Finance jobs in acton, greater london

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

About you and the role

This is a pivotal role, at a pivotal moment for us. We are entering a critical growth phase, which includes rapidly expanding our own operations and managing significant external partnership. As Head of Finance & Systems, you will be accountable for ensuring we have the right systems and structures in place to grow at pace without detriment to good governance.

The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained. 

You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 24 employees and anticipate growing significantly in the next twelve months. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance. 

You will oversee all financial administration, ensuring this is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation.

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.  

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.  

Key responsibilities:

• Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities

• Developing our systems strategy, including reviewing suitability of our current systems (Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc. ) and ensuring optimal use of systems, maximising automation, and using AI where appropriate.

• Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches

• Leading and developing the Finance and Office Manager and ensuring effective support from the external book-keeping team.

• Lead on creation of the annual budget, working closely with Directors.

• Advising the Chief Executive, team and Trustees, ensuring that benefits and risks of decisions are fully considered and fit with the overall financial strategy

• Oversee sound financial administration, management and governance across the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls in place and operating effectively.

• Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team, and coaching on financial awareness. 

• Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks 

• Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the Finance & Office Manager

• Oversee production of management accounts and bespoke financial reports, including accurate forecasting, incisive analysis and accessible narrative commentary, ensuring decision-makers have the information they need. 

• Forecasting cash flow and managing the treasury position.

• Support the Partnerships & Impact team and Programme Managers with financial inputs to funding proposals and ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with grant conditions.

• Oversight of finance, governance and basic HR administration, supporting the Finance and Office Manager with high profile or complex queries, seeking specialist advice on financial or compliance matters as required

• Ensuring GDPR compliance across the organisation

• Leading an effective risk management process.

• Ensuring the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and all financial reporting requirements.

Skills & experience:

• You have interest and belief in our mission, to improve kids’ health through improving food and food education in schools

• You have full or partial qualification through an accredited accountancy body 

• You have experience in a senior finance role (e.g., Director, Head of) in any sector, and some experience within a finance function in the 3rd sector (in particular familiarity with Charities SORP and experience of administering restricted funds).

• You have experience of audit

• You enjoy a mix of leadership and rolling up sleeves to get hands on 

• You take a pragmatic and dynamic approach to robust financial management

• You can turn complex and dry data, into clear and engaging narrative 

• You have project managed the implementation of new systems (accountancy / CRM / data) and have a good awareness of new technologies

• You are organised, methodical, strong on detail, and able to map out deadlines and plan ahead 

• You are skilled in leading a team and building rapport with people, and strike a balance between being supportive and challenging 

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays.  We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.

Application process

In line with our commitment to ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we invite candidates to answer a series of questions related to their day-to-day job. Please follow this link to answer the questions and submit your application along with your CV.

We recommend that you develop your answers offline and copy them in when you’re ready to ensure you don’t lose your work if interrupted.

Your answers will go through our sifting process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. A long list of candidates will then additionally have their CVs reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 mins online interview. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview at our office in Brixton, London.

Expected duration of this application process: 7 weeks

First interviews will be held on Thurs 14th Aug.

Second interviews will be held on Weds 20th Aug. 

International Medical Corps (UK) is an international humanitarian non-governmental organisation (NGO) with its headquarters in London. IMC UK was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales on July 2, 2002, and registered as a charitable organisation with the Charity Commission on September 19, 2002. Activities commenced on November 1, 2002. IMC UK’s mission is to provide humanitarian assistance, healthcare and training to communities affected by disasters, conflict, and poverty, so they can return to self-reliance. The Charity is an independent affiliate of International Medical Corps, a US-registered non-profit organisation that shares the same mission, and International Medical Corps Croatia, an association registered in Croatia

JOB SUMMARY:

 To deputise for IMC UK Director of Finance and work closely with budget holders and counterparts in Split and LA to provide 'real time' support and analysis, that will assist budget holders and IMC UK in decision-making.

Manage the day to day financial activities of International Medical Corps UK with specific focus on financial management, budgeting and corporate financial planning, and ensuring that the finance team is achieving expected deliverables timely and accurately. 

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Planning

1. Active participation in drafting IMC UK annual budget for board of Trustees approval.

2. Monthly Updates of Rolling Forecast of IMC UK corporate costs. As the responsible finance officer train and regularly collaborate with Budget Managers to ensure that corporate forecasts are accurate, relevant and reliable by ensuring that; b), to confirm that:

2.1.  Staff cost projections – work in collaboration with HR team to ensure that IMC UK staff projections include  hire plans, transfer plans, allocation plans, field deployment, terminations, promotions etc.

2.2 HQ Non Labour Cost Projections – monthly review and cost projections should be updated to reflect IMC UK’s latest plans; For example, Travel budgets should be updated if no travel has taken place during the month and not likely to happen in next 2 months. Professional fees - are there valid consultancy agreements in place or is it still in the pipeline and the lag should be built into.

2.3. Provide SFD with latest IMC UK corporate expenditure position with the following details:

 - Movement on IMC UK costs vs IMC costs

 - Breakdown of fixed costs vs variable costs under IMC UK pipeline

 - New positions projected and salary costs allocations;

 - Service fee analysis by departments and seek explanations on movements from HQ teams of IMC UK affiliates;

 - Work with SFD to ensure IMC UK SMT approval on service fees is obtained;

Financial Control

3. Bookkeeping. Ensure that accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank & general ledger modules are maintained timely & accurately. Ensure that the following are available on file:

3.1. Monthly reconciliation of  payroll data,

3.2. Reconciliation of other control accounts including payroll, accruals, prepayment;

4. Internal Control & Regulations.  Ensure that all relevant procedures are maintained in relation  to a) Procurement process, b) Financial procedures & approvals, c) Sanctions checks d) HMRC Tax - Payroll, Dispensation & VAT tax issues and e) Pensions are adhered to.

4.1. Finance manager shall prepare, plan and deliver training to all relevant staff members on IMC UK's financial,  approval  and allocation processes.

4.2. Maintain an exceptions register with incidences where the proper procedures have not been observed.

5. Banking & Cash Projections. To monitor and update the Finance Director on

5.1 IMC UK banking and sanctions compliance requirements are updated and adhered to;

5.2 IMC UK Cash requirements projections are updated on a monthly basis on the last day of the month;

5.3 intercompany settlements are reviewed and undertaken on a timely manner

5.4  Summary of bank charges by IMC UK bankers are monitored  on a regular basis;

6. FOREX.

6.1.  Work with finance team to ensure that funds in other currencies are transferred into IMC UK functional currency – USD on an urgent basis. 

6.2 liaise with IMC UK bankers to offer effective solutions for transfers to sanctioned countries;

7. Payroll. 

7.1 Staff Cost projections.  Proactively work with HR, to provide input on cost implications for new hires; and update IMC UK’s financial projections systems with cost projections on all changes including  salary changes, increment implementation, benefits and deductions, vacation leaves pay, off-boarding of employees, and pension management.

7.2.  Posting monthly payroll costs to the ledgers.

7.3. Regular monthly payroll reconciliation with differences shared with SFD.

8. Pensions.  –

8.1 Effectively manage IMC UK Pensions Plan contributions in collaboration with HR. 

8.2 Ensure  appropriate and timely pensions contributions are made to pension provider. 

9. Public Donations – with collaboration with the Fundraising team, ensure accurate classifications and coding of restricted & unrestricted funds received;  For new appeals request for finance codes from IMC Finance team.

Financial Reporting

10. Monthly SMT report.  Produce by set date with analysis on income projections, expenditure projections, corporate cost breakdown, donor payments receivables, donor disallowed costs, intercompany balances and variance analysis and clarifications from relevant teams.  The following reports are reviewed to prepare the monthly reports:

• Summary pipeline report

• Shortfall Reports

• DR GR Reports

• Summary of cash inflow in IMC UK bank accounts fortnightly;

• Intercompany balance

• Services fees

11. Quarterly Management Accounts.  Produce within set timeline for board distribution following FD review. The Quarterly Management Account should be accompanied with the following details:

11.1. Valid variance analysis with input from operations and International Finance team

11.2. Detailed breakdown of unrestricted funds received and sources and updated unrestricted income projection;

11.3. Summary of key events affecting the figures reported;

12. Assets –

12.1 Regular update of IMC UK Asset list and annual update to IMC UK asset list with obsolete items;

12.2 VfM is achieved through competitive bidding process

Statutory Audit

13. Provide active support and planning in annual statutory audit undertaken on the company accounts, including:

13.1 assist with drafting of the financial statements for audit;

13.2 analysing and reconciling the underlying reports for the audit preparations;

13.3 Create audit file with back-up transaction details;

1. 13.4 Liaise with other corporate offices to provide inputs;

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by manager. Please note that the duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all inclusive. This job description is subject to review to ensure that it reflects the strategic direction requirements of International Medical Corps UK.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A recognized Accountancy qualification and/or related degree including a detailed technical knowledge of UK Financial legislation.

• Experience managing all aspects of financial statements from month end close to preparing financial statements / annual accounts and presentations for boards in a corporate headquarters environment

• Experience of working in the non-governmental sector at HQ level a plus Proven ability to lead, manage, motivate and develop a team; 

• Experience of working in a similar multi- HQ set-up an advantage.

• Ability to actively influence day to day decisions, shaping strategy and the direction of the business

• Ability to demonstrate initiative, be proactive and offer a solution-oriented approach

• Self-motivated, positive attitude, flexible and adaptable to the needs of team and organisations

• Proven track record of change management and influencing the organization

• Ability and willingness to undertake routine administrative tasks

• Ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels internally and externally

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines using multiple accounting software platforms

• Strong analytical skills and a commercial outlook

• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and work calmly under pressure

• Accounting for payroll and pensions experience

• Ability to travel on business trip if required

Finance Assistant
Duration: 2-month temporary role, supporting during a busy period
Pay: £14.87 per hour + £1.79 per hour holiday pay (Equivalent to £29,000 FTE / approx. £17,400 pro rata)
Hours: Part-time, Tuesdays to Thursdays, 22.5 hours per week (9am-5:30pm)
Location: Hybrid - 1 day per week in the West London (W6) office, with flexibility to increase office time during onboarding or as needed
Start date: ASAP

Charity People is delighted to partner with a leading international medical charity to recruit a Finance Assistant for a hands-on temporary role in a small, high-impact finance team. You'll be supporting day-to-day financial operations during a particularly busy period, working alongside a friendly, high-performing part-time team member and reporting to the Assistant Finance Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the finance inbox, managing incoming queries and correspondence professionally
• Prepare supplier folders for payment runs, ensuring invoice, purchase order, approval, and delivery note are matched and complete
• Prepare and process payment runs, including entering supplier payments into Sage 50 and sending remittance advice
• Support purchase order raising in collaboration with the Assistant Finance Manager (note: responsibility is shared depending on workload)
• Conduct general finance admin and data entry
• Provide support to the Finance Officer and Overseas Operations Manager as needed

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience with Sage 50, with confidence to use it independently - there will be a short test at interview
• Previous experience in a purchase ledger or finance assistant role, ideally within the charity sector
• High attention to detail and confidence managing documentation for supplier payments
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and take initiative
• A flexible, team-minded approach - this is a collaborative environment with occasional peaks in workload
• Willingness to attend the office 1 day per week (minimum), with more time required during the first week and attendance at occasional team meetings (every 6 weeks)

How to Apply:
If you're excited about this opportunity and meet the requirements, please send your CV as soon as possible. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so don't delay in applying!

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We know that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

About SPANA

SPANA (The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) is the global charity for the working animals of the world. Since our foundation in 1923, we have worked where they work, to support the welfare of working animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, dogs and camels. This is an exciting time to join the organisation, as we grow and expand our work.

About the role

The Finance Partner is a key role in a small finance team, working closely with colleagues across the charity to provide effective and efficient financial support. This role will:

• Provide financial reporting to external stakeholders
• Efficiently and proactively resolve financial queries
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting
• Administer and maintain a purchase ledger and general ledger, ensuring accurate recording of transactions
• Maintain bank accounts and action UK and international payments
• Perform monthly reconciliation of bank and other balance sheet accounts.

Please review the job description to see the key responsibilities for this position, and the person specification. 

Location, contract and salary

This is a full-time (34.5 hours per week), permanent role. SPANA works on a hybrid basis, with regular attendance (approximately 1-2 times per month, or more if preferred) in our London office. Candidates must be based in the UK and have the current right to work in the UK. 

The salary for this role is £34k-£37k per annum, subject to skills and experience.

SPANA offers a range of benefits to staff, including a generous company pension scheme with 10% employer contribution if the employee contributes at least 5%, and health care cash plan.

To apply

Please read the job description and person specification for full details on how to apply. Please state where you saw the role advertised in your email. 

The deadline for applications is 23:59 BST on 22 July 2025. 

Prospectus are delighted to be working with a long-standing client to recruit a Finance Assistant. This is a remote role, with the option for hybrid working 1–2 days per week from their Edinburgh office, based just a short walk from Waverley train station.

The role is offered on a permanent, full-time basis (37.5 hours per week, though 35 hours will be considered), with a salary of £27,000 pro rata per annum.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with bookkeeping experience, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage finance operations in a cloud-based environment.

Role Overview
The Finance Assistant will report to the Finance Manager and play a key role in delivering day-to-day accounting functions, ensuring smooth financial operations across purchase and sales ledgers, bank reconciliations, credit control, and payment processing.

The postholder will use Sage 50 Accounts, Excel, and online banking systems, while also interacting with Beacon CRM to track and reconcile donation and grant income. You’ll support month-end and year-end processes and assist in preparation for the annual audit.

Key Responsibilities

• Process purchase ledger invoices, obtain approvals, post to Sage, and set up BACS payments
• Administer staff and freelancer expense payments
• Generate sales invoices and monitor credit control
• Perform daily/weekly bank postings using bank feeds and reconcile bank accounts regularly
• Handle credit card postings and voucher collection
• Monitor shared finance inbox and respond to staff and supplier queries
• Post donations and subscription income and notify relevant teams of grant receipts
• Support reconciliation between Sage and Beacon CRM
• Assist with Gift Aid monitoring and continuous improvement of finance processes​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Proven experience in a similar finance assistant/bookkeeping role
• Proficiency with accounting software (ideally Sage 50), including general ledger, supplier and bank modules
• Strong MS Excel, Word, and Outlook skills
• Experience in purchase and sales ledger management
• Understanding of BACS payment processes
• Comfortable working independently and to deadlines in a remote setting

Desirable:

• Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Knowledge of fund accounting and Gift Aid
• Part-qualified or fully qualified (e.g. AAT) or qualified by experience
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Beacon
• Intermediate Excel skills (lookups, pivot tables, filtering)

Personal Attributes:

• Reliable, consistent, and detail-oriented
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Positive, enthusiastic, and willing to adapt to new ways of working
• Strong communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments

Financial Controller

About you

As Financial Controller you will oversee our finance function ensuring that our management reporting, payroll, VAT, forecasting, sales and purchase ledger processes run as efficiently as possible and safeguard the assets of the charity.

We run payroll for around 400 staff and one large part of the role will be improving the processes around this, with support from the Finance Director and Head of HR.

You will line manage and support the development of two Finance Officers. You will report to the Director of Finance & ICT.

This is a new role and is a great opportunity to make your mark in a fascinating and challenging organisation.

What we offer:

The role is hybrid and you will work two days a week either in our office in Wandsworth (SW18 3HR) or East Acton (W12 0AE)

Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, 3% contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.

Why Join Pact?

• Be part of a values-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Develop your leadership skills in a strategic finance role.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy.

How to apply:

If you feel that you meet the requirements of this exciting role please complete an application form by submitting your CV and Cover Letter.

Organisation:

Pact is a highly respected independent charity, working across England and Wales to develop and deliver a range of innovative services. We provide practical and emotional support to prisoner’s children and families, to prisoners and those who have resettled back into the community. Our work is founded on core values, the first of which is a belief in the innate dignity of every human being, and our work focuses on human relationships, family and community. We are committed to achieving high standards of quality in all that we do.

Other information:

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including from people with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).

This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgements may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison. We will also require a certificate of good conduct from the Police Force of the country of residence if you have resided overseas for a period of over 12 months (in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over).

Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a pioneering national charity that provides caring and life changing services to men and women in prison, to people with convictions on release and in the community, and to their children and families.

Pact’s vision is of a society in which justice is understood as a process of restoration and healing, in which prisons are used sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and in which the innate dignity and worth of every human being is valued. We work for the common good of Society, taking a public health-based approach. We work at the intersection of criminal justice, child and family welfare, mental health, wellbeing provision and health & social care.

Our volunteers and staff can be found in courts, prisons, probation services, and in communities across England & Wales. We are a diverse, inclusive, modern, and collaborative charity. We build effective partnerships and sustainable solutions based on our well-established understanding of the systems in which we work, and on our historic values and ethos developed through our 120 years of service delivery.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome requests for job adverts and descriptions in accessible formats (for e.g. larger text) for candidates with disabilities, including those with neurodiversity.

Location: Two days a week either in our office in Wandsworth (SW18 3HR) or East Acton (W12 0AE)
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £57,000
Benefits: Generous Holiday allowance Season Ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Charity worker discounts Enhanced maternity package Wellness, inclusion, and diversity groups EAP scheme Life assurance

You may also have experience in the following: Head of Finance, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, Finance Director, CIMA, ACCA, Finance Manager, etc.

REF-222 747

Your new company
My client is a large London-based charity.
Your new role
My role is Finance Assistant working in a busy team. Duties will include:
- Ensure all payments are allocated to customers' accounts and posted onto systems accurately and promptly; investigate and correct anomalies.
- Ensure queries and adjustments to accounts are dealt with promptly and within agreed timescales.
- Liaise with customers to facilitate prompt payment and accurate posting of monies received.
- Provide information to internal and external auditors as required.
- Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant legislation, procedures and best practice for the Accounts Receivable function.
- Maintain accurate data, managing large complex data sets in Excel and in-house systems.
What you'll need to succeed
In order to succeed, you will need:
- Prior experience working in a Finance team in a large complex business.
- Good understanding of the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and the implications of accounting entries in general.
- Ability to resolve complex payments issues through data analysis and proven problem-solving techniques.
- Good understanding of month-end routines for preparation of reporting and reconciliations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong systems and Excel skills.What you'll get in return
In return, you will have the opportunity to work with a large organisation and develop financial skills and experience. 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

Location: Hybrid, Old Street, London
Department: Finance
Salary: £48,863 per annum
Hours: 34.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed-term

Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future.

We bring people together to protect children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and in control of their bodies – even when disaster strikes. And we won’t stop until we are all equal.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a talented and dynamic finance professional to join our Finance Team. This is a temporary role, covering a period of leave for the current Finance Business Partner. This role forms part of the Financial Planning & Analysis team, working with budget holders to provide relevant insightful financial reporting, to understand the units key financial and non-financial drivers and to extract the key findings into a clear and concise story for the Plan UK leadership team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Finance professional, preferably with prior experience at an international charity, to seamlessly slot into a role that provides essential financial guidance and expertise for multiple stakeholders. You must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with people of varying seniority across the organisation, have excellent attention to detail and not be afraid to ask questions and challenge the way we do things.

If this sounds like you, and you have a genuine passion for our values, feminist leadership principles and vision, we would love to hear from you!

For further detail of this role, please see the job profile.

Please note that this is a fixed-term contract of up to 12 months to cover the absence of the permanent post holder.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Monday 21 July 2025
Interviews will take place on the week commencing Monday 28 June 2025

We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and adults in our work. We, therefore, apply rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only those who are suitable are recruited to work for us. Accordingly, appointment to all our roles is subject to a range of vetting checks including a Basic DBS check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences

Plan International UK is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

REF-222675

Finance Manager

Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact in education across sub-Saharan Africa?

Position: Finance Manager
Location: Remote (UK-based), with occasional travel as required
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week), with flexibility for 70%–80% part-time arrangements
Contract: Two years, with possible renewal subject to funding
Salary: £40 - £55k per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025 at 5pm GMT

About the Role
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Finance Manager to join ESSA’s international team and lead our UK financial operations. This vital role will support both UK and global finance functions, ensuring high-quality financial reporting, audit preparation, budgeting and compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

· Preparing monthly management accounts and variance analysis

· Leading year-end and audit processes for ESSA’s UK operations

· Ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and SORP

· Managing financial reporting for donor-funded projects, including the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL)

· Supporting budget development, forecasting and reforecasting

· Strengthening finance systems and controls, and developing financial capacity across the team

About You
We’re looking for a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

· At least 5 years’ experience in a finance role in a UK-registered charity

· Strong knowledge of UK charity accounting regulations and SORP

· Experience managing audits and supporting cross-border operations

· Advanced Excel and financial systems skills (AccountsIQ or QuickBooks an advantage)

· Excellent attention to detail and the ability to communicate financial information clearly

· The confidence to work independently in a remote, international team

Experience working in Africa or the international development or education sectors would be an advantage.

About the Organisation
Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) improves education outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa by using data and evidence to drive change. We work in partnership with researchers, educators, policymakers and employers to co-design solutions that strengthen education systems. Our values – evidence-driven, solutions-focused, building trust, and always learning – shape everything we do.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity Finance Manager, International Finance Lead, Head of Finance, Programme Finance Manager, Accountant – INGO, Financial Controller, Grants & Compliance Manager, Remote Finance Manager.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Bring your environmental passion for rivers to life!

Are you an enthusiastic finance professional who prides themselves on their attention to detail and excellence?  Would you like to work with the finance team for a charity who is invested in improving and making a real difference to our rivers here within the South East of England, which hosts some of the rarest Chalk streams on the planet?

About Us

The South East Rivers Trust (SERT), is the river restoration charity for the South East of England. Our vision is that rivers across the south east are clean, healthy and rich in biodiversity. Our mission is to restore and protect rivers and their catchments against multiple threats and a dramatically changing climate. We do this by:

• delivering evidence-based and nature-based solutions on land and in rivers;

• inspiring and empowering more people to protect rivers for the future.

Working at SERT is rewarding, fulfilling and busy. We work collaboratively and with passion, and this is reflected in our core values of: delivering high quality work, using expertise and scientific understanding, building good and effective relationships, and bringing positive energy to all we do. With rivers and catchments needing serious action to survive, our aims are growth and impact – so you’ll be comfortable with challenges and excited by change. If this sounds like an environment that you would thrive in, we would love to hear from you, please visit our website for more information.

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the South East Rivers Trust's Finance and Operations Team.  We are a small dynamic team, sitting at the heart of the organisation. The role reports directly to the Finance Manager and will provide support in administering all financial controls and processing for the organisation.  The successful applicant will come from a financial background with a strong understanding of financial principles, an accounting qualification and proficiency in Excel.  They will have experience in bookkeeping, reconciling accounts as well as dealing with banking, grant applications and expenses. 

The role would suit an individual, who is approachable and organised, with excellent attention to detail, able to work on their own or as part of a team.  The role involves liaising and following up with all teams to ensure the data provided is accurate and timely, to support grant applications, payments and audit requirements.

To be successful, they will need to be able to multitask, be proactive and have excellent communication skills, following up and advising staff across all teams.  They will need to have a positive attitude, and willingness to assist the whole team with other administrative tasks as and when required.  This role is predominantly working from home, with at least one day per week, (on a Thursday), working in the office in Leatherhead.

This is a part time position, to include Monday and Thursday (this being our in office day).  There may be a requirement to pick up additional hours to support with busy periods.

To apply for this position please complete an application form and send this together with your CV to us; further details can be found on our website.

Our partner seeks an all-round finance manager to take on the responsibility for supporting the smooth running of the finance function for a 3 month period.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the finance functions of the main charity and its associated trading entity, maintaining accuracy and efficiency across all financial records and transactions.
• Prepare monthly management accounts & analysis, ensuring these are properly communicated with budget holders.
• Prepare and present financial summaries and insights to support strategic decision-making by senior leadership and the Board of Trustees
• Maintain the cashflow forecast.
• Ensure all financial practices align with tax regulations, including VAT, Gift Aid submissions, and the preparation of required filings, including quarterly VAT returns.
• Process the payroll and administer the pension scheme.
• Liaise with external suppliers and manage banking arrangements.

Requirements

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant, with experience working in a similar role within a charity in the UK.
• Experience of preparing monthly management accounts, cashflow forecast, and summaries for senior leadership.
• Strong communication and business partnering skills, able to work effectively with finance, non-finance and senior leadership team members.

This is a 3-4 month fixed-term contract with an immediate start preferred. The organisation offers hybrid or remote working from the UK; the successful candidate will need to be in the UK for the duration of the contract, and therefore have the right to work.

Do you have a meticulous eye for numbers and a desire to support a great cause? We’re hiring a Finance Assistant to support the smooth and accurate financial operations of the charity, ensuring all transactions are recorded and processed in a timely manner. This role is key to helping the charity to manage its resources efficiently and transparently.

Find out more in the candidate pack on our website.

We are seeking a part-time Finance Manager for Energy Sparks, a charity working towards a sustainable future in which the school community is at the heart of measurable action to tackle climate change. Energy Sparks equips children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and tools to take practical action in their school and wider community to reduce carbon emissions. We enable school leaders, staff and communities to better understand and reduce their school’s energy consumption and introduce wider measures to reduce their carbon footprint. 

This is an exciting, new role in our growing team and provides a great opportunity to apply your financial accounting and management skills to help our charity flourish. As the only finance employee within a small organisation, this role will be a blend of weekly bookkeeping tasks alongside the preparation of management accounts and strategic oversight of Energy Sparks’ finances. The successful postholder will embrace the varied responsibilities. 

• Salary: £40,000-£42,000 pro rata dependent on experience

• Role initially offered 0.2 FTE. This can be worked 7.5 hours per week across the year or 8.75 hours per week term time only, with the opportunity for future growth, subject to income. Hours can be worked flexibly from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

• Home working with occasional team meetings in Bath (typically 1 visit per year, although for local employees there may be the opportunity to meet more often)

• Post holder must already have the legal right to work in the UK. 

Application deadline: 11:59pm Thursday 24th July 2025

To start September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About us

Energy Sparks is an online energy management tool and energy education programme specifically designed to help schools reduce their electricity and gas usage through the analysis of smart meter data. Energy Sparks helps pupils and the wider school community to reduce their school’s carbon emissions, and make a real contribution to addressing the 'climate emergency'. Energy Sparks started in 2017 in Bath, and is now working with over 1000 schools across the UK. 

Current annual income is £500,000 to £600,000 with expected growth in the 2025/2026 financial year. To date, the responsibilities in this job description have been delivered by the CEO. All staff work remotely with the core staff team based in the Bath area.

Key Responsibilities

Note: Energy Sparks currently uses the Xero accounting package to deliver most of the tasks below. 

1. Financial Reporting 

• Prepare monthly/quarterly management accounts, ensuring accurate reporting of income and expenditure.

• Provide financial reports to the CEO and Board of Trustees 

• Track restricted vs unrestricted funds and ensure proper allocation and reporting.

• Prepare the annual financial statements (in line with charity SORP).

2. Transaction recording and bank and payment reconciliation 

• Reconcile bank accounts weekly, including card payments

• Match incoming payments to invoices or grants

• Authorise and categorise supplier invoices

• Maintain accurate coding of income and spend to specific funders or grants (restricted/unrestricted funds), including apportioning staff salaries with manual journals

3. Accounts Payable and Receivable

• Process supplier payments

• Monitor supplier invoice due dates and ensure timely payment

• Issue sales invoices to schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and other partners

• Monitor accounts receivable and flag and chase overdue invoices with schools, MATs or partners.

• Monitor Energy Sparks account renewals and work with the wider team to issue renewal notifications.

4. Payroll 

• Check and post monthly payroll on Xero

• Post HMRC payments (PAYE/NIC)

• Process and post pension contributions

5. VAT

• Record input VAT on supplier payments including reverse charge VAT

• Correctly charge VAT on sales invoices

• Prepare quarterly VAT returns including accurate business/non-business apportionment for input VAT recovery

6. Record-Keeping

• Maintain digital records of receipts, invoices, and approvals

• Ensure proper documentation for charity finance compliance

7. Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Comply with Energy Sparks’ internal financial controls and policies to manage risk.

• Monitor cash flow and reserves and recommend adjustments for financial sustainability.

8. Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide strategic financial insights to help inform decisions about growth and expansion.

• Assist with long-term planning, forecasting, and cost analysis for sustainability.

• Support organisational change, ensuring financial stability and compliance as the charity grows.

• Suggest improvements to financial processes, including optimising our use of accounting software to increase efficiency.

This will be a varied role within a small staff team and an ability to embrace a diversity of tasks is essential. There are currently no line management responsibilities for this post.
 

Person Specification

Experience & Knowledge

1. Significant experience in a senior finance role, ideally in the charity sector.

2. Strong knowledge of charity financial compliance, SORP, and statutory reporting

3. Experience of fund management and management accounts

4. Experience of preparing VAT returns and business/non-business apportionment 

5. Proficiency in Xero or similar accounting software, including manual journals

6. Confident running a Payroll function using Xero or other accounting software

7. Skilled in financial planning, reporting, and budgeting

8. Advanced use of Excel and Google Sheets.

9. Experience preparing for audits and liaising with external auditors/independent examiners

10. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with staff, funders, trustees, schools, Multi-Academy Trusts and suppliers. Happy to pick up the phone and chase schools or MATs for invoice payments!

11. A self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently as well as within a team.

12. Excellent organisation, efficiency, and attention to detail.

13. Strong problem-solving abilities and a solution-focused approach.

Nice to have

1. Strong interest in sustainability

Benefits

1. £40,000 to £42,000 pro rata dependent on experience 

2. 12% employer pension contribution

3. 38 days paid annual leave pro rata including bank holidays

4. 0.2 FTE. This can be worked 7.5 hours per week across the year or 8.75 hours per week term time only, with the opportunity for future growth subject to income. Hours can be worked flexibly from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

5. The opportunity to make a difference in reducing carbon emissions and helping young people to live sustainable lives.

Application deadline: 11:59pm Thursday 24th July 2025

To be considered for this role, all applicants must currently have the right to work in the UK.

Energy Sparks is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

A values-driven non-profit is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to oversee finance and operations. This is a senior leadership role requiring vision, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams spanning Finance, Governance, IT, Health & Safety, and Facilities, ensuring effective systems and practices are in place. Act as a strategic partner in support of executive decision-making.
• Drive long-term business planning, including the development of three-year strategic plans and annual cycles.
• Lead the finance function to ensure optimal use of resources aligned with organisational goals. Deliver accurate financial planning, reporting, and analysis, and oversee budgeting, forecasting, and control processes.
• Oversee and conclude the annual audit process with rigour and transparency.
• Serve as Company Secretary, holding executive responsibility for governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management.
• Provide expert guidance on tax strategy and ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations.
• Collaborate with IT leadership to shape digital infrastructure strategy and oversee major system improvements, including financial systems and process optimisation.
• Support organisational change and development initiatives to build a collaborative, high-performing culture. Lead operational process improvements to enhance cross-departmental efficiency.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, mentoring staff and supporting professional growth across teams.
• Oversee the strategic use of office premises, ensuring physical infrastructure enables effective delivery of organisational objectives.

Requirements

• A qualified accountant with significant experience in senior leadership roles, within the not-for-profit sector.
• Strong track record in strategic financial planning and working closely with Boards; in-depth knowledge of Charity SORP, experience preparing statutory accounts, and sound understanding of charity law and regulatory frameworks, including company secretarial responsibilities.
• Proven experience of managing central services, including governance, IT, infrastructure, health & safety, and facilities functions.
• A strategic, adaptable leader with experience driving organisational change, implementing new ways of working, and developing effective, resilient teams through periods of transformation.
• Commercially astute and technically skilled, with excellent interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, and influencing abilities; able to build trust and inspire high performance.
• Collaborative and consultative approach, with the ability to engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong alignment with the values and mission of a purpose-driven organisation.
• Willing and able to travel within the UK (and occasionally internationally), with flexibility to work outside standard hours when needed.

This role is open to candidates with the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. This role offers hybrid working with the candidate expected to be in the office once every 1-2 weeks, more during busy periods.