Financial accounting manager jobs

BACKGROUND

Ashiana is a ‘by and for’ women led BME VAWG service with 30 years’ experience in delivering a holistic range of specialist services to South Asian, Turkish and Middle Eastern women affected by Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG).

OUR SERVICES

Ashiana runs three refuges with a total of 29 bedspaces; specifically for women aged 16-35 fleeing forced marriage. This multi award winning project is the only service of its kind in the UK and is highly innovative in terms of addressing an area of significant need not met in other refuge provision. Within these refuges we designate a number of bedspaces for women with no recourse to public funds. We offer an advice and support service to women and girls who are experiencing VAWG, enabling them to make informed decisions and exit violent relationships. We provide a legal service supporting women with no recourse to public funds to help resolve their immigration status.

Counselling is offered for women and girls affected by VAWG. The counselling service works from an integrative stance, with the focus of providing a holistic service whereby we also work alongside other services and provide specialist domestic violence group work. The emphasis of therapeutic work with our clients is from a trauma informed model.

We also deliver an education programme for young people in secondary schools in East London aimed at preventing domestic violence and enabling young people experiencing domestic violence to access appropriate services. The prevention service includes delivering a whole school approach in schools to young people as well as group work to women and girls across North East London boroughs as well as community engagement activities and delivery. We deliver a range of awareness raising workshops for young people in the community and training on domestic violence for professionals in the voluntary and statutory sector.

PRIMARY TASK:

To assist the Director of Finance to address all finance matter and provide all relevant information to meet internal and external demands. 

Please see the attached the full job description

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager to join a very well-established animal welfare charity based in Solihull, with a second site in Wolverhampton. Working within a passionate and dedicated team, this role will suit an experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a determination to make a difference.

The organisation has been supporting dogs and the community for 133 years, employs eighty dedicated staff, and delivers vital services that improve the lives of dogs and humans alike. You’ll play a key role in guiding the charity’s financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring effective management of budgets, forecasting, payroll, and statutory reporting.

Oversee financial governance and controls, ensuring compliance with charity and company legislation.

Provide strategic financial advice to the Executive Team and Trustees to support decision-making and risk management.

Manage the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors.

Oversee financial planning for bids, tenders, and funding applications, ensuring robust cost modelling and reporting.

What experience?

Ideally a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or) with proven experience in a finance role.

Experience managing finance within the charity, not-for-profit, or SME sector.

Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

We are looking for someone to join our Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic direction overseeing finance, HR and IT in a newly created role for the charity. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the people who access our services, working towards a safe home, better life and fairer future for everyone.

We were founded to help people facing the devastating effects of homelessness. Today, we also tackle the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality.

As Director of Finance and Resources, you will lead the financial strategy to underpin the overall organisational strategy, ensuring robust financial management, foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and lead the development of digital systems that enhance service delivery and organisational resilience.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will combine strategic insight with practical delivery.

You will bring:

· Senior leadership experience in leading a finance function, ideally in a charity or not-for-profit organisation 

· An accountancy qualification and excellent technical accounting skills

· A strategic mindset and experience of leading and managing change

· A collaborative leadership style with excellent communication skills

· Commitment to continuous improvement

The selection process will include two stages, an initial interview taking place on 3rd or 4th December via Microsoft Teams followed by a face to face interview on 9th December.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter no longer than 2 pages addressing how you meet the criteria in the person specification.

ABOUT EX CATHEDRA

Ex Cathedra is a world-class vocal ensemble that leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing. We believe everyone should be able to experience the remarkable physical, mental and emotional health benefits of singing together, and have opportunities to be inspired by extraordinary choral music. 

It is an exciting time to join Ex Cathedra. Over the next 2 years we will celebrate the legacy of founder Jeffrey Skidmore OBE and welcome a new artistic director. We are enjoying audience growth, our projects are being recognised at Award ceremonies, and we have recently recruited two new fundraising roles.

You would join a supportive, dedicated and financially literate team, working closely with the General Manager and the Director of Education & Participation. You will be an important part of the Ex Cathedra ‘family’ - musicians who deliver the highest quality performances and participatory experiences.

THE ROLE

We are excited to advertise this full-time Finance Manager vacancy (£37,500-£40,000). The role encompasses the financial operations of the charity - from purchase ledger and payroll to preparation of the management and statutory accounts and delivery of Board reports. In autumn 2024 we migrated to iplicit, with the potential to realise further efficiencies.

Full details are listed in the Application Pack. Key points include:

Key points include:

• Deliver the financial accounting process, including timely and accurate purchase ledger and sales ledger, processing payments accordingly
• Undertake bank reconciliations
• Monitor debtors and creditors 
• Process payroll and pensions
• Ensure statutory obligations and deadlines are met, including payments and reports to HMRC for PAYE & NI
• Prepare annual accounts and meet external audit requirements in accordance with current SORP
• Prepare creative tax relief claims
• Cashflow forecasts
• Prepare management accounts and reports for the Board of trustees and other financial reports that may be required
• Calculate and submit VAT returns
• Prepare financial documents for Arts Council England submissions
• Work with the team to ensure accurate project projections
• Drive improvements and efficiencies
• Support fundraising, including Gift Aid
• Act as Company Secretary
• Support the General Manager with insurance renewals

ABOUT YOU

We anticipate you will be part- or fully-qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA), and excited by the opportunity to have operational responsibility for the full financial processes of Ex Cathedra. You are the kind of person who is equally willing to support the strategic planning of the organisation and to roll up their sleeves to ensure sales invoices are raised and suppliers are paid efficiently.

Essential:

• Experience of working in a complex finance role, preparing statutory and management accounts
• Experience of owning/managing efficient finance processes and controls
• Highly proficient and confident with modern, cloud-based finance software, spreadsheets and other relevant software
• An understanding of partial exemption VAT
• Knowledge of charity SORP

Desirable:

• Recent experience of iplicit, charity SORP and partial exemption VAT would be very helpful
• Interest or experience of supporting strategic initiatives and developments

The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of:

• Developing strong working relationships and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective time management and of being able to prioritise and plan
• Meticulous accuracy and attention to detail
• Inspiring confidence from colleagues across the organisation and at Board level
• Meeting deadlines

We welcome pre-application conversations if you would like to know more.

Thank you for your interest in this role - Peter & the team at Ex Cathedra.

We would also consider a part-time Finance Manager (3 days pw) with the appointment of a part-time Finance Coordinator (2 days pw). Please contact Peter Trethewey, General Manager, ahead of application if you would like to apply on this basis.

The Organisation

This is a financially robust and internationally active organisation with an income in excess of £40 million. Operating across multiple jurisdictions, it combines commercial acumen with a mission-driven ethos. The finance function is well-established, and the organisation is undergoing a period of positive transformation, with a strong focus on improving systems, controls, and reporting quality.

The Job

We're recruiting a technically strong Financial Accountant to lead on statutory reporting, audit delivery, and balance sheet integrity across the group and its subsidiaries. Reporting to the Finance Director, you'll manage the year-end close, oversee group consolidation, and act as the key liaison with external auditors and outsourced accounting providers. You'll also line manage an Assistant Financial Accountant based overseas and play a pivotal role in improving financial controls and reporting processes.This is a hands-on role requiring a blend of technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement. The organisation uses Sun Accounts and operates in a multi-entity, multi-currency environment.

The Person

We're looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with:

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including FRS 102 and group consolidation.
• Proven experience managing audits and statutory accounts preparation.
• A proactive, detail-oriented approach with excellent communication skills.
• Experience working with or managing outsourced accounting teams is desirable.
• Exposure to international or not-for-profit environments would be a bonus.

What's in it for You?

• Salary of £80,000
• 10% matched pension
• Hybrid working with flexibility - 1 day per week in the office
• Opportunity to lead on group-wide financial reporting and audit
• A collaborative, values-driven culture with senior stakeholder visibility

What to Do Now

If you're a technically strong accountant looking to step into a pivotal role with international scope and strategic influence, I'd love to hear from you. Apply now or contact me directly for a confidential discussion.

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The Organisation

This is a well-established, values-led organisation with an income of over £15 million, operating across multiple legal entities including a commercial arm. The organisation is known for its inclusive culture and commitment to sustainability and equality.

The Job

We're recruiting a Financial Accountant to lead on statutory accounts, financial reporting, audit support, and financial control across three entities. The role includes oversight of general ledger activity, payroll, pensions, VAT, and investment reporting. You'll manage the month-end and year-end close, support external audits, and act as the primary finance contact for one of the organisation's trusts. The role also includes line management of a Finance Administrator and deputising for the Financial Controller when needed.

The Person

We're open to applications from qualified accountants or finalists (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or QBE) with:

• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, FRS 102, and charity SORP
• Experience managing month-end and year-end processes
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and external auditors
• Hands-on experience with VAT, payroll, and financial systems
• A collaborative, proactive approach and excellent attention to detail
• Experience in the charity sector or with a commercial subsidiary is highly desirable.

What's in it for You?

• £54,500 salary
• Competitive employer pension contribution
• 26 days annual leave + Christmas closure
• Private health insurance
• Hybrid working with a central London office base
• A values-driven culture with a focus on inclusion and sustainability
• Opportunity to lead on financial reporting across multiple entities

What to Do Now

If you're a technically strong accountant looking for a role with breadth, impact, and purpose, I'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.

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

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Corporate Partnerships Manager to join our team.

You'll drive corporate income and partnerships through a combination of first-in-class account management and identifying, and securing, new business opportunities. You will develop creative packages for support, drawing opportunities together across employee fundraising, branding, volunteering and pro bono, to attract support from new sectors and deepen existing relationships.

You'll work across both new business and account management, managing existing corporate partnerships to deliver exceptional stewardship and maximising on opportunities to meet, or exceed, income targets, whilst also identifying new opportunities through a combination of Charity of the Year, strategic, brand and multi-year relationships.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Significant and demonstrable experience of managing a high value (ideally six figure) corporate partnerships
• Good, demonstrable knowledge of commercial sector and how to access decision makers
• Understanding and experience of Charity of the Year, brand and strategic partnerships
• Demonstrable experience of supporter relationship management to aid retention, maximise income and secure repeat business

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

WCCM seeks to appoint an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising and grant management across a global organisation dedicated to the teaching of Christian Meditation.

Working to the Executive Director, you will interact with our decentralised finance, marketing and communications staff and volunteers.  

Together, you will nurture Major Donor relationships and create and manage appropriate donor stewardship schemes and rationalise our income streams.

You’ll ensure grant reporting and management is kept on track whilst developing targeted proposals for new funding from sympathetic donors in the arena of Trusts and foundations.  

You will work to support both our teaching and resourcing of meditation and the running of our retreat centre in Bonnevaux, near Poitiers in France.

An excellent writer with excellent financial and budgeting skills, you will be adept at pulling together relevant, succinct and compelling information for our donor reports and bids.

You’ll work with communications staff to develop impactful donor communications which enhance our accountability and inspire renewed major donations.  

You will have a demonstrable track record in winning grants as well as in the stewardship of major donors.  

Occasional trips to France.

Interest in Christian Meditation/Spirituality an advantage.

Interviews: early December 2025

About the role

The Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the charity’s financial and operational functions. This includes managing day-to-day accounting, producing management reports, maintaining and improving processes, line-managing the administrator, and leading key projects across Finance, IT and HR. The role plays a central part in supporting the operational effectiveness and strategic growth of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Finance

• Manage the charity’s day-to-day accounts, ensuring accurate and timely bookkeeping.
• Prepare financial reports for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and management staff.
• Monitor budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and financial performance, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Support annual audits and liaise with external accountants as required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations and charity reporting standards.

Operations

• Develop and implement operational processes to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Line manage the Administrator, ensuring they support both finance (bookkeeping) and wider administrative tasks across the organisation.
• Oversee HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, and record-keeping, as part of operational projects.
• Manage IT and technology initiatives, including the implementation of systems to improve organisational efficiency.
• Project manage key organisational initiatives in finance, HR, and IT, ensuring they are delivered on time and within scope.

Collaboration

• Act as a key point of contact for operational matters across the organisation.
• Work closely with the SLT to provide insights and recommendations based on financial and operational data.
• Support the team in adopting and embedding new processes and technologies.

Person Specification

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join us and influence and develop our working practice. We recognise the value a diverse workforce brings to a small charity, and we are especially keen for people currently underrepresented in our charity and the wider sector to apply.

While we’re looking for candidates with the skills and experience listed, we know no one is perfect in every area. If you meet some of the criteria, we’d still really love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out for a friendly chat about the role and your application.

Qualifications

• Recognised financial qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CAI, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS, ICAEW, or equivalent)

Experience

• Proven experience in organisational finance and bookkeeping
• Experience in producing management accounts and reports for senior leadership
• Experience in project management, particularly in implementing finance, HR, or IT systems.

Skills and Knowledge

• Technically proficient, with experience using finance systems and digital tools.
• Organised and systematic, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Attention to detail, with an ability to handle various financial or administrative tasks with accuracy.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities, able to translate data into actionable insights.
• Ability to implement processes and systems that improve organisational efficiency.
• Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels within the organisation.

Key Attributes and Values

• Passionate about making a difference – committed to preventing knife crime and improving outcomes for young people
• Committed to equity and inclusion – values and actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and fairness in all aspects of work
• Reflective and open to learning – committed to personal growth, welcomes feedback, and continuously seeks to improve practice
• Resilient and adaptable – able to navigate challenges, manage multiple priorities, and maintain focus under pressure.
• Tech-minded and comfortable with adopting new systems and processes.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and capable of handling confidential information with discretion.

Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities where possible
• 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (rising to 30 days and 33 days after 5 and 10 years’ service, respectively)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme with the Green Commute Initiative
• Personal development opportunities

ZSL is looking for an experienced and qualified accountant to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial success of one of the world’s leading conservation organisations.

Senior Financial Reporting Manager
Location: Head Office, Regents Park, London NW1 – Hybrid
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: £70,000 per annum

Purpose of the Role

This is a visible, high-profile position that offers the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders, providing strategic insight and driving excellence across ZSL’s financial and commercial reporting.

As Senior Reporting Manager, you will lead a small, high-performing team and take responsibility for ZSL’s business and commercial reporting, including monthly performance reporting, budgeting, forecasting, KPIs and business planning, as well as financial reporting on cash, reserves and the balance sheet. You’ll also support the year-end process and preparation of the Annual Report, while contributing expert financial analysis and modelling to inform decision-making across ZSL’s four businesses.

This is a hybrid role, typically based 2–3 days per week at ZSL’s iconic Regent’s Park headquarters. It’s an exciting opportunity for a strategic finance leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Financial & Commercial Reporting: Lead ZSL’s financial and commercial reporting, including month-end close, business planning, budgeting, forecasting, KPI development and performance insights, ensuring timely, high-quality analysis and clear reporting that supports strategic decision-making. Which includes the development of finance reports, through systems such as Power BI.
• Financial Accounting: Oversee ZSL’s financial accounting and statutory reporting, including consolidated cashflow, balance sheet and reserves management, VAT and Gift Aid returns, and year-end audit preparation, ensuring robust ledger integrity, accurate reconciliations and successful sign-off of the Annual Report and Financial Statements.
• Leadership and Business Partnering: Lead and develop ZSL’s business partnering team while working directly with senior stakeholders across the organisation, providing strategic insights and hands-on support to drive performance, growth, and alignment across all four business units, including dedicated focus on the Fundraising and People Directorates.

About You

• Qualified accountant (either ACCA, ACA or CIMA) with proven experience leading a business partner function.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and experience of PowerPoint.
• Proven finance business partnering experience working within a large complex organisation.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement in business performance whilst maintaining positive relationships.
• Experience of managing a small team, with a successful track record of providing direction, support and coaching.
• Ability to provide insight from financial and non-financial data.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, being able to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders balancing support and challenge.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. 

What do we offer? 

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you 
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays 
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops 
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle 
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

Closing Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
N.B: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Accountant to oversee the charity’s day-to-day financial management and reporting.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Accountant will play a key role in maintaining accurate accounts, preparing management reports, and supporting the annual audit and budget processes. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working across all aspects of charity finance, from daily transactions to strategic financial planning.

About The Child Beale Trust

The Child Beale Trust operates Beale Wildlife Park, a 350-acre charitable wildlife park and estate near Pangbourne. The charity’s objectives are the advancement of recreation, conservation, education and biodiversity. The Park welcomes thousands of visitors each year and is home to a wide range of animals, gardens and visitor attractions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records using QBOL.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and capex/cashflow forecasts.
• Administer and submit VAT returns, liaising with our external VAT advisor where required.
• Oversee budget tracking and forecasting for all departments, working closely with budget holders.
• Prepare year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors.
• Support the CEO and trustees with financial reporting and board papers.
• Manage payroll and pension administration (payroll itself is outsourced).
• Oversee the purchase order and approval process (using ApprovalMax).
• Ensure compliance with all charity and statutory financial regulations.
• Support the development of financial systems and processes to ensure on-going overall efficiency.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
• Strong experience in management accounting and financial reporting.
• Good working knowledge of QBOL (or similar accounting software).
• Experience preparing year-end accounts and working with auditors.
• Excellent Excel skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Ability and desire to contribute to positive work environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of charity VAT and restricted/unrestricted fund accounting.
• Experience in fund raising and Gift Aid management/optimisation.

Working Arrangements

• Option of a hybrid role with flexibility to work from home, but a minimum of 50% of hours must be worked on site at Beale Wildlife Park.
• Immediate start available, with a handover from the current Accountant to ensure a smooth transition.

Start Date: Immediate – full handover provided

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged.

Role Summary

Julie’s Bicycle (JB) is seeking an experienced and hands-on professional who can contribute to the organisation's financial strategy and future resilience. This is a senior leadership role within the Operations and Finance function, where you will be working closely with the Managing Director, Head of Programmes, CEO, and Treasurer, providing the essential financial intelligence needed to guide key organisational decisions.

Job title: Finance Manager
Contract: Preferably 0.8 FTE (Full-time also considered for the right candidate), 1 year contract with the possibility to become permanent
Location: Hybrid working: office base is at Somerset House, London: we are flexible on approach, within a hybrid model of in-person & virtual. This can be discussed at interview (*) 
Salary: £50k to £55k p.a. (pro rata), depending on experience
Reporting to: Managing Director
Start date: ASAP - depending on candidate’s notice period 
Normal hours: Office hours are 9.30 - 5.30pm, Monday – Friday. As this is ideally a 0.8 FTE role, there is flexibility on how the time is spread across the week. Please state how you would intend to allocate your time when you apply. (requests for flexible working hours will be considered) 

Other: 

• Annual leave is 25 days per year (pro rata) plus standard bank holidays
• Cultural entitlement of £250 per annum (pro rata) to spend on arts/cultural events & activities
• All employees are able to claim 1 hour a week for personal wellbeing
• Pension scheme enrolment and 6% employer contributions (reviewed annually)

(*) Access to office space in London is always available to staff who can't or don't want to work from home. 

If you would like this application pack in a different format (e.g. large print or audio file), please email us (information in the link provided). 

About Julie’s Bicycle (JB)

JB is a leading non-profit putting climate action at the heart of culture. We believe that creativity is a powerful catalyst for change—and that the arts and cultural sector has a vital role to play in building a just, regenerative future.

For over 15 years, we’ve worked with artists, cultural institutions, funders, and policymakers to mobilise creative climate leadership through advocacy, research, policy influence, training, and community building. We champion climate justice, centre equity, and believe that environmental solutions must be driven by cultural shifts as well as systems change. For more information, please visit our website.

The Role

The Finance Manager will be a pivotal position within JB’s senior leadership team, responsible for the effective and efficient management of all financial operations. This role requires a highly experienced and hands-on professional who can seamlessly manage day-to-day bookkeeping and compliance while also contributing to the organisation's financial strategy and future resilience.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in charity finance, a deep understanding of VAT complexities, and the ambition to grow into a strategic financial leader. You will work closely with the Managing Director, CEO, and Treasurer, providing the essential financial intelligence needed to guide key organisational decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management And Reporting (Operational & Strategic)

• Hands-on bookkeeping and transaction management: Oversee and execute all financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll preparation, and bank reconciliations using the organisation's accounting software.

• Management accounts: Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts, commentary, and analysis for the Managing Director, CEO, and the Board of Trustees.

• Statutory compliance: Manage all aspects of Charity SORP compliant financial reporting. Prepare and coordinate the annual statutory audit, working directly with external auditors. Oversee filing and reporting to regulators including the Charity Commission and Companies House.

• VAT and tax compliance: Lead on all VAT compliance, including preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns, ensuring full adherence to HMRC regulations, particularly those unique to the charity sector, including partial exemption requirements and annual adjustments.

• Budgeting and forecasting: Coordinate and support the annual budgeting process. Develop regular financial forecasts and projections to ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable.

• Cashflow management: Monitor and manage the organisation's cash flow, ensuring adequate funds are available for all operational needs.

• Payroll: Manage the relationship with the outsourced payroll provider, collate salary information, ensuring is accurate and up-to-date and manage pension payments.

• Coordination of confidential finance administration: Business rates/premises, company bank accounts, credit card software, audit preparation, companies house, PL, EL, PI & and drive insurance renewal process

Strategic support and leadership development

• Financial insight as part of the Senior Leadership Team: Develop and deliver clear, data-driven financial analysis and insights to inform strategic decision-making across the organisation (SLT, SMT and Board).

• Policy and procedure: Review and maintain robust financial controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard the charity’s assets and ensure best practice.

• Strategic recommendations: In collaboration with the MD and CEO, research and present options for improving financial efficiency, exploring new funding models, and strengthening the long-term financial health of Julie's Bicycle.

• Board support: Prepare monthly management accounts, as well as comprehensive financial reports for quarterly Trustee meetings, attending meetings as required to present and discuss financial performance.

• Training the team: Embed a culture of financial curiosity, procedures and basic literacy.

Grant And Project Finance

• Restricted funds: Maintain meticulous records for all restricted and designated funds, ensuring compliance with all donor and grant conditions.

• Grant reporting: Lead on preparing detailed financial reports for funders (e.g., Arts Council England, trusts, foundations), ensuring all expenditure is accurately recorded and compliant with specific grant requirements. Consolidate all the above into a shared reporting calendar.

Person Specification

Essential experience and knowledge

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT), with at least 5-10 years of demonstrable, progressive experience in a similar finance role, with a significant portion gained within the UK charity/non-profit sector.

• In-depth, practical knowledge of UK charity financial regulations and Charity SORP.

• Expert-level understanding of VAT for charities, including partial exemption and trading subsidiaries.

• Proven ability to manage the full accounting cycle, from transaction entry (bookkeeping) through to preparing statutory accounts.

• Experience in managing the annual audit process and engaging with external auditors.

• Excellent proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Aquila) and advanced Excel skills.

Skills and attributes

• Hands-on and proactive: Willingness to undertake all levels of tasks, from routine data entry to high-level analysis (essential)

• Developing leadership: Demonstrable potential or experience in influencing decisions, leading process improvements, and contributing strategic thinking (strongly desirable)

• Collaborative working: Ability to nurture and maintain relationships across the team (essential)

• Exceptional attention to detail: A meticulous and highly accurate approach to all financial data and reporting (essential)

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues, the MD, and Trustees (essential)

• Alignment with mission: A genuine interest in and commitment to the mission and values of Julie’s Bicycle (desirable)

Why Join Us?

At Julie’s Bicycle, you’ll join a passionate team working at the intersection of creativity and climate action. We offer a collaborative, inclusive, and flexible working culture, where your voice will shape how the cultural sector responds to one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

How to apply

If you’d like to apply, please: 

• Complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form found on our website.

Submit these via our application portal by 11.59pm on Sunday 23rd Nov 2025.

We encourage people from any background to apply for this post. We are committed to creating a workforce which is representative of our society, and to bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences to help shape what we do and how we work. We are particularly keen to hear from people of colour and those who self-identify as disabled.

Please note, this post is open to people who already have the right to live and work in the UK, as Julie’s Bicycle is not currently in a position to sponsor a work visa. 

A note on AI

While we understand that some people may use AI tools for accessibility (and recognise and support that many assistive technologies may use elements of AI), we ask candidates to consider what tools are most appropriate during the application process. For example, we recognise the value for many people of machine learning language tools like Grammarly. On the other hand we would discourage the use of generative AI tools in writing your application, as we'd like to understand your personal interest in working for Julie's Bicycle, and be able to understand your non-AI-assisted communication skills just as they are. We also recognise that for many of the people and creative communities we work with, the rise of generative AI poses a threat to their livelihoods, while the environmental impacts of AI are only set to grow: this means we also have a responsibility as Julie's Bicycle to consider where and when (and if) we use AI in our work. 

Thank you for your interest in working at Julie’s Bicycle.

No one enjoys medical procedures, least of all children. From facing everyday vaccinations to the most serious of surgeries and chronic conditions, all children experience varying degrees of apprehension and fear. Feeling scared, powerless, or anxious in healthcare settings doesn’t just trigger a child’s emotions; it can create traumas that impact treatment success and that can have a life-long impact. Starlight’s aim is to transform children’s health through better experiences, by putting play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.

Evidence shows that play in healthcare can reduce anxiety, fear and even pain; it helps children engage and prepare for their treatment and cope better with procedures; it minimises trauma and contributes to a better experience; and supports children to have some sense of agency and control in an environment where these opportunities are limited. Play can also reduce the number of attempts to deliver treatment, the need for sedation and the need for repeat appointments. Prioritising children’s right to play in healthcare results in healthier, happier children who are involved in their own healing and recovery as well as more efficient treatment and care.

We work in over 900 healthcare settings across the UK with an ultimate vision to ensure that no child endures trauma in healthcare.

We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, solution focussed finance professional to join our central team as Finance Manager. This is a pivotal role in the organisation, one where you’ll use your experience to ensure accurate and timely business information is prepared and published for decision making across the charity. As you build your knowledge and experience you’ll be able to improve processes and systems, and find the best ways to support the business.

Please see more about this role by clicking on the Job description. 

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Finance Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organisation. Reporting to the Head of Business Operations, the postholder will oversee all financial operations, providing strategic insights to inform decision-making and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
This role is integral to supporting the organisation’s mission of advancing health research through effective financial stewardship, and it offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced finance professional to make a significant contribution within a mission-driven organisation.

Main responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Planning
• Develop and implement robust financial strategies to support the organisation’s strategic goals.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial plans, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Support procurement and commercial processes, ensuring value for money and delivery assurance.

Financial Management, Reporting and Regulatory Compliance
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, and cash flow management.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for the executive team, Trustees and external stakeholders.
• Lead the preparation of annual accounts and coordinate with external auditors, specifically in relation to Companies House and Charities Commission obligations.

Stakeholder engagement
• Work closely with workstream leads to provide financial advice and insights that guide strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with external funders, grant providers, and other stakeholders to ensure transparent financial management.

Process improvement
• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, processes and tools, to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent.
• Proven experience in independent financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements in the UK, specifically in relation to not-for-profit, charitable and research organisations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with non-finance stakeholders.
• Experience of working in a health and/or data research environment.
• Familiarity with grant management and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of financial systems, implementation and optimisation.
• Experience in developing financial strategies within a growing organisation.
• Experience of modelling operational costs to support decision making and delivery.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the proven ability to prioritise and, at times under pressure, produce accurate work to deadlines.

​Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in an organisation in its infancy or a start-up.
• Understanding and experience of using project management tools and techniques.
• Understanding and experience of procurement of good and services in a health and/or data research environment.

Dimensions

• This is expected to be a full-time post however AHS would consider applicants looking for part-time opportunities.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply online with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, your preferred working hours (FTE or PTE) and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 23 November 2025.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 15 December 2025.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team in 2025. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.