Finance and operations officer jobs

The Finance Officer will join a small and dynamic team that covers Finance, Human Resources, IT and Business Operations. The Finance & Operations team play a critical role by running the day-to-day operations and providing the infrastructure that enables the continued delivery of the Trust’s mission and objectives.

The Sutton Trust is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Finance Officer to join the team and provide crucial support on a range of key finance processes. This is a fast-paced and hands-on role that requires an understanding of basic finance processes. You can expect a steep learning curve in a passionate and supportive working environment.

We have recently introduced a new accounting system and are looking for someone who is willing to learn, make the most of the improved technology and contribute to automating (and improving) our finance processes. If you are up for a challenge, enthusiastic and keen to contribute your ideas, then come on this journey with us.

Main duties

• Maintaining the Purchase Ledger including processing supplier invoices, staff expense claims, grant and bursary payments, reconciling statements and making the relevant payments
• Maintaining the Sales Ledger including raising invoices and allocating receipts
• Cash management including checking bank transactions daily, allocating transactions on the accounting system and producing regular bank reconciliations. Paying in cheques and reconciling floats, if required
• Maintaining accurate records of both unrestricted and restricted fund transactions including receipts, grants, staff expenses, overheads and cash
• Providing timely and accurate financial support to the Programmes, Development and Research teams to assist them with forecasting, budgeting, reconciliation and (donor) reporting
• Supporting with the month end procedures such as balance sheet reconciliations, depreciation, month end adjustments, salary and overhead allocations
• Gathering monthly payroll information and reviewing monthly payroll reports
• Assisting with the administration of the pension scheme and of employee benefits
• Preparing quarterly Gift Aid claims and maintaining the relevant supporting documentation
• Assisting with the year-end statutory accounts preparation, audit and budget setting process
• Ensuring that the filing is done in a timely manner and that all paperwork is up to date
• Proactively updating your own knowledge in relation to the role, identifying and undertaking appropriate training
• Keeping up to date with legislation, policies and procedures relevant to the role and the Trust’s work
• Contributing to continuous process improvement efforts and suggesting ways to further automate tasks with the new accounting system
• Assist with creating finance procedure notes for the new accounting system.
• Other duties as necessary from time to time

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate:

• Excellent numeracy skills and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task
• Sound understanding of double entry book-keeping including month end adjustments
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Confidentiality

And who is:

• AAT qualified, holds a similar qualification or is working towards qualification

In addition, experience in the following areas will help you to stand out. However, this is not required, and training will be provided if needed for the right candidate:

• Experience of working in a busy finance department with responsibility for similar tasks
• Experience of working in the education or not-for-profit sector
• Experience of working with Xledger or equivalent accounting software

Competencies

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
• A flexible and adaptable approach to accommodate the varying aspects of the role, able to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently, with a high degree of initiative
• Has excellent attention to detail
• Quick learner with a proactive approach to problem solving

Other

• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)*

*Please note that we are unfortunately not a licensed visa sponsor.

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent (part-time considered)
• Salary: £33,000-£36,000
• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.
• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends
• A DBS check may be required

Interviews

Applications should reach us by midday, Thursday 22nd May, with first round interviews held at our London offices in the week commencing 2nd June, and second round interviews held over Zoom in the week commencing 9th June.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

As Portsmouth Cathedral continues its journey of growth and expansion, we seek a CFO who will not only ensure financial oversight and compliance but also drive strategic initiatives to foster financial sustainability. Your expertise will be instrumental in solidifying the Cathedral’s financial position, optimising its resources, and advancing our service to the community.   

Following the implementation of the Cathedrals’ Measure 2021, and the registration of Portsmouth Cathedral as a charity in March 2024, the new role of Chief Finance Officer, funded by the Cathedrals Sustainability Fund, will support Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body, in offering strategic financial leadership. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CFO will be part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and will manage a small team and will oversee the operational processes and functions, and communicate the necessary assurances, information and reports to the Senior Management Team, Chapter and the Board of our to be established trading company periodically. This will involve communicating complex financial ideas and information to a range of stakeholders (mostly non-financial).   

The successful candidate will be CAEW, ACCA or CIMA Qualified or similar and be able to show continued professional and personal development .  They will have:

•  Demonstrable experience in strategic financial leadership, with a track record of leading financial governance, compliance, and team development.   

• Strong knowledge of VAT, tax planning, and advanced accounting practices.   

• Excellent verbal and written communicator with an enthusiastic can-do approach and the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholders clearly and effectively.   

• Experience of dealing with colleagues, trustees and stakeholders.  

• Excellent analytical and reporting skills, proficient in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.   

• Familiarity with a multi-fund accounting software   

• Empathy with the ethos of the Church of England. 

They will be:

• Commited to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

• Commited to equal opportunties and inclusivity and at ease when working at all levels. 

• Self-motivated.

• Highly collaborative and have excellent interpersonal skills including warmth, tact, diplomacy, discretion and imagination.

• Meet the standards required to pass a Fit and Proper Persons test. 

Safeguarding

The position is subject to a Basic DBS check as well as the ongoing safeguarding training provided by the Church of England and Diocese applicable to this role.

Benefits

• Annual leave allowance of 27 days per annum (FTE) plus public holidays
• Employer pension contributions of 7.5% plus employee contribution.
• Commitment to professional development and training
• Cash health plan

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church.  

Head of Finance

Permanent role offering a salary of up to £71,000 pa, depending on experience

Location: Hybrid working with minimum 2 days per week in the London office (near Moorgate)

Drinkaware is the UK’s leading alcohol charity with a vision of working together to reduce alcohol harm. We use our expertise to give governments, industry, communities and individuals the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about alcohol and how to reduce the harm it can cause.

We deliver public-facing campaigns and digital services, information and guidance, evidence-led advice to governments and industry as well as independent research, consumer insight and evaluation.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Finance to join our team. The role will sit within our Central Services Team and will report to the Director of Resources and Business Systems.

In this role, you'll be responsible for producing and delivering monthly management accounts, overseeing financial operations, and ensuring robust internal controls are in place. You'll also manage the year end audit, budgeting and forecasting and support procurement processes, while leading a dedicated finance team.

If you have a strong background in financial management and a passion for driving organisational success, we'd love to hear from you!

How to apply?

For further information on the role, please refer to the attached job description and read about Drinkaware on our website.

Please submit an up-to-date CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining how you meet the role’s requirements and what you can bring to Drinkaware.

Closing date: Saturday 31 May at 5pm

Drinkaware is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community.

Please note that if you have not received a response to your application within two weeks after the closing date, this means you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

To support the Finance team with efficient and effective financial processing and financial controls, by holding responsibility for the various admin tasks within the team. To maintain close working relationships with other AKF (UK) employees and provide cover of key responsibilities for the Finance Officer (Expenditure) and Finance Officer (Income).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND CORE TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Financial administration

• Administration of the donations inbox, liaising with donors and prospective donors for simple queries. Ensuring good organisation of the inbox with a clear labelling system.

• Draft donation acknowledgement letters for donors to acknowledge donations received.

• Management of Raisers Edge donations management system, including:

review of potential duplicate donor records

ensuring documentation for Gift Aid donors

making edits and updates to donor records as and when required.

• Creation of a tracker for Raisers Edge issues to ensure these are managed and dealt with appropriately.

• Follow up with donors who have expressed an interest in Gift Aid.

• Liaising with the Comms team to ensure maintenance of supporters contact list.

• Digital archiving of paper-based records held within the Finance Department.

• Support Finance Managers with the organisation of the shared drive and the Sharepoint site.

• Management of Finance policy and procedure documents library on the shared drive, ensuring these are up-to-date and accessible to staff.

• Scan letters received for finance and deal with these appropriately (sharing with the relevant individual and/or filing on the shared drive).

• Download bank statements on a daily basis and save on the shared drive.

Financial controls

• Reconciliation of simple balance sheet accounts (e.g. petty cash, debit notes, deposit accounts) on a monthly basis. • Reconciliation of properties bank accounts and deposit accounts on a monthly basis.

• Support the Finance Officer (Income) with donations collections and trips to the bank to deposit cash and cheque donations, ensuring all cheques and cash received are banked promptly and securely.

• Provide assistance with the annual audit and the preparation of the statutory accounts, particularly with regard the provision of supporting documentation.

Financial processing

• Manage the corporate credit card process and user register, including onboarding of new users.

• Issue monthly credit card statements to staff members for their expenses submissions.

• Conduct first finance review of monthly credit card submissions and collate the supporting documentation submitted, ready for posting.

• Collate Out of Pocket expenditure claims and conduct a first review of these before processing by the Finance Officer (Expenditure). 

• Support the Finance Officer (Income) with quarterly donor pledge statements process.

• Post property and Victoria Hall interest, bank sweeps, and charges into Business Central.

Supporting others

• Perform any other financial duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Financial Controller, Properties Finance Manager, Head of Finance and Operations.

• Supporting Finance Officers (Income and Expenditure) and covering key tasks in their absence

Qualifications

• Educated to A-Levels (desirable).

Experience

• Experience using Excel and MS Office suite.

• Flexible approach to working, able to pick up a variety of tasks/projects with minimal supervision; ability to anticipate issues or scenarios, and to address them proactively

• Experience of charity accounting and knowledge of such requirements (desirable).

Skills

• Highly organised with good administrative skills.

• Good interpersonal, customer care and liaison skills with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Fluent in oral and written English.

• A commitment to high professional and personal standards and continuous improvement.

• Strong numerate skills with acute attention to detail.

• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and delivering to tight deadlines.

Knowledge

• Understanding of and appreciation for ADKN’s goals, values and ethics.

• Awareness of charity accounting, charity fundraising regulation and company legislation.

Application Details:

• Must have right to work in the UK.

•Must include CV and a supporting statement that outlines why they want the role, why they want to work for AKF(UK) and how their experiences and skills to date will make them the most suitable applicant for the role.

Inter Mediate is a London-based peace-making charity supporting confidential negotiations in some of the world’s most challenging conflicts. Reporting to the Head of Finance, working closely with the Operations Director, and in close coordination with staff across IM, the key tasks of this role are to:

• Take a proactive and principal role in supporting Inter Mediate’s financial compliance;
• Support Inter Mediate to fulfil its accountability to funders;
• Take an active role in supporting and guiding the projects teams in efficient budget tracking and monitoring;
• Take a proactive and principal role in supporting the Operations Director with various aspects of operations management for best practice and compliance;
• Take an active role in supporting secure and compliant IT operations;
• Provide other general support when required for the smooth running of the organisation.

Specific responsibilities

Finance

Working with the Head of Finance as required:

• Record and process a range of financial transactions accurately and efficiently to deadline in Sage 50 software (often in multiple currencies). Maintain financial records ensuring accuracy to facilitate internal and external audit processes;
• Take the lead in compiling, tracking and monitoring project budgets in close collaboration with operations and project teams;
• Track project and core expenditure and support in preparation of accurate, compliant and timely financial reports to funders to satisfy reporting requirements;
• Help to compile and monitor project budgets, log activities and record/prepare relevant material for grant audits;
• Implement and maintain financial policies and procedures;
• Manage book-keeping function by recording invoices, ensuring that they are promptly  authorised in line with agreed financial procedures and paid on time;
• Manage complex cash and credit card expenses by collating and recording in multiple currencies; and taking charge of banking, petty & foreign cash accounts;
• Take the lead on initiatives to research, introduce and implement appropriate finance software to make the finance function more efficient;
• Be prepared to play an active role as IM brings management accounting in-house
• Support Inter Mediate with company and grant audits.

Operations

Working with the Operations Director as required:

• Assist with researching and implementing operations systems, policies and procedures (as requested by the Operations Director;
• Assist with timesheets, and absence reporting management;
• Collaborate with operations and project teams in complying with donor requirements;
• Undertake special projects such as aspects of the salary and benefits benchmarking exercise;
• Assist with smooth running of the office and maintenance of office systems and equipment, including stationery orders, overseeing subscriptions and shredding.

General

• Assist with organising meetings and events, including travel logistics, and providing other general support when required.

Are you ready to bring your finance and operations expertise to a cause that helps resolve some of the world's most complex conflicts? A respected London-based peacebuilding charity is seeking a Senior Finance and Operations Officer on an initial 12-month temporary basis. This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of a small, dynamic team working confidentially in some of the most challenging and sensitive international environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on financial compliance and maintain robust financial records in Sage 50
• Collaborate with teams to track project budgets and compile financial reports for funders
• Manage multi-currency transactions, invoices, expenses, and petty cash
• Support the transition to in-house management accounting and help optimise finance systems
• Assist in maintaining and improving operations processes, office systems, and HR tracking

My client is looking for:

• At least 2 years' experience in charity finance.
• Part-qualified with a relevant degree
• Proficiency with Sage 50, Excel, and budget/report preparation
• A proactive, solutions-oriented team player with attention to detail
• Experience handling multi-currency transactions and grant compliance

If you thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments and want your skills to contribute to global peace efforts, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to make a real-world difference.

Applications are under constant review and the post can close early if the right candidate is found. Please apply immediately if this role is of interest.

In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.

Who we are: Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) is the only UK registered charity to focus exclusively on supporting the conservation and sustainability of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Our programmes respond to major threats to the Islands and the surrounding marine reserve including pollution, invasive species, overfishing and climate change. We take a ‘science to solutions’ approach, ensuring our programmes are based on robust science and result in solutions being implemented. We work in collaboration with an ecosystem of partners, taking a ‘grassroots to Government’ approach to ensure conservation solutions are co-designed, accepted, and effective. 

Job Overview: Galapagos Conservation Trust is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual to support our Financial Director and organisational teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in finance operations, a trustworthy problem solver with a can-do attitude, and the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and efficiency. The successful individual will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to operate independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across the organisation, supporting them with accurate financial insights and guidance.  

  Key Responsibilities: 

Financial operations and month end reporting 

• Manage the day-to-day transactional processing and reporting activities of the finance function, including but not limited to: 

• Income processing within subscriber and Xero 

• Payments and receipts 

• Monthly close process, ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately and completed within the month end timetable 

• Processing of monthly journals 

• Accruals and prepayments 

• Balance sheet reconciliations 

• Monthly financial reporting 

• Cashflow 

• Support the Ecuadorian financial reporting where needed 

• Departmental spend analysis for the Programmes, Operations, Fundraising and Communications teams 

• Monthly contractor cost reporting 

• Liaise with external accounting support for preparation of the quarterly management account pack 

• Support the programmes team with key finance files including but not limited to the PSP and project budgets 

Budgeting and forecasting 

• Support the Finance Director and SLT with budgets and forecasts at an organisational and departmental level 

• In close coordination with the Programmes team, support the financial aspects of partnership agreements/grant making 

• Maintain internal tools to help track secured funding vs forecast spend and help ensure data remains up to date 

• Monthly cashflow forecasting 

• Open, timely, and respectful, communication with team on financial status, challenges and problem-solving 

Database and data management

• Help ensure the accuracy and integrity of data in the finance and CRM systems. 

• Help ensure GDPR compliance across the organisation 

Cash Management 

• Process banking payments, ensuring all appropriate documentation and approvals are in place 

• Bank account management 

Governance and risk management 

• Support the design and implementation of effective quality controls to ensure compliance through manuals, policies, checklists, templates, and other tools 

• Support with the preparation of Board and Committee papers 

• Trustee liaison

Audit, grant applications and gift aid

• Support on all audits and statutory compliance in line with UK regulations and compliance requirements 

• Quarterly gift aid returns 

• Provide financial support for grant applications 

• Support the programmes team on grant audits 

Key skills and experience 

Must have: 

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) 

• High quality analytical skills to be able to understand and analyse the financial data. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of stakeholders 

• Experience working within financial planning, accounting and analysis, providing budgeting and forecasting support for budget holders 

• Ability to work under pressure, managing competing deadlines

• Good knowledge of Microsoft applications, in particular Excel 

Desirable: 

• Experience working with Xero

• Charity sector experience or experience of grant-giving organisations 

Key information 

Place of work: Galapagos Conservation Trust office, central London (hybrid working with min.

2 days per week in the office). This is a UK-based role, please only apply if you

are legally entitled to work in the UK and can easily travel to our London office

                                       (near Waterloo). 

Hours of work: Full time (35 hours per week) 

Salary:£35k - £40k, 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and day off for birthday 

Reports to:                 Finance Director

Closing Date:12 noon, 30 May 2025 

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment. GCT welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic. 

GCT politely requests no contact from agencies. 

About Lumos

Lumos is an international children’s charity founded in 2005 by the author J.K. Rowling to end the harmful practice of institutionalisation of children. Lumos’s mission is to fight for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.  Our vision is for all children to grow up in safe and loving families. 

Despite clear evidence of the harms of institutionalisation, an estimated 5.4 million children worldwide continue to live in institutions. Separated from their families and communities, these children are deprived of the love, attention and opportunities they need to thrive. Our three-pronged approach is to prevent family separation, to protect children and to promote care reform. We’ve made important progress in closing harmful institutions and reuniting children with their families. And where children are unable to live with their birth families, we promote alternative family-based care, such as kinship care and quality foster care.  Thanks to our tireless efforts alongside many other champions of care reform, the harms of institutionalisation are now more widely understood. A global movement is underway and the UN, the EU and some large development agencies have joined individual countries in pledging to change how they care for vulnerable children.  We are committed to ensuring that global policy commitments are translated into local action, leading to sustainable change for vulnerable children.

JOB PURPOSE

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and organised operations professional to play a key role in strengthening the systems, processes and projects that will underpin our 10-year ambition. The Fundraising Operations Officer will help drive improvements in how the Fundraising team manages data, reporting and income tracking. The role supports the smooth running of Fundraising operations by improving and maintaining systems, processes and administrative functions, ensuring the global team runs smoothly and efficiently.

This is a newly established role that will offer hands-on experience in project coordination, risk escalation and CRM management, and will support you to develop technical and strategic skills in an international fundraising environment. Working closely with teams across Lumos, you’ll be part of an ambitious, values-led organisation where collaboration and continuous improvement are at the heart of what we do.

KEY OBJECTIVES

Operational Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day Fundraising operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, e.g. GDPR and IATI, across all relevant jurisdictions
• When needed, coordinate process improvement initiatives that support Fundraising delivery and create efficiencies, ensuring they work alongside those already used within Lumos
• Manage back-office functions for recruitment, inductions of new starters in the Fundraising team, and management of contractors and other suppliers as appropriate
• Provide operational support for events, including managing guest lists, monitoring expenditure, helping with venue logistics and on-the-day activities
• Help maintain and improve internal systems and team documentation (e.g., on SharePoint)
• Support the drafting of Fundraising policies, procedures and systems used by the organisation
• Maintain records of Gift Aid declarations and support the quarterly claims process

Salesforce Administration

• Act as our day-to-day administrator for our Salesforce database
• Manage the process of recording and reporting on information from Salesforce, maintaining accurate donor and income data, and ensuring up-to-date and consistent record keeping
• Take the lead on running selections and reports to support fundraising activity
• As needed, provide basic training and guidance about Salesforce for the team
• Work with the Finance team to reconcile donations recorded on Salesforce with their records

Information Management

• Support the Director of Fundraising with financial planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis to inform key strategic decisions.
• Deliver accurate and timely income and activity reporting to key stakeholders, including the Chief Executive, Trustees and the Fundraising Committee and to share with external agencies such as the Fundraising Regulator.
• Maintain the risk register, ensuring it reflects activity and can be used as a tool by the Director of Fundraising and Chief Executive

Fundraising Support

• Provide administrative and coordination support for fundraising campaigns, appeals and events
• Assist with donor stewardship, including thank-you letters and donor communications
• Respond to enquiries via the Fundraising inbox, social media or post
• Support scheduling and coordination of Fundraising meetings and cross-team projects
• Collaborate across the organisation to ensure fundraising needs are integrated and aligned

Safeguarding

Lumos is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children, adults at risk and the wider communities in which we work. All staff and associates must:

• Carry out all duties with an awareness and understanding of the Safeguarding requirements within the area of responsibility.
• Ensure work complies with all safeguarding policies and procedures
• Ensure the that their behaviours and actions support the safeguarding of children, adults at risk and others and are in line with Lumos policies relating to conduct.

This exciting new role is perfect for a candidate who is ready to make the role their own, and a self-starter keen to make an immediate impact, through a combination of:

• Supporting the expansion and transformation of our client advice services by ensuring operational service procedures are established, embedded and monitored.
• Exploring, implementing and enabling office and hybrid-working modernisations, including supporting senior members of the operational team to implement business innovations around hybrid-working software, HR systems, and integration of technology (possibly including AI) into our work.
• Alleviating administrative burdens so far as possible on our team delivering advice to clients, helping us to make an even greater impact on our community.
• Contributing to the design and development of robust policies that relate to office and outreach coordination, HR support and budgeting.
• Supporting our supervisory team in their management of people and relevant office administration duties.
• Maintaining and developing office resources, including our office manual, IT equipment, and shared online and offline documents.
• Supporting the trustee board and senior members of the leadership team in the delivery of their strategic goals and day-to-day administration.

Job Description

In this pivotal role, you are responsible for ensuring not only the efficient and effective operation of the organisation, but also the quality of public engagement and the achievement of CSC’s annual direct revenue targets. You help steer and coordinate all of CSC’s workstreams, translating the organisation’s vision into action that is grounded, sustainable, and scalable. Your remit includes oversight of all public and school engagement, operations at the Trinity Centre, and outreach delivery for remote-site pop-ups.

People and talent management sit at the heart of this role. CSC is powered by an exceptionally skilled, passionate, and committed team, and your primary responsibility is to create the conditions in which they can thrive. You coordinate planning across functions, define clear pathways forward, remove obstacles, and keep priorities aligned—empowering others to do their best work.

You are a thoughtful, supportive, and trusted leader—respected for your fairness, clarity, and calm. You set high standards, not through pressure, but by fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and mutual respect. You understand the value of developing individuals and teams, nurturing talent while keeping the organisation agile and focused.

Empathy, clarity, and accountability are central to your leadership approach. You bring a “firm but fair” ethos to everything you do—balancing care with rigour, and ensuring people feel valued, heard, and united in purpose.

You lead CSC’s budgeting, cost control, and direct revenue generation, working closely with the Finance Director to oversee all financial operations. Beyond finance, you are responsible for maintaining and evolving the IT and business systems that underpin CSC’s day-to-day operations—ensuring the organisation can coordinate effectively, track progress, and resolve issues with a solutions-focused mindset.

Leveraging Cambridge’s world-class deep-tech ecosystem, you help ensure CSC remains at the forefront of best-in-class management systems and processes. You assess their potential for cost-effectiveness and operational value before planning and managing implementation.

You also work in close partnership with the CEO and Board to identify organisational risks and develop robust mitigation strategies—ensuring CSC remains resilient, responsive, and well-positioned for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of CSC’s annual operational plan, aligning delivery with strategic priorities, managing budget adherence, and reporting quarterly to the Board on progress and performance.

• Oversee the organisation’s engagement with the public, schools, and local communities, including activity at the Trinity Centre and through outreach initiatives.

• In coordination with fellow Directors, support the CEO in translating their vision and strategy into actionable workflows by setting measurable goals, assigning clear ownership, and guiding team leads to develop practical delivery plans—overseeing progress and ensuring alignment throughout.

• Develop and maintain a corporate dashboard that provides a clear, at-a-glance view of the organisation’s performance against its annual plans—offering an ongoing health check throughout the year.

• Ensure regular, focused cross-team check-ins are in place to support coordination, align workflows, and provide timely visibility of upcoming activities and priorities.

• Line-manage the Visitor Experience Manager and Engagement and Logistics Lead.

• Support the Visitor Experience Manager in setting and achieving annual direct revenue targets, while ensuring Cambridge Science Centre serves as a vibrant showcase of the organisation’s brand and values.

• Support the Engagement and Logistics Lead to ensure the delivery team is well-trained, motivated, and equipped to deliver high-quality engagements. Oversee the development of fair and forward-planned rotas, and ensure any unassigned delivery capacity is allocated in a way that maximises value for CSC while supporting individual development and growth.

• Support the Outreach and Innovation Manager to integrate their team’s workflow with that of the Delivery and Visitor Engagement team.

• Ensure that each team member has a clearly defined individual development plan reviewed and agreed annually, with regular check-ins to keep progress on track and ensure ongoing support throughout the year.

• Set and regularly review CSC’s corporate policies to ensure they remain current, relevant, and understood by all staff.

• Ensure all staff receive appropriate training to maintain a safe, low-risk environment for both colleagues and the public at all times—covering safeguarding, health and safety, de-escalation, and emergency procedures.

• Review all CSC contracts at key development stages to ensure commitments are clearly understood, feasible, and aligned with the organisation’s capacity to deliver.

• Oversee CSC’s contractual fulfilment and organisational risk management, including asset tracking and oversight in coordination with the Visitor Engagement Manager and Product Development Officer. Work alongside the Finance Director to maintain and review the company’s risk register on a six-monthly basis, ensuring risks are monitored and mitigated effectively.

• Oversee the implementation and ongoing management of IT, HR, and business systems—ensuring effective staff training, consistent usage, and accessible support to maximise organisational efficiency and impact.

• Manage CSC’s documentation policies, digital archiving, and workspace structures (e.g., Google Drive), including the assignment and oversight of access permissions to ensure clarity, security, and ease of use.
   

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Brings a solutions-oriented mindset and a practical, inclusive approach to problem-solving, underpinned by a positive and collaborative “can-do” attitude.

• A seasoned line and team manager who leads with a “firm but fair” ethos—valuing clear communication, personal accountability, and empathetic leadership to foster a supportive and high-performing team culture.

• Proven experience overseeing spaces, systems, and logistical operations, preferably within a public venue environment, with a strong understanding of the practicalities of day-to-day visitor management and operational delivery.

• An inclusive and approachable leader with a natural curiosity, you foster an open-door culture and ask the right questions to help people and teams explore ideas and reach effective solutions.

• You are detail-oriented and methodical, ensuring that planning is assigned, completed, and maintained. You work well in advance to create plans that are clear, comprehensive, and easy to follow—making sure everyone understands their role and is committed to achieving shared goals.

• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

• Confident and literate in IT networks and business systems, with the ability to navigate, implement, and support digital tools that enhance organisational efficiency.

• Driven to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes in everything you do.

• Proven ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changing priorities.

• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• A collaborative work ethic that enables you to work effectively with colleagues and partners across a diverse range of projects and disciplines.

• Achieve a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Desirable Criteria

• Proven experience managing public engagement across multiple sites, including coordinating dynamic pop-up exhibitions and events.

• A keen interest in staying informed about global developments and emerging trends in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Customer service skills and experience.

• A qualification or training in business or operational management would be advantageous, but relevant experience and skills will also be highly valued.

• Full clean driving license

Working Conditions
The primary locations for this role will be Cambridge Science Centre's Head Office at 44 Clifton Road, Cambridge, CB1 7ED (assigned desk or workspace) and the Cambridge Science Centre at Trinity Centre, Cambridge Science Park, CB4 0FN (hotdesking model).

In addition, there will be travel (primarily driving with a company or hire vehicle) to the semi-permanent centre (Inspire Wisbech Centre, Wisbech, PE13 1AR) and, on occasion a variety of locations across the East of England.

We offer the option of flexible hybrid working where and when possible.

Advancement Opportunities

CSC invests in its staff through a structured career-planning framework. As a senior staff member, your training will focus on developing best practice within the areas you manage, tailored to both organisational goals and your professional growth. These individual development opportunities are reviewed and planned annually, ensuring your continued progression and alignment with CSC’s strategic objectives.

Standard working hours are 7.5 hours per day

Parking and bike storage are available at both CSC locations.

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays

• Mental health support in partnership with BetterHelp

• Contributory pension scheme

Recruitment Process and Timeline:

To apply for the position of Director of Operations and Engagement at Cambridge Science Centre, please submit your CV and a Cover Letter explaining why you are interested in joining the Centre and how your skills and experience align with the role.

At CSC, we’re committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our work. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in science engagement.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, dynamic and commercially minded individual to join the Senior Management Team of one of the UK’s leading museums. Working alongside the Director and Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance and Resources will oversee the financial management of the organisation.

The successful candidate will be a qualified Accountant with a proven track record of operating at a senior level.  They will have the ability to offer insight and challenge for future development, whilst ensuring the financial sustainability and growth.

The Director of Finance & Resources is responsible driving the quality and transparency of financial management and reporting, ensuring robust financial controls and the smooth running and management of Museum and Trading finances.

With experience at Board level, they must be comfortable with presenting to Boards, have the ability to develop strategy and present business plans.

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client in their search for a Head of Finance and Operations who will lead a small dynamic team and strengthen financial and operational functions during a pivotal time of growth for the organisation.

This is a full-time, one-year fixed-term contract based in London (Hybrid). The post is renewable funding dependent. The salary for this role is £65,000 per annum.

The organisation's mission is to support global efforts to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and strengthen national and international responses to it through research and action on CRSV against men and boys. Working with victims/survivors and in partnership with national and international actors on the ground, the charity undertakes long-term, in-depth work in selected conflict-affected countries, currently Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, and Ukraine.

In this role you will report to the Executive Director and lead a hands on, driven small team. You will play a key role contributing both strategically and operationally.

You will take ownership of all aspects of financial management. This includes, financial planning and reporting, preparing management accounts, audits, bookkeeping, budget management, grant reporting, maintenance of financial systems and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

In terms of operational management, you will work with the Executive Director and support with HR, IT and Digital Security, Risk, Security and Compliance functions.

To be successful in this role, you will have a professional accounting qualification (e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA and other alternatives) or qualified by demonstrable experience. You will have experience working in NGO’s or organisations being funded primarily through grant funding.

You will have experience in financial reporting, budget management, audit preparation, grant reporting and presenting financial information to stakeholders. You will have a strong analytical mindset. You will be an excellent communicator who has experience liaising with a range of different stakeholders.

You will have experience/strong interest in at least one of the following areas: Human Resources, IT, Risk Management, Compliance, and a willingness to develop your knowledge of these areas.

Desirably, you will have experience dealing with USAID, EU, UN, and other bi-lateral and multi-lateral funding. You will also have experience managing digital tools/software’s and asset registers.

Who are Guts UK Charity?

Guts UK Charity is committed to a world where digestive conditions are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need. Too many people are suffering or dying in silence or alone. They don’t know where to turn for information or support, diagnosis takes too long for many, and treatment can often come too late.​

We are the only UK charity funding research into the digestive system. We raise vital awareness of digestive conditions, fund life-saving research, and provide patients and loved ones with expert information and support – we are informed by evidence and expertise, our community, and the patient voice.​ 

Our mission is simple: to improve the lives of millions of people affected by digestive conditions 

The role of Finance Manager

​The Finance Manager will oversee the finance operations and lead on the preparation of management accounts, budgets, funding requests and internal and external reporting. The Finance Manager plays a crucial role in helping the Board and leadership team understand their performance and their ability to deliver an ambitious growth plan over the next five years. This job presents a great opportunity for someone experienced with charity management accounting and reporting who has a keen eye for detail and process improvement and a desire to be part of a charity that’s only going to get bigger and more influential!  

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have significant experience with finance operations, management accounts, reporting and budgeting in a charity or NFP organisation
• Have a sound understanding of accounting practices, policies and Charity SORP
• Have experience supporting with the financial aspects of trust, grant and partnership applications
• Want to work hands-on as part of a small, dynamic team
• Have a passion for our cause, and a desire to advance the work that we do as a charity

The Finance Manager is one of just 3 members of the Finance & Operations team including the COO and the Finance & Administration Officer. We’re looking for someone dynamic and driven who likes to work autonomously, solve problems pragmatically and plan and organise their time effectively.

Location

We have offices in London and Huddersfield which are easily accessible by road or public transport. We support hybrid working but attendance in one of the offices [dependent on your location] is required on an average of 1 day per week. If you are interested in the role but have queries about office-base requirements, please contactus to discuss.

Please see the attached detail job pack for further information and how to apply. 

The Finance Officer will join a small and dynamic team that covers Finance, Human Resources, IT and Business Operations. The Finance & Operations team play a critical role by running the day-to-day operations and providing the infrastructure that enables the continued delivery of the Trust’s mission and objectives.

The Sutton Trust is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Finance Officer to join the team and provide crucial support on a range of key finance processes. This is a fast-paced and hands-on role that requires an understanding of basic finance processes. You can expect a steep learning curve in a passionate and supportive working environment.

We have recently introduced a new accounting system and are looking for someone who is willing to learn, make the most of the improved technology and contribute to automating (and improving) our finance processes. If you are up for a challenge, enthusiastic and keen to contribute your ideas, then come on this journey with us.

The Team

This role will fit into the small Finance & Operations team and will be line managed by the Finance Manager.

Main Duties

• Maintaining the Purchase Ledger including processing supplier invoices, staff expense claims, grant and bursary payments, reconciling statements and making the relevant payments
• Maintaining the Sales Ledger including raising invoices and allocating receipts
• Cash management including checking bank transactions daily, allocating transactions on the accounting system and producing regular bank reconciliations. Paying in cheques and reconciling floats, if required
• Maintaining accurate records of both unrestricted and restricted fund transactions including receipts, grants, staff expenses, overheads and cash
• Providing timely and accurate financial support to the Programmes, Development and Research teams to assist them with forecasting, budgeting, reconciliation and (donor) reporting
• Supporting with the month end procedures such as balance sheet reconciliations, depreciation, month end adjustments, salary and overhead allocations
• Gathering monthly payroll information and reviewing monthly payroll reports
• Assisting with the administration of the pension scheme and of employee benefits
• Preparing quarterly Gift Aid claims and maintaining the relevant supporting documentation
• Assisting with the year-end statutory accounts preparation, audit and budget setting process
• Ensuring that the filing is done in a timely manner and that all paperwork is up to date
• Proactively updating your own knowledge in relation to the role, identifying and undertaking appropriate training
• Keeping up to date with legislation, policies and procedures relevant to the role and the Trust’s work
• Other duties as necessary from time to time
• Contributing to continuous process improvement efforts and suggesting ways to further automate tasks with the new accounting system
• Assist with creating finance procedure notes for the new accounting system.

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

We are looking for an individual, who can demonstrate:

• Excellent numeracy skills and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task
• Sound understanding of double entry book-keeping including month end adjustments
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Confidentiality

and who is:

• AAT qualified, holds a similar qualification or is working towards qualification

In addition, experience in the following areas will help you to stand out. However, this is not required, and training will be provided if needed for the right candidate:

• Experience of working in a busy finance department with responsibility for similar tasks
• Experience of working in the education or not-for-profit sector
• Experience of working with Xledger or equivalent accounting software

Competencies

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage;
• A flexible and adaptable approach to accommodate the varying aspects of the role, able to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with a high degree of initiative
• Has excellent attention to detail
• Quick Learner with a proactive approach to problem solving

Other

• Eligible to work in the UK*

*Please note that we are not a licensed visa sponsor

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent (part-time considered)
• Salary: £33,000-£36,000
• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.
• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends
• A DBS check may be required

Interviews

Applications should reach us by midday, Thursday 22nd May, with first round interviews held at our London offices in the week commencing 2nd June, and second round interviews held over Zoom in the week commencing 9th June.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

Contextual recruitment

The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.

We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.