Financial accounting manager jobs

Director of Finance and Operations

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Senior HR Executive (PT) and Database & Operations Officer (PT)

HOURS: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - home and minimum 2 days in the office (Amersham, Buckinghamshire)

PENSION: 7% non-contributory

ANNUAL LEAVE: 28 days, plus bank holidays

OTHER BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will play a crucial role in realising our ambitious plans as a charity. The postholder will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), along with the CEO, Director of Development, Director of Programmes and Director of Fundraising and Communications. The DFO role is responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and organisational infrastructure of the charity, ensures that the charity operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary requirements. This role blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational management and is critical to enabling the charity to achieve its charitable programme as well as provide long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Develop and manage the organisation’s annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Manage the accounting functions, including payroll and pension, and month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to the SLT, Finance and Investment Sub- Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and investments to ensure financial stability and liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, funder requirements, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Manage relationship with investment managers and their adherence to investment strategy.
• Support the Fundraising team in submitting income application, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

Operations & Organisational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Lead and continuously improve policies and procedures related to finance, operations, and administration.
• Manage organisational risk, insurance coverage, and compliance (e.g., legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations).
• Oversee facilities, technology, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Ensure strong data management, financial systems, and operational reporting tools are in place.

Human Resources & Administration

• Oversee HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, employee policies, and compliance with employment laws.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, compensation strategy, and organisational design.
• Support performance management systems and contribute to a positive, inclusive organisational culture.
• Ensure onboarding, offboarding, and personnel record management processes are effective and compliant.

Leadership & Strategy

• As a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making.
• Advise the SLT and Board on financial and operational implications of strategic initiatives.
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor finance and operations staff, fostering professional development and accountability.

This job advert may close earlier than first advertised if enough suitable candidates are received.

Global Financial Controller | £80,000 - £100,000 + Benefits | London Hybrid | Permanent

For a large, global NGO, we are recruiting a Global Financial Controller. Reporting to the Global CFO, the Global FInancial Controller will join during a period of transformation to lead the development and delivery of financial systems, processes and controls supporting global operations, drive compliance, and enable informed decision-making. This is a key leadership role which will have strategic oversight of global transactions, and audits, procurement, finance systems and compliance. The Global Financial Controller will shape and implement the global financial framework, and will maintain first-class governance, transparency, and accountability.

Main Duties:

• Design and lead improvements for the generation of timely and accurate year-end statutory financial statements
• Influence and oversee implementation of external and internal audit processes, and lead the global responses to audit requests
• Support the Global CFO with preparation of Board and Trustee reports
• Design and manage financial systems for the management of global transactions, and timesheet management systems
• Design and manage accounting systems to consolidate accounts for the Charity Group
• Oversee and implement systems and processes to ensure compliance with UK VAT, PAYE and Gift Aid
• Oversee all Statutory Reporting and Compliance, including requirements of the UK Charities Commission, HMRC, and US IRS and Donors.
• Design and implement procurement policies, and vendor management solutions
• Review and update all policies and procedures relating to SORP guidelines, financial frameworks, processes and systems across financial strategy, internal resources and donor requirements
• Work with the Director of FP&A and Global Donor Reporting Manager on budgeting processes
• Design and oversee robust month-end and year-end closure procedures
• Design and oversee implementation of treasury and investment management systems, and risk-based forex management systems
• Review and sign-off monthly payroll transactions ensure compliance with HMRC.
• Lead, motivate and manage a team of highly performing staff, and champion change across the team and the adoption of new ways of working

Person Specification:

• Qualified Accountant, ideally with strong knowledge of UK Charities Commission, SORP, and other statutory requirements including Charities VAT
• Experience or change, transformation, and turnaround
• Ideally, strong experience of withing across the NGO and Charity sector, ideally with an international and global footprint
• Experience of working with global systems and processes including multicurrency
• Ideally, restricted and unrestricted funding experience
• Strong leadership skills - both with direct reports and wider indirect stakeholder groups

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

Purpose of the post

The Finance Business Partner plays a crucial role within HDR UK, as the key point of contact and financial support for the Institute Office teams. The Finance Business Partner supports key non- finance stakeholders to provide timely and insightful analysis and reporting and supports with the alignment of financial plans to operational and strategic priorities. The role will support the Institute Office as well as some of our separately funded programmes. The Finance Business Partner is responsible for the management of the Institute’s support costs and recharges, and therefore plays a pivotal role in the long-term financial sustainability of HDR UK. The role is responsible for maintaining clear and effective communication between the Finance team and the wider business and for ensuring that financial concepts and priorities are understood by the Institute Office and programme teams.

Main responsibilities

• Work with Budget Holders to manage financial performance, forecasts, and budgeting including understanding financial opportunities and risk for the area of business partnership.

• Lead on monthly reporting to the Institute Office and Programme teams, including posting month end journals, meeting with Budget Holders to discuss performance and budget variance and providing commentary and analysis on reports.

• Provide donor reporting and analysis as required to funders of specific programmes.

• Work with the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis to plan, deliver, and review the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.

• Support the Associate Director of Finance and Head of FP&A to continuously review and update the 5-year financial plan.

• Support with projects and new process development to continuously improve and evolve our approach to internal financial reporting and modern finance business partnering.

• Support the Finance Business Partnering function with ad hoc reports and grant management and reporting.

• Provide training and advice to individuals internal and external to the Finance department.

• Support the Finance Officer with ad hoc queries and helpdesk needs.

• Support the Head of FP&A in utilising JET Reports to generate monthly management accounts for our Senior Leadership Team and Budget Holders, ensuring their accuracy and timely delivery.

This is an exciting opportunity to get experience with a large and growing charity with an engaged and fun team. You will be a key part of our mission to ​find a cure for all types of brain tumours.​

​Our Systems Manager is being seconded to an internal project for the next 6-9 months and so we are seeking an experienced IT professional to join our team for an interim basis for six months with the possibility of a three month extension.​​​​

In this role you will you lead a team of three people in supporting our staff team of 70 by providing reliable, effective and efficient IT systems and equipment. This include ​the monitoring and maintenance of our IT software and, with external support, our IT hardware. ​​

You will line manage the Database Assistant ​and Data Processing Assistant.

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​If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided in the advert.

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If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. ​ We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​​​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. ​

Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Grosvenor Chapel is a Chapel of Ease in the Ecclesiastical Parish of St George’s Hanover Square.

Located on South Audley Street in the heart of what is fondly referred to as the ‘Village of Mayfair’, the Chapel has been serving the community of Mayfair and beyond for almost three hundred years.

Over the last three years the Chapel has been going through a period of transition, renewal and growth. We currently have a modest annual income, which comes from regular giving, occasional donations, and the hiring out of our Chapel rooms and car bays, and are seeking an experienced Finance Officer to help with the day-to-day management of the Chapel’s finances.

Whilst some tasks are covered by existing staff, the Finance Officer will have responsibility for overseeing the Chapel’s accounting processes, monitoring income and expenditure, managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, overseeing service cash collections and banking, completing the monthly reconciliations and preparation of financial reports, helping with any VAT and quarterly gift aid returns. The role will also be required to support the annual budgeting process, year-end audit and preparation of statutory accounts.

Most of the work will be expected to be completed remotely, with attendance in person on site at least once a month for meetings and other activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to join a highly motivated team in a welcoming and friendly work environment, and where they can apply their financial skills and experience in a unique setting and really make a real difference.

If this sounds like you then we’d love to hear from you!

Responsible to: Charity Manager.

• Primary Responsibility: Maintain accurate financial ledgers and provide comprehensive financial reporting.
• Reporting: Responsible for Management and Year-End reporting.
• Financial Operations: Manage supplier payments, VAT, and cash monitoring.
• Planning: Assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts.
• Asset Management: Maintain records for fixed assets.
• Compliance: Adhere to and maintain financial procedures and policies.
• Support: Provide support to the wider Finance Team and work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Safety: Protect the safety and security of service users, staff, and the confidentiality of information.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience: Experience in financial management, managing budgets, and analysing management accounts.
• Qualifications: Relevant accounting experience or qualification (e.g., AAT or equivalent).
• Skills: Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work.
• Networking: Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with stakeholders.
• IT Proficiency: Strong skills in IT and proficiency in Windows software.

Additional Information:

• Work Attire: Smart casual clothing with appropriate footwear.
• Training: Appropriate training provided as needed.

This is a paid position for up to 2 days a week - negotiable

The Role:

About PRS Members’ Fund: we are dedicated to supporting PRS songwriter and composer members through life’s challenges by offering hardship funding and wellbeing support when it’s needed most. As a charity with deep roots in the music community, we exist to help music creators navigate hardships, whether it’s through health and wellbeing support, housing assistance, or financial aid, so they can focus on what they do best: making music. 

To provide professional tailored advice, information and support to sick and vulnerable PRS members and those struggling with complex physical and/or mental health issues. To visit occasionally those members who may require Fund assistance, or to contact them through electronic means.

Our Welfare Support and Service Development Manager will be responsible for working with the Funds’ senior management to identify opportunities that support the charity’s strategic objectives and their constituent parts that are designed to develop new and improved welfare services. Plan, oversee and deliver assigned tasks and projects in line with the Fund’s strategy, monitor and report on progress to all stakeholders. 

• To conduct interviews in person or via electronic means with all referred cases with professional sensitivity and competence; to establish and evaluate circumstances by making an accurate assessment of financial, health, housing, wellbeing and other relevant areas to ascertain underlying nature or causes of need.
• To take account of statutory and other relevant legislation, when determining other areas for support and advice.
• To lead on providing protection for vulnerable adults and children who are under threat of abuse or exploitation.
•  To give advice, information and on-going support to beneficiaries and their families, throughout their journey, and identify for them other specialist agencies and charities that can offer appropriate assistance. 
• To lead on Impact Measurement with the Grants & Administration Manager, and Communications and Engagement Manager to prepare reports and surveys on the outcomes of the Fund’s support activities so that the Trustees can review Fund policy to future proof the Fund’s effectiveness.
• To actively contribute to regular liaison meetings with our key partners, and other charity networks, including setting agendas and discussion points of mutual interest and learning for the benefit of our members.

Role Title: Finance Officer

Pay: £25-£28k per annum, depending upon experience. PIPs pension, bonus scheme, generous holiday allowance and private healthcare.

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Reports to: Finance Manager

Direct reports: None

Location: Hybrid working. We offer a blend of remote and office-based working. Attendance when required at our London office is expected to support collaboration, team activities, and member engagement. (Office base: Black Bull Yard, 24–28 Hatton Wall, London EC1N 8JH)

About Ukie

Ukie is the trade association that represents and supports the UK’s thriving video game and interactive entertainment industry. Our small team supports a membership of nearly 700 leading businesses, helping them to create some of the world’s most exciting games.

We are seeking a proactive, motivated and organised individual to join the team. The role is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn, be involved in a wide range of activities and develop their finance skills alongside an experienced Finance Manager.

About you

You will be a proactive, motivated person who enjoys building positive working relationships across a small, busy team and who wants to develop their understanding of how finance works in a trade association with a national profile.

Ideally, you will bring:

· The ability to work quickly and accurately, with an excellent eye for detail

· The ability to manage and meet deadlines

· The ability to work alongside budget holders to ensure good financial control

· A willingness to learn new procedures and ways of working

· A reasonable degree of financial literacy, with some experience of reading and understanding financial reports

· Strong transferable computer skills, including some experience with SAGE financial systems

You do not need to hold a financial or accounting qualification to apply for this role. We are looking for candidates with a willingness to learn and the ability to work well across a diverse team. Ukie may be willing to support training towards a qualification for a suitable candidate.

What you’ll be doing

This role is an exciting opportunity to learn how finance works in a busy and ambitious trade association. You can expect a combination of regular tasks and a significant amount of variety as you get involved in different aspects of our work.

Your day is likely to involve:

· Building relationships with our busy staff team, answering questions and helping them make use of financial information to support their work

· Providing support during audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations

· Assisting in the preparation of financial statements, reports, forecasts and budgets

· Working with the Finance Manager to find ways to reduce financial risk for the company

· Performing data entry and ensuring accurate recording of financial transactions.

· Supporting our accounts payable and receivable functions

· Processing invoices and payments (including membership fees)

· Supporting day-to-day transactional processing and banking

· Maintaining accurate financial records and documentation.

Qualifications and experience required for this role: Previous finance experience is required. An accounting qualification is not necessary, as full on-the-job training will be provided. Ukie may also support further training toward a relevant qualification for the right candidate.

Hours of Work:

 ·    Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.30pm

·    Expectation that some evening and weekend work may be required to attend events as the business requires

This role profile is not exhaustive; it will be subject to periodic review and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the business. The post holder will be expected to participate in this process and we would aim to reach agreement to the changes.

Our commitment to inclusion

Ukie is committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we believe that a diverse workforce makes us stronger. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

*** IMPORTANT: HDF will only consider applicants with the existing right to reside and work in the UK. ***

Background

Human Dignity Foundation (HDF) is a private, philanthropic foundation which was established to enable children to live with dignity. In recent years, we have focussed on funding organisations who help protect and safeguard children from sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). HDF is a spend down foundation which expects to complete the funding of its international partner projects by the end of 2033.

In 2023, HDF updated its strategy to drive the expansion of our portfolio of projects and maximise the foundation’s future impact – to support more children affected by or at risk of CSEA. To support this strategy, HDF is in the process of setting a UK registered charity, which is expected to be operational by end of Q1 2026.

Job Purpose

The Finance and Operations Manager will oversee and support the operations of the UK charity, working closely with the HDF team based in Dublin, to ensure its smooth running and compliance with UK laws and charity regulations.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The Finance and Operations Manager role will be dynamic and diverse given the small nature of HDF’s team. The role will be expected to build on the processes, policies and tools already in existence within HDF Switzerland and adapt them to the UK context. Core responsibilities of this role will include:

Finance

•  Process and record payments and other transactions in the accounting system;
• Maintain financial records and prepare monthly management accounts, reconciliations, etc. for review by the Director of Finance and Operations;
• Support payroll processes and liaise with external providers;
• Manage required filings with HMRC as required (expected to be minimal);
• Prepare annual financial statements and coordinate/ support the annual audit/ financial verification of the charity;
• Prepare the annual budget and produce quarterly cashflow forecasts, ensuring timely drawdowns of funds from HDF Switzerland as needed.

Operations & Administration

• Produce and oversee the submission of reports and/or required filings to the Charities Commission and ensure broader compliance with its requirements;
• Produce reports and filings to Companies House as needed, and coordinate with the Company Secretary for their timely submission;
• Maintain the charity’s risk register to ensure risks are appropriately understood and mitigated;
• Produce and update internal policies, procedures and tools (templates to be provided where available);
• Set up and oversee the UK pension scheme, life assurance/ health insurance schemes as required with the relevant providers;
• Support the planning and delivery of meetings of the Board of Trustees and other internal and external meetings as needed;
• Organise travel arrangements for UK based staff(s) and Trustees as needed;
• In time the role may take over Company Secretary duties from our external provider;
• Conduct procurement, liaise with suppliers and manage their contracts as needed;
• Conduct other administrative tasks to support the running of the charity as needed, including but not limited to IT and HR;
• Support the charity’s Executive Chair of Trustees with tasks as may be reasonably required.

Grant Administration

• Support the development and amendment of grant agreements with partners as needed;
• Track and reconcile grant payments against agreements and perform required follow up with grantees as needed;
• Update and maintain HDF’s grant management information and filing system to ensure HDF’s records are accurate and up to date.

Person Specification

Experience

• 5 years’ experience in finance, accounting, office management
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working for a charity/NGO sector

Qualifications and skills

• Part-qualified ACA/ ACCA/ CIMA, or other bookkeeping/ accounting qualification
• Accurate worker with strong numerical skills
• Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer literate – strong Excel, Word skills
• Proficient use of accounting software (e.g. Xero, Sage)
• Good organisational skills, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and on own initiative

Qualities

• Flexible
• Self-starter and pro-active
• Team player who enjoys working in small team environments

Common values

• Accountability to HDF’s Board and partners
• Innovative, entrepreneurial, and dynamic in our approach
• Openness to admitting our mistakes and learning from them
• Excellence in all that we do
• Passion for our work and mission

Terms & Conditions

• Part-time 3 days a week
• Between £40,000 - £50,000 per annum pro-rata, salary is commensurate with experience
• 25 days of annual leave pro-rata
• Remote, travel to London, Dublin and within Europe may be required
• Pension, provision of health cash plan or equivalent, life assurance, bike scheme

Giving Back Recruitment is partnering with a long-established professional membership organisation with a proud history of setting and upholding world-class standards, to appoint a Finance Director to a role of real strategic influence.

This is a standout opportunity for a senior finance leader to operate at an executive level within a complex, purpose-led organisation, combining financial leadership with genuine organisational impact.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead the finance function end-to-end, working closely with the Board, Audit & Risk Committee and senior leadership to ensure strong financial governance, clear decision-making and long-term sustainability.

The opportunity

As Finance Director, you will:

· Shape and deliver financial strategy in a complex, multi-income organisation

· Lead statutory and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning

· Act as a trusted adviser to Boards and Committees, providing clear insight on performance, risk and opportunity

· Oversee cashflow, investments, balance sheet management and financial sustainability

· Lead the year-end process and external audit across group entities

· Build and lead a high-performing, forward-thinking finance team

· Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and financial capability

· Provide executive oversight of facilities and building services, ensuring efficient and effective operations

This role offers genuine breadth, influence and visibility, sitting at the heart of organisational strategy and governance.

About you

You will be a confident, commercially minded finance leader who enjoys operating at executive level and influencing complex organisations.

You will bring:

· A recognised accountancy qualification and senior-level finance leadership experience

· Strong experience in financial governance, reporting and strategic planning

· Proven ability to advise and challenge Boards and senior leaders constructively

· Experience leading and developing teams through change and growth

· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear insight

· A collaborative, values-driven leadership style

Experience within a membership body, charity, not-for-profit or regulated environment would be advantageous.

Our partner, a respected international NGO seeks an experienced Project Finance Manager (Spanish speaking) to provide financial support to a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract being delivered in Guatemala and Honduras.

The Project Finance Manager is responsible for the financial management of the contract within Guatemala and Honduras. The primary aim is to ensure the project team can react to the requests from the project manager to deliver high quality financial reports, underlying assumption narrative or reforecasts within the required timeframe, both internally and externally.

Job Responsibilities:

· Prepare project budgets in line with donor requirements

· Monitor project budgets and conduct regular budget reviews to ensure the project stays within budget

· Monitor expenditure variances and communicate any developing significant variances with the wider project team

· Prepare regular financial reports and statements for project stakeholders

· Manage and oversee all financial transactions related to the project

· Ensue operational plans are reflected in the budget and forecasts / spend out plans

· Track project-related procurement and advise the project manager on procurement related issues

· Monitor expenditure against income to feed into the cash drawdown process

Requirements:

· QBE or a professional or part qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA equiv. )

· Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

· Exceptional organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

· Strong numeracy and IT skills essential, and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.

· Fluent in written and spoken English

· Experience developing and monitoring budgets.

Desirable:

· Experience using ERP planning systems

· Working level Spanish, or a willingness to engage in a fast track language program

The package will include secure accommodation and incountry allowance, alongside excellent R&R benefits and support.

Your new company
A high-profile London University.

Your new role
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be responsible for preparing and reconciling complex financial statements, managing year-end reporting cycles and ensuring full compliance with FRS 102, GAAP and IFRS. You will also manage the smooth running of the financial year-end, including timetabling and liaising with auditors. The anticipated duration is 12 months+. Hybrid working: 2 days per week in the office.

What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified Accountant with strong, recent experience of financial accounting within the Higher Education sector.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager on a full-time, permanent basis. As Finance Manager you will manage the charity’s financial operations, including but not limited to recordkeeping, payment processing, reporting, and systems oversight, ensuring transparency and compliance.

Please note, this role comes with remote working and occasional travel is required for team meetings throughout the year.

As Finance Manager, you will:

- Supervise and process day-to-day financial operations, including accurate recording, allocation, coding, reconciliations, and documentation of all transactions

- Work closely with the external bookkeeper and accountants to ensure accurate monthly reconciliations, support the preparation of VAT returns, and address any financial queries or discrepancies

- Produce regular management accounts on an accrual’s basis, supporting internal decision-making and providing financial interpretation to the Directors and other stakeholders as required

- Support the preparation of statutory accounts, working alongside external accountants and auditors

- Oversee payroll administration, ensuring accurate updates are made in coordination with external providers, and that statutory payments (e.g. to HMRC and pension providers) are tracked and full

The successful applicant will:

- Have demonstrable experience in finance within the charity sector (ideally international charities), in a similar role

- Be a fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience

- Have strong knowledge of UK charity financial regulations and reporting requirements

- Be proficient in accounting software (e.g. Beacon, Xero) and Excel

- Have experience with budget development and financial reporting (trusts, foundations, or institutional funders)

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

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

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

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

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

Location: Mostly at the Saïd Foundation office in central London, with some scope for remote working.   Occasional international travel to the Levant region where deemed safe.

Responsible to: The Chairman and Board of Trustees.

Line management: Scholarships Programme Manager, Financial Controller, Finance and Programme Administrator.

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 pro rata.

Job type: Part-time (three days a week), permanent. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced organisational manager, who will mentor our small and highly motivated team and bring proven expertise around financial and people management and governance as well as of building relationships with different stakeholders and providing strong accountability to charity trustees.   You will have an understanding of the Levant region of the Middle East, a commitment to bridge building and respect across cultures and a conviction that education can change lives for the better, create enlightened and effective leadership and benefit wider society.

Our outgoing CEO originally came to the UK as a Saïd Foundation Scholar to study at Oxford University and has worked for the Foundation for over six years.  He is leaving to return to Syria.  We are looking for an experienced manager to carry on his work in leading our team, maintaining close relationships with our Trustees, partners and students and ensuring that the Foundation’s programmes are run to the highest standards. 

ABOUT THE SAÏD FOUNDATION

The Saïd Foundation was established as a non-sectarian and non-political charity in 1982 by Wafic and Rosemary Saïd to bring positive and lasting change to the lives of children, young people and the wider community with a focus on the Levant region of the Middle East and on the UK, and on education as a powerful tool to make change.  It is governed by a Board of Trustees and the Board’s Student, Projects, Audit and Investments Committees.  Khaled Saïd has just become Chair of the Board. 

Since 1984, our longest-standing programme, the Scholarships Programme, has offered opportunities to outstanding individuals with leadership potential to be drivers of positive change within our target countries of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. It brings these change agents to the UK to study for Master’s degrees at exceptional universities and maintains close contact with them during their studies and beyond.  Our amazing community of over 700 alumni have gone on to become outstanding leaders in many fields and to build bridges and respect across cultures. 

The Foundation’s founder, Wafic Saïd, is also the founder of Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, now one of the world’s leading business schools.  The Saïd Business School Foundation (SBSF), also an English charity, was established in 1998 to support the development of the School in its pursuit of excellence. Its Strategic Development Fund  provides grants in support of initiatives that will have strategic value to the development of the School.  SBSF is funded and administered by the Saïd Foundation. 

The Foundation’s humanitarian work has responded to the shifting needs of the region over immensely challenging times.  Since 2011, it has focused on supporting Syrian refugee communities in Lebanon and Jordan through grants to major international non-governmental organisations.  Most recently, it has provided support for Gazan children orphaned by the destruction of their homeland.  Before the conflict in Syria began, the Foundation ran a capacity-building programme across the country for those working to support Syria’s disabled children. It helped to set up a sister organisation in Syria, the Saïd Foundation for Development, which will take forward future work in Syria and is now considering how to support the needs of a post-Assad Syria.

In recent years, the Foundation has also worked to promote better health outcomes for people everywhere by making grants to innovative and impactful projects at world-leading medical research institutions based in the UK and known to the Saïd family. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job purpose:

To lead a small, motivated team in the best-practice implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Foundation’s programmes and grants and to build strong relationships with the Foundation’s Trustees, partners and scholars.

Responsibilities:

1. Programme and grant management

a) To oversee the management of the scholarships programme, ensuring the selection of outstanding students from the Levant region and the Foundation’s duty of care to them while they are in the UK.

b) To oversee the Foundation’s grant-making programmes, ensuring that grants agreed by the Trustees are informed by rigorous due diligence and are monitored effectively.

c) To provide guidance as necessary to the Board and staff of the Saïd Foundation for Development in Syria on governance and project management matters.

d) To oversee the evaluation of the scholarships programme periodically, and grant-funded projects as necessary, to ensure they achieve their intended objectives and apply learning to their improvement.

2. Organisation and staff management

a) To devise and implement annual plans for implementation of the Foundation’s work, define the level and timing of human and other resources required to deliver the plans and develop key performance indicators to report progress against plans to the Board.

b) To foster a supportive work culture, managing staff in line with best human resource practice and ensuring high levels of motivation and strong performance.

c) To recruit staff, when necessary.

d) To oversee the effective operation of all office systems, including IT and the scholarships platform and database, and introduce improvements (for example, in the use of AI).

e) To ensure that health and safety aspects are taken into account appropriately when the Foundation’s staff, students and Trustees are travelling in connection with the Foundation’s activities.

3. Governance and Trustees

a) To meet regularly with the Chairman to ensure he is fully informed of developments and to support planning for Board and Committee deliberations.

b) To engage Trustees actively, drawing on their expertise to enhance the work of the Foundation, and report to them regularly on the Foundation’s work.

c) With the help of other staff, to make recommendations to the Foundation’s Committees on their focus areas and ensure high quality papers for Board and Committee meetings and timely follow up of action points.

d) To remain up to date with developments in charity governance and regulation to ensure that the Foundation follows best practice and is compliant with regulations.

e) To identify key risks to the Foundation’s funding, operation and reputation, ensuring that controls are in place for their mitigation and their inclusion in the risk register.

4. Financial, accounting and investment matters (with the Financial Controller)

a) To ensure that accurate annual budgets for the Foundation’s programmes, staff, administration and property management costs are approved by the Trustees and that cash flow projections support decision-making on the timely funding of the Foundation.

b) To ensure that monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts provide all necessary information for accountability and management purposes.

c) To oversee rigorous internal controls for the Foundation’s payments and receipts.

d) To support the Investment Committee in ensuring the effective management and secure custody of the Foundation’s financial and property assets and monitoring of the performance of these investments.

5. Saïd Business School Foundation (SBSF)

a) To ensure that all Strategic Development Fund (and other) grants meet the objectives agreed with the School and monitor the impact of the grants through the School’s reporting.

b) To oversee high-quality reporting to SBSF’s Board of Directors and its Committees including on the overall development and performance of the School.

c) To monitor the continuing fulfilment of undertakings made to SBSF by Oxford University so that any departure from these undertakings can be assessed by the Board.

d) To ensure that all SBSF’s accounting and other regulatory requirements are met.

6. Representing the Foundation

a) To represent the Foundation externally at events and meetings and ensure that its own events provide a warm, welcoming and inspiring experience for invitees.

b) To build enduring relationships of trust with existing and new partners.

c) To ensure that the Foundation’s engagement with its students and alumni creates a strong sense of belonging to the Saïd Foundation “family”. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

a) Strong relationship building skills with a wide range of people (such as Trustees, partners and students).

b) Experience of managing, motivating and mentoring a team to achieve their potential.

c) Excellent and engaging communications and presentation skills, in person and in writing.

d) Strong experience of the UK charity sector and charity regulation and governance.

e) Proven experience in budget setting, financial planning, and financial management.

f) Excellent organisation and management skills, with the ability to manage a number of tasks at the same time.

g) An understanding, and personal experience, of the Levant region of the Middle East.

h) An existing and unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Desirable

i) Experience of recruiting exceptional students and of supporting their needs as overseas students.

j) Experience of developing, implementing and delivering educational and/or humanitarian programmes.

k) Experience in grant making, including due diligence, agreement management, monitoring and evaluation.

Attributes

a) A commitment to bridge building and respect across cultures.

b) A conviction that education can change lives for the better, create enlightened and effective leadership and benefit wider society.

c) An adaptable approach including the flexibility to undertake a wide range of tasks.

d) A “can do” attitude, enthusiasm, resilience and energy.

e) Integrity, humility and discretion.

OTHER BENEFITS

- Employer’s pension contribution of 5% of salary.

- 25 days’ holiday in addition to bank holidays.

- Private health insurance.

HOW TO APPLY AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

To apply, please email a CV outlining your relevant experience, including how it meets the requirements of the job description, along with a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your interest in the role and addressing the criteria set out in the person specification. Please refer to the attached application brief for more information.

Deadline for applications: Monday 9 March 2026 at 10:00 UK time.

Interviews: First interviews on 19 and 20 March; second interviews on 23 and 25 March. First interviews will be in person in central London or, if necessary, by video call depending on candidates’ ability to travel. Second interviews will be in person in central London. 

We are happy to offer informal, pre-application conversations about the role.