Bookkeeper jobs in london

The Scientific and Medical Network (SMN) is an educational charity that challenges the adequacy of scientific materialism by exploring the frontiers of science, consciousness, and spirituality. SMN produces webinars, online conferences, and a regular journal, Paradigm Explorer, aimed at academics, educational professionals, students, and the general public.

We need another member of the accounts team who can dedicate the time to fortify our accounts team and help with operational processes, and with organisational development.

Role Overview: This is a hands-on systems development role that combines operational financial administration with organisational development. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the existing bookkeeper to further bring order and clarity to SMN's financial processes while building a coherent framework within its new Chart of Accounts, that can accommodate the organisation's growing interconnected projects.

The role focuses on improvements such as new invoicing processes, streamlining payment workflows, and resolving banking issues - while helping to develop the systems and structures needed for long-term financial clarity and governance compliance.

This is a mid-level position that blends practical work with systems thinking, requiring someone who can work at both levels to support SMN's diverse activities across webinars, conferences, membership services, and multiple projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Practical priorities

• Help new weekly payables cycle, working closely with Bookkeeper and Director with financial oversight 
• Organise invoices from various projects, determining their place in the overall financial structure
• Initiate payments via CAF, PayPal, and other systems, 
• Manage banking relationships with Barclays and CAF, maintaining efficient access and reporting
• Maintain banking mandates and ensure record-keeping remains clear, up-to-date, and efficient
• Support General Manager with hands-on financial operations and day-to-day payment processing

Financial Structure Development

• Help to implement and refine new Chart of Accounts with SMN Bookkeeper focusing on clear reporting
• Collaborate with project leads (particularly David Lorimer for Galileo Commission) to understand financial structures and reporting requirements
• Develop project reference systems linking budgets, codes, and stakeholders across diverse activities
• Work on 2026 organisational budgets once foundational systems are established

Collaborative Team Support

• Work as peer consultant with bookkeeper Rhanna Lei Cariaga, supporting her professional development
• Support Director Alan Malby, General Manager Andrew Polson , and Company Secretary Catherine Coubrough-Smith in meeting Charity Commission compliance requirements
• Contribute to Board reporting through accurate financial documentation and analysis

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Accounting qualification (AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or significant equivalent practical experience
• Hands-on experience with payment processing, banking relationships, and invoice management
• Proven ability to work with complex organisational structures and multiple projects
• Experience with Xero or similar accounting software systems
• Strong relationship management skills for dealing with banks and financial institutions
• Collaborative working style with ability to support team development
• Practical problem-solving approach to operational challenges

Highly Desirable:

• Experience with charity/nonprofit financial management
• Knowledge of CAF banking and payment systems
• Understanding of UK Charity Commission requirements
• Experience in systems implementation and process improvement
• Familiarity with multi-project organisational structures

Working Arrangements:

• Flexible remote work with occasional video conferencing for team meetings
• Collaborative schedule coordinated with bookkeeper and General Manager
• Initial intensive period (10-20 hours/week) for systems implementation
• Sustainable ongoing commitment (7-10 hours/week) once foundations established
• Responsive availability for urgent financial matters and payment processing

Benefits:

• Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional development
• Flexible working arrangements with remote work capability
• Meaningful work supporting innovative projects at the intersection of science, consciousness, and spirituality
• Financial systems development experience working with a UK charities context 

Imagine This is the only UK charity solely dedicated to supporting the mental wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families. Founded in 2014 by actors Sarah Parish MBE and Jim Murray MBE in memory of their first daughter Ella-Jayne, the charity has rebranded from The Murray Parish Trust to Imagine This in 2025. The charity is now leading a national movement to address a hidden mental health crisis in seriously ill children.

There are one million children in the UK facing life-limiting, life-threatening, and serious chronic conditions. These children are at much higher risk of long-term mental health difficulties that can become more complex and difficult to treat, on top of living with often complex medical needs. Imagine This provides imaginative, innovative and empowering projects to help them navigate their journey with connection, resilience and hope. Our vision is to reach every seriously ill child, and their families, across the UK by 2035, delivering diverse and impactful projects in hospitals, hospices and community settings.

This role will be responsible for an effective and compliant operations function (finance, HR, programmes/projects, governance). You will help the charity to scale its operations sustainably and ensure the charity complies with its legal and governance responsibilities. We are looking for a proactive individual who has an eye for detail in data and administration. You will be ambitious and entrepreneurial, with real vision and a passion for the cause. You will be resilient and collaborative, someone who is highly organised with the ability to juggle a diverse and high workload.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance and HR

• Liaise with outsourced bookkeepers (also payroll providers) to ensure timely/accurate information flow.
• Oversee income and expenditure budgets and performance, processing of donations and scheduled payments, and ensuring accurate and consistent coding.
• Work with accountants to support year-end accounts and coordinate annual report production.
• Produce and circulate monthly management accounts and other reports for the Board.
• Support Trustees with designated responsibilities e.g. finance, risk, governance.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and HR record-keeping (including freelancers).
• Maintain accurate, compliant data in our CRM (Donorfy), including prompt input of donations.

Charitable projects

• Support the planning and coordination of secured charitable projects, liaising with project partners, monitoring delivery milestones, payment schedule and working with the wider team to maximise success.
• Compiling project monitoring/evaluation data from project partners to support excellent impact reporting.

Governance and operations

Together with the volunteer Charity Secretary:

• Coordination of Board meetings and AGMs, agendas, papers and minutes.
• Maintain central registers (trustee attendance/terms, governance documents, policies, risk, safeguarding training etc).
• Fulfil statutory and regulatory responsibilities, including filing of annual accounts.
• Advise trustees on governance best practice, in line with Charity Commission guidance.
• Management of policies, procedures and operational systems (including the CRM) that strengthen internal controls and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Prepare Quarterly reports for the Board, and upon request.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and the Fundraising Code of Practice, including delivering the responsibility of data protection lead.
• Maintain relationships with volunteer Independent Advisors and commissioned service providers e.g. finance, HR and legal to ensure compliance/best practice.

READY TO DRIVE A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FORWARD?

MOTIVATED BY PURPOSE, NOT JUST PROFIT?

GOT A GREAT EYE FOR DETAIL?

WE’RE RECRUITING A GENERAL MANAGER...

Can Do is a start-up using digital technology to create social change. Founded by award-winning social entrepreneur Mark Johnson MBE, Can Do is building an innovative platform to help vulnerable people take control of their lives and access the services they need.

Mark is looking for a General Manager to work alongside him. Mark is an entrepreneur and creator. To balance this, he needs someone steady, organised, and practical to turn ideas into plans and keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly.

He’s looking for someone who:

· Has experience of general/project management in a social enterprise or start-up

· Is calm, steady and level-headed

· Has meticulous attention to detail and is a practical organiser who gets things done

· Can use digital and AI tools to simplify processes

· Is empathetic and purpose-driven to help people

The role is flexible – full-time, part-time, or a great option for someone returning to work.

This isn’t just another job, it’s a chance to help build a start-up with huge potential to scale.

Think this sounds like you? Let’s start a conversation.

WHO WE ARE.

Can Do is a start-up using digital technology to create social change. Founded by award-winning social entrepreneur Mark Johnson MBE, Can Do is building an innovative platform to help vulnerable people take control of their lives and access the services they need.

Our mission is to put power back where it belongs: with the people who use services. Because we believe that if you think you can, you can.

THE ROLE

Mark is looking for a General Manager to work closely with him. He is an entrepreneur and creator. To balance this, Mark needs someone steady, organised, and practical to turn ideas into plans and keep the day-to-day running smoothly.

This is a start-up role: exciting, busy, and varied. There’s a lot to do, and you’ll need to be efficient, flexible, and ready to roll up your sleeves.

It’s about working with purpose, building something new, and making a real difference.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

· Someone with experience in project management, operations, or general management in a social enterprise, or small start-up

· A meticulous and practical organiser who enjoys making things work and getting things done

· Someone who wants to work with purpose, helping build a socially oriented organisation

· Efficient, empathetic, and comfortable juggling a wide range of tasks

· Tech-savvy and confident using AI/digital tools to make processes simple and efficient

· Flexible: this role could be full-time, part-time, or suit someone returning to work

WHAT YOU’LL DO

· Project management: Plan and manage projects from start to finish, making sure deadlines are met and everyone delivers on their part.

· Meetings and follow-up: Organise and run management meetings, keep notes, and make sure agreed actions happen.

· Governance: Oversee compliance and act as Company Secretary, keeping records accurate and up to date.

· Finance: Use Xero and work with accountants/bookkeepers to oversee budgets, accounts, and financial reports so the numbers are always clear.

· Fundraising and business development: Support funding applications, proposals, and relationships with partners to bring in new opportunities.

· Operations: Keep the day-to-day running smoothly — from diary management and HR basics to coordinating contractors.

· Communications: Maintain simple but effective comms, updating the website and keeping social media active.

SKILLS & QUALITIES

· Strong organisational and project management skills

· An excellent writer, whether contracts, bids or public facing materials

· Experience of operations, governance, and finance oversight in a small organisation, ideally a social enterprise or startup

· Confidence managing budgets and financial reporting (not a finance role, but able to keep track)

· Able to communicate clearly and keep people focused

· Empathetic, socially minded, and committed to putting people first

· Steady, reliable, and happy working in the background to let others thrive

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY.

Can Do welcomes applications from people with lived experience of social challenges. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process and workplace culture.

This is a senior leadership position offering a pivotal opportunity to shape our organization's financial and operational future. The Head of Finance and Operations will provide strategic guidance while ensuring the efficient and effective daily operations of all financial and administrative functions.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will deputize in their absence, contribute significantly to our organizational growth and success, and ensure a robust and compliant financial framework.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial & Operational Leadership

• Partner with the CEO to develop and implement long-term financial and operational strategies, including horizon scanning and risk management.

• Manage the organization's financial systems, specifically overseeing and optimizing the use of QuickBooks for all accounting and reporting functions.

• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Develop, review, and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Oversee reviews and renewals of organizational insurance policies.

2. Financial Management & Oversight

• Oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and taxation.

• Lead the annual audits for UK and US entities, ensuring accuracy and transparency and managing relationships with auditors.

• Maintain and manage banking relationships.

• Conduct regular variance analysis and recommend corrective actions to the CEO and leadership team.

• Oversee management of restricted funding.

• Develop and implement robust financial controls.

3. Fundraising and Data Systems

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reconciliation between CiviCRM and QuickBooks.

• Provide financial insights and analysis to support fundraising strategies and donor reporting.

4. Leadership & Governance

• Deputize for the CEO as needed, ensuring continuity across all operations.

• Maintain strong relationships with board members, providing comprehensive and insightful quarterly financial reports to foster understanding and engagement.

• Provide strategic leadership to your team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

• Be responsible for managing relationships with our US bookkeeper (consultant) and both UK and US auditors, and for the line management of the UK Finance and Admin Officer.

5. Operational Excellence

• Lead and manage a team of finance and operations professionals.

• Develop and implement efficient systems and processes to optimize performance across all administrative functions.

• Monitor and assess operational activities, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.

• Conduct regular cost analysis and implement cost-saving initiatives.

• Oversee HR and payroll functions

Person Specification

Essential

• Professional accounting or finance qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).

• Proven experience in a senior finance and operations role (at least three years experience).

• Experience in preparing UK statutory accounts and managing external audits. 

• In-depth knowledge of UK FRS 102 and Charities SORP. Exposure to/experience of US GAAP.

• Experience in preparing the annual budget, working closely with budget holders.

• Experience in supporting grant management.

• High proficiency in using financial software. (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero etc.)

• Experience in driving continuous improvement of financial processes and systems. 

• Strong strategic and financial planning skills.

• Experience leading and managing a team.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• You enjoy a mix of leadership and rolling up sleeves to get hands-on.

Desirable

• Experience working in a not-for-profit sector.

• Experience working in an international organization.

• Experience with CiviCRM or other similar donor management systems.

• Experience in remote working.

• Strong commitment to Humanists International’s mission.