Finance assistant jobs

Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focusing on ambitious decisions for the environment. The finance assistant plays an essential role in maintaining control over our finances and operations.  This role will process and monitor financial transactions, liaise with our payroll bureau regarding staff payroll and pensions and support the head of finance.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who has a strong financial background with excellent attention to detail, a flexible attitude, an ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a small team, together with excellent organisation and administrative skills.

This is a temporary part-time role for two days a week until the end of March 2026, to start as soon as possible.

Key tasks and responsibilities

To process and monitor financial transactions, perform accounting reconciliations and help ensure that Green Alliance’s finances are accurate and up to date. Duties include the following:

• Prepare sales invoices and credit notes on our accounting system and email to customer. 
• Record purchase invoices and credit notes on accounting /system and allocate to correct expenditure and project codes. Obtain approval of invoices in line with our finance handbook.  Prepare fortnightly invoice payment run and enter to banking system for authorisation.
• Set up new suppliers on accounting system, completing Supplier Information Request forms and undertaking credit checks, where applicable.
• Processing of staff expenses, ensuring compliance with finance handbook, through to payment on banking system.
• Import credit card transactions to accounting system and prepare expense sheets for cardholders.  Once credit card expense sheet completed by credit card holder, agree to receipts and process for payment.
• Process, reconcile and pay monthly payroll run through a bureau.
• Help to prepare quarterly VAT returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations and the agreed formula for recovery.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations from bank import including allocation of all income and expenses to account codes.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain supplier records including validating and updating bank details, contact information, and remittance addresses.

• Monitor the Finance Department mailbox and in-tray, responding and redirecting queries as appropriate.

• Process financial transactions including supplier invoices and staff/credit card expense claims in accordance with agreed processes and deadlines.

• Support preparation and batching of weekly and ad-hoc payment runs, ensuring proper documentation is attached and ready for approval. Our family of brands includes:

• Complete bank reconciliations and assist in routine reconciliations of supplier accounts, and other control accounts under the guidance of the Senior Finance Assistant.

• Maintain accurate and organised filing (electronic and paper) for all processed work.

• Assist with audit and reporting tasks by retrieving and preparing documentation as required.

• Provide cover and support across other transactional processes during peak times or absences

Work environment

The post holder should expect to: Work in a hybrid hot desk environment, generally working 2 days a week in the London office and three from home.

Be responsible for the input and maintenance of databases and files relevant to the post requirements.

Will occasionally be required to attend events in the evening and at weekends.

Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role

Essential Experience

• Basic to intermediate Excel skills (Essential)

• Good understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles

Desirable

• Experience with finance software – ideally Access Financials

• Salesforce experience

• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy

• Strong planning and organisational skills, with ability to manage deadlines and multitask

• Effective communicator with good interpersonal skills

• Adaptable, proactive, and a self-starter

• Team player who can support cross-functional collaboration

• Eager to learn and contribute to continuous improvement of finance processes 

Job Purpose

To support the Finance Manager in delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, including the preparation of management accounts, statutory financial statements, and budget monitoring. The postholder will take full ownership of the charity’s purchase ledger function and banking operations, ensuring robust financial controls and strong supplier and banking relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly management accounts production.
• Lead on the purchase ledger function, including processing, reconciling, and maintaining supplier accounts.
• Administer the purchase order workflow, actively chasing outstanding invoices and resolving queries with requesters to maintain smooth processing.
• Credit Card – Distribute statements for coding and monitor their return to ensure compliance within the specified timeframe.
• Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate payments in line with internal controls.
• Maintain and reconcile bank accounts, including daily banking and month-end reconciliations.
• Support the production of statutory accounts in accordance with the Charity SORP and liaise with external auditors.
• Support the Finance Manager in developing and improving financial systems and procedures, ensuring all documentation remains current.
• Provide financial insight and support to non-finance colleagues across the organisation.
• Assist with payroll processing and pension contributions, as required.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and relevant legislation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Part-qualified or qualified by experience in accounting (e.g. AAT, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven experience managing a purchase ledger and banking platforms.
• Strong understanding of charity finance and the Charity SORP.
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. Sage) and Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial information to non-finance staff.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Familiarity with restricted and unrestricted fund accounting.
• Experience supporting audits and liaising with external stakeholders.

Benefits of working at Chain of Hope

• The opportunity to work for an internationally respected children’s charity, making a tangible difference to young lives around the world
• Fully serviced, modern office based in a FORA building in West London, with access to an on-site gym and high-quality facilities
• Private healthcare
• Supportive, collaborative and values-driven working environment
• Flexible working arrangements, where role-appropriate
• Competitive annual leave allowance, plus public holidays
• Employer pension contribution
• Opportunities for learning, professional development and skills growth
• A chance to be part of a small, passionate team where your contribution is visible and valued