Financial reporting accountant jobs in east london, greater london

Our partner seeks a seasoned, analytical management accountant, with experience in project accounting and finance business partnering within an international charity. This is a 1 year fixed-term contract.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project leads to monitor budgets and provide tailored financial insights, and regular reporting on project performance and expenditure tracking, ensuring effective resource management across funded initiatives.
• Prepare bespoke financial reports in line with external funding agreements, meeting all donor-specific compliance and deadline requirements.
• Serve as a primary contact for day-to-day finance-related queries from both UK and international colleagues, offering guidance on systems and processes.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly management accounts, supporting senior finance colleagues in the analysis and review of organisational performance.
• Assist in the development of year-end statutory accounts and provide support throughout the external audit process, including documentation collation and response to auditor queries.

Requirements

• Part-qualified accountant with at least 2 years of experience working in a similar role within an international charity, and a sound knowledge of preparing management accounts, undertaking analysis and doing project and donor accounting.
• Strong IT and systems skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, a strong command of the English language and report writing ability.
• Team player, able to be supportive and manage a varied a workload with little supervision.

This role offers remote working from the UK, with the candidate expected to attend meetings in London once ever 2-3 months. This role is only open to candidates with the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. This a 1 year FTC with an immediate start preferred.

About SPANA

SPANA (The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) is the global charity for the working animals of the world. Since our foundation in 1923, we have worked where they work, to support the welfare of working animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, dogs and camels. This is an exciting time to join the organisation, as we grow and expand our work.

About the role

The Finance Partner is a key role in a small finance team, working closely with colleagues across the charity to provide effective and efficient financial support. This role will:

• Provide financial reporting to external stakeholders
• Efficiently and proactively resolve financial queries
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting
• Administer and maintain a purchase ledger and general ledger, ensuring accurate recording of transactions
• Maintain bank accounts and action UK and international payments
• Perform monthly reconciliation of bank and other balance sheet accounts.

Please review the job description to see the key responsibilities for this position, and the person specification. 

Location, contract and salary

This is a full-time (34.5 hours per week), permanent role. SPANA works on a hybrid basis, with regular attendance (approximately 1-2 times per month, or more if preferred) in our London office. Candidates must be based in the UK and have the current right to work in the UK. 

The salary for this role is £34k-£37k per annum, subject to skills and experience.

SPANA offers a range of benefits to staff, including a generous company pension scheme with 10% employer contribution if the employee contributes at least 5%, and health care cash plan.

To apply

Please read the job description and person specification for full details on how to apply. Please state where you saw the role advertised in your email. 

The deadline for applications is 23:59 BST on 22 July 2025. 

Reports to: Finance Manager
Directorate: Operations
Salary: £33,457 per annum
Location: London – EC4Y 8EE (hybrid working) 
Contract: Permanent, full-time (31.5 hours over 5 days)

Job Purpose

The finance team is a core part of our Operations Directorate, and although we’re a small team we have a huge impact on the effectiveness of our organisation. The team provides support and guidance to all staff members on how to process invoices, expenses, and generally manage their budgets effectively. The main purpose of the Finance Officer role is to provide key support to the finance team with our finance processes, supporting staff members across the organisation, helping with any queries on a day-to-day basis, as well as supporting our members and suppliers with queries. The Finance Officer ensures all financial transactions are processed in accordance with BSR’s procedures and processes and in line with data protection regulations. 

You don’t need to have worked in the charity sector previously. Continual professional development is vital for us as a team, and so we’re happy to support you if you’re interested in completing a professional finance qualification.

Main Responsibilities

Purchase Ledger 

• Receive all supplier invoices (including member expenses), checking correct finance codes with relevant nominal, department, project, VAT and fund codes are on all invoices, and that the necessary authorisation is present 
• Scan and file all finance related documents (e.g. bank statements)  
• Set up fortnightly supplier payment runs for review by the Finance Manager 

 Sales Ledger 

• Work with budget holders and project leads to produce sales invoices  
• Liaise with budget holders to ensure correct coding of all invoices (nominal, department, project, VAT, and fund codes) 
• Credit Control – dealing with customer queries and chasing for payments fortnightly 

Other Finance Responsibilities 

• Manage monthly credit card process including posting in Dext and reconciliation in Xero  
• Assist the Finance Manager with preparing for year end and audit fieldwork 
• Reconcile purchase ledger payments with the bank transactions 
• Run new starter finance inductions for budget holders and set up new staff on finance systems 
• Maintain process documents for all finance systems 
• Suggest and support relevant finance system and process improvements where identified 
• Be the first point of contact for finance systems and internal system integrations 

Payroll 

• Ensure new starters are processed by HR 
• Process leavers  
• Exported payroll reports and ensuring that they are filed in the correct place 
• Run the monthly payroll with Finance Manager 
• Submission of EPS and FPS to HMRC 

Committee Management 

•  Minute-taking for Finance & Risk Committee meetings 
• Administrative support relating to committee management  

Please note: Interviews are scheduled to take place Thursday 7 August

Person Specification

1.  Desire to build a career in finance  
2.  Experience of computerised accounting financial systems and CRM 
3.  Good organisation and time management skills  
4.  Commitment to professional and personal development 
5.  Excellent attention to detail 
6.  Ability to explain finance processes to colleagues effectively  
7.  Willingness to gain an in-depth understanding of what we do at BSR, to enable all colleagues to do their best work

Ivy Rock Partners is proud to be supporting a values-driven organisation in the search for a Finance Business Partner to join their central finance function. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional who is passionate about influencing strategic decisions and working collaboratively with senior stakeholders.

This is a pivotal dual-focused role with responsibility for:

- Business Partnering: Supporting central (head office) service teams in managing their budgets, identifying financial risks, and translating complex financial information for non-finance stakeholders.

- FP&A: Working closely with the Senior FP&A Manager on organisation-wide budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning, including involvement in a 30-year business plan.

- You'll lead the monthly reporting process for central services, improve financial systems and templates, and have the chance to deputise for senior leadership when required.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the month-end process and regular review of management accounts with corporate service teams.

- Deliver annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for Central Services.

- Support long-term financial planning and scenario modelling across the wider organisation.

- Partner with non-finance colleagues to build financial capability and understanding.

- Drive process improvements in financial planning, systems, and reporting.

- Evaluate new initiatives for financial viability and strategic alignment.

We're looking for someone with:

- A full accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).

- Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting and reporting in a large or complex organisation.

- Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with senior stakeholders.

- Proven ability to drive change, improve systems, and build financial understanding across teams.

- Advanced Excel skills and ideally experience with planning software (e.g., Bricks).

Why Join?
This is a unique opportunity to work for an organisation that truly makes a difference, where finance is seen as a key strategic partner. You’ll join a collaborative and supportive team, gain exposure to senior leadership, and have genuine impact on long-term business planning.

Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Business / Operations Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our office by providing comprehensive administrative support. This position requires strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining a high level of professionalism.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the business functions of the charity, ensuring efficient and compliant operations. This role covers finance, HR, IT, premises management, recruitment, health and safety, and GDPR/data protection. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, leadership team, and external specialists to support the charity’s mission and maintain operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Human Resources & Recruitment:

· Oversee HR processes, from recruitment to staff development, ensuring compliance with best practices.

· Manage employee relations and support performance management initiatives.

· Maintains training records and ensure all necessary training is booked for staff and volunteers.

IT & Data Management:

· Ensure the smooth running of IT services and systems.

· Oversee GDPR and data protection compliance, working with IT teams and external consultants if necessary, fulfilling the role of DPO for the charity.

Financial Oversight:

· Liaise with external accountants in relation to;

o Processing the monthly payroll

o Processing purchasing invoices ensuring all goods and services have been authorized

o Preparing and processing payments of invoices, expenses etc

· Monitor budgets, financial reporting, and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Premises Management:

· Manage the charity’s physical assets and premises, including vendor contracts and maintenance.

Health and Safety:

· Implement and monitor health and safety policies to provide a secure working environment.

Compliance & Risk Management:

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations (e.g., data protection, health and safety) and ensure the charity adheres to them.

Strategic Project Management:

· Support the Head of Service in the oversight of operational projects, evaluate their success, and recommend improvements to processes.

· Any other duties from time to time as directed by the CEO or the Board of Trustees in the CEO’s absence

Management responsibilities

· Ensure that health and safety at work procedures are adhered to.

· Ensure all operating systems relating to service delivery are updated and reports generated for monitoring and evaluation, identifying and sharing any opportunities for learning.

· Prepare reports for Head of Service / CEO using DAVSS databases and co-ordinate information for funding/monitoring reports, liaise with the Fundraising team and outsourced finance team as needed in connection with external funding.

Person Specification

Essential:

· Proven experience in an operations or business management role.

· Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management.

· Excellent organisational and communication skills.

· Sound understanding of HR practices, IT management, and regulatory compliance.

Beneficial:

· A degree or at least 2 years’ operational experience in Business Management, Finance, or a related discipline.

· Relevant certifications such as CIPD (for HR), NEBOSH (for Health & Safety), AAT/CIMA (for financial management), ITIL (for IT services), or Prince2 (for project management).

· Experience or training in GDPR and data protection.

· An understanding of Domestic Abuse or the willingness to learn.

Key Competencies

· Strategic thinking and problem-solving

· Strong leadership and team management

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure

· Effective stakeholder and vendor management

· A proactive approach to process improvement and risk mitigation

Personal Qualities

· Ability to motivate others and provide leadership

· Pro-active approach

· Excellent attention to detail as well as an ability to see the wider picture

· Commitment to excellent service provision and maintaining client confidentiality.

· Commitment to undertake training as needed

· Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative

· A commitment to the practical application of equal opportunities and diversity.

· Integrity, honesty and reliability and a high level of respect towards others including clients, volunteers, staff, agencies, partners.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children, and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment practices, including an enhanced DBS check, references, and thorough vetting procedures.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community, including those with lived experience of domestic abuse.

If you are looking for an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team while developing your skills in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply for the Operations manager role.

An exciting position has arisen for a Head of Finance to join an excellent Community Foundation on a permanent basis. The postholder will be reporting directly to the CEO and will be part of the executive team, leading a team of 7.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and improve the Trust’s finance function and provide accurate, timely and relevant financial reports as required by the CEO
• Be the Executive Lead of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring timely papers to the CEO and to the Committee and Board as required
• Ensure the provision and reporting of financial accounts, forecasting and large-scale project/programme budgets
• Oversight of the legal and financial statutory processes in line with the Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, including the annual audit
• Allocating tasks for timely responses and keeping all colleagues abreast of progress
• Monitor, cash flow, reserves, analysis of performance against the organisation’s annual business plan and dashboard as it relates to the finance function
• Contribute to the overall leadership of the Trust and to the Trust’s future strategic and operational planning
• Direct line management of 3 staff, indirectly manage 7
• Ensuring an excellent service to all budget managers, enabling them to make effective use of all systems and monitor and manage their income and expenditure
• To attend the Executive Team meetings and provide reports

Successful candidate profile:

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)
• Significant track record in a Head of Finance / FD role for a Charity
• Experience of implementing enhanced reporting tools
• Experience of cost-effective procurement in line with policy
• Extensive staff management experience

Salary: up to £80,000 per annum + excellent benefits

Working pattern:  on site

Hours: 35 per week

Location: West London

Duration: Permanent

Agency Reference Number: J81925

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

Senior Finance Officer
Location: Office-based near Nine Elms, London
Working pattern: Part-time, 2 days per week on-site
Pay: £19.23 per hour plus £2.32 per hour holiday pay (equivalent to £35,000 FTE)
Duration: Temporary role for 8-12 weeks initially

Required system experience: Xero

We are delighted to be partnering with a creative, community-focused music charity to recruit a Senior Finance Officer to support their financial operations.

This is a pivotal role in a small team, responsible for the day-to-day financial management and operational bookkeeping of the charity, as well as contributing to longer-term planning and reporting. Following the recent opening of a second venue, including a performance space, recording studio, and café. \this role plays a vital part in ensuring robust and scalable financial systems across all areas of activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain monthly management accounts for senior leadership and the Board
• Lead the budgeting process and maintain cash flow forecasts
• Oversee and carry out accurate bookkeeping, including:
  • Purchase/sales ledger management
  • Batch and individual payments
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Petty cash and credit card management
  • Processing invoices and receipts
• Manage monthly payroll submissions and liaise with accountants and pension providers
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and Gift Aid claims
• Maintain oversight of income streams including student payments, ticketing, and café revenue
• Support fundraising team with financial reporting for funding applications and reports
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, SORP, HMRC, and charity regulations
• Oversee fixed assets register and manage depreciation schedules
• Liaise with external accountants on year-end accounts for both the charity and its trading subsidiary

What We're Looking For

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualified by experience, with a minimum of three years in a finance or bookkeeping role
• Previous experience in a charity, arts, or creative environment is desirable
• Experience preparing management accounts and supporting Board-level financial reporting
• Proficient in using accounting software, ideally Xero
• Strong working knowledge of payroll, VAT, and charity finance regulations
• Confident using Microsoft Excel and handling reconciliations, journals, and multi-source income

Knowledge and Skills:

• Clear understanding of financial controls, compliance, and reporting frameworks
• Ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Experience overseeing or working alongside bookkeepers or finance assistants
• Familiarity with restricted/unrestricted funding models is desirable

Personal Attributes:

• Organised, detail-oriented, and highly reliable
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Positive, proactive, and solution-focused
• Comfortable working independently within a collaborative team
• Passion for the arts, music, or community engagement work is a bonus

How to Apply

If you're available immediately and interested in this role, please send your CV as soon as possible, as we're reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Finance Manager

Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact in education across sub-Saharan Africa?

Position: Finance Manager
Location: Remote (UK-based), with occasional travel as required
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week), with flexibility for 70%–80% part-time arrangements
Contract: Two years, with possible renewal subject to funding
Salary: £40 - £55k per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025 at 5pm GMT

About the Role
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Finance Manager to join ESSA’s international team and lead our UK financial operations. This vital role will support both UK and global finance functions, ensuring high-quality financial reporting, audit preparation, budgeting and compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

· Preparing monthly management accounts and variance analysis

· Leading year-end and audit processes for ESSA’s UK operations

· Ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and SORP

· Managing financial reporting for donor-funded projects, including the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL)

· Supporting budget development, forecasting and reforecasting

· Strengthening finance systems and controls, and developing financial capacity across the team

About You
We’re looking for a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

· At least 5 years’ experience in a finance role in a UK-registered charity

· Strong knowledge of UK charity accounting regulations and SORP

· Experience managing audits and supporting cross-border operations

· Advanced Excel and financial systems skills (AccountsIQ or QuickBooks an advantage)

· Excellent attention to detail and the ability to communicate financial information clearly

· The confidence to work independently in a remote, international team

Experience working in Africa or the international development or education sectors would be an advantage.

About the Organisation
Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) improves education outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa by using data and evidence to drive change. We work in partnership with researchers, educators, policymakers and employers to co-design solutions that strengthen education systems. Our values – evidence-driven, solutions-focused, building trust, and always learning – shape everything we do.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity Finance Manager, International Finance Lead, Head of Finance, Programme Finance Manager, Accountant – INGO, Financial Controller, Grants & Compliance Manager, Remote Finance Manager.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Hybrid – London and Home-based 
Location - Central London

Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape and drive high performance in a complex, purpose-led organisation? We’re seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Finance to lead a talented team and embed a culture of financial responsibility, transparency, and best practice.

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the full spectrum of financial management. You will lead and develop a committed finance team, champion operational excellence, and ensure robust governance and compliance across the organisation.

As a trusted partner to the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, driving insight and clarity in decision-making.

• Lead group statutory and management reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and commercial support.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and investment planning.

• Ensure effective financial controls, risk management, and policy development.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including boards, auditors, bankers, and investment managers.

• Inspire a culture of customer service, continuous improvement, and professional development within the finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to Finance Board and senior committees, offering clear, data-driven insights.

• Oversee monthly management accounts, statutory reporting, and year-end audits.

• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, delivering clear, actionable outputs for decision-makers.

• Ensure robust management of the balance sheet, assets, cash, and investments.

• Support the development of financial systems and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and excellence.

• Manage key supplier relationships, ensuring value, compliance, and strong performance.

About You

• We’re looking for a qualified accountant (minimum 5 years PQE) with:

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a complex or group structure.

• Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing and managing effective teams.

• Commercial acumen and the ability to see the big picture while maintaining operational oversight.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences.

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, professional excellence, and delivering results.

Desirable

• Experience within the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience working across multi-site environments.

• Previous involvement in systems improvement or implementation.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.

• Hybrid working – home-based with London office presence and occasional travel to other locations.

• Opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion, integrity, innovation, and making an impact.

If you're a strategic finance leader seeking your next challenge in an environment that values innovation, integrity, inclusion and real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help drive financial excellence across an organisation making a difference every day.

Bring your environmental passion for rivers to life!

Are you an enthusiastic finance professional who prides themselves on their attention to detail and excellence?  Would you like to work with the finance team for a charity who is invested in improving and making a real difference to our rivers here within the South East of England, which hosts some of the rarest Chalk streams on the planet?

About Us

The South East Rivers Trust (SERT), is the river restoration charity for the South East of England. Our vision is that rivers across the south east are clean, healthy and rich in biodiversity. Our mission is to restore and protect rivers and their catchments against multiple threats and a dramatically changing climate. We do this by:

• delivering evidence-based and nature-based solutions on land and in rivers;

• inspiring and empowering more people to protect rivers for the future.

Working at SERT is rewarding, fulfilling and busy. We work collaboratively and with passion, and this is reflected in our core values of: delivering high quality work, using expertise and scientific understanding, building good and effective relationships, and bringing positive energy to all we do. With rivers and catchments needing serious action to survive, our aims are growth and impact – so you’ll be comfortable with challenges and excited by change. If this sounds like an environment that you would thrive in, we would love to hear from you, please visit our website for more information.

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the South East Rivers Trust's Finance and Operations Team.  We are a small dynamic team, sitting at the heart of the organisation. The role reports directly to the Finance Manager and will provide support in administering all financial controls and processing for the organisation.  The successful applicant will come from a financial background with a strong understanding of financial principles, an accounting qualification and proficiency in Excel.  They will have experience in bookkeeping, reconciling accounts as well as dealing with banking, grant applications and expenses. 

The role would suit an individual, who is approachable and organised, with excellent attention to detail, able to work on their own or as part of a team.  The role involves liaising and following up with all teams to ensure the data provided is accurate and timely, to support grant applications, payments and audit requirements.

To be successful, they will need to be able to multitask, be proactive and have excellent communication skills, following up and advising staff across all teams.  They will need to have a positive attitude, and willingness to assist the whole team with other administrative tasks as and when required.  This role is predominantly working from home, with at least one day per week, (on a Thursday), working in the office in Leatherhead.

This is a part time position, to include Monday and Thursday (this being our in office day).  There may be a requirement to pick up additional hours to support with busy periods.

To apply for this position please complete an application form and send this together with your CV to us; further details can be found on our website.

We are seeking a part-time Finance Manager for Energy Sparks, a charity working towards a sustainable future in which the school community is at the heart of measurable action to tackle climate change. Energy Sparks equips children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and tools to take practical action in their school and wider community to reduce carbon emissions. We enable school leaders, staff and communities to better understand and reduce their school’s energy consumption and introduce wider measures to reduce their carbon footprint. 

This is an exciting, new role in our growing team and provides a great opportunity to apply your financial accounting and management skills to help our charity flourish. As the only finance employee within a small organisation, this role will be a blend of weekly bookkeeping tasks alongside the preparation of management accounts and strategic oversight of Energy Sparks’ finances. The successful postholder will embrace the varied responsibilities. 

• Salary: £40,000-£42,000 pro rata dependent on experience

• Role initially offered 0.2 FTE. This can be worked 7.5 hours per week across the year or 8.75 hours per week term time only, with the opportunity for future growth, subject to income. Hours can be worked flexibly from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

• Home working with occasional team meetings in Bath (typically 1 visit per year, although for local employees there may be the opportunity to meet more often)

• Post holder must already have the legal right to work in the UK. 

Application deadline: 11:59pm Thursday 24th July 2025

To start September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About us

Energy Sparks is an online energy management tool and energy education programme specifically designed to help schools reduce their electricity and gas usage through the analysis of smart meter data. Energy Sparks helps pupils and the wider school community to reduce their school’s carbon emissions, and make a real contribution to addressing the 'climate emergency'. Energy Sparks started in 2017 in Bath, and is now working with over 1000 schools across the UK. 

Current annual income is £500,000 to £600,000 with expected growth in the 2025/2026 financial year. To date, the responsibilities in this job description have been delivered by the CEO. All staff work remotely with the core staff team based in the Bath area.

Key Responsibilities

Note: Energy Sparks currently uses the Xero accounting package to deliver most of the tasks below. 

1. Financial Reporting 

• Prepare monthly/quarterly management accounts, ensuring accurate reporting of income and expenditure.

• Provide financial reports to the CEO and Board of Trustees 

• Track restricted vs unrestricted funds and ensure proper allocation and reporting.

• Prepare the annual financial statements (in line with charity SORP).

2. Transaction recording and bank and payment reconciliation 

• Reconcile bank accounts weekly, including card payments

• Match incoming payments to invoices or grants

• Authorise and categorise supplier invoices

• Maintain accurate coding of income and spend to specific funders or grants (restricted/unrestricted funds), including apportioning staff salaries with manual journals

3. Accounts Payable and Receivable

• Process supplier payments

• Monitor supplier invoice due dates and ensure timely payment

• Issue sales invoices to schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and other partners

• Monitor accounts receivable and flag and chase overdue invoices with schools, MATs or partners.

• Monitor Energy Sparks account renewals and work with the wider team to issue renewal notifications.

4. Payroll 

• Check and post monthly payroll on Xero

• Post HMRC payments (PAYE/NIC)

• Process and post pension contributions

5. VAT

• Record input VAT on supplier payments including reverse charge VAT

• Correctly charge VAT on sales invoices

• Prepare quarterly VAT returns including accurate business/non-business apportionment for input VAT recovery

6. Record-Keeping

• Maintain digital records of receipts, invoices, and approvals

• Ensure proper documentation for charity finance compliance

7. Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Comply with Energy Sparks’ internal financial controls and policies to manage risk.

• Monitor cash flow and reserves and recommend adjustments for financial sustainability.

8. Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide strategic financial insights to help inform decisions about growth and expansion.

• Assist with long-term planning, forecasting, and cost analysis for sustainability.

• Support organisational change, ensuring financial stability and compliance as the charity grows.

• Suggest improvements to financial processes, including optimising our use of accounting software to increase efficiency.

This will be a varied role within a small staff team and an ability to embrace a diversity of tasks is essential. There are currently no line management responsibilities for this post.
 

Person Specification

Experience & Knowledge

1. Significant experience in a senior finance role, ideally in the charity sector.

2. Strong knowledge of charity financial compliance, SORP, and statutory reporting

3. Experience of fund management and management accounts

4. Experience of preparing VAT returns and business/non-business apportionment 

5. Proficiency in Xero or similar accounting software, including manual journals

6. Confident running a Payroll function using Xero or other accounting software

7. Skilled in financial planning, reporting, and budgeting

8. Advanced use of Excel and Google Sheets.

9. Experience preparing for audits and liaising with external auditors/independent examiners

10. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with staff, funders, trustees, schools, Multi-Academy Trusts and suppliers. Happy to pick up the phone and chase schools or MATs for invoice payments!

11. A self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently as well as within a team.

12. Excellent organisation, efficiency, and attention to detail.

13. Strong problem-solving abilities and a solution-focused approach.

Nice to have

1. Strong interest in sustainability

Benefits

1. £40,000 to £42,000 pro rata dependent on experience 

2. 12% employer pension contribution

3. 38 days paid annual leave pro rata including bank holidays

4. 0.2 FTE. This can be worked 7.5 hours per week across the year or 8.75 hours per week term time only, with the opportunity for future growth subject to income. Hours can be worked flexibly from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

5. The opportunity to make a difference in reducing carbon emissions and helping young people to live sustainable lives.

Application deadline: 11:59pm Thursday 24th July 2025

To be considered for this role, all applicants must currently have the right to work in the UK.

Energy Sparks is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Senior Finance Officer

14 hours per week

As our Senior Finance Officer you will contribute to Career Ready’s finance and operations function by providing high quality financial support to the charity. Working as part of a small team of three, you will perform core finance tasks and will support the Head of Finance and Operations with budgeting, reporting and auditing activities.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

Bookkeeping and Accounting

• Ensure transactions are properly recorded and entered into Xero Accounts
• Assist with the annual audit
• Maintain financial files and records
• Manage and reconcile the accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Process payable invoices and staff expenses in line with fortnightly payment runs
• Perform credit control for maximum debt recovery
• Reconcile the bank statements for review the Head of Finance & Operations
• Assist with the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and budget monitoring reports

Support to the Partnerships and Income Teams

• Collating financial information for funding applications as required
• Monitoring expenditure on grant-funded programmes
• Preparing financial reports on receivable grants as required
• Maintain electronic files of funding agreements and contracts

Payroll

• To support with the administration of monthly salaried payroll for staff, and internship payroll throughout Jun-Sep each year
• To raise monthly salary journals for review by the Head of Finance & Operations
• To process payroll payments via online banking portals

Essential skills and experience required

· Fully or part qualified – AAT, ACCA or CIMA or qualified by experience

· Clear understanding of financial controls, compliance, and reporting frameworks

· Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel

· Ability to prioritise and meet competing deadlines

· Previous experience of computerised accounting and payroll e.g. Xero

· Previous experience of payroll administration that includes maintaining confidential data

· Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative.

· Excellent attention to detail and high numeracy

· Ability to communicate financial information to different audiences

· Problem-solving ability

Desirable skills and experience

· To have an understanding of Charity Finance.

· Experience of working in a finance function in a charity

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £32,000 to £38,000 per annum FTE (pro rata for part time), depending on qualifications/experience

14 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns

Permanent and remote

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Full details can be found in the candidate pack.

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.

Accounts Payable Clerk
Location: London preferred (Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Belfast considered)
Salary: Band A ranging between £29,224 –£30,198 + London weighting (£3,217, if applicable)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent | Hybrid (minimum 2 days office attendance)

Are you detail-driven, solutions-focused, and ready to take the next step in your finance career? MLC Partners are exclusively partnering with the Electoral Commission, UK’s independent body overseeing elections and regulating political finance, to recruit an Accounts Payable Clerk to join their Financial Control & Reporting Team.

You’ll play a key part in delivering an efficient, high-quality finance service that’s essential to business operations. As part of a small and supportive team, your work will have visibility and real impact.

Key Responsibilities:

· Processing and reconciling supplier invoices and staff expenses weekly

· Managing and entering invoices and credit notes with precision

· Ensuring accuracy in multi-period invoicing

· Handling supplier enquiries with professionalism and clarity

· Reconciling statements and maintaining the purchase ledger

Key Criteria:
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced finance environment and takes pride in getting the details right.

· Proven experience in a busy finance or accounts payable role

· Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills

· Accuracy, initiative, and a proactive mindset

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· A team player who can also self-manage effectively

· Expense claim processing

· Computerised accounting systems and purchase ledger platforms (bonus)

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

· Flexible working and hybrid model (40% office minimum)

· 28 rising to 30 days annual leave + bank holidays

· Civil Service pension scheme (28.97% employer contribution)

· £312 working from home allowance (tax-free)

· Ongoing learning and development opportunities

For further details or a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Annabelle at MLC Partners.

Key Dates:

• Closing Date for applications: 8th August, 2025

Applicants applying for a London-based role should expect to attend interviews in person. For applicants in devolved nations, interviews may be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.