Financial accounting manager jobs

Head of FP&A | Permanent | £63,000 - £67,000 | London | Hybrid

For a well-known charity in central London, we're recruiting a permanent FP&A Lead to join a high-performing finance team. This role will design and deliver accurate and timely financial information, supporting the decision-making process for stakeholders. The role will manage a Finance Business Partner and Systems Analyst and will lead on ensuring the financial systems and processes and fit for purpose, whilst collaborating across the organisation to build financial capacity. Finally, the FP&A Lead will integrate financial planning and drive improvements to enhance decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Main Duties:

• Lead annual budgeting and reforecasting - working with department to set KPIs and provide decision-making analysis
• Build the framework for collecting and communicating the organisational budget and forecast
• Develop and deliver regular financial MI to stakeholders
• Develop first-class financial analysis across income and expenditure, project and fund accounting, and cashflow
• Champion continual improvement in financial management across the organisation
• Lead the production of key financial reporting and analysis
• Lead engagement with all stakeholders, needing FP&A meets needs and good practice
• Manage restricted fund accounting, ensuring financial reporting enables robust grant applications and reporting
• Collaborate with senior leadership to provide insight, planning and analysis for major programmes
• Partner with the Head of Finance to review existing and new finance software to meet strategic planning needs
• Maintain workflows, chart-of-accounts, polices and procedures
• Lead and manage a team of 2
• Partner with senior budget holders to enable planning and budget decisions, and produce robust financial reports to inform decision-making

Person Specification:

• Qualified CCAB or substantial experience
• Experience leading a budget and reforecast process
• Experience developing financial reporting systems and MI
• Experience using tech to deliver financial planning and analysis
• Line management and supporting teams
• Experience evaluating and adapting financial systems to meeting organisational and technological demands
• Ideally experience of Charity SORP, fund and project accounting (restricted funding)
• Experience using AI tools to enhance forecasting, reporting and decision-making
• X-Ledger and Power BI experience

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

As an Accountant, you will provide high-quality accountancy and financial support services to VCSE organisations, including charities, CICs and social enterprises.

You will prepare statutory and management accounts, support payroll and taxation requirements, and provide practical advice to trustees and staff. You will also help organisations develop good financial systems, strengthen governance and plan for sustainability.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys combining technical accounting expertise with advisory work and a strong commitment to community impact.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a recognised accountancy qualification or has extensive equivalent experience
• Has strong bookkeeping and accountancy skills
• Is confident presenting financial information to non-financial audiences, including trustees
• Has experience using computerised accounting systems
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills
• Is able to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a supportive team
• Shares our commitment to equality, inclusion and supporting the VCSE sector

Experience of charity accounting, independent examinations, payroll and supporting organisations to develop financial systems would be advantageous.

About Us

VAST is a registered charity dedicated to supporting and strengthening the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in Stoke-on-Trent. We work to empower local organisations, foster collaboration and build resilient, sustainable community groups.

Our Community Accountancy Service plays a vital role in helping charities, social enterprises and community organisations operate effectively, meet their regulatory responsibilities and make informed financial decisions.

Why Join Us?

At VAST, you’ll be part of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference to local communities. We offer a supportive, inclusive working environment and opportunities to develop your skills while helping others thrive.

The Role

Accountant (Community Accounts)

• Salary: £28,000 – £34,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Hours: 37 hours per week (part-time applications considered)
• Location: The Dudson Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, with some work at client premises and scope for flexible/hybrid working
• Benefits:
  • 5% pension contribution
  • 22 days annual holiday plus 3 concessionary days and bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff)

How to Apply

• A CV, and
• A personal statement of no more than three sides of A4, explaining:
  • Why you like to work as part of VASTs Community Accounts team
  • Why you would be a good fit for the role
  • How your skills and experience meet the essential requirements, and if applicable the desirable requirements of the post

Closing Date: This is an ongoing recruitment process.

We are actively recruiting for this post and as such will schedule interviews as suitable applications come in, so strongly encourage early applications.

VAST is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

About the role

This is a senior leader role and will play a key role in delivering financial strategy, having oversight of the charity’s finance function, and working with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure the charity’s long-term financial security. The role requires excellent accountancy skills, as well as previous experience in overseeing a range of finance functions and managing a team. You will oversee the charity’s financial accounts and reporting; bookkeeping and processing; budget and forecasts; and bank accounts. You will manage a full-time Finance Manager, who has two direct reports and a Senior Finance Officer who oversees tutor and staff payroll. You will champion the charity’s values and embody them in interactions with colleagues. You will be willing to learn and have a can-do attitude.

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant, with significant professional experience across a range of areas within finance. Your work will be accurate, efficient, and transparent, setting the standard within the Finance Team. You will be comfortable working with colleagues across the charity to implement cost controls, and to collect and report on financial data. You will regularly present this data to senior members of staff, including at the quarterly Board of Trustees meetings and the charity’s Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees. You will be an adept project manager, able to coordinate actions, track progress and deliver results, alongside having strong attention to detail and people skills. Candidates for this role should be comfortable working in a busy, efficient and high-performing team.

This is a great opportunity to join The Brilliant Club Team at a time when we are moving into the delivery of our new Backing Brilliance strategy, with a commitment to financial sustainability. Over the course of the Join the Club strategy we had focused on developing new areas of work utilising a planned strategic reserves fund. Despite a challenging external environment, we are now in a position with the support of our fundraising revenue that our programmes have reached an economy of scale for long-term financial sustainability.

We are excited to meet candidates who want to join us on this journey.

About you

The role will best suit someone who

• Essential - Qualified accountant of a recognised accounting body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Essential – Experience of managing accounts of £2m+
• Essential - Knowledge of accounting requirements, terminology, and processes, including UK GAAP 
• Essential - Knowledge of financial controls and understanding of best practice 
• Essential - Ability to deal with sensitive issues and to demonstrate strict confidentiality 
• Essential - Ability to manage external financial relationships, e.g., bank, debtors, auditors 
• Essential - Ability to use relevant software packages, e.g., Xero, Excel 
• Essential – Experience of line management
• Highly desirable - Knowledge of charity-specific reporting requirements 
• Desirable – Significant experience in an accounting or other relevant financial role
• Desirable - Knowledge of charity-specific reporting requirements 
• Essential – adhere to information security policies included in the charity’s ISO 27001 manual and complete information security training
• Has a demonstrable passion for furthering The Brilliant Club’s mission

Join us at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity

This is an exciting time to join the League Against Cruel Sports.

Under new leadership and with a refreshed strategic plan, we are embarking on an ambitious new chapter - strengthening our impact, growing our reach and building an organisation fit for the future.

Recently recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work, we are proud of our people-first culture, our commitment to wellbeing and development, and the passion and purpose that unite our teams.

If you are an experienced finance leader looking for a role where your expertise can directly contribute to creating a kinder society for animals, we would love to hear from you.

• Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible and part-time options considered)
• Salary: up to £70,200 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)
• Location: Hybrid working – Majority home based, occasional visits to Godalming office

About us

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity working towards a society where persecuting animals for ‘sport’ is consigned to history.

For over a century, we have campaigned for stronger animal protection laws, conducted investigations to expose cruelty and illegality, and managed wildlife reserves that provide safe havens for animals.

United by compassion and driven by evidence, we believe lasting change is possible.

Together, we will end cruelty to animals in the name of ‘sport’.

The opportunity

As Director of Finance, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic financial leadership across the charity and its trading subsidiary.

You will ensure robust financial management, governance and compliance while helping shape organisational strategy and supporting sustainable growth. This role offers the opportunity to influence decisions at the highest level and play a critical role in delivering our long-term ambitions.

Leading an established finance team, you will oversee all aspects of finance operations, risk management and financial planning, ensuring our systems and processes are fit for the future.

What you'll be doing

Providing strategic financial leadership to the organisation and Board of Trustees.

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Producing high-quality management information and financial reporting.
• Overseeing statutory accounts preparation and external audit processes.
• Ensuring compliance with charity, company and tax regulations.
• Managing treasury activities and financial risk, including fraud prevention.
• Developing robust financial systems, controls and processes.
• Supporting organisational growth and delivery of our strategic plan.
• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team
• Working collaboratively across the organisation and with external stakeholders.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior financial leadership experience and a track record of delivering strategic and operational excellence.

You will bring:

• Strong experience in financial leadership within complex organisations.
• Expertise in management and statutory accounting.
• Experience of leading audits, treasury management and regulatory compliance.
• Outstanding leadership and people development skills.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and influence decision-making.
• Excellent judgement, commercial awareness and risk management capability.
• A collaborative and values-driven approach.
• Experience in the charity sector and knowledge of charity accounting and regulation would be highly desirable.

Why join us?

At the League Against Cruel Sports, you'll find more than a job - you'll find purpose. We offer:

• The opportunity to help create lasting change for animals.
• A supportive and inclusive culture with exceptional colleagues.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave and wellbeing support.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• The chance to shape the future of a respected national charity during a period of transformation and growth.
• A workplace recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work.

If you are inspired by our mission and excited by the opportunity to lead finance at a pivotal moment in our journey, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you’d like to have an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a call with our CEO or current Finance Director.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 12 July 2026.

Interviews for the role will be scheduled on 22-23 July online for stage one and 29 July in person in London for stage two.

Together, we will end animal cruelty in the name of sport.

Interim Senior FP&A Manager

Location: Thame (Oxfordshire) with hybrid working (minimum, 2 days per week in the office) and occasional travel
Contract: Interim, Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2027
Salary / day rate: £60,000 per annum (pro rata)
Reports to: Head of Finance

Affinity Trust is looking for an experienced Interim Senior FP&A Manager to bring senior finance capacity, challenge and insight across a complex, multi-site organisation.

This is not a routine reporting role. We are looking for someone who can quickly get under the skin of operational performance, understand the financial drivers behind service delivery, and help senior leaders make better, faster and more informed decisions.

You will work closely with the Head of Finance, Finance Business Partners, Divisional Directors and operational leaders, providing high-quality analysis, forecasting, commercial insight and constructive challenge. The work will span income, workforce costs, agency and overtime spend, utilisation, fee rates, contract performance, forecasting assumptions and recovery planning.

This is a senior individual contributor role, adding experienced capacity where it is most needed, to help maintain pace across key priorities, and strengthen the link between financial insight and operational action.

The assignment

You will be joining at a point where strong financial planning, clear analysis and senior business partnering are critical to supporting sustainable services.

Your work will include:

• Leading robust forecasting and scenario modelling across a complex operational portfolio
• Providing senior finance business partnering to divisional and operational leaders
• Analysing key cost drivers, particularly workforce-related costs such as agency, overtime, sickness and staffing ratios
• Reviewing income, fee rates, local authority funding assumptions, utilisation and contract performance
• Supporting tenders, contract reviews, business cases and service sustainability analysis
• Helping identify whether financial pressure is driven by fee levels, operational delivery, workforce deployment or a combination of factors
• Translating complex financial information into clear insight, options and practical recommendations
• Supporting the head of finance and wider finance team with additional senior capacity during a period of increased demand.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant with ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent, and substantial experience in senior FP&A, finance business partnering or commercial finance roles.

You will be confident working with senior stakeholders and able to bring both grip and judgement. You will know how to challenge assumptions constructively, explain complex financial information clearly, and turn analysis into action.

You are likely to have worked in a complex, multi-site or operationally demanding environment, where financial performance is closely linked to workforce planning, contract income, service delivery and operational decision-making.

You will bring:

• Strong FP&A, forecasting, modelling and management reporting experience
• Advanced Excel and analytical capability
• Credibility with senior operational and finance stakeholders
• Experience supporting budgeting, reforecasting, recovery planning and performance improvement
• The ability to work at pace, prioritise well and operate with a high level of autonomy
• A practical, commercial and solutions-focused approach.

Experience in social care, healthcare, supported living, charity or not-for-profit settings would be helpful, but is not essential. Experience with Local Authority funding, high-volume staffing models, workforce cost pressures or interim turnaround environments would be particularly valuable.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to make a visible impact quickly.

You will be joining a values-led not-for-profit support organisation with national impact, where finance plays a central role in supporting sustainable, high-quality services for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.

For the right person, this is a role with real substance: complex operations, senior stakeholder exposure, meaningful commercial analysis, and the chance to strengthen financial decision-making where it matters most.

Please note, if you are successful, we may need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (Criminal Record) check at the relevant level for the role. This will be paid for by us.

Lead global financial control in an organisation delivering impact worldwide

We're seeking an experienced and strategic finance leader to head a global Financial Control function within a large, complex international organisation operating across multiple countries and currencies.

This is an opportunity to shape and strengthen financial governance at a global level, leading a high-performing team responsible for financial controls, donor audits, compliance and continuous improvement.

You'll work with senior stakeholders across regions and functions to ensure robust financial management, minimise risk and embed best practice across an organisation committed to delivering meaningful impact internationally.

The role

Reporting to the Global Financial Controller, you will lead the global Financial Control and Donor Audit teams, overseeing a team of nine colleagues and partnering with finance leaders across multiple regions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and strengthening the global financial control framework, identifying risks and ensuring timely resolution of control and compliance issues.
• Driving continuous improvement, standardisation and automation of financial control processes.
• Leading global donor and award audits, managing relationships with external auditors and key funding partners.
• Providing strategic insight through analysis of financial performance indicators and risk reporting.
• Developing policies, procedures and training that build financial capability across global teams.
• Collaborating with senior stakeholders to embed best practice and support organisational change initiatives.
• Building and developing a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

About you

You'll be a qualified accountant (or possess equivalent experience) with significant experience leading financial control within a large, complex organisation.

You'll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in financial control, governance and external audit management.
• Strong knowledge of donor-funded environments and experience managing donor audits.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience driving process improvement, standardisation and automation across geographically dispersed teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence and build relationships across diverse cultures and teams.
• The ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving international environment.

Experience within the charity, international development or not-for-profit sector, and within large global multi-currency organisations, would be advantageous.

Why apply?

This is a rare opportunity to combine technical excellence with global impact. You'll play a pivotal role in strengthening financial governance, improving organisational effectiveness and supporting programmes that make a tangible difference worldwide.

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to building diverse and inclusive teams.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager with a Japanese cultural institution, on a full-time (35 hours per week), FTC (to March 2029) basis. As Financial Planning and Analysis Manager you will be responsible for leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and business partnering activities across all legal entities.

Please note, there is hybrid working in place with this organisation with a minimum of 1 day per week required in their central London office.

As Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, you will:
- Lead the annual budgeting process across all entities and departments, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and priorities

- Lead the production of management accounts, performance reports and financial dashboards for senior management, Board and Committees

- Act as a trusted finance partner to budget holders and operational managers

- Lead payroll, establishment and workforce analysis in partnership with HR and the Financial Controller

- Support evaluation of commercial performance across retail, hospitality, venue hire and other income-generating activities

The successful applicant will:
- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance, in a similar role, ideally within a cultural, arts, public sector or not-for-profit environment
- Be ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent) fully qualified
- Have experience leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes

- Have experience producing management accounts and performance reporting
- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Earth Trust is looking for a Finance Director to help shape the next stage of our development as a place-based environmental charity with growing ambition, increasing complexity and a powerful mission.

Based at Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire, Earth Trust cares for farmland, woodland, meadows, wetlands and community reserves, connecting people with nature and demonstrating how people and the natural world can thrive together. Our work brings together public engagement, learning, nature-friendly farming, partnerships and commercial activity in support of our charitable purpose.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. Alongside our established charitable work, we are delivering Gateway to Nature — a major programme to improve access, enhance the visitor experience and support growth in sustainable earned income. We need a Finance Director who can ensure this ambition is underpinned by clear, robust and commercially sound financial thinking.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, senior colleagues and Trustees to shape organisational direction, strengthen financial planning and ensure resources are aligned with impact. You will provide strategic financial insight, constructive challenge and practical support across the organisation.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory reporting, audit, financial governance, risk, reserves and controls. You will also support business cases, financial models, capital project oversight, trading activity and commercial decision-making.

We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally gained in a charity or similarly complex organisation. You will bring strong technical finance skills, sound judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues. Just as importantly, you will be collaborative, values-led and motivated by the opportunity to use finance as an enabler of environmental and social impact.

This role will suit someone who combines strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, and who enjoys helping colleagues build financial confidence, accountability and discipline.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are suitable and what attracts you to the role to by Sunday 21st June.

Group FP&A Manager | £500 per day (Umbrella) | Hybrid | London | 6-months +

For a large international organisation, we are recruiting an Interim Group FP&A Manager who will coordinate and produce consolidated financial plans, budgets, and forecasts. The Group FP&A Manager will contribute to planning activity and data across Finance, working closely with Regional Finance Directors to ensure consistency of all planning and forecasting. This role will report to the Director of Group Planning and Reporting and will lead, manage, and motivate a Financial Planning Analyst. This role is for a minimum of 6-months and could be extended.

Main Duties:

• Provide a financial planning, forecasting and management reporting service in the UK, Regions, and international business units across Group level.
• Deliver monthly MI reports
• Coordination and delivery of annual budget, quarterly forecasts and monthly re-forecasts
• Support multi-year planning
• Tracking and forecasting of financial KPIs
• Support the Director of Group Planning and Reporting in preparing reports for Exec on reporting and planning deliverables
• Lead continuous improvement of processes across monthly close, financial commentary and analysis and cash-flow forecasting
• Ensure the MI and forecasts are fit-for-purpose during a period of transformation and change
• Play a key role in the implementation of a new planning and reporting tool as part of a global finance transformation programme
• Set planning and forecasting timetables for the organisation
• Work closely with the Head of Strategic Planning and coordinate with the UK and Regional finance teams to ensure alignment of all financial planning activity
• Support strategy in the collation and consolidation of 5-year planning
• Development and rollout of multi-year planning workbooks and processes
• Work closely with Shared Service Centre in India, supporting the FP&A team in-country
• Lead, manage and motivate one Financial Planning Analyst

Person Specification:

• Qualified Accountant with proven Group-level FP&A experience including MI reporting
• Experience managing the annual planning and reporting calendar
• Ability to build budgets, forecasts, and annual plans at Group level
• Annual planning and reporting at Group-level
• International and multi-cultural company experience
• SAP experience, financial modelling, and advanced Excel
• Shared Services experience

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

International Financial Controller - Forum for the Future

About Forum for the Future

Forum for the Future is a leading international sustainability charity working with business, government and civil society to accelerate the transition to a just and regenerative future.

Operating across the UK, US, India and Singapore, Forum for the Future focuses on transforming food systems, accelerating a clean energy transition, and redefining the role of business in delivering long-term value.

The Opportunity

Ivy Rock Partners is supporting Forum for the Future in the search for a International Financial Controller to lead financial control, statutory reporting and audit across a complex international group.

This is a hands-on, technically focused role overseeing financial reporting across four legal entities (UK, US, India and Singapore), ensuring strong controls, accurate consolidation and high-quality statutory reporting.

A key feature of the role is managing audit cycles across different jurisdictions. The role suits a qualified accountant with a strong audit or practice background who enjoys working in complex, multi-entity environments and bringing structure and discipline to financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial control and statutory reporting across UK, US, India and Singapore entities
• Manage month-end, year-end close and group consolidation processes
• Oversee intercompany accounting, FX and cash management
• Lead multiple annual audits, coordinating timelines across jurisdictions
• Ensure compliance with local tax, statutory and regulatory requirements
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls and governance frameworks
• Manage a team of two finance professionals
• Act as a key point of contact for auditors and senior stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvements in systems, processes, and reporting to enhance efficiency and minimise risk.

About You

• ACA / ACCA / CA qualified, ideally trained in audit or practice
• Strong technical accounting and statutory reporting experience
• Confident managing audits and external stakeholders

Desirable

• Charity / not-for-profit or international development experience
• Knowledge of SORP
• Group consolidation and FX exposure
• Line management experience

Working Arrangements

• Salary: £56,500–£60,000
• Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in London office)
• This role can be recruited on a full time, 0.8 or 0.9 FTE basis. For further information, please contact Ivy Rock Partners. Permanent role (candidates interested in the position on a fixed-term contract basis are also invited to apply).

About Us

Cabot Learning Federation is a large and diverse multi-academy trust in the South West of England that runs and supports more than 36 schools, including primary, secondary, specialist, and post-16 education settings. It serves around 18,000 students and employs over 3,000 staff.

CLF is committed to excellence and making a positive impact and our people bring unique perspectives, all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

The Role

CLF are seeking to recruit an experienced and visionary Financial Controller who will provide leadership capacity to the finance team as well as technical expertise.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and transactions of the finance department and will lead on delivering statutory financial information

The FC will support the Finance Director to deliver the vision for finance across the Trust and ensure the output from the finance department will be accurate, timely, current and to a high standard. This role will develop and embed a culture of continuous improvement within the team and ensure the service provided to our academies and other provisions is of the highest quality requiring the establishment of key relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

The scope of their role and responsibilities has Trust wide impact and the post holder will need to develop an in-depth knowledge of the Federation’s activities and goals. 

About You

To succeed in this role you will:

• Be a qualified accountant or QBE with substantial financial and management accounting experience.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrable experience of leading and engaging with finance and other corporate functions to develop a mature and rounded service.
• Have an excellent understanding of financial and management accounting processes, financial reporting and audit planning as well as being adept at managing both your own and your team’s priorities.
• Working with the Leadership team particularly the Estates and Facilities team, Operations, IT team and HR team, you will be a strong leader able to communicate well with your peers and teams members and have resilience to adapt quickly to changing priorities and demands from internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Public Sector accounting, SORP, Charity law and VAT

In return for your hard work and dedication you will enjoy a wide variety of benefits including:

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Closing date 5th July ; Interview date 17th July

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£55k per annum

This is a newly created role. with responsibility for financial management owned previously by the Executive Director, supported by the Head of Finance & Operations. In the refreshed structure operational and finance functions are separated.

The purpose of this role is to ensure the organisation is financially sustainable, well governed, and able to deliver its mission effectively. You will lead the financial management of the organisation, ensuring robust financial control, high-quality reporting, and effective financial planning to support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on, collaborative role in a busy team, spanning both strategic and operational finance.

Being a success in this role will essentially balance three things at the same time:
1. Financial stability, control and risk management
2. Artistic and charitable ambition
3. Long-term organisational resilience and sustainable growth

Over the last two years the Festival has refreshed a number of our platforms and ways of working, including updating our CRM, ticketing and finance systems (Xero). We have worked with an external consultancy firm who have reviewed our systems and processes in finance and recommended new approaches; we are seeking a financial leader who can continue to progress this transformation, embedding new systems and ways of working across the team, while managing the busy annual BAU finance operations. We are in year two of a refreshed Strategic Plan, with a focus on building organisational resilience, maximising income and building new revenue streams; our new Finance Director will play a key role in realising these ambitions.

The role will be the key liaison with the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial leadership
• Financial reporting and insight
• Festival and programme support
• Sustainability and development support
• Systems and data
• Compliance, governance and risk management
• Leadership and team management

Essential Knowledge, skills and experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience)
• Significant senior financial management experience including Xero accounting system
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits 
• Strong understanding of financial controls and governance
• Experience presenting financial information to boards or trustees
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically and operationally in a fast-paced environment

For full information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on Edinburgh International Book Festival Website.

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026. Please complete the online application using the links on our website. 

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.

Director of Operations – Finance & Support Services
Dartington (& Torquay as required)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, ideally Monday-Friday 08.30-16.30
Salary: £51,663.00 - £59,597.00 per annum (DOE)

Are you a skilled operations professional with a background in finance?

We have a brand-new opportunity at Lifeworks Charity, for a Director of Operations (Finance & Support Services) to play a crucial role in our Central Support team. You will drive the sustainable growth and operational efficiency of the charity, directly contributing to our charitable impact.

You'll blend your financial expertise with your keen eye for operational oversight in this hybrid role, ensuring our resources are managed effectively to benefit the young people and families we support.

Who we are:

Since 1996, we've been empowering people with learning disabilities in Devon to achieve their dreams and build fulfilling lives. Our core values of kindness, respect, and positivity guide everything we do.

What you’ll do:

Finance

- Manage and maintain all financial aspects of the charity, including (but not limited to), budgeting, forecasting, reporting, ledgers, balance sheets, bank reconciliations, debtor accounts, cash flow management, insurances, property and procurement.
- Take a lead on the development of financial and fundraising processes and strategies.
- Manage and be the main point of contact for all aspects of ESFA and DfE funding compliance and reporting.
- Lead a small team to deliver outstanding support to the charity and act as a key financial advisor to managers across the organisation.
- Produce clear and concise monthly management accounts and provide financial insights to senior managers and the Board of Trustees.
- Working closely with external auditors, prepare and oversee our year end accounts.

Operations

- Ensure that charity governance and compliance is upheld, by contributing to record maintenance, managing registers and supporting with reviews of policies and procedures.
- Work with our external IT partners to manage our technology. You will make sure that the correct infrastructure, systems and processes are in the right place at the right time.
- Lead on IT security for the charity, implementing regular reviews to monitor compliance.
- Act as the Data Controller and manage all areas of data protection regulations, always prioritising data security.
- Develop and review charity policies as necessary, ensuring they align with best practices and legal requirements.
- Ensure compliance of Health and Safety policies, liaising with external advisors to maintain safety within the workplace.

Last but not least, we are looking for someone that is an advocate for people with learning disabilities and shares our common goal of making sure the people we support achieve their best lives with us. You may not be involved in the day-to-day work with our service users, but the work you will do is vital to the success of our charity.

What we're looking for:

You'll be a motivated and experienced professional who is passionate about making a difference. You should be:

- ACCA/CIMA/ACA part-qualified with significant experience (or fully qualified is a bonus!).
- A proven leader with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- An expert in financial management, from budgeting to reporting.
- An excellent communicator who can clearly explain complex financial information to all audiences.
- Experienced in managing a broad portfolio, ideally including Health and Safety, IT, or facilities.
- Knowledgeable about governance frameworks and risk management.

If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a desire to contribute to a vital cause, we would love to hear from you.

We're passionate about supporting our staff just as much as we are about supporting our service users. When you join our team, you can expect:

- An hourly rate above the Real Living Wage
- A holiday entitlement of 33 days’ holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- A fully funded DBS check and update service to ensure a smooth onboarding process
- Access to valuable resources including an employee assistance program to support your mental and emotional health

Building a diverse and safe team:

At Lifeworks, we're committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the job criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview.

Lifeworks is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. To achieve this commitment, we will ensure the continuous development, improvement and review of robust safeguarding processes and procedures that continuously promote a culture of vigilance in respect of safeguarding within our organisation. All staff undergo Safer Recruitment checks which include pre-employment checks, reference checks, and a DBS check with Barred List checks (where applicable).

Early applications encouraged!

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the 19th of July, but may close earlier if suitable candidates are identified. So, to ensure your application is considered, ensure you apply early!

The interview format will consist of 3 parts; a formal interview assessment, a short presentation and a Q&A with staff members. If you are selected for interview, further details will be shared ahead of the above date.

Apply today and tell us why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Please note that this role was previously advertised as Operations Manager. We ask that previous applicants of this role need not reapply.

We’d appreciate no contact from agencies regarding this role. We are only accepting direct applications.

About the role

We are seeking a Branch Finance Manager to provide financial oversight, compliance support and business services across our national branch network and National Support Centre.

You will play a key role in ensuring strong financial control, accurate reporting and consistent compliance across branches, working closely with staff and volunteers to strengthen financial governance and operational effectiveness.

Alongside core finance responsibilities, the role supports wider business services including procurement, contracts, insurance, fleet and health & safety.

Key responsibilities

Branch finance & compliance

• Oversee branch financial returns, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance
• Support financial analysis and modelling for branch activity and planning
• Provide guidance and training to branches and volunteers on financial systems and processes

Business services

• Support HR administration, insurance, data protection and facilities management
• Manage procurement and supplier contracts, ensuring value for money
• Support improvements to operational systems and processes

Governance & controls

• Maintain and support financial policies and compliance frameworks
• Assist with investigations into financial or compliance issues where required
• Support consistent financial controls across the branch network

Operational support

• Support stock management systems for retail, events and branch supplies
• Assist with health & safety compliance and assurance
• Support fleet management, including contracts, insurance and maintenance

About you

You are a qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, MAAT or equivalent) with strong experience in financial management, control and reporting.

You will bring:

• Experience in management accounting and financial analysis
• Understanding of charity finance and SORP (desirable)
• Experience supporting compliance and operational processes
• Strong communication skills with non-finance stakeholders
• A practical, solutions-focused and analytical approach
• Confidence working across teams, branches and volunteers

You will be:

• Organised, proactive and detail-focused
• Comfortable in a hands-on, operational role
• Collaborative and able to influence across a wide network
• Motivated by improving systems and organisational effectiveness
• Flexible and willing to support wider organisational needs
• Able to facilitate good working relationships with a varierty of people and personalities

Why join us

This is an opportunity to play a central role in strengthening financial governance and operational effectiveness across a national charity, directly supporting improved outcomes for retired racing greyhounds across the UK.