Finance accounting manager jobs

This role will be responsible for all aspects of finance and CRM administrative support for the operational success of the charity and the successful candidate will want to be part of a faith-based organisation, committed to the mission of the charity both in the UK and the Holy Land.

We have grown rapidly in the last two years and given the prominence of the Israel/Gaza/Lebanon conflict in our domestic media, we anticipate further growth as the charity becomes more prominent and the needs for essential support become greater. Therefore you will be working in a very busy, high growth environment, managing your time between several different tasks and priorities, which may change frequently. You will need to learn quickly, adapt to changing patterns of work throughout the year and, once trained, be capable of working without close supervision in a small flexible team. You will have an opportunity to directly influence the way we work as a charity and develop processes. We value the input of all our staff and encourage a positive work environment.

The role will be required to help with regular office duties and finance handling; you will need to be familiar with all aspects of administrative and finance support for the operational success of the charity. You will need to be comfortable working in a faith-based organisation, talking to supporters and clergy across the UK and with our partners in the Holy Land.

The successful candidate will be office-based in Kenilworth. There is some flexibility with days/hours worked for the right candidate.

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However, you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our finance team at a time as we implement our new strategy over the next 5 years. Working closely with teams in the corporate service directorate, you’ll be responsible for the provision of financial analysis, support as well as preparing and processing the month end journals and completing balance sheet reconciliations.

About you

You’ll be a part-qualified accountant who is pro-active and able to communicate effectively with staff and managers from non-financial disciplines. You’ll also have the ability to discuss financial performance with budget holders, deliver improvements to financial reporting and works well within a team and independently.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role is primarily based in our London office. However, in line with our hybrid working practice, full-time staff members may choose to work up to three days per week from home.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date: Thursday 10 July 2025 at 09:00am

We reserve the right to close this advert early and subject to volume of applications. If you’re interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Interview date: Week commencing Monday 21 July 2025

Senior Finance Officer

14 hours per week

As our Senior Finance Officer you will contribute to Career Ready’s finance and operations function by providing high quality financial support to the charity. Working as part of a small team of three, you will perform core finance tasks and will support the Head of Finance and Operations with budgeting, reporting and auditing activities.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

Bookkeeping and Accounting

• Ensure transactions are properly recorded and entered into Xero Accounts
• Assist with the annual audit
• Maintain financial files and records
• Manage and reconcile the accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Process payable invoices and staff expenses in line with fortnightly payment runs
• Perform credit control for maximum debt recovery
• Reconcile the bank statements for review the Head of Finance & Operations
• Assist with the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and budget monitoring reports

Support to the Partnerships and Income Teams

• Collating financial information for funding applications as required
• Monitoring expenditure on grant-funded programmes
• Preparing financial reports on receivable grants as required
• Maintain electronic files of funding agreements and contracts

Payroll

• To support with the administration of monthly salaried payroll for staff, and internship payroll throughout Jun-Sep each year
• To raise monthly salary journals for review by the Head of Finance & Operations
• To process payroll payments via online banking portals

Essential skills and experience required

· Fully or part qualified – AAT, ACCA or CIMA or qualified by experience

· Clear understanding of financial controls, compliance, and reporting frameworks

· Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel

· Ability to prioritise and meet competing deadlines

· Previous experience of computerised accounting and payroll e.g. Xero

· Previous experience of payroll administration that includes maintaining confidential data

· Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative.

· Excellent attention to detail and high numeracy

· Ability to communicate financial information to different audiences

· Problem-solving ability

Desirable skills and experience

· To have an understanding of Charity Finance.

· Experience of working in a finance function in a charity

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £32,000 to £38,000 per annum FTE (pro rata for part time), depending on qualifications/experience

14 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns

Permanent and remote

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Full details can be found in the candidate pack.

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

An exciting position has arisen for a Head of Finance to join an excellent Community Foundation on a permanent basis. The postholder will be reporting directly to the CEO and will be part of the executive team, leading a team of 7.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and improve the Trust’s finance function and provide accurate, timely and relevant financial reports as required by the CEO
• Be the Executive Lead of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring timely papers to the CEO and to the Committee and Board as required
• Ensure the provision and reporting of financial accounts, forecasting and large-scale project/programme budgets
• Oversight of the legal and financial statutory processes in line with the Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, including the annual audit
• Allocating tasks for timely responses and keeping all colleagues abreast of progress
• Monitor, cash flow, reserves, analysis of performance against the organisation’s annual business plan and dashboard as it relates to the finance function
• Contribute to the overall leadership of the Trust and to the Trust’s future strategic and operational planning
• Direct line management of 3 staff, indirectly manage 7
• Ensuring an excellent service to all budget managers, enabling them to make effective use of all systems and monitor and manage their income and expenditure
• To attend the Executive Team meetings and provide reports

Successful candidate profile:

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)
• Significant track record in a Head of Finance / FD role for a Charity
• Experience of implementing enhanced reporting tools
• Experience of cost-effective procurement in line with policy
• Extensive staff management experience

Salary: up to £80,000 per annum + excellent benefits

Working pattern:  on site

Hours: 35 per week

Location: West London

Duration: Permanent

Agency Reference Number: J81925

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

Christ's College is seeking to appoint a full-time, permanent Management and Investment Accountant.

Management and Investment Accountant
Location: St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3BU
Salary: £46,735 - £52,566 per annum
Vacancy type: Permanent, Full time, 36.5 hours per week

The Management & Investment Accountant will work with the Head of Finance, the Bursar and College budget holders to effectively manage income and expenditure and make decisions that will positively contribute to the financial position of the College. This will be achieved through timely provision of accurate financial information to key decision makers.

We would like to hear from you if you have previous experience and a good working knowledge of accounting and financial reporting, and are proactive, well organised, and diligent. The abilities to work to deadlines whilst paying attention to detail, and work both as an individual and as part of a team are essential.

The benefits on offer are many and include 33 days’ annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), pension scheme, a free meal when at work, and the opportunity to work in a beautiful environment. Facilities on-site include a college gym and a multi-faith prayer room. 

Closing date: Noon on Monday 7 July 2025

Interested?

Please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can find further information and details on how to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Your new company
My client is a small London-based charity.
Your new role
My new role is an Accounts Assistant. The role will begin on a part-time basis, but will eventually move to full-time. This is initially a temporary role but could become permanent for the successful candidate. Duties will include:
Purchase Ledger - Working with the Finance Manager to manage all aspects of supplier invoices and payments.
Sales Ledger - Work with the Finance Manager to manage all aspects of company invoicing and credit control.
Reconcile all income to ensure recognition in the correct accounting period.
Assist with BACS run through Sage 50 Accounts.
Process staff expenses claims.
Assist the Finance Manager with bank reconciliations and period and year-end adjustments including accruals andprepayments.
Allocate transactions to correct Nominal Codes in line with the set company budget.
Processing Credit Card payments and refunds.
Use of internal systems (Sage) and Excel
What you'll need to succeed
In order to succeed, you will need previous experience in finance. If you were studying for a professional qualification, this would be an advantage.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will have the opportunity to work in a thriving organisation where you will receive full training in a supportive environment.
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.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Your new company
A large, international not-for-profit organisation.
Your new role
Reporting to the CFO, you will take responsibility for overseeing the accuracy, integrity and compliance of the financial accounting function. Managing a team of seven, with three direct reports, you will look after the smooth running of the monthly financial close and the preparation of the statutory accounts for the Group. With the financial year-end pending, this will include project-managing the audit, from agreeing the timetable to successful approval of the group financial accounts, ensuring compliance with best practice and all relevant financial policies and regulations. The anticipated duration is 12 months. Hybrid working: 1-2 days per week in the office. To start ASAP.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified Accountant with strong, recent experience of managing a sizeable financial accounting function within the charity sector. You will have highly developed management skills and be highly proficient in technical accounting/charity SORP.
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.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Finance Business Partner - Fundraising
Salary: £70,000
Location: London/Hybrid

Are you a finance leader who's passionate about making a difference? My ambitious and purpose-led client is looking for a Finance Business Partner to support high-impact fundraising and charitable activities, driving strategic insight and financial performance.

As a senior member of the finance team, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy and supporting fundraising teams to maximise income and impact. From driving growth in individual giving and legacy fundraising, to championing financial sustainability and accountability, your work will directly contribute to meaningful social change.

What you'll do:

• Partner with fundraising leaders to support income growth across key streams including individual giving, legacies, and high-value donors.
• Provide proactive financial insight and commercial challenge to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead transparent budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for charitable and fundraising functions.
• Support funding proposals and ensure rigorous financial reporting to funders and stakeholders.
• Manage restricted fund accounting and evaluate return on investment for major campaigns and initiatives.
• Bring clarity to complexity-ensuring that financial data drives action and impact at every level.

What you'll bring:

• Strong knowledge of fundraising or charity finance, particularly in individual giving subscriptions.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders with data-driven insight and clear financial analysis.
• Proficiency in budget setting, performance tracking, and interpreting financial metrics.
• A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to challenge and support teams at every level.
• A recognised accountancy qualification is desirable, alongside familiarity with charity-specific accounting practices.

Financial Accountant

£45,000-£52,000 per annum (dependent on relevant skills, experience and qualification) plus generous benefits

Location – Hybrid working split between the Foundation’s office in London and home. This usually averages at two days in the office per week.

We are the Football Foundation - the Premier League, the FA and government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most. 

About the role

Are you a detail-oriented finance professional looking for an opportunity to drive financial excellence in a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation? Are you looking for an opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a real difference to people’s lives? We’re looking for a Financial Accountant to play a key role across our organisation, working with colleagues to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency across our financial operations.

As a Financial Accountant, you’ll be responsible for preparing, analysing, and maintaining financial records and reports, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and internal policies. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you’ll support the month-end and year-end close, oversee payroll and accounts payable, and act as the first point of contact for grant and bank account queries. Your role will be essential in ensuring the smooth running of the finance function, providing expert financial insights and analysis to support decision-making.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in preparing annual statutory accounts and audit documentation.
• Lead the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting.
• Oversee payroll processing (Sage 50), including tax and pension calculations.
• Manage accounts payable, including supplier payments and expense reconciliation.
• Maintain key financial controls, including grant payments, payroll, creditors, and bank reconciliations.
• Monitor and improve financial processes to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Support the Finance Director with cash flow analysis and forecasting.

What are we looking for?

• Qualified or finalist (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with 2-5 years of experience in financial accounting.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit processes.
• Skilled in Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, Financial Modelling) and accounting software (preferably NetSuite).
• Experience in payroll processing, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, able to present financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

For full details of the role and requirements, please download our recruitment pack below.

What can we offer you?

The salary band for this role is £45,000-£52,000 per annum, dependent on relevant skills and experience.

You will start with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (which increases after 2 years), plus additional time off to volunteer. We also offer a generous pension scheme (8% employer contribution), free health care provision, a monthly gym subsidy, death in service benefit and access to selected match tickets.

We are committed to helping our team members maintain a healthy work-life balance, so offer flexible working around core hours to help achieve that.

Equality and Diversity Commitment

The Football Foundation is committed to and values the principles of diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all our team feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. We encourage and welcome applications from all, regardless of background and are particularly interested to hear from individuals belonging to under-represented groups including diverse ethnic communities, individuals with a disability and those from the LGBTQI+ community.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview stage, please contact us.

The closing date for applications is: Sunday 06 July 2025 at 23:59

First interviews will be held via MS Teams 15 July 2025.

Second-stage interviews will be held in person at Wembley Stadium 21 July 2025. 

Two Rhythms is seeking a dynamic Business Manager to spearhead their operational and financial success, ensuring the charity's sustainability and growth. This pivotal role involves driving earned income, managing financial health, and expanding the reach of their therapeutic arts programs across South Wales and the UK.

The Business Manager will oversee the operational and financial management of the charity, ensuring the organisation is efficient, sustainable, and aligned with its mission. They will focus on earned income generation and working to increase it in line with the business plan. They will be outward-facing, generating new business with local authorities, care providers, schools, hospitals and hospices. They will work closely with the CEO, and Head of Programme to introduce the 2R programme to new guests across South Wales, and with the Membership Officer to extend our membership programme across the UK.

The Business Manager will play a crucial role in managing the charity's financial health, ensuring resources are effectively utilised to support its mission and goals. This hands-on role involves overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance while supporting their leadership team colleagues with financial insights and strategies.

They will prepare reports for the management team, CEO and Trustees as required and they will liaise with our external accountants, helping to prepare annual accounts and other statutory documents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONAL

1. Business and Operational Management:

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across departments.
•  Design and implement new processes to monitor trading performance.
• To act a responsible point of contact for managing day-to-day facilities and building issues.
• Management of external contracts relating to facilities and running of the organisation. 
• Review environmental considerations of the organisation in-line with the requirements and policies of our funders, landlords and partner organisations.
• Support the administration of session bookings, liaising with finance and management colleagues.

2. Compliance and Governance:

• Working as part of the charity’s Safeguarding team helping to ensure best practice across the charity’s activities and operations. (Appropriate training will be provided)
• Ensure the charity complies with relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Manage risk and protect the charity’s financial reputation and assets.
• Maintain accurate records and policies, working closely with trustees or board members.

FINANCE

3. Financial Management and Planning:

• Prepare and manage budgets in collaboration with the leadership team.
• Monitor and control income and expenditure to ensure financial sustainability.
• Develop financial forecasts and plans to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage invoicing, liaising with external clients and contractors with respect to debt management, reviewing and improving booking processes where necessary. 

4. Accounting and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate financial records and oversee day-to-day bookkeeping.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, including variance analysis.
• Produce annual financial statements and manage the year-end accounting process.

5. Donor and Grant Management:

• Track restricted and unrestricted funding, ensuring proper allocation and reporting.
• Provide financial reports and updates for donors and grant applications.

PEOPLE

6. Supporting Stakeholders:

• Work closely with trustees and the senior leadership team, providing clear insights.
• Contribute to the charity's overall strategic planning and growth.
• Attend board meetings, ensuring accurate minutes and record keeping.

7. Leadership and Team Support:

• Work closely with Senior Management colleagues to provide strategic advice and insights.
• Manage and support staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Lead by example, promoting the charity’s values and mission in all actions.

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

• Work with the team to drive sales, pursue new clients and increase the charity’s earned income, collaborating with Programme, Membership and Marketing colleagues and the CEO to further the charity’s work.
• Lead on our engagement with the health and social care sector, including private and public organisations.
• Assist the CEO in submitting reports to funders, regulatory bodies, and trustees.
• Support the development of funding proposals with accurate financial input.
• Assist the CEO in building relationships with external partners and stakeholders, including corporate and commercial clients.

Finance Business Partner: £500 - £534 per day (Umbrella) | Hybrid | Birmingham

For Europe's largest infrastructure project, based in Birmingham, we are recruiting an interim Finance Business Partner for the Corporate Services Directorate, and specially to partner with the CIO and the IT Directorate. Working within central finance, this role reports to the Senior Finance Business Partner, and provides financial support and critical analytical challenge to directorate business managers and executives to ensure the organisation achieves financial targets and delivers value for money within the budgets set by the comprehensive spending review.

Main Duties:

• Responsible for looking after a portfolio of directorates (HR, IT, Finance, Procurement, Facilities) and the corporate expenditure in the monthly financial accounts
• Drive consistent month-end reporting and review of all Corporate Directorate (c£200M)
• Lead business planning and forecasting processes, providing guidance on planning principles and expectations
• Provide Workforce Actual costs and forecast information to inform programme estimates
• Challenge budget holders to achieve workforce objectives
• Supporting Corporate Directors in determining the appropriate disaggregation and delegations to Contracts
• Review financial endorsement of Change and Investments, provide assurance to Finance Director that reporting expenditure and contract payments are appropriate
• Work to NAO Audits as required; Liaise regularly with Corporate Directors, Procurement and Supply Chain, Business Managers, Finance Teams and Corporate Finance Teams

Person Specification:

• CCAB qualified
• Experience in business planning, forecasting, business partnering and corporate finance
• Knowledge of Oracle accounting systems or other similar ERP systems
• Experience in working with Corporate Directors, budget holders, Business Managers, Head of HR, and wider Finance teams
• Ability to interpret financial information and determine IFRS treatment
• Ability to use Excel to analyse large and complex data sets and provide useful management information
• Experience in providing financial information to inform project decisions and cost, schedule, and quality consequences

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

We are seeking a new Finance and Administration Officer following the upcoming retirement of a long-serving team member. A key member of the SLA central office team, the Finance and Administration Officer plays a vital role in ensuring smooth financial operations and providing essential administrative support for our membership. In addition to administration support, this role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, book-keeping and effective day-to-day financial operations, producing financial reports using XERO and our CRM.

You will be experienced in financial and administration operations of a charity or similar , with an AAT qualification or matching worked experience. Familiarity with XERO will be an advantage. You will be able to bring understanding of cashflow and financial analysis of figure, working with accountants as required.

You will also have excellent customer service skills and be able to work effectively with all stakeholders from our members, to funders to suppliers. You will be determined and have an excellent eye for financial and administrative detail. Your duties will include general administration and:

Financial operations and record-keeping

• Manage day-to-day financial transactions and maintain accurate records of all SLA accounts and petty cash; book-keeping
• Process and record all incoming payments, including foreign cheques (into bank account)
• Monitor cashflow and expenditure, keeping track of spending
• Pay invoices upon approval and ensure timely monthly payments (e.g. pensions, HMRC)
• Handle creditor and supplier communications and resolve related issues
• Monitor and follow up on overdue payments with a focus on membership payments

Invoicing and income tracking

• Issue and track membership and subscriber invoices and reminders
• Keep office team informed of payment statuses
• Prepare sales, cost, and profit reports for SLA publications
• Conduct annual publications stock take

Payroll and reporting

• Liaise with the accountant on salary payments; process salary BACS payments
• Support year-end financial reporting by providing necessary documentation to accountants
• Produce regular financial reports and analysis as required
• Supporting preparation of budgets, working with accountants as required

 Event financial administration

• Manage financial aspects of SLA events, particularly the annual conference (e.g., exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates)
• Process and record staff/trustee expense claims
• Support with bookings accommodation and travel for Board meetings

To be successful in this role you should demonstrate:

• Strong experience in financial and office administration
• Knowledge of accounting principles  
• Experience of working with XERO or similar
• Experience of using CRM systems (ideally IMIS)
• Experience of working for a small charity and / or membership association
• Accuracy, numeracy, attention to detail
• Ability to manage own workload, prioritise and meet competing deadlines
• Excellent customer service manner
• Being a team player

The Association is a UK wide organisation, working mostly remotely. Working patterns can be negotiated and we welcome applicants from all over the UK. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new role provides us with an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our team. The SLA is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place, where you can do brilliant and rewarding work.

To apply please send a one page covering letter and CV with the job title in the subject line by 11th July.  Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within one week of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.

Interim Head of Finance (3–4 months)
Location: Central London
Salary: c. £65,000–£79,000 (pro rata) Day rates apply
Start: ASAP

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Head of Finance to join a group of leading independent schools in central London for a 3–4 month assignment.

This short-term post will support a newly integrated shared finance function, providing leadership and stability at a critical time of change. The schools involved have strong academic reputations, rich histories, and are committed to delivering excellent education to a diverse student body.

The Role

• Lead a cross-site finance team to deliver efficient, effective finance services

• Provide clear, robust financial planning, reporting, and analysis to senior leaders and governing boards

• Partner with external finance teams on operational and strategic finance matters

• Support budget setting, monitoring, and cost improvement initiatives

• Champion service excellence for internal and external customers

• Foster collaboration and professional development within the finance team

​About You

We’re seeking a qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA) who is immediately available and can demonstrate:

• Significant senior-level experience in financial and management accounting

• Strategic financial leadership, ideally within education, charity, public sector, or similarly complex settings

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• A track record of improving processes and delivering service excellence

• Experience leading teams through change and embedding collaborative cultures

✨ Why Join?

• Shape and strengthen a shared finance function at a pivotal moment

• Work with engaged leadership teams committed to improvement

• Enjoy a professional, collaborative culture in central London

• Make a meaningful impact during a time of transition and challenge for the sector

This is an interim post for 3–4 months, perfect for an experienced finance leader seeking a rewarding short-term role in a high-profile environment.

How to Apply
If you’re ready to bring your expertise to this important interim assignment, please send your CV as soon as possible.

For a confidential discussion about the role, get in touch with Rosemary Pini at Allen Lane

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.