Financial accounting manager jobs

About Us 

Inspire is a charity based in East London. We inspire children and young people across London and beyond, using data to understand the barriers they face and connecting them with a range of employers and opportunities to open doors to their success. 

We have over 30 years of experience in delivering high quality services and programmes to children, young people, schools, local authorities and employers. Working alongside our large network of employer volunteers, we design and deliver programmes that inspire and support children and young people to create a positive future for themselves in their journey from the classroom to workplace.  We provide them with independent careers guidance, high aspirations and strong employability skills. 

The Opportunity 

Are you passionate and enthusiastic about advancing social mobility and ensuring all young people have access to the opportunities and inspiration they need to achieve their full potential? If so, this role is for you. 

We are seeking a Senior Business Development and Partnerships Manager to join us in a pivotal role in our Business Development Team. This is a new role for our charity that will make a significant contribution to delivery of our high quality services to children and young people, providing them with opportunities and inspiration to enable them to create a positive future for themselves and open doors to their success.

If you are self-motivated, enthusiastic and confident, with experience and a proven track record in successfully securing, managing and developing long term, five figure levels and above partnerships from initial prospect research through to contracting and ongoing management, then this role is for you. Working alongside our Director of Business Development and Partnerships, you will pro-actively manage business development activity, steward partnerships and raise funds for Inspire from a range of sources including corporate partnerships, community fundraising, trusts and foundations. 

Key responsibilities of the role include: 

1. Identifying and securing new business development opportunities in the corporate, trust and foundations sectors that align with our mission and objectives. 

2. Developing and maintaining a pipeline of prospects for new business opportunities, targeting five-figure level and above partnerships to deliver high-value, long-term partnerships and achieve financial targets and KPIs. 

3. Supporting creation and submission of funding applications to corporates, statutory bodies, trusts and foundations. 

4. Management and growth of Inspire's entry to mid-level corporate partnerships. 

5. Collaborate with colleagues to scale up existing, funded programmes and develop creative, dynamic and winning proposals. 

6. Supporting marketing and communications to promote Inspire and its programmes including development of marketing and social media materials. 

Benefits 

29 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays 

3 volunteering days per year 

Family friendly policies 

Hybrid working arrangements. 

If you have the skills and desire to join our team, please see our job description for further details. 

Inspire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.The successful candidate will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Application process 

If you wish to apply for this role please provide your CV, a covering letter to demonstrate your skills and experience, and your answers to the following questions. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words each: 

1. Strategic Partnerships: 

Describe a partnership you identified and secured that had a significant impact on your organisation’s growth. What was your strategy for engaging the partner and what measurable outcomes were achieved? 

2. Pipeline Strategy & Prioritisation: 

Highlight your experience in building a high performing pipeline that drives measurable income, how do you identify, evaluate, and prioritise new opportunities, markets, or partners? Please explain your decision making process — including the frameworks, criteria, and tools you use to qualify leads, assess commercial potential, and determine where to focus your efforts. 

Use of AI 

We use anonymised recruitment methods for shortlisting and do not use AI when reviewing applications or making hiring decisions. We understand some people may use AI when creating their application, however we value authenticity. Please ensure your application is an accurate, honest reflection of your own experience and skills - we want to get to know you during our recruitment process. 

Closing date 

While this application process has a closing date, we will review applications as we receive them and invite shortlisted applicants to interview on a rolling basis. We would therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as you are able. 

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to contact unsuccessful applications.

Pathway Project is an inspiring Domestic Abuse Charity that makes a difference, it's a great place to work, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy and we need a Finance Manager who can match our energy.

We are currently evolving a bold new strategy and a passion  for excellence in service delivery. Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans.

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey.

We are looking for a new Finance Manager to be responsible for the effective day-to-day financial management of the charity supporting the CEO with the Finance Strategy.

She will be driven, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements including the Charity Commission and Charity SORP (FRS 102).

She will work closely with the CEO, SMT and Trustees and she will provide clear, timely financial information to support sound operational and strategic decision-making and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

At Flame we are excited to see how God brings transformation through our work to those who have suffered war, terror or oppression. If you would like to be part of bringing God's healing and freedom we'd love to hear from you! 

This is an interesting and varied role offering scope for creativity. It is suited to someone who can effectively deliver projects, handle finances confidently, and excels at developing processes. Working closely with the Missions Director and other staff to provide technical and administrative support to the vision and mission of Flame.

Are you a highly organized and flexible individual capable of contributing across multiple operational areas? Namely HR, IT, Finance, Compliance, and Communications. The role demands excellent IT and communication skills, both written and oral. A strong eye for detail is essential for policy management and compliance, ensuring the charity remains legally compliant and delivers its missions safely and efficiently.

We're looking for someone who is confident, shows initiative and is creative in their delivery of the work.  Someone who can take on the responsibilities and run with them under limited supervision. 

We are a flexible employer and you will be joining a small supportive team.

Full-time role (see operation of 28-hour week below). We are open to considering applications for a part-time role that would require job share.

Home Based Working in the UK (some access to a London office or co-working spaces across the UK available, flexible working policy).

Action for Global Health is a membership network of over 50 organisations working to improve global health. Its vision is a world where everyone can access quality healthcare without financial hardship, achieving true health equity.

AfGH’s strategy, extended to 2029, aims to ensure that stronger commitments from the UK Government help more people worldwide access affordable, high-quality healthcare suited to their needs. The network works by bringing together member organisations, civil society groups, and people with lived experience of health inequality - especially from low- and middle-income countries - to influence UK policy. It acts as a key link between global health civil society and government departments such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, guided by its 10 health-equity principles.

AfGH is an independent network hosted by STOPAIDS, which provides legal, financial, HR, and administrative support.

The Advocacy Manager role helps lead AfGH’s advocacy strategy, working with the Director to coordinate campaigns and policy engagement to advance global health equity. Please download the full job description for more details.

Benefits of working at Action for Global Health (hosted by STOPAIDS)

We offer a number of benefits, including:

• We operate a 28-hour (rather than 35-hour) working week policy with no salary reductions. Staff are able to work reduced hours over 5 days or a 4-day week. We offer flexible working, with non-standard working hours
• We operate a home-based working policy with some access to a London office or co-working spaces across the UK. We also provide a small home working grant and monthly working from home allowance
• A group stakeholder pension scheme with 6% employer contributions
• An individual learning and development budget allocated to staff members each year
• 20 days of annual leave per year (excluding bank holidays), plus 1 day for every year of service (up to 4 years)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay for employees with 1 year's service or more

Closing date: 6th April 2026

Please note that should sufficient applications be received we reserve the right to close this advert early.

STOPAIDS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive positive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, HIV status, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Alexandra Palace is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Financial Controller. Alexandra Palace is one of London’s most iconic destinations. For over 150 years, it has stood as a beacon of creativity, community and culture - home to world-first innovations, unforgettable entertainment and open access to green space across 196 acres of parkland in North London.

The Financial Controller is a key role within the Finance team, supporting the Finance Director to deliver a high-quality, efficient and forward-thinking finance function across a uniquely diverse, highly commercial and operationally complex organisation.

The role:

• Support the Finance Director in delivering a robust and effective finance function, providing technical expertise and operational leadership across the organisation.
• Lead the preparation of statutory financial statements and play a central role in managing the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and stakeholders.
• Drive the implementation of a new accounting system, improving processes, reporting capability and financial insight across the organisation.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls and process improvements to ensure accuracy, transparency and strong governance.
• Lead on payroll financial control and reporting, ensuring data integrity and robust processes.
• Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts across multiple entities, identifying risks and supporting decision-making.
• Provide financial leadership on capital projects, supporting accounting and financial oversight of major developments on site.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of VAT and other statutory returns.
• Support the development of the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and strong financial awareness across the organisation.

The organisation:

Today, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust is the custodian of this extraordinary site. As a charity, they are committed to safeguarding its heritage while continually evolving their offer to meet the needs of today’s audiences and communities. More than 4 million people visit each year to enjoy a dynamic mix of live events, festivals, exhibitions, learning and engagement programmes and community initiatives.

Operating with a blended income model - combining commercial income, public funding and philanthropic support the organisation offers a complex, engaging environment where finance plays a crucial role in enabling sustainable growth and delivering public value.

Essential criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant relevant experience
• Demonstrable experience in a Financial Controller or similar role within a complex organisation
• Experience preparing statutory accounts within the charity / not-for-profit sector
• Experience managing external audits and working closely with auditors
• Strong financial control and balance sheet management experience
• Experience leading or supporting finance system implementation or process improvement
• Proven line management experience and ability to develop teams
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders

This role will be based at Alexandra Palace with regular on-site presence required to support collaboration across the organisation.

The closing date for applications is 12th March, with first stage interviews scheduled for 19th–20th March and second stage interviews 26^th-27th March.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis ahead of the closing date, so please submit your CV to Robertson Bell, the exclusive recruitment partner, to be considered.

Property Finance Manager – Join Barnardo's Finance Operations Team.

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for property operations and continuous improvement?

If so, Barnardo's are looking for a skilled and motivated Property Finance Manager to lead our Property Finance Team and drive high‑quality, efficient, and well‑governed financial operations across our UK‑wide property portfolio. This role sits in our Transactional Finance Team and will help shape our long‑term operating model.

As a key member of our property leadership team, you will oversee all property‑related financial processes, from rental income/payments and service charges to utilities, business rates, recharges, and property reporting, whilst ensuring robust controls, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. You will work collaboratively with internal teams such as Property, Finance, Retail, Children's Services, Procurement as well as external partners to support transformation across Barnardo's.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and developing the Property Finance Team to deliver timely, accurate and high‑quality financial services.
• Managing end-to-end operational finance processes related to property, including rental income, utilities, service charges, rates, and property cost reporting.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting, longer-term financial planning and ‑monthend‑ close for the property portfolio.
• Driving process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce invoice volumes and strengthen controls.
• Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners such as landlords, agents, auditors, and suppliers.
• Acting as a key contributor to strategic initiatives across Property and Finance, supporting culture change and collaborative working, driving continuous improvement and service excellence
• Identify opportunities to streamline systems and processes
• Maintaining the property fixed asset register, managing depreciation, acquisitions/disposals, and dilapidation provisions.

What we're looking for

• AAT Level 4 (or equivalent) and/or a recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven experience managing end‑to‑end finance processes (ideally property) within a fast‑paced and complex organisation, with a strong understanding on transactional finance processes.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills, with a track record of developing high‑performing teams.
• Excellent Excel/ERP skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, deliver to deadlines and drive process improvement.
• Proactive, solutions focussed mindset
• Confident communicator who builds strong stakeholder relationships and influences effectively.
• Knowledge of charities, property management systems (e.g. Property Plus) or estate portfolio management is beneficial.
• Commitment to Barnardo's values and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Code of Conduct

Why Barnardo's?

At Barnardo's, we believe in the unique worth of every person. You'll be joining a values‑driven organisation committed to inclusivity, responsible stewardship, and enabling people to reach their full potential. You will play a vital role in ensuring our resources are managed effectively so we can continue supporting children and young people across the UK.

When completing your application, please refer to your skills, knowledge, and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description, and any Additional Information provided. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

A fantastic opportunity for a senior finance professional who wants to work in a charity where the employees are as important as delivering the mission. This role might appeal to an established accountant or auditor who would like to learn more about managing operations such as IT, human resources, charity governance and transformation management. There is scope for this role to grow with you over the next few years.

In 2026, we will be introducing a new version of our CRM system and we’d like to migrate from Sage Line 50 to Xero. We’re looking for someone who’s enthusiastic about embracing and managing changes to our systems.

You’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to the team, ensuring financial functions are carried out efficiently, effectively, accurately and in a timely way. You will be supported by a knowledgeable and experienced team. You'll focus on managing and improving financial processes, ensuring that the Leadership Group have up-to-date and accurate records for reporting to the Board, preparing the accounts for audit each year and improving processes.

Finance Manager

Salary: £65,000 – 72,000

Contract: Full time, permanent

Working pattern: Flexible UK Location (option for remote working)

MLC Partners are proud to be supporting Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) to recruit a Finance Manager to join their Finance and Funding team.

HDR UK is the national institute for health data science. Their work brings together expertise across academia, healthcare and research to unlock the power of health data and deliver insights that improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease across the UK.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Finance, the Finance Manager will play a key role in supporting the organisation’s financial accounting and operational finance activities, while helping to strengthen processes, systems and controls as the organisation continues to evolve.

Noting that the successful candidate will be joining during audit period, however the transition will be carefully structured to ensure continuity and be led by the Associate Director of Finance.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Preparation of monthly and quarterly management accounts and supporting month-end processes
• Supporting the preparation of year-end accounts and liaising with external auditors
• Overseeing transactional finance processes and ensuring robust financial controls are in place
• Supporting the continued development of financial systems, reporting tools and automation
• Working with stakeholders across the organisation to improve financial processes and reporting

The successful candidate will be:

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA or equivalent)
• Experienced in producing annual accounts and monthly reporting
• Proven knowledge of Charity SORP
• Working knowledge of VAT
• Comfortable operating in a changing environment and improving processes
• Confident working with senior stakeholders and managing competing priorities

This role offers the opportunity to join an organisation delivering nationally significant health data research, with flexible UK-based working and occasional travel to London.

Applications close 26th March. For more information, please get in touch with Annabelle at MLC Partners.

Our partner, a respected international development organisation, is seeking a qualified Finance Manager to lead the financial management and oversight of a large, multi-country donor-funded project. The postholder will ensure timely, accurate and compliant financial accounting, reporting, and donor compliance, while supporting strong financial management across the wider programme portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the financial management, planning and reporting of a multi-country project, ensuring transactions are accurate and compliant with donor and organisational requirements.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost recovery and co-financing, and maintain up-to-date financial data in grant management and tracking systems.
• Prepare and deliver timely internal and donor financial reports, ensuring consistency between internal records and external submissions.
• Monitor project and portfolio expenditure, analysing variances and providing actionable insights to senior management and programme teams.
• Strengthen financial controls and compliance frameworks, including development of tools, manuals and checklists to ensure adherence to donor and internal policies.
• Support audits (donor and statutory), maintaining trackers for audit actions and disallowances, and ensuring audit readiness.
• Review and approve partner budgets, sub-grant agreements and financial reports, ensuring compliance with donor terms and promoting financial capacity building.
• Provide technical support and training to field teams and partners on donor regulations, financial management, procurement and reporting standards.
• Collaborate with programme teams to align financial management with programme delivery and results.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes across the organisation.
• Occasional international travel may be required (approx. 1–2 trips per year).

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with experience managing finances for complex, large-scale donor-funded projects; experience working with UN Agencies and the World Bank is highly desirable.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, grant management and donor reporting; familiarity with institutional donor requirements highly desirable.
• Proven experience in financial controls, audit preparation, and compliance for multi-grant, multi-country programmes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; able to build effective relationships across diverse teams and cultures.
• Proficient in Excel and financial systems, with strong numeracy and attention to detail.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities effectively.

This is a London-based role with hybrid working (minimum two days per week in the office). Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Lead Financial Strategy. Enable Extraordinary Care.

At Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, we provide specialist care and vital support to children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and surrounding counties.

It costs £3.4 million each year to maintain our current level of care, with minimal government funding. Every decision we make must balance compassion with sustainability. We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to help secure our long-term future and develop services in line with demand.

This is more than a finance role. It is an opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a much-loved local charity and ensure we continue reaching every child and family who needs us.

The Role

As Director of Finance, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and be a key member of the Senior Management Team
• Lead long-term financial planning to ensure sustainability and resilience
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and reserves management
• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards and statutory requirements
• Present clear, insightful financial reports to the Board of Trustees
• Be responsible for financial controls, systems and governance

You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, helping to shape the future direction of the organisation.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and values-driven finance leader who brings:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant senior financial leadership experience
• Strong experience in strategic planning, budgeting and financial governance
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• High levels of integrity, judgement and emotional intelligence

Charity or healthcare experience is welcome but not essential. We are equally interested in candidates from commercial or public sector backgrounds who are motivated to apply their expertise in a purpose-driven environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a beautiful, purpose-built hospice in Maidenhead
• Generous annual leave, including your birthday off and additional “Alexander Days”
• Pension and Death in Service cover
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking
• A genuinely supportive, values-led culture
• Staff discounts

Bring clarity, confidence and control to finance that powers social change.

Are you an experienced charity finance professional who enjoys turning numbers into clear, useful insight? Do you want your work to support an organisation empowering young women to thrive?

You Make It (YMI) is looking for an experienced Freelance Finance Manager to oversee our finance function and ensure strong financial management, reporting and controls across the organisation.

Working closely with our Founder CEO, Treasurer and team, you will play a vital role in maintaining YMI’s financial health, strengthening accountability and ensuring we remain funder-ready as we continue delivering life-changing programmes for young women.

This is an ongoing freelance role (approximately 15 hours per month), designed to sit alongside your other clients or commitments.

About You Make It

You Make It (YMI) is an award-winning East London charity, established in 2011. We empower unemployed / under-employed young working-class, racialised women to succeed in the social, cultural and economic life of London. 

We do this by brokering access to people, knowledge, networks and experiences that inspire confidence, focus and ambition. Our team, partners and supporters are united by a commitment to creating long-term, meaningful change.

Key Details

• Contract: Ongoing freelance (~15 hours per month)

• Day Rate: £250–£350 (inclusive of VAT and expenses), depending on experience and VAT status

• Location: Home-based with occasional London meetings

• Start Date: ASAP

• Reporting to: Founder CEO

• Financial Year End: 31 March

Why Work With Us?

Purpose-Driven Work: Your expertise directly supports life-changing opportunities for young women.

Trusted Autonomy: Work independently while being valued as a strategic partner.

Flexible Working: Primarily remote, with occasional London meetings.

Values-Led Culture: Integrity, equity, kindness and collaboration shape how we work.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We hope to appoint by 16 March 2026, or sooner.

Finance Manager at Reading Students’ Union 

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire 

Salary: £ 36,596 - £45,653 depending on experience

Contract: Permanent - Full time, 35 hours a week which can be condensed into 4 days

A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!  

About Reading Students’ Union 

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone; we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy.

The Role: Finance Manager 

As Finance Manager, you will be at the heart of Reading Students’ Union’s Finance team, providing senior operational leadership and expert financial support to ensure the Union operates efficiently, transparently, and in line with its charitable purpose, values, and legal obligations. 

You will be the trusted expert on the Union’s finances. You will be overseeing management accounts, statutory accounts, payroll, and financial systems and will be a key business partner to senior leaders, budget holders, and elected student officers. Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will help build a strong culture of effective financial management across both charitable and commercial activities, ensuring financial decisions always reflect our mission, vision, values, and ethics. 

You will be the line-manager of the Finance team, drive continuous improvement, support strategic delivery, and confidently deputise for the Director of Finance when required. 

What you’ll do:  

Financial Reporting & Data-Driven Insight 

• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all key financial reports to support informed decision-making. 
• Prepare monthly management accounts and annual final accounts. 
• Design, maintain, and analyse KPI reports to monitor financial health and operational efficiency. 
• Respond promptly and accurately to requests for financial data and insights, including Board reports. 

Financial Planning & Business Partnering 

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop and implement long-term financial planning aligned with strategic objectives. 
• Act as a trusted partner for commercial strategy, providing insights on income generation and subsidiary operations. 
• Support annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, ensuring robust financial oversight. 

Operational Finance Management 

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including invoice processing, payment runs, journal preparation, and reconciliations. 
• Manage cash flow and reserves to ensure financial stability. 
• Maintain aged debtor and creditor records and reconcile balance sheet accounts (prepayments, accruals, PAYE, NIC, payroll control). 

Systems, Controls & Compliance 

• Control the operation of the SU’s accounting system and ensure completion of month-end and year-end procedures. 
• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. 
• Develop and maintain accessible financial procedures aligned with best practice and audit recommendations. 
• Ensure compliance with financial legislation, governance frameworks, and statutory reporting requirements (VAT returns, Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC). 

Risk, Governance & Assurance

• Maintain an accurate and live risk register in collaboration with the Director of Finance. 
• Implement robust internal financial controls across the organisation. 
• Support the Finance & Risk Committee and ensure adequate insurance coverage and asset management. 
• Work confidently within governance frameworks, providing assurance to senior leaders and Trustees. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

• Line-manage the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. 
• Provide training and guidance on financial processes and best practices. 
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including auditors and insurers. 

About You  

Essential 

• AAT qualified or part‑qualified accountant (or willing to work towards). 
• Significant experience as a Finance Manager or in a senior finance role.
• Advanced Excel skills (creating data, analysing data, manipulating data)
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills. 
• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy and fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent communicator, confident in explaining financial information to non‑finance colleagues. 
• Confident people manager with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others. 
• Passionate about using financial insight to support effective decision‑making. 
• Evidence of ongoing CPD or professional development. 
• Proven experience in: 
  • Producing monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports. 
  • Managing day‑to‑day finance operations, including invoicing, payments, reconciliations, and payroll. 
  • Business partnering with budget holders and senior leaders. 
  • Leading the development of financial processes and controls to strengthen governance, efficiency, and effectiveness. 
  • Working within governance frameworks and applying good financial controls. 
  • Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. 

Desirable: 

• Experience working in a charity, education, or student-focused environment. 
• Knowledge of charity VAT requirements and governance frameworks. 
• Experience supporting Boards, Trustees, or Finance & Risk Committees. 
• Knowledge of EPOS, stock control, or electronic payment systems. 

Why Join Us? 

• Inclusive and supportive team culture 
• Flexible working options 
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus. 

Ready to make bold change happen? Ready to lead the way?  

Join us and help shape the future of student life at Reading Students’ Union. 

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all. 

Head of Finance
Arts & Culture Charity
London / Hybrid

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager to join a dynamic arts and cultural charity with a turnover of approximately £3 million. The organisation plays an important role in supporting artistic practice and cultural dialogue through its programmes, partnerships and public engagement.

This is a key leadership role within a small and collaborative organisation, offering the opportunity to shape and strengthen the financial foundations of a growing charity. The Head of Finance will take responsibility for the full finance function, ensuring strong financial stewardship while also supporting the strategic direction of the organisation.

The role requires someone who is both strategic and hands-on – comfortable operating at board level while also managing the day-to-day financial operations of the charity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the organisation’s finance function and overseeing all financial operations
• Producing accurate and timely management accounts, budgets and forecasts
• Supporting the leadership team and board with financial insight to inform strategic decision making
• Ensuring strong financial controls, governance and compliance across the organisation
• Overseeing budgeting for programmes, projects and operational activity
• Managing cash flow and supporting longer-term financial planning
• Preparing statutory accounts and liaising with auditors
• Developing and improving financial processes, systems and reporting

The organisation is seeking a proactive and solutions-focused finance leader who enjoys working in an entrepreneurial environment and helping organisations build strong financial foundations.

The successful candidate will likely demonstrate:

• A recognised accounting qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience leading finance within a charity, not-for-profit or cultural organisation
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining comfortable being hands-on
• Strong financial stewardship and a commitment to good governance
• A proactive mindset with a problem-solving approach
• The confidence to work closely with senior leadership and trustees
• An interest in the arts and cultural sector

This is an opportunity to play an important role in a values-driven organisation at an exciting stage of its development, helping to ensure strong financial management while supporting the delivery of an ambitious cultural programme.

Please contact Rosemary Pini from Allen Lane for more information

Role summary

Are you a forward-thinking finance professional who wants to use your skills to change lives? Are you highly motivated, organised with an eye for detail? Do you enjoy responsibility and working with figures, solving problems and completing tasks to a high standard? 

Help empower a global community by leading finance at Shift.ms and its trading subsidiary, realworld ms. We’re looking for a highly organised and self motivated Finance Manager to support its growth ambitions. Reporting directly to the CEO and Head of Operations, you’ll turn figures into insights, helping us solve problems and shape the long-term strategy that allows us to support more MSers than ever before.

Why Shift.ms?
Shift.ms, the social network for people with MS (MSers), launched in 2009. Founded by MSers, for MSers, the charity supports many thousands of recently diagnosed people across the world as they make sense of MS. Shift.ms has an engaged, global community of over 80,000 members, driven by people with MS. From diagnosis, MSers join to connect with others, get the support they need, and together, learn to proactively manage their MS. 

realworld ms was founded in 2024, realworld ms operates as the industry-facing subsidiary of Shift.ms. realworld ms enables MS stakeholders to draw on real-world evidence to develop products, treatments and services that meet today’s MSer needs.

What we expect from you

Working alongside the Head of Operations, CEO and department heads, your responsibilities will cover Shift.ms and its wholly owned subsidiary, realworld ms ltd, as follows:

Financial management

• Be the primary point of contact for our Treasurer, Accountant and External Auditor;

• Review and constantly improve processes and internal controls for finance;

• Lead the development of annual budgets and shorter/longer term forecasts as needed;

• Manage accounting, budget and cash flow,  and working with the CEO, develop cost reduction strategies as needed;

• Prepare monthly management accounts incorporating variance analysis of budgets vs. actuals and headline narrative;

• Manage monthly payroll with an external payroll provider;

• Draft consolidated statutory accounts for audit and lead the coordination of year-end audit;

• Prepare quarterly VAT returns for the Group and be the main point of contact for HMRC;

• Make recommendations for corporate gift aid donations based on performance and future forecasts for the subsidiary;

• Present finance updates in-person at quarterly board meetings normally held in London;

• Manage and lead FinCom meetings, typically held quarterly;

• Attend the trustee annual away weekend.

Bookkeeping 

• Lead the financial operations of the charity including recording transactions onto the finance system (Quickbooks), managing cashflow, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, processing of purchase invoices and supplier payments;

• Complete month end reconciliations as part of the preparation of monthly management accounts;

• Track, calculate and process intercompany recharges to ensure costs sit within the correct entity;

• Track and ensure correct treatment and reporting of restricted/unrestricted funds;

• Process employee, volunteer & trustee expense claims;

• Manage the relationship with an external payroll bureau, liaising with them to ensure payroll is processed accurately and paid on time;

• Support employee onboarding including obtaining details for payroll and pre employment checks.

Other 

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders on projects and reporting; 

• Track income receipts and projections for weekly income generation calls with heads of department;

• Process gift aid claims;

• Process incentive payments for realworld ms participants;

• Renew insurances.

Qualifications, skills and abilities (E= Essential D = Desirable)

• Be part or fully qualified with a professional accounting qualification ACCA, CIMA or ACA, with at least 2-3 years post qualification experience. (E)

• Employment history in a charity/3rd sector role (D)

• Good understanding of charity reporting requirements and Charity SORP (E) especially the technical application of income recognition requirements for the charity and its subsidiary

• Experience of VAT reporting (E) including an understanding of VAT recovery with respect to business and non business for charities, place of supply (overseas transactions)

• Experience in developing organisational budgets/forecasts (D)

• Good analytical and communication skills (E)

• Strong organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills (E)

• Excellent attention to detail (E)

• Excel and google sheets to at least intermediate standard. (E) 

• Experience of accounting software packages (E) (Experience with Quickbooks (D))

• Comfortable operating in a change environment (D)

• Awareness of confidentiality and the need to comply by the UK GDPR (E)

We're an equal opportunity employer. We’re looking for the best candidate based on the value they can add. Our culture is hugely important to us and we welcome applicants of all race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. We encourage all candidates who believe they have the required qualifications and experience to apply. 

Other information

Hours: 22.5 hours a week

Location: Remote position based in the UK. Monthly travel to Leeds is required.

Salary: £40,000-45,000 dependent on relevant expertise

Annual Leave: 25 days per annum (leave entitlement is pro rated for days worked), plus public holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year.

Employee benefits: Generous life assurance and pension schemes, committed learning and development budget for each staff member, flexible working.

The role closes on midday on Monday 30 March but we will be conducting rolling interviews.