Financial accounting manager jobs

The Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for  managing  FFRP, a London wide programme that supports families on low income to access good quality, free and independent advice, in order to prevent or alleviate financial hardship. The ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager, confident in relationship management and in evaluation and monitoring, with a strong understanding of the free legal advice sector in London. 

Hours: Full-time (40 hours) .  We would also consider Part time option of 4 days per week (32 hours)
Reporting to: Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO)

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining hands-on financial management with process improvement and strategic support. Working closely with the Chief Finance & Operations Officer, you will play a key role in delivering robust financial management, maintaining strong financial controls, and supporting effective decision-making across the College.

About the Role

As Finance Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the College's finance function, including:

• Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Overseeing payroll and pension administration
• Producing cash flow forecasts, reconciliations and management information
• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and annual audit processes
• Maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Developing and improving financial systems, controls and processes
• Line managing the Finance Assistant and providing support across the wider organisation

This is a varied role requiring excellent organisational skills, strong technical knowledge and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to colleagues from a range of backgrounds.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• AAT Level 4 qualification (or equivalent experience), with GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above)
• Significant experience in a finance management role covering accounts, payroll and bookkeeping
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, payroll, pensions and HMRC requirements
• Excellent analytical, organisational and Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience supervising or supporting finance staff
• A proactive approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellent customer service

It would be an advantage if you have experience within a charity, higher education or not-for-profit environment and are studying towards or hold a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).

Apply

If you are an experienced finance professional looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.For further information on the College, our beautiful rural location and where to send your CV to apply, please visit our website.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and interviews scheduled throughout the summer.  We anticipate the successful candidate to be in post by end of September 2026.

Plumstead Community Law Centre is a specialist legal advice charity providing free legal advice and representation in immigration, welfare benefits and employment law. Based in the heart of Woolwich, we support local people through our office and community outreach services.

We are seeking an Interim Chief Executive / Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of the Law Centre. Working closely with our Board of Trustees, you will manage staff, office operations, finance and administration, funded projects and organisational compliance, ensuring our services continue to deliver high-quality support to the community.

This flexible role could suit an experienced Chief Executive, Charity Manager, Operations Manager, Office Manager or Practice Manager. Experience of the legal advice or charity sector would be advantageous but is not essential.

To apply, please send your CV together with a supporting statement explaining how you meet the requirements of the Job Description and Person Specification..

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the vacancy will remain open until the post is filled.

Plumstead Community Law Centre is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Hybrid | Central London | £65,000–£70,000

Ivy Rock Partners is supporting an International Charity with the recruitment of an experienced Financial Controller to join its finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Operating across multiple countries, the organisation delivers impactful programmes internationally and is looking for an individual who can provide strong financial leadership during a period of maternity cover.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting and compliance within a complex, multi-entity environment, while working closely with senior stakeholders and supporting strategic decision-making.

The Role

 The Financial Controller will lead the organisation's financial control, reporting and governance framework, ensuring robust financial management, compliance and high-quality reporting across the organisation.

The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team, Board and external auditors, while leading a small finance team and driving continuous improvement across financial processes and controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of annual statutory accounts and consolidated group financial statements in accordance with Charity SORP and relevant accounting standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting.
• Manage the annual external audit process and provide technical accounting expertise.
• Lead, develop and support a team of three finance professionals.
• Maintain a robust financial control environment across the organisation.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
• Develop and enhance finance policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Support organisational risk management and financial compliance.
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with donor, funder and regulatory requirements.

About You

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Significant experience in financial control, statutory reporting and audit management.
• Experience operating within a complex or multi-entity organisation.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, governance and compliance.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience within the charity, not-for-profit or international development sector would be highly desirable.
• Experience of finance transformation, systems implementation or process improvement projects would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Salary of £65,000–£70,000 depending on experience.
• 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Hybrid working with two days per week in a Central London office.
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced family-friendly and sick pay policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

About Ataxia UK 

Ataxia’ is an umbrella term for a group of progressive, neurological conditions which involve problems with co-ordination, balance and speech caused by disruption of the messages sent from our brains to our muscles. 

Ataxia UK funds research into cures and treatments for ataxia, including stem cell and gene therapy. By collaborating with ataxia researchers across the globe, and pharmaceutical and research organisations, we’re confident that cures can one day be found. Until then, we work towards getting better treatments for people with ataxia and providing information and  support to everyone affected. Improving their quality of life and helping to slow the progression of the disease.   

About the Role   

As our Financial Controller, you'll lead the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and efficient processes that support our mission. You'll oversee month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis, providing clear insights to inform decision-making across the organisation. Working closely with colleagues throughout the charity, you'll manage grant and restricted fund reporting, support annual planning, drive continuous improvement in financial systems and processes, and lead a small finance team. You'll also play a key role in ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards, governance requirements and best practice.

About you 

We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA ,CIPFA or similar) with at least five years' post-qualification experience and a proven track record in senior finance or audit roles. You'll be confident leading finance operations, managing staff, and turning complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.

You'll bring experience of charity finance, including grant management, restricted and unrestricted funds, and Charity SORP, alongside strong skills in Xero and Excel. Experience with Fathom and Raiser's Edge (or similar CRM/database systems) would be an advantage.

Just as importantly, you'll be passionate about making a difference for people affected by ataxia. You'll understand the barriers faced by disabled people, approach our members with empathy and respect, and share our commitment to equality, inclusion and ethical medical research.

This is an opportunity for a skilled finance professional to use their expertise to help drive our mission and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits of working for us. 

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service)
• Extra holiday day for your birthday
• Access to a free Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline
• Flexible hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer

Please see full Job Description for further details including Person Specifications. Your covering letter will be used to assess you against the person specification for this role.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is the only independent, national charity supporting and regenerating Britain’s rivers and canals for leisure, living and business. We campaign both locally and nationally for the waterways; lobbying parliament, championing regeneration, promoting sustainability and the environment and raising waterways users concerns. We also love to roll up our sleeves and get involved with direct work on the waterways, both through local branch activities and through the hands-on activities of our Waterways Recovery Group. 

At its heart IWA is a membership organisation, with around 8,000 individual members and over a hundred affiliated waterways organisations, groups and businesses. Having just celebrated the 80th anniversary of our founding in 1946, we continue to build on our legacy of campaigning, action and delivery for the future. 

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic manager to co-ordinate the day-to-day operation of the charity. Reporting to the chair of the Trustees and with a small team of permanent staff focused on three areas – Campaigning, Restoration and Support, your prime responsibility will be to ensure the smooth running of the charity. 

As an experienced manager you will have experience of all areas of business management: marketing, finance, human resources as well as the myriad issues common to all small charities and businesses. An experienced communicator and active people manager, you will be able to bring your skills to both managing the staff and integrating their work with that 
done by trustees and other volunteers for the Association.  The role may involve some out of office hours work. 

This post carries a genuine occupational requirement for the holder to be a practising Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Reports to: Head of Finance & Governance
Location: Saint Paul’s Hammersmith, W6 9PJ
Contract: 1 FTE (5 days a week)
Salary: £32,000 – £40,000 depending on experience

About Saint Paul’s
Saint Paul’s Hammersmith is a vibrant Anglican church in West London, dedicated to encountering God and awakening our city. We exist to see God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, and to be a white-hot centre of faith, prayer, and presence in the heart of London.

Our vision is to build a church alive, a place where people meet Jesus, grow in discipleship, and are sent out to transform their homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.

We are deeply committed to nurturing faith, fostering authentic community, and being a resource for the wider city through worship, discipleship, hospitality, and the creative use of our buildings. Every member of staff plays a part in carrying this vision and culture, both in the everyday and in the extraordinary.

Role Purpose
The Finance and Accounting Officer is responsible for the accurate, timely and controlled execution of all transactional finance activities at Saint Paul’s Hammersmith, including financial transactions, payments, payroll, pensions, reconciliations and bookkeeping records. The role ensures financial integrity, compliance with charity and HMRC requirements, and the production of clean, well-organised and audit-ready records supporting decision-making by leadership and helping the wider church to steward resources with care and integrity.

Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Processing & Controls

• Process all income and expenditure in Xero in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure correct coding (fund, department, nominal code and budget line).
• Maintain a complete and auditable transaction record with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Perform monthly bank, credit card and control account reconciliations (fully resolved within reporting timelines).
• Post journals including accruals, prepayments, and reclassifications.

2. Accounts Payable & Expenses

• Validate supplier invoices against approvals and budget authority.
• Process supplier payments in accordance with delegated authority matrix.
• Ensure expenses comply with policy and are fully supported.
• Maintain supplier master data and manage supplier queries.

3. Payroll & Pensions

• Prepare payroll inputs (starters, leavers, changes, adjustments).
• Reconcile payroll outputs and postings to the general ledger.
• Maintain HMRC-compliant payroll records and submissions.
• Administer pension contributions (NEST/Standard Life) and reconciliations.

4. Income, Giving & Gift Aid

• Reconcile all income streams (donations, card payments, booking systems).
• Maintain accurate Gift Aid records and support claims submission.
• Monitor completeness and accuracy of donor data and audit trail.

5. Reporting & Period Close

• Support monthly close process (including reconciliations and journals completed on schedule).
• Provide transaction listings and variance explanations to budget holders.
• Maintain structured filing for audit and independent examination.

6. Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Support internal control environment (segregation of duties, approvals, documentation).
• Document processes and identify efficiency improvements.
• Support external audit / independent examination requirements.

Essential Skills and Experience

· 3+ years in a finance, bookkeeping or accounting role.

· Strong working knowledge of Xero.

· Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals (double entry, accruals, reconciliations).

· Experience with payroll processes and HMRC compliance.

· Strong Excel capability and data handling skills.

· High attention to detail and ability to identify anomalies.

· AAT qualified (Level 3 or Level 4), or progression towards a professional qualification (ACCA / CIMA) is highly desirable.

Personal Qualities

• Highly organised, reliable and consistent.
• Detail-focused and comfortable with routine, deadlines and recurring processes.
• Honest, trustworthy and able to handle confidential information wisely.
• Calm and steady under pressure, especially around payroll and payment deadlines.
• Practical, solution-focused and willing to improve systems where needed.
• Warm, approachable and collaborative in working style.
• Able to serve staff and congregation members with patience, clarity and care.
• Committed to the vision and values of Saint Paul’s Hammersmith.

Working Requirements

• Proof of right to work in the UK.
• Work schedule: 5 days per week, Monday to Friday, with Fridays normally worked from home.
• Attendance at Tuesday morning staff meetings.
• Occasional Sunday work required for major gift days, usually twice per year for two Sundays in a row.
• Some flexibility may be required around payroll deadlines, year-end, audit preparation and major church events.

Key Church Services and Events

• Key annual church events, including the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Church Weekend and select evening events.
• Easter and Christmas services where required.
• Staff events, including the annual staff retreat, typically one week in January.
• Gift days and other significant finance-related church moments.

Package

• Salary: £32,000 – £40,000 depending on experience.
• Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays, plus your birthday off as an additional day.
• Pension: Employer pension contribution.
• Benefits: Laptop, annual offsite staff retreat and ongoing training and development opportunities.
• TOIL: Time off in lieu for agreed Sunday, evening or additional event commitments.

How To Apply
Please visit the SPH website on the 'Work With Us' page for details on how to apply. 
 

Interim Management / Financial Accountant (6-Month Contract)
Location: Manchester (Hybrid - 1 day a week in office)

I'm supporting a Housing Association in recruiting an Interim Management / Financial Accountant to join their small and collaborative finance team on an initial six-month contract.

This is a hands-on role that will support the finance team through month and year-end while also helping to improve financial processes and systems. You'll be comfortable working across management accounting as well as providing support with accounts payable and receivable where needed.

Responsibilities

• Produce management accounts and provide financial support throughout the year-end process.
• Assist with statutory returns, reconciliations and year-end financial reporting.
• Support and improve Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes, providing cover and guidance where required.
• Review and support the redesign of processes, identifying opportunities to improve financial reporting.

Requirements

• Qualified or qualified by experience Management / Financial Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
• Previous experience working in housing, local government, ALMO or a similar public sector environment is highly desirable.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently within a small finance team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking for an interesting interim assignment where they can make an immediate impact while supporting a key period for the organisation.

Assistant Financial Accountant

RCN HQ London, 35 hours per week, 12-month Fixed Term Contract

Salary range per annum: £39,018 to £44,079* plus £5,424 London weighting

Imagine being faced with a world of exciting possibilities that could ultimately enable you to support our members and help shape the health policies of the future. As the UK's largest trade union and professional body for nursing, we support over half a million members with unwavering loyalty and total commitment. We represent and develop them, support their practice and lobby on their behalf to make a positive difference to their working lives.

The role

As an Assistant Financial Accountant you'll use your positive attitude, your knowledge of financial accounting and reconciliation skills to deliver high quality support to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and RCN Foundation.

In this varied role every day will be filled with possibilities. You will get involved in anything from balance sheet reconciliations to accounting for investments, providing support to the RCN Foundation and assisting with the preparation of statutory accounts.

We'll look to you to prepare accurate balance sheet reconciliations for the RCN, assist with maintaining the fixed asset register and assist with cashbook posting and reconciliation for membership and events income recorded through CRM. It's a great way to build on your skills and experience and develop your potential.

The person

As well as exceptional customer service, to join us you'll need an in-depth knowledge of accounting, a basic understanding of VAT, and the ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to non-financial managers.

You'll be studying towards a recognised CCAB qualification with experience of producing balance sheet reconciliations, maintaining fixed asset registers and investigating discrepancies.

Whatever your background, you'll be efficient, accurate and show a real customer focus in all you do.

The ability to encourage close collaboration between various teams within the finance department is key for this role.

To succeed at the Royal College of Nursing all you need to do is think bigger, better and brighter. And with an attitude like that, anything's possible.

What we offer you

We expect you to look after your customers. And we expect you to be rewarded for it. We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme. We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.

*We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale. We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.

We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance. Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person.

Our selection process

Please click the 'apply now' button to apply and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don't. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.

We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.

Equal opportunities for everyone

Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients.

As proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Opening date: 17 July 2026

Closing date: 11.59pm on 2 August 2026

If we receive many applications after a week of advertising, we may close this vacancy earlier.

Selection dates: To be confirmed

FINANCE DIRECTOR - financial leadership role in a national STEM charity. 

Drive financial sustainability, strengthen governance and help inspire the next generation of engineers.

The Smallpeice Trust inspires young people to pursue engineering and STEM careers, helping build the future talent pipeline through innovative educational programmes and partnerships. 

As Finance Director, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic and operational financial leadership across the organisation. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with Trustees, you will strengthen financial governance, improve forecasting and management information, and support informed decision-making across the charity.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead financial strategy, planning, budgeting and forecasting 
• Strengthen financial controls, governance and risk management 
• Deliver robust management information, KPI reporting and analysis 
• Lead statutory accounts, audit and regulatory compliance 
• Develop and support a high-performing finance team 

Benefits:

• Pension (7% employer contribution)
• Life Assurance
• Private Healthcare

This role will suit a qualified accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience, strong commercial judgement and the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational level. This high-impact role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-led charity while helping to shape and modernise the finance function for the future.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

• Location: Holly House, Leamington Spa / there is an expectation that you will spend 2 days a week in the office
• Closing date: 29 July 2026
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: 6 August
• Interviews with the Smallpeice Trust: 
  • 1st stage: w/c 10 or 17 August 
  • 2nd stage: w/c 24 August 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

6 Month Fixed Term Contract | Full Time | Circa £45,000-50,000 (FTE) (depending on experience) + Excellent Benefits
Location: London

Make a Difference Every Day

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting the RAF Family. We are a key partner in the Royal Air Force’s mission to look after its people during and after service, ensuring that this service is valued, recognised, and people are supported even when uniforms are eventually shed. We are a national charity with international reach, delivering emotional, financial and practical support wherever and whenever it is needed. Each year, our vital services and support continued to help those serving, families, veterans, and the bereaved, in 30 other countries and in 2024 more than 64,000 people benefitted from the charity’s work.

As an organisation, we encourage learning and development and there will be ample opportunity to learn more about the Royal Air Force, the broad impact of the Fund’s work as well as developing your own skillset.

Do you want to play a part in what we do?
People are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we:
• Provide personalised support to members of the RAF Family – listening carefully, offering guidance, and tailoring our services to individual circumstances so no one is left behind.
• Improve quality of life for serving and former RAF personnel and their families through life-changing financial assistance, housing support, and help with essential living costs.
• Increase independence by enabling members of the RAF Family to live life on their own terms, whether through mobility equipment or housing adaptations.
• Enhance wellbeing for those who serve and have served, and their families, through mental health and emotional support, youth programmes, and restorative respite and holiday breaks.

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Management Accountant who will partner with internal customers, specifically within the Operations Directorate, providing professional business support to budget holders, through the provision of financial information and analysis to support performance management and decision making.

Additional Information
• Must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit, including examples of how you meet the job profile.

Closing Date: Friday 24th July 2026, 5:00pm.

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website.

The RAF Benevolent Fund follows Safer Recruitment practices as it strives to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the Fund will be protected from harm. The successful candidate for this role will need to prove they have the right to work in the UK. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

Philanthropy and Grants Manager

The London Community Foundation (LCF) is looking for a Philanthropy and Grants Manager to help donors make a meaningful difference to communities across the capital.

The Role

You'll manage donor relationships and oversee grant-making programmes that directly impact London's communities. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and stakeholders
• Manage grant-making programmes from application to impact assessment
• Provide excellent stewardship to ensure donors feel valued and informed
• Use research, insight and impact data to guide funding priorities
• Work collaboratively to ensure funding reaches organisations where it makes the greatest difference

We're looking for someone with

• Experience in philanthropy, grant-making, charitable programmes or a similar environment
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent written communication and research skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and collaboratively
• A commitment to supporting stronger, fairer communities across London

Why join us?

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Learning and development opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative team culture
• The opportunity to make a real difference to London's communities

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At LCF, we believe a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and better reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process, including making reasonable adjustments where needed.

We recognise that exceptional candidates may not meet every requirement listed in the job description. If you are excited by this opportunity and believe you have the skills, experience and potential to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply. We value different perspectives, transferable skills and a willingness to learn, and we would be pleased to hear from you.

Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 

Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity. 

We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission. 

APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.

We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.

As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes. 

The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer. 

If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT. 

• Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance. 

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives. 

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance. 

• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making. 

• Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation. 

• Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims. 

• Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives. 

• Line management of the Administration Officer. 

• Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money. 

• Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports). 

• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy. 

• Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them. 

• Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer. 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT. 

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions.

Candidate Profile

Essential 

• A financial control and reporting background with an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, CIMA) or qualified by experience. 

• Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations. 

• Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized charitable or not for profit organisation. 

• Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission. 

• Experience of cash flow forecasting. 

• Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar). 

• A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff. 

• Aptitude in problem-solving. 

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary. 

• Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines. 

• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills. 

• Excellent presentation and communication skills. 

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills. 

• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems). 

• A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance. 

• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved. 

Desirable 

• Experience in financial planning for funding applications. 

• Understanding of small-scale charitable trading. 

• Experience of commercial contract management. 

• Experience of managing an IT service provider.

• Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.

• Experience in Human Resources

General Notes

• Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks. 
• This positive will from time to time requires work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.

• We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers. 

Term and Conditions

The following terms and conditions are typically offered to Mersey Rivers Trust staff and are set out as a guide only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances, and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment

Annual leave: 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays that fall on working days and a 3 day shutdown between Christmas and New Year.

Location: Home Based

3-Month Contract | £250–£350 per day (depending on experience)

Ivy Rock Partners is supporting a national charity that is seeking interim support to strengthen its finance function during a period of finance transformation.

This role will focus on providing support across the finance operations function for an initial three-month contract while the organisation undergoes period of change. The position will be split between AP processing (approximately 20–30%) and broader finance operations work (approximately 70–80%), with a particular emphasis on balance sheet reconciliations, fixed asset accounting and clearing outstanding balance sheet items that have been deprioritised during the transformation. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the organisation is well prepared for year-end.

This is a hands-on role that requires someone who can hit the ground running and work independently. You'll quickly get to grips with existing spreadsheets and processes, respond promptly to internal stakeholder queries, and provide a steady pair of hands to help bring the balance sheet into a strong position ahead of year-end.

Key Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable transactions as required (approximately 20–30% of the role)
• Support the AP systems transformation by working effectively within new processes and systems
• Manage and respond to finance-related queries in a timely, customer-focused manner
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and clear outstanding reconciling items
• Maintain the fixed asset register and support fixed asset accounting activities
• Provide wider finance operations support beyond AP processing as required
• Work independently with minimal supervision, quickly understanding existing spreadsheets and ways of working

About You

• Proven experience across accounts payable and broader finance operations or transactional finance, ideally within a charity
• Strong balance sheet reconciliation skills
• Experience maintaining fixed asset registers and accounting for fixed assets
• A self-sufficient problem solver who can quickly understand and navigate existing processes and spreadsheets
• A customer-focused communicator who responds to queries professionally and efficiently
• Comfortable working in a changing environment, particularly during finance systems or process transformation