Finance and operations assistant jobs in edinburgh
Contract: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), permanent with 6-month probation period
Salary: £56,650-70,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location: Remote working, with option to use co-working space
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reports to: Executive Director
Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply
Closing Date: 10 December 2025 (23:59 GMT)
To apply, please submit the following:
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Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
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CV
Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.
About BASIC
BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.
For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.
BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.
BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary with room for growth
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30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period
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Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)
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Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours
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Remote working with option to use co-working space
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1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities
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Opportunities for professional growth and development
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Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion
The Role
BASIC is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function during a period of sustained growth. The Financial Controller will work across Programme teams ensuring strong financial management and reporting to funding partners, maintain strong financial controls, ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, and provide accurate financial reporting to our Directors and Board of Trustees.
The Financial Controller will oversee the small finance team, including line management of a Finance Assistant and management of an external bookkeeper consultant. This team will be responsible for the majority of financial accounting, processing payroll, and accurate bookkeeping, for which the Financial Controller will be ultimately accountable.
The role includes managing restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements and programme needs, preparing statutory accounts for external audit, and overseeing payroll processing. This role reports directly to the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets and financial strategy, and works closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee to present its implementation.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills, experience in charity finance, and a proven track record of effective financial management of a growing organisation. You should be comfortable both managing a small team and working hands-on when needed, building collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will need to be a multitasker with the ability to work at pace, and be willing to develop the finance function and best practices to enable the organisation to grow further.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting and Reporting
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Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial records and bookkeeping in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP)
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Prepare monthly management accounts including variance reporting and rolling forecasts
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Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the annual independent audit process in its entirety
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Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements
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Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and funding partners
Financial Operations
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Oversee day-to-day finance operations including payment processing, staff expenses, and cost allocation (including staff costs)
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Oversee monthly payroll using QuickBooks (led by Finance Assistant)
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Manage treasury functions including bank and cash management
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Oversee procurement of key assets such as IT equipment
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Cashflow management
Grant and Budget Management
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Support budget development for funding bids and proposals
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Monitor spend against grants and projects, working towards full cost recovery
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Prepare financial reports for donors and funding partners
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Lead annual budget-setting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the Board and Executive Director
Financial Systems and Controls
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Develop and maintain robust financial systems, processes, and controls
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Continuously improve finance processes and identify efficiencies
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Advise on financial governance and best practice
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Manage financial risks and opportunities (e.g., insurance, foreign exchange)
Team Management and Stakeholder Relations
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Line manage the Finance Assistant and oversee external bookkeeper consultant
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Build collaborative relationships across the organisation
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Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including banks, international transfer services, and audit partners
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Work closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee and BASIC's Treasurer
Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant relevant experience
- Proven experience in a mid-level to senior finance role, with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting
- Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds
- Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes
- Experience in a growing organisation, implementing and improving financial systems and controls
- Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of financial controls
- Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
- Proficiency with accounting software (experience with QuickBooks highly desirable)
- Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills
- Excellent communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
- Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
- Proactive and solutions-oriented, with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Comfortable working hands-on when needed while also providing strategic oversight
- Ability to work at pace in a fast-growing organisation
- Commitment to BASIC's mission and values
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience in charity finance and understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP)
- Experience line managing finance staff
- Experience in an international organisation or with international funding
- Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements
Registered Charity
1 - 5
Working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Who we are
Not all young people have the same opportunities in life.
Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk.
They may be care experienced, have mental health challenges, be neurodivergent or be at risk of exploitation or offending.
Caudwell Youth is a dynamic new charity which has just celebrated its third birthday.
What we do
Caudwell Youth shapes young people’s futures by providing person-centred support to at risk 11 to 24-year-olds through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme.
Our vision is to help every young person at-risk in the UK. We give young people the time, trust and support they need to shape a positive future, no matter their starting point.
Our mentoring service is designed to ensure every young person feels safe, heard and supported. Each young person gains a trusted adult (a trained volunteer) who meets with them once a week to support them as they take steps towards a more positive future.
This year, we have supported more than 400 young people.
Our fundraising
We have a compelling fundraising proposition. We were founded by billionaire philanthropist John Caudwell, who has pledged to match all donations and fundraising at 33%.
Our mentoring service is delivering exceptional outcomes for young people, and we are ambitious for the future.
This is a crucial time for Caudwell Youth’s fundraising function, as we are set to embark on a new strategy for national growth in the new year. For the financial year just gone, grant income accounted for around 28% of our fundraising revenue.
Our aim is to grow our charity sustainably, while continuing to meet the evolving needs of at-risk young people in ways that are effective and life-changing. This role will be a key part of that journey.
What we're looking for
We are looking for an experienced grants, trusts and foundations fundraiser who can hit the ground running, both in solidifying and owning our valuable relationships with existing grant and trust fundrers and in exploring new opportunities.
You will also lead on the evaluation of our service impact across the organisation, gathering, analysing and presenting data to illustrate the valuable outcomes our services have for at-risk young people.
You will be a key team member in a dynamic and growing organisation and will help ensure the charity achieves its aims and objectives and fulfils its fundraising plan effectively.
More information about the role
This role is home based, but you need to be able to meet with funders and our small but dynamic fundraising team.
These meetings may take place in London, or across our current operating regions (Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Slough, Luton and Milton Keynes).
We are happy to consider compressed and flexible hours requests.
How to apply
Please follow the link to our website to read the full recruitment pack and find the application form.
All applications must be submitted via our website application form. Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Fundraiser - London
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.
Key Responsibilities:
- Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects
- Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth
- Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders
- Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research
Requirements:
- At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation
- Strong experience in supporter stewardship
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike
- Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure
If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.
For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
Closing Date: 28th November 2025
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Fundraiser - Home Counties
Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?
Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex.
Key Responsibilities:
- Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects
- Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth
- Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders
- Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research
Requirements:
- At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation
- Strong experience in supporter stewardship
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike
- Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure
If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.
We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
Closing Date: 14th December 2025
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.