Financial Controller
Hybrid within the UK, with the requirement to travel to our Central London head office
About us
The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a policy and action research organisation promoting sustainable development and linking local priorities to global challenges. Based in London, we work on five continents with some of the world’s most vulnerable people to strengthen their voices in the decision-making arenas that affect them. With more than 150 staff working alongside associates and partners across the globe, IIED has been at the forefront of evidence-based policymaking in sustainable development for over 50 years.
We are now looking for a Financial Controller to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 35 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £64,814 - £80,654 per annum
- 25 days' annual leave per year, increasing with service
- Closure between Christmas and New Year with additional paid holiday
- 7.5% employer's pension contributions
- An employee protection scheme offering a flexible menu of benefits
- An interest-free season ticket loan
- A cycle-to-work scheme offering tax savings on the cost of purchasing a bike for travel to and from work
- An employee assistance programme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption policies
- Enhanced sick pay entitlements, increasing with length of service
- Flexible working options
- Support for learning and development
- Compassionate leave up to ten days per annum
- Dependent’s leave
- Eye tests and glasses
- Therapy treatment
This is a high-impact opportunity for a high-calibre and well-qualified finance professional from an NGO, nonprofit or research background to lead the core financial operations for our global organisation.
You’ll take ownership of our financial processes and will have the seniority and autonomy to drive operational excellence and ensure we can continue our critical work.
What’s more, you’ll have the chance to shape how finance supports our mission, whilst building a high-performing team culture where everyone can thrive.
So, if you’re looking for a role where you can lead with purpose and leave a lasting legacy, read on and apply today!
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the Financial Controller will lead IIED’s core finance operations, ensuring integrity in financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and sound financial controls. As a key member of the Finance Leadership Team, you will manage financial operations, audit, balance sheet oversight, and regulatory compliance, while driving improvements in systems, processes, and reporting.
You will lead and mentor a team of finance professionals covering financial accounting, treasury, transactional finance and statutory compliance, and work closely with colleagues across programmes and operations to ensure strong financial stewardship and timely, accurate financial reporting.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and oversee all financial accounting and finance operations
- Ensure statutory compliance and audit readiness
- Strengthen internal controls and financial policies
- Manage treasury and cashflow
- Manage all tax-related obligations
- Support global distributed workforce
- Drive finance systems optimisation and process transformation
- Lead and develop a high-performing finance team
About You
To be considered as our Financial Controller, you will need to be:
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience.
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar senior finance role, ideally within the charity, NGO, or international development sectors.
- Strong technical knowledge of financial accounting, statutory reporting, and UK charity accounting standards.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate a finance team.
- Experience managing audits, regulatory compliance, and risk management in complex organisations.
- Excellent financial systems skills and experience improving processes and controls.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across finance and non-finance teams.
Please note, you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.
This role is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with our safeguarding and safer recruitment commitments. A criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment; any disclosed information will be considered fairly and confidentially, in accordance with our recruitment procedures and the nature of the role.
The closing date for this role is 11th June 2025.
Other organisations may call this role Head of Finance, Senior Financial Controller, Finance Operations Lead, Finance Business Partner, Finance Director, FD, or Financial Compliance Manager.
IIED is a global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.
So, if you want to take on this rewarding role as a Financial Controller, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.
Registered Charity 
101 - 500
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
At Trees for Cities, we believe access to trees and nature is essential for the health and well-being of communities. We focus our work where it’s needed most — in areas facing environmental, social, and economic disadvantage — putting us at the forefront of climate and community justice across the UK.
Trees for Cities is the only national charity dedicated to improve lives by planting, protecting and promoting urban trees. We do this by working closely with communities, landowners, partners and funders to deliver transformational change in towns and cities across the UK. We plant trees in schools, streets, estates, parks and open spaces to create nature-rich urban woodland, hedgerows, orchards, avenues and playgrounds.
As we approach the final year of our strategic plan, The Turn of Trees (2022–2025), we’ve seen inspiring growth and diversification in funding from major supporters like the National Lottery Community Fund and The People’s Postcode Lottery. Now, as we prepare to launch our 2025–2030 strategy, our goal is clear: build a national movement for tree equity that places communities, cities, and biodiversity at the heart of everything we do.
Your role:
We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Grant Fundraising Manager to lead our grant fundraising efforts — managing and growing a portfolio of major funders, generating around £1.2m annually from central government, lotteries, trusts, and foundations. You will:
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Develop compelling, tailored grant applications
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Build strong, lasting relationships with funders
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Work collaboratively across teams to bring our projects and vision to life
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Innovate and diversify income streams to ensure a sustainable future
Why Trees for Cities?
This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to urban climate action through the power of trees. You’ll join a warm, vibrant, and inclusive organisation where your work has visible, tangible impact in communities across the UK. From community planting events to daily table tennis, you’ll quickly become part of a motivated and collaborative team driven by a shared mission.
Who we’re looking for:
An outstanding grant fundraiser with a proven track record of securing large, multi-year grants and navigating the competitive funding landscape. You thrive in collaborative environments and are skilled at communicating and influencing across teams to achieve shared goals. Most importantly, you are deeply committed to driving positive social and environmental change.
If you are ready to grow your career while helping shape a greener, fairer future, we want to hear from you. To learn more about the role and organisation, please download the full appointbrief below, where you will find details of who to speak to with questions about the role and details of how to apply.
Closing Date: 22 June 2025
People Beyond Profit conversations: 23-25 June 2025
Panel Interview Dates: 2 & 9 July 2025
