Head financial accountant jobs

About the Tax Justice Network

The Tax Justice Network (TJN) is an independent international network, launched in 2003. It is dedicated to high-level research, analysis and advocacy around international tax and financial regulation, including the role of tax havens. TJN maps, analyses and explains the harmful impacts of tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax competition; and supports the engagement of citizens, civil society organisations and policymakers with the aim of a more just tax system. TJN pursues systemic changes that address the international inequality in the distribution of taxing rights between countries; the national inequalities – including gender inequalities – that arise from poor tax policies; and the national and international obstacles to progressive national tax policies and effective financial regulation.

The Tax Justice Network operates virtually with its legal base in the UK and staff working from home across multiple countries and continents. 

Role description

The Finance Officer is part of the Organisational Support and Development (OSD) team at the Tax Justice Network, which is led by the Director of OSD, and the role reports to the Head of Finance and Reporting. The OSD team leads and delivers on a range of operational services from finance management, risk management, project management, event management, human resources, IT systems and other enabling functions. The team is also responsible for fundraising for the organization. This includes responding to calls for proposals, tracking funding opportunities and engaging with donors regularly.

The role offers the chance to work across the financial functions and offers an experience through a breadth of finance work across the organisation making it a varied and a well-rounded role. 

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake the day-to-day bookkeeping including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking payroll and general ledger maintenance 

• Ensuring accuracy and integrity of all financial records and keeping a clear audit trail of all financial records 

• Manage the staff payroll process including pension, HMRC and other related processes 

• Manage the periodic payment runs and ensure that all payments are paid on time 

• Supporting financial planning and reporting for project proposals, project reporting and management reports 

• Support with project and year end audits schedules 

• Assist in the preparation of accruals, prepayments and other journals 

• Maintaining fixed asset register 

• Provide guidance to team on internal financial processes and policies and assist with queries and escalating them as necessary 

• Ensure organisational adherence to our internal and funder specific procurement policies 

• Undertake other financial administration work and supporting the wider OSD team on team responsibilities and duties as required 

Person specification

Skills and experience

Essential 

• Holding or working towards a CCAB or CIMA qualification 

• Hands on experience of working in a finance department of charities or not for profit organisations 

• Experience of carrying out detailed reconciliations, and can demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a thorough and methodical approach in all work 

• Strong IT skills with intermediate knowledge of Excel and cloud-based accounting software (preferably Xero) 

• Ability to communicate effectively, accurately and succinctly in English, in writing and verbally 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

Desirable 

• Experience of producing financial reports for a range of purposes 

• Experience of working with multi-currency transactions and cash holdings 

• Experience of working with EU funded grants 

• Experience of working with a variety of cloud-based platforms such as Airtable, Xero, SharePoint, Slack and Zoom 

Attributes

Essential 

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with a high degree of initiative 

• Flexible and able to manage a varied workload and deadlines 

• Ability to deliver work of a high standard with excellent attention to detail 

• Knowledge of UK and / or EU financial regulations 

• Resourceful and flexible approach with a “can do, will do attitude” and willingness to learn and adapt 

Desirable 

• Passion for tax justice and international development issues 

• Previous experience of grant management 
• Use of electronic banking software 

Please do not use AI tools when completing your job application. We would like to hear your authentic voice and want to understand your unique skillset and perspective.  

Key details

Application closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026 (2359 UK time)
Start date:  April 2026
Reports to:  Head of Finance and Reporting
Contract:  Fixed Term to 30 June 2027
Hours:  Between 60% (22.5 hours a week) or 80% FTE (30 hours a week)
Salary: £39,501.57 –  £46,524.59 (FTE equivalent pro rata for 60% or 80% FTE) plus employer pension contribution, or equivalent based on contractual requirements. Appointment within range depending on skills and experience.
Location: For administrative reasons, this role is set to be Home-based in the UK. To be considered candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Finance

• Manage financial bookkeeping (Xero, Sage, or equivalent), including credit control, and oversee charity income and expenditure in line with funding requirements and Charity Commission regulations. Act as the day-to-day liaison with accountants.

• Assist the executive team with budget management, helping to set priorities that meet funder or partner specifications.

• Prepare monthly financial monitoring reports for the trustee board and complete grant reconciliations in line with funder requirements.

Systems & procedures

• Develop and maintain processes that assist business objectives, ensure compliance, and uphold quality standards.

• Monitor daily operations, addressing potential issues proactively.

• Undertake general financial and HR administration, including ordering, invoicing, DBS checks, staff inductions, personnel filing, and systems to support budget monitoring and audits.

• Support the efficient management of office and operational procedures, promoting best practice and maximising efficiency.

Stakeholder & suppliers

• Consider the needs of internal and external stakeholders and incorporate them into strategic planning.

• Manage contractual relationships with suppliers as required.

Data Control & Management:

• Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date data and information in line with partnership systems and procedures.

• Act as the organisation’s Data Controller, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act.

Health & Safety

• To act as the organisation’s Health & Safety lead, to ensure compliance in accordance with HSE and to provide information to the exec team and the trustees.

Administrative

• To provide personal assistance to the Head of Operations, when necessary

• To undertake the minute secretary role for Think Active CSW meetings, ensuring efficient organisation and dissemination of information.

Miscellaneous

• Generating income or raising funds.

• Travel to venues to meet the needs of the organisation

• Assist in the identification and undertaking of the postholder's own training and development requirements in accordance with the appropriate organisation's "confident, capable, inspirational people plan"

• To undertake such duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature, as may be determined by the Chief Executive or Executive team from time to time, in conjunction with the post holder.

Person Specification

CORE VALUES

• Team player with a supportive, flexible, and professional approach.

• Demonstrates kindness, consideration, appreciation, and tolerance, expecting the same in return.

• Strong work ethic with resilience and willingness to go above and beyond.

• Respects confidentiality and can reflect on personal performance to drive improvement.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of operations management, systems, and processes.

• Knowledge of financial procedures, reporting, and budget management.

• Experience with databases, project management, and IT systems.

• Awareness of safeguarding, health, community, and legislation.

• Knowledge of performance measurement, reporting, and current funding streams in the sport and physical activity sector.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to lead, motivate, persuade, negotiate, and influence at all levels.

• Strategic, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards.

• IT literate, including ability to use Excel or willingness to adapt and learn new systems, with an understanding of how technology enhances planning, evaluation, and communications.

• Proven project management experience.

Experience:

• Measuring organisational performance to deliver strategic objectives.

• Developing and improving internal and external systems, processes, and communications.

• Strategic planning, implementation, review, and adaptation.

• Managing teams, including setting objectives and reviewing performance.

• Building and maintaining partnerships across voluntary, public, and private sectors.

• Managing budgets (£100k–£300k) and preparing financial reports.

• Generating income, preparing funding bids, and securing resources.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting volunteers, leaders, and professional workforces in sport, physical activity, or health contexts

• Project Management qualification

• Additional finance and budget-setting experience

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Innovative, forward-thinking, developmental, and solution-focused

• Passionate, inspirational, and motivational with a positive, can-do attitude

TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends.

• Ability to travel across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.

• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

• Think Active’s main headquarters are in Leamington Spa, with work also taking place across Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. We operate a blended working model that includes home working, office attendance, and travel to meetings as required. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly to meet the organisation's needs.

The vacancy

The Housing Officer role is 37.5 hours a week, working shifts between 8am and 8pm Monday-Friday which you will share with two other staff members on an 8-4, 10-6 or 12-8 rota pattern.

The role is based in Colchester.

Your time will be spent working with residents towards independent living by assisting them to claim and maintain benefits, move into work, education or volunteering, learn about successful budgeting, to eat healthily and keep themselves safe and healthy both physically and mentally. You will also interview prospective residents, carry out room checks, fire checks, assist with our food distribution scheme, collect payments and arrears, attend appointments with the young people as and when necessary, take an active role in resident engagement and support the management team.

Who we are and what we do

YMCA Essex has a 44 room, supported housing unit on Magdalen Street in Colchester. We house young people aged 16-25, supporting them towards independent living and a well rounded life. We encourage and support them into work, education or training and to be able to maintain a tenancy and look after themselves when they leave YMCA. Residents can live at the YMCA for a two-year period after which time we assist them in moving onto independent living.

You

Have an active care and concern for the community, work in an inclusive way, welcoming the diverse needs of our young residents. You are tolerant, understanding and non-judgemental. You have an interest in the needs of young people and a thirst to support them towards being the best they can possibly be.

You have experience of working in supported or general needs housing, wellbeing planning, risk assessments, working with young people and a great knowledge of welfare benefits, grants and other sources of income available. You have housing management, rent accounting and tenancy sustainment expertise as well as experience of dealing with anti-social behaviour and resident engagement.

Your IT skills are current with a good understanding of Microsoft packages and Sharepoint and you have an excellent level of education. You are experienced in working in and handling stressful situations. You are flexible and adaptable in regard to working hours and are able to take part in an on-call rota evening and weekend rota. You have a driving licence or can get to Magdalen Street at any time of day or night (if on call) within 30 minutes.

As a great communicator you are able to demonstrate an empathetic and person centred approach, problem solve on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision and with discretion and integrity whilst respecting confidentiality.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A CARER ROLE. THERE IS NO PERSONAL CARE INVOLVED AND RESIDENTS ARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ABLE. CARE WORK EXPERIENCE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS HOUSING EXPERIENCE.

YOU MUST HAVE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED AND LIVE WITHIN 30 MINUTES TRAVEL OF COLCHESTER.

Reports to: Operations Director (Head of Delivery) 
Contract: Part-time (0.5 FTE) 

Role Purpose 

As Payroll Lead, you will manage HOST’s global payroll operations — ensuring that all staff, contractors, and hosted partners are paid accurately, compliantly, and on time. 

You will bring structure, care, and precision to one of HOST’s most essential services: ensuring the people driving climate and social action receive the financial stability they need to do their best work. 

This role supports both internal HOST staff and hosted partners, liaising across HR, Finance, and Community Support to deliver secure, compliant, and efficient payroll management. You will also help develop new systems and processes as HOST expands internationally, ensuring our operations remain smooth, transparent, and aligned with local legislation. 

Core Responsibilities 

1. Payroll Management 

• Manage all aspects of monthly payroll for UK and international employees, contractors, and hosted partner staff. 

• Prepare and process payroll changes (new hires, terminations, pay adjustments) in line with internal procedures. 

• Ensure timely submission of payroll information to Finance and external providers. 

• Reconcile payroll each month, identifying and resolving any discrepancies. 
   

• Reporting cadence: Monthly payroll cycle; quarterly summary to Operations Director. 

2. Compliance and Record-Keeping 

• Ensure full compliance with UK employment law, tax regulations, and international payroll requirements in collaboration with external providers. 

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee and contractor records. 

• Support statutory reporting, including PAYE, HMRC, and pension submissions. 

• Liaise with HOST’s Finance Team on audits and compliance reviews. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly compliance report; annual payroll compliance review. 

3. System Management and Improvement 

• Maintain and improve digital payroll systems, ensuring data accuracy and secure integration with Finance and HR tools. 

• Support the development of HOSTHub payroll features and automation processes with the Tech Team. 

• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows and strengthen reporting. 
  Reporting cadence: Quarterly system and process improvement review. 

4. Contractor and International Payroll Support 

• Coordinate with the Community Support and Finance Teams to process international contractor payments, ensuring correct deductions and documentation. 

• Liaise with local payroll providers and Employer of Record (EoR) partners to ensure compliance in each jurisdiction. 

• Track and report on cross-border payroll performance and issue resolution. 
  Reporting cadence: Monthly report; immediate escalation of compliance concerns. 

5. HR and Staff Support 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from staff and contractors, providing clear and timely responses. 

• Collaborate with the HR & Operations teams to ensure policies and processes reflect payroll updates and legislation. 

• Support onboarding and offboarding processes for staff and contractors. 
  Reporting cadence: Ongoing; monthly summary of staff queries and resolutions. 

6. Risk and Confidentiality 

• Identify potential payroll or compliance risks, escalating concerns to the Operations Director and Finance Manager. 

• Ensure all payroll data and personal information are handled securely, in line with GDPR and HOST’s data protection policies. 
  Reporting cadence: Ongoing; quarterly inclusion in organisational risk report. 

Key Relationships 

Internal: Operations Director, Finance Manager, Accountant, Community Support Leads, HR & Payroll External Specialist, and Legal Lead. 
External: Payroll providers, Employer of Record partners, and hosted partner representatives. 

Performance Indicators 

• 100% accuracy in payroll delivery and documentation. 

• 100% on-time monthly payroll completion. 

• All compliance and statutory submissions completed by deadline. 

• 100% confidentiality maintained in payroll data handling. 

• Measurable improvements in payroll efficiency and staff satisfaction. 

Qualifications/Experience:  Member of recognised payroll body e.g. CIPP/GPA 

Purpose of the Role
The Administrator provides essential support across the organisation by maintaining accurate records, supporting compliance, coordinating communication, and ensuring efficient daily operations across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Records & Compliance (H&S, Training, Equipment)

• Maintain and update relevant staff records, including training logs, H&S documentation, equipment registers.
• Ensure relevant certificates, training dates, and compliance documents remain up to date.
• Organise appropriate and timely delivery of IT, phone and other equipment as required and in liaison with relevant suppliers as appropriate.
• Provide staff IDs, access cards and keys as required.

2. Database, SharePoint & Digital Filing Management

• Maintain relevant organisational databases and digital filing systems.
• Manage SharePoint folders and ensure documents are stored, updated and accessible.
• Support staff with document retrieval and information management.

3. Finance Administration

• Review and submit invoices for approval and maintain records of purchases on credit and debit cards and submit on a timely basis for processing.
• Liaise with the Finance Team to resolve queries and ensure timely payments.
• Maintain accurate administration logs.

4. Office Supplies & Stock Coordination

• Monitor stock levels for both sites and reorder supplies when required.
• Maintain records of stock usage and deliveries.

5. Internal Communications

• Prepare and distribute internal staff updates as appropriate – ideally in liaison with the communications team unless urgent.
• Support organisational communications and notices where needed.

6. Event Planning & Administration

• Maintain logs for events and support planning documentation.
• Assist with scheduling, preparation and administrative tasks for events and meetings.

7. Facilities and Property (including Health & Safety & Fire Compliance Records)

• Maintain and update organisational and building H&S records, including fire safety certificates and compliance documents.
• Organise building maintenance as required.
• Monitor outstanding actions and ensure timely updates.
• Be a qualified first aider on site.
• Book H&S-related training and track attendance.
• Support coordination of fire alarm testing, fire drills and related documentation.
• Support with reception duties as required.

8. Project Administration & Reporting Support

• Assist teams with project documents, data collection and reporting processes as required.
• Maintain project logs and support updates to reporting templates as required.

9. Phone & Admin Inbox Management

• Monitor admin and info inboxes, responding to or redirecting queries appropriately.
• Answer incoming calls and provide first-line administrative support.