt with promptly and within agreed timescales.
- Liaise with customers to facilitate prompt payment and accurate posting of monies received.
- Provide information to internal and external auditors as required.
- Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant legislation, procedures and best practice for the Accounts Receivable function.
- Maintain accurate data, managing large complex data sets in Excel and in-house systems.
What you'll need to succeed
In order to succeed, you will need:
- Prior experience working in a Finance team in a large complex business.
- Good understanding of the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and the implications of accounting entries in general.
- Ability to resolve complex payments issues through data analysis and proven problem-solving techniques.
- Good understanding of month-end routines for preparation of reporting and reconciliations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong systems and Excel skills.What you'll get in return
In return, you will have the opportunity to work with a large organisation and develop financial skills and experience. What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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