Head of financial accounting jobs in central london, greater london

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

About you and the role

This is a pivotal role, at a pivotal moment for us. We are entering a critical growth phase, which includes rapidly expanding our own operations and managing significant external partnership. As Head of Finance & Systems, you will be accountable for ensuring we have the right systems and structures in place to grow at pace without detriment to good governance.

The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained. 

You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 24 employees and anticipate growing significantly in the next twelve months. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance. 

You will oversee all financial administration, ensuring this is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation.

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.  

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.  

Key responsibilities:

• Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities

• Developing our systems strategy, including reviewing suitability of our current systems (Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc. ) and ensuring optimal use of systems, maximising automation, and using AI where appropriate.

• Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches

• Leading and developing the Finance and Office Manager and ensuring effective support from the external book-keeping team.

• Lead on creation of the annual budget, working closely with Directors.

• Advising the Chief Executive, team and Trustees, ensuring that benefits and risks of decisions are fully considered and fit with the overall financial strategy

• Oversee sound financial administration, management and governance across the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls in place and operating effectively.

• Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team, and coaching on financial awareness. 

• Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks 

• Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the Finance & Office Manager

• Oversee production of management accounts and bespoke financial reports, including accurate forecasting, incisive analysis and accessible narrative commentary, ensuring decision-makers have the information they need. 

• Forecasting cash flow and managing the treasury position.

• Support the Partnerships & Impact team and Programme Managers with financial inputs to funding proposals and ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with grant conditions.

• Oversight of finance, governance and basic HR administration, supporting the Finance and Office Manager with high profile or complex queries, seeking specialist advice on financial or compliance matters as required

• Ensuring GDPR compliance across the organisation

• Leading an effective risk management process.

• Ensuring the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and all financial reporting requirements.

Skills & experience:

• You have interest and belief in our mission, to improve kids’ health through improving food and food education in schools

• You have full or partial qualification through an accredited accountancy body 

• You have experience in a senior finance role (e.g., Director, Head of) in any sector, and some experience within a finance function in the 3rd sector (in particular familiarity with Charities SORP and experience of administering restricted funds).

• You have experience of audit

• You enjoy a mix of leadership and rolling up sleeves to get hands on 

• You take a pragmatic and dynamic approach to robust financial management

• You can turn complex and dry data, into clear and engaging narrative 

• You have project managed the implementation of new systems (accountancy / CRM / data) and have a good awareness of new technologies

• You are organised, methodical, strong on detail, and able to map out deadlines and plan ahead 

• You are skilled in leading a team and building rapport with people, and strike a balance between being supportive and challenging 

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays.  We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.

Application process

In line with our commitment to ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we invite candidates to answer a series of questions related to their day-to-day job. Please follow this link to answer the questions and submit your application along with your CV.

We recommend that you develop your answers offline and copy them in when you’re ready to ensure you don’t lose your work if interrupted.

Your answers will go through our sifting process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. A long list of candidates will then additionally have their CVs reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 mins online interview. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview at our office in Brixton, London.

Expected duration of this application process: 7 weeks

First interviews will be held on Thurs 14th Aug.

Second interviews will be held on Weds 20th Aug. 

Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
£80,000 pa plus excellent benefits
London
Permanent, Full-time
Ref: TG654199

Tate is seeking a visionary finance leader with a recognised accountancy qualification and a strong track record in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and team development. This is a rare opportunity to bring your expertise to a world-renowned cultural institution at a pivotal moment of transformation.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in complex environments—ideally with experience in the public, cultural, or not-for-profit sectors—who can drive innovation, champion inclusivity, and help shape a sustainable financial future. If you're ready to make a meaningful difference through collaboration, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership, Tate is ready for you!

First-round interviews are scheduled for 31 July and 1 August 2025. Candidates progressing to the next stage will be invited to a second-round interview, with further details provided in due course.

Frequently, we receive a high level of applications and as such, reserve the right to close applications before the advert deadline. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our jobs are like our galleries, open to all.

Tate offers a range of benefits, including 25 days annual leave entitlement, rising to 27 days pro rata after 3 years of service; an extra day off for your birthday each year; a cycle to work scheme; opportunities for blended and flexible working; free access to Tate exhibitions and other museums and galleries; Life Assurance; and a ‘Defined Contribution’ pension scheme with generous employer contributions. Successful candidates who are already members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme or have recently left the scheme may be eligible to remain as members of this scheme instead.

Closing date: 24 July 2025

We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Head of Fundraising to lead and grow our voluntary income. Your focus will span the full range of fundraising activities, from statutory and trust funding to developing and increasing income across major donor giving, legacies, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.

This role offers an opportunity to shape how we communicate our value to funders and supporters, build long-term partnerships that reflect our mission, and grow a culture of income awareness across the organisation. It is a fantastic opportunity for an existing Head of Fundraising, or someone who feels ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in shaping the future of our fundraising strategy.

As Head of Fundraising, you will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to increase philanthropic support and voluntary income. You’ll lead our efforts to diversify and grow income streams – securing support from individuals, corporates, and other partners – with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact. You’ll be part of an organisation where you can see the direct effect of your work on the services we deliver to keep children safe.

You will lead and support a small team, bring fresh thinking and strong relationship-building skills, and work closely with project leads to ensure our funding reflects real needs and delivers real impact. You will be able to combine strategic and commercial awareness, with hands-on delivery.

This role will give you the opportunity and responsibility to build on our successful fundraising and extend our appeal to new donors as well as maintain our existing supporters. You will need demonstrable fundraising experience and the ability to work confidently as a strategic thinker as well as a practical fundraiser. You will come with strong ideas and skills to implement them.

If you’re driven by making a difference – especially, in the field of child protection and want to bring your fundraising leadership to a mission that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll get from us

We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days in the office after one month in the position, a NEST pension, 33 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays following qualifying period), up to 5 days’ learning and development per year, flu jabs, eye tests, charity discounts, an employee assistance programme and the option of Benenden medical cover. We are proud to partner with the Living Wage Foundation and be an accredited employer of choice.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable adults, children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. Showing respect and consideration to all is part of our values and at the core of our culture.

As an inclusive employer, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity. As part of our safer recruitment process, we actively remove bias from applications i.e. applications are anonymised prior to sharing with the recruiting panel and equal opportunity monitoring forms are removed from applications on receipt and retained by HR for analysis reporting.

#fundraising #headoffundraising #charity #funding #partnerships

Trainee Accountant

Salary£25,000 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Trainee Accountant

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £25,000 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1121643

Are you looking to launch your career in finance and gain hands-on experience while studying towards a professional qualification? Join YMCA England & Wales as a Trainee Accountant and take the first step in a rewarding and progressive finance career.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about building a future in accounting. As our Trainee Accountant, you’ll be part of a supportive and experienced Finance Team, working closely with the Management Accountant to gain valuable experience in preparing management accounts, analysing financial data, processing transactions, and supporting year-end audits.

You will be fully supported as you work towards your AAT qualification, gaining real-world experience that complements your studies and provides a solid foundation for future progression—whether into management accounting, financial analysis, or other specialist finance roles.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts for YMCA Retail.
• Process accruals, prepayments, fixed assets and depreciation journals.
• Analyse financial performance and liaise with teams across the organisation.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Contribute to audit preparation and respond to internal and external queries.
• Get involved in broader reporting, including manpower reports and charity surveys.

What We’re Looking For:

• Good GCSEs (including Maths and English).
• A genuine interest in finance and accounting.
• Willingness to study towards an AAT qualification (with support from us).
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• A collaborative, proactive mindset.

Why YMCA?
YMCA England & Wales is part of the world’s largest youth charity. We support communities across the country and provide services that make a real difference in people’s lives. Joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values diversity, integrity, and professional growth.

Whether you're a school leaver, career changer, or already studying AAT, this role is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical experience while contributing to meaningful work.

Ready to Start Your Accounting Career?
Apply now and grow with us at YMCA.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

We're pushing for better, right here, right now. Every one of us has a crucial role to play as both drivers and enablers of change.

Parkinson’s UK is the UK’s leading charity for people with Parkinson’s.  We're a growing organisation with 605 employees, 4000 volunteers and a projected income of £50m+. Our proud history dates back nearly 60 years, but now we’re on a mission to be fit for the future, ensuring we have the infrastructure, culture, and operating model to drive even more impact for people with Parkinson’s, both now and in the future. 

The Operations team plays a key role in driving that mission. Over the coming years we’ll be modernising our systems and processes to ensure they’re fit for now, as well as in the future. Much of this work is already underway, and we’re now ready to start our exciting new chapter.

We’ve been working to get ourselves in the best shape to deliver that progress over the next few years, and we’re now looking for ambitious, driven, and purpose-led people to join our team of ‘relentless doers’.  To hear more about these exciting new changes and how you can play your part in our story, click Apply to hear from Ben Clarkson, Chief Finance and Operating Officer.

About the role

You’ll lead the production of Annual Accounts for the Charity and its subsidiaries and oversee the wider Financial Accounting Team. You’ll also deputise for the Head of Financial Operations and contribute to Finance Transformation initiative.

As a subject matter expert, you will advise on technical accounting, tax, and internal controls and liaise with auditors and advisors.   Additionally, you will be responsible for driving process improvements through the effective use of data and digital tools across the organisation, with the goal of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

What you’ll do

• Accountable for the efficient and accurate production of the Annual Accounts, acting as a key contact to the Auditors and Governance Team 

• Continuously develop and keep up-to-date with current regulations to act as subject matter expert on tax, audit and technical accounting queries 

• Coach and provide expert advice to the Finance Management team

• Ensure that the charity meets internal and external reporting targets such as VAT returns, Gift Aid Returns, etc

What you’ll bring

• A CCAB qualified accountant with excellent technical financial accounting skills 

• Proven experience of audit or of leading the Annual Accounts production and producing consolidated statutory accounts and coordinating with auditors and other stakeholders 

• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with a wide variety of diverse stakeholders, with an engaging communication style, with the ability to bring others with you and influence outcomes

• Extensive knowledge of Charity SORP and VAT including Partial Exemption 

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

To apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria marked with an ‘A’ of the ‘what you’ll bring’ section of the job description.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

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.

About the Minster Centre

The Minster Centre is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee that provides training in psychotherapy and counselling and an affordable therapy service.

It was founded in 1978 as the first Integrative psychotherapy and counselling training in the UK and is a leading psychotherapy training institution. Now based in Queens Park, NW London, it runs training ranging from open access introductory courses to post-graduate degrees validated by Middlesex University. The Minster Centre caters for around 300 diploma and MA students each year. It is registered with the Office for Students.

The Minster Centre Psychotherapy & Counselling Service (MCPCS) also provides a safe, affordable and professional counselling service to people over the age of 18 who are experiencing a range of difficulties. The service is provided by senior trainees who are in the process of completing their therapy training.

The Centre has an annual turnover of £1.8 million and over 80 staff, most of whom are part-time. For further information about the Centre please visit the Minster Centre website

Role purpose

The Minster Centre is seeking to develop and further professionalise its operations and is recruiting to a new Head of Finance role. This is a part-time, flexible role for two days per week in the first instance. Some time in the office will be needed to work alongside other staff and key stakeholders – this can be managed flexibly alongside working from home. The role would therefore suit someone who wants to balance an interesting and senior role alongside other responsibilities or interests.

The Head of Finance will oversee the financial operations of the charity, owning and ensuring compliance to financial policies and procedures. You will provide strategic financial guidance to the Management Committee and contribute to the delivery of the charity’s financial strategies.

Early priorities will be:

• A review of existing financial policies and procedures to support the ongoing effective running of the charity.
• Working with the Lead team to ensure the charity’s finances are sustainable long-term

A full job description and person specification is available in the Recruitment Pack at the bottom of this page.

Terms and conditions

Salary: Pro rata, £55,000 FTE

Hours: 14 hours per week in the first instance, hybrid working. Exact hours open to negotiation. Some flexibility will be required to attend key meetings.

Contract: Fixed term appointment to end July 2028, in the first instance.

Holidays: 33 days including bank holidays, pro rata

Key working relationships: Management Committee (4 staff who collectively lead the organisation). This post will report to that Team and be line managed by one of them), Finance Administrator, HR and Governance Manager, Quality Manager and Registrar.

How to apply

Please apply using the application forms with a covering email to Afua Pierre by 12 noon on Thursday 17th July, however we reserve the right to close the recruitment process once we have received sufficient high quality applications.

For further information please contact the Director, Lissie Wright by email to arrange an informal conversation.

We particularly welcome applications from people from underrepresented groups, including people from global majority communities, the LGBTQIA+ community, care leavers, people with disabilities and people from other minorities.

Are you looking for a fulfilling & rewarding career?

Vibrance has an exciting opportunity for a Management Accountant to join our team. You will join us on a full-time contract and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £45,000- £50,000 pa, plus benefits. The role is based at our head office in Bethnal Green with the option of Hybrid working after a 6-month probationary period.

Vibrance is a registered charity supporting adults with additional needs in London and Essex. 

We encourage a working environment that at its core is inclusive, pioneering, and has the highest levels of integrity.

As an employer we are proud to have earned both the Investors in People Silver accreditation and ranked in the Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to work for’ list.

About our Management Accountant role:

The Management Accountant will be pivotal in providing accurate and timely financial information and analysis to support decision-making across our care projects. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management to ensure the company’s financial performance is closely monitored and aligned with organisational goals.

You will be responsible for managing time sensitive processes, budgeting, forecasting and providing insights into financial performance. We welcome candidates with a knowledge of the use of AI and other emerging technologies.

You will monitor operational costs and identify areas for cost reduction, ensuring financial controls are in place, proactively providing improvements to procedures and applying sound judgement based on knowledge and experience.

You will build strong and positive relationships with budget holders, senior managers and Heads of Departments, providing the necessary assistance and professional advice to assist them with the financial aspects of their duties. There is an expectation for you to lead on the creation of monthly management packs.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that positively affects people’s lives.

What we’re looking for in our ideal Management Accountant:

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA)
• Highly skilled with Excel and finance packages including Sage 200
• Supportive and willing to learn and develop with a proactive and solutions focused approach
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Strong understanding of financial controls, budgeting, and forecasting in a multi-site environment.

• Proven experience as a Management Accountant or in a similar financial role, ideally within the healthcare, social care, or similarly regulated sector.

In return for your skills, knowledge, and experience, you’ll enjoy:

• A comprehensive training programme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Rewards and recognition for your service
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Flexible Working Options (Subject to service requirements)
• Learning & Development
• Mindful Employer
• Positive about Disability
• DBS online applications paid by Vibrance
• Long Service Awards

Vibrance welcomes applications from all sections of the community including from people with disabilities. As users of the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who satisfy the essential criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation is a German political foundation, with head offices in Berlin and regional offices in over 100 countries around the world. Our London office - registered as Company Limited by Guarantee - covers the UK and also the Republic of Ireland, is looking to hire an Accountant to work as an essential part of our small team. Our annual programme includes a wide range of events such as panel-discussions, workshops and international conferences and requires liaising with a wide range of partner organisations from politics, academia, business, and the media.

The accountant will be responsible for all accounting and financial planning for our London office.

Duties include: 

· Control of office expenditure

· Payment of contractor invoices

· Using KAS internal booking system for accounting and financial administration (training will be provided)

· Prepare monthly accounting reports, quarterly forecasts and annual budgets

· Bank reconciliations in GBP & EUR

· Prepare the statutory accounts for the limited company up to trail balance, including accruals, prepayments, deferred income etc.

· Liaise with external auditors to agree timeframe for the year end statutory audit

· Rolling cash flow management

· Manage company payroll in house, expenses and petty cash claims

· Liaising with German HQ on financial topics as well as with local contractors and HMRC

· Companies House secretarial work

· Office management

Requirements:

· Minimum 2 years’ accountancy experience

· Be familiar with current PAYE and pension regulations

· Must have excellent Microsoft Office experience, in particular MS Excel

· Excellent planning, organisation and prioritisation skills

· Excellent communication skills

· Native level fluency in English, German language skills desirable

We offer

· Full time permanent position

· 24 days annual leave

· Salary range btw. £35,000 and £40,000 per annum depending on experience.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Deadline for applications is 10:00am Monday 17th of July 2025

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.

Management Accountant 
Salary: circa £55,000
Permanent, Hybrid working 
Hybrid working 2 days a week in Central London office

Join one of the UK’s most iconic cultural institutions as a Management Accountant. This world-renowned arts organisation is at the forefront of the creative and cultural sector championing artistic innovation, collaborating with global talent, and delivering boundary-pushing public programmes.
Reporting to the Head of FP&A, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality management information, budgeting support, and performance analysis that enables senior leaders to make confident, informed decisions.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an astute finance professional to step into a high-impact role, contributing directly to the financial health and sustainability of a globally respected creative organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the production of monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis and commentary
• Assist in delivering timely and accurate budgets and reforecasts across a diverse range of departments
• Develop and maintain financial models to support planning and decision-making
• Partner with key budget holders, offering financial insight and challenge to support effective performance management
• Contribute to the evolution of dashboard reporting and the integration of non-financial KPIs
• Play a hands-on role in enhancing reporting processes, controls, and reconciliation of restricted and project-based funds
• Provide ad hoc analysis to support senior stakeholders and strategic initiatives

About you:

• You’re a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• You’ve got solid experience in management accounting and budgeting, ideally in a complex or project-based environment
• You’re analytically strong, systems-savvy, and confident building models and drawing meaningful insight from financial data
• You enjoy business partnering, communicating financial concepts clearly and building trusted relationships across teams
• You’re proactive, adaptable, and driven by purpose you want your work to have a meaningful impact

We welcome applications from all sectors—including industry, charity, and practice. What matters most is your ability to bring financial insight and business acumen.

Prospectus are delighted to be working with a new client who are a well-established frontline charity and supporting them with the recruitment of a Management Accountant role.

This Management Accountant role is available on a permanent contract and full-time basis. The salary band is £45,000-£50,000 and has hybrid working arrangements after probationary period. The charity’s head office is based in East London.

The Management Accountant will work closely with the senior management team and play a key role monitoring financial performance ensuring it is aligned with organisational objectives.

You will be responsible for managing financial processes, budgeting, forecasting, provide financial insights that will aid projects, monitor operational costs, improve financial controls and procedures and lead on creation of monthly management packs for senior leadership. You will also build and maintain professional relationships with senior managers, budget holders, and Head of Departments and be on hand to provide financial advice and assistance.

You will be a qualified accountant (e.g. CIMA, ACCA, ACA) and have proven experience as a management accountant or in a similar finance role. You will have a strong understanding of budget management, financial controls and forecasting. You will have strong IT literacy, with experience using Microsoft Excel and Sage 200.

You will be detail orientated and have high levels of numerical accuracy. You will also have strong levels of organisation and time management skills.

Desirably, you will have experience working within a finance role within a healthcare, social care or a similar regulated organisation.

Closing date: 04 August 2025 at 00:00

Finance Assistant

Purpose of the role:

We are looking for a highly organised and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to support our Finance function in its day-to-day operations. This role is key to maintaining accurate financial records, supporting payment processing, and ensuring robust financial administration. You will work closely with the Head of Finance and play a critical role in supporting internal processes and contributing to the effective financial management of The Churchill Fellowship.

Key responsibilities:

Financial Processing and Bookkeeping

• Perform day-to-day bookkeeping duties and ensure timely and accurate data entry
• Process supplier invoices and Fellows' grant payments via the purchase ledger
• Prepare weekly payment runs and ensure payments are accurate, authorised and recorded
• Manage and reconcile credit card transactions and receipts
• Manage the Finance@ inbox, respond to queries, and escalate issues where appropriate
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all transactions, including bills, payments, and expenses

Bank and Account Reconciliations

• Reconcile all bank accounts on a monthly basis
• Reconcile credit card accounts monthly and ensure supporting documentation is complete
• Reconcile investment accounts and balances each month
• Support monthly income and expenditure reporting to assist internal financial monitoring

Registers and Schedules

• Maintain the Fixed Asset Register in Xero and ensure assets are correctly recorded
• Update and maintain the Prepayments schedule
• Maintain Gift Aid records and prepare reconciliations for claims

System Updates

• Update financial records in Salesforce, including recording of grant payment dates
• Support the audit process by preparing accurate financial records and providing documentation
• Code and enter all transactions promptly and accurately in the accounting system
• File and maintain financial documents (both digital and paper) in accordance with retention policies

General

• Due to the nature of the role, on occasion, you may be required to work some evenings and weekends in order to fulfil the obligations of your role.
• You may also be asked to carry out other reasonable duties in line with the scope of the role and needs of the organisation.

Person Specification

Qualification: 

• Degree level or equivalent transferable skills - Desirable
• AAT qualified or equivalent experience - Desirable

Skills and Experience 

• Demonstrable experience in bookkeeping and purchase ledger
• Experience preparing payment runs and managing account reconciliations
• Experience working with accounting software (Xero, Sage, or similar)
• Experience using CRM systems such as Salesforce - Desirable
• Experience maintaining financial schedules and registers (e.g. assets, prepayments)
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills - Desirable

Personality Characteristics 

• A great team player with a pro-active, confident, and positive approach and the ability to contribute to a culture of collaborative working
• The ability to work with good humour, tact, and diplomacy
• Commitment to confidentiality and data integrity
• Alignment with TCF’s values, purpose and commitment to equity and inclusion
• Passionate about achieving excellence through personal development and continual learning

About our charity

Join us to support people-led change across the UK 

We run the Churchill Fellowships, a unique programme that supports UK citizens to find new solutions worldwide for today’s most pressing challenges.

Every year we fund over 100 new Fellows to discover the latest ideas and best practice in any practical issue they care passionately about, anywhere in the world. The topics they explore cover every aspect of society and are often informed by their own lived experience. They meet leading practitioners, encounter cutting-edge projects and gather their findings in a published report. We help share their findings to inspire change in communities, sectors, and fields across the UK.

Fellows tell us that their Fellowship is life-changing, for themselves and for those who benefit from their global learning. These are dedicated and practical individuals with a strong vision of the change they want to see, the knowledge to progress it and the drive to make it happen. As a result, their impact is felt throughout the UK and many go on to be leaders in their fields.

Our unique approach has created a community of thousands of highly effective changemakers working on the frontlines of today’s key issues. At the heart of all this is a simple but enduring concept: we are empowering individuals to learn from the world and transform lives across the UK.

Working for The Churchill Fellowship

Detailed package, benefits and wellbeing package:

• Salary £35,000 per annum (pro-rata 22.5 hours per week)
• Hybrid working policy (minimum of 1-2 days per week in the office)
• 5 weeks holiday a year, with additional paid leave when the office closes over the Christmas Break 
• 1 weeks paid leave for volunteering 
• Non-contributory pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Bike purchase salary sacrifice scheme (Cycle2Work)

We have embraced the benefits of working from home and at the same time, we value the contribution of face-to-face contact in building teamwork, collaborating with your colleagues, exchanging ideas and know-how, and for work efficiency. We therefore operate a hybrid working policy, where staff can work from home if they wish, however everyone is required to work in the office a minimum of 1 to 2 days a week with Tuesdays as the core day for regular whole team meetings.

Note: unfortunately, we are not currently in a position to offer sponsorship for visas and all applicants will need to have, and be able to prove, the right to work in the UK.

How to apply 

Please submit your CV, along with a cover letter using this as an opportunity to tell us a bit more about who you are as a person. As a people centred, relational organisation, we want to understand how you as an individual are going to be a great fit for this role. 

Recruitment Process

We hope to meet initially with as many candidates as possible, however where demand is unusually high, we may not be able to meet everyone.

If your skills and experience are relevant to the role, you will likely meet with a member of the HR Team to talk through any questions you may have, and for us to find out a bit more about you.

Once the advertising has closed, we will invite the shortlisted candidates to a formal in-person interview with the view to appointing the Finance Assistant as soon as possible after that.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are core to the values and ethos of the charity’s work across all activities. The Churchill Fellowship is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences.  Our office accommodation is accessible throughout.  

Would you like to play an important role in running an organisation that improves the way science is covered in the news?

Diet, microplastics, climate change, e-cigarettes, Alzheimer’s....if it's in the news and it’s controversial, the SMC will be working hard to pump out accurate, evidence-based science into the 24 hour news media.

But this frenetic media operation must have rock-solid operations support behind it.  It needs a highly competent, confident, organised and efficient individual who supports the SMC’s mission but loves running the operations behind the scenes.  The successful candidate will be a calm, self-sufficient problem solver who makes the charity run smoothly and who takes satisfaction from ensuring that the team of energetic, dynamic press officers can make a difference to science in the media every day.

The Head of Operations and Governance is a key member of senior staff.  You will be either a practised operations specialist looking for a new challenge or someone with relevant experience looking to step up to their first role leading operations.  In this role, you will:

• Be responsible for financial management, fundraising admin, preparation of annual accounts and bookkeeping
• Support the CEO in fundraising initiatives and project admin
• Provide the operational underpinning for the Centre ensuring the smooth running of IT, events, contracts and all office systems
• Act as secretariat to the Board of Trustees, Advisory Committee, Remuneration Committee and Audit and Risk Committee
• Guide the governance of the charity and complete statutory reporting. 

You must be highly organised and have a clear head for numbers and systems.  Often working under your own steam and multitasking to tight deadlines, you will need to be efficient and committed to the unique needs of this role without being drawn into the science and media activities of the Centre. 

Experience of the charity sector, finance and/or governance is an advantage. 

You must have the right to work in the UK.  We cannot provide visa sponsorship. 

Starting salary: £41,400-£56,700 depending on experience, with an annual performance-related pay increase

Application deadline: 9am Monday 4th August 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 19th August 2025

To start: October/November 2025

Location: We are an in-person Central London office where staff work on site 5 days a week, but opportunities for flexible working will be considered.

For information

For an informal discussion about the role please contact (between 14 and 25 July):

• Selina Kermode (current post holder) [email listed on the jobs page of the Science Media Centre website]
• Fiona Fox (Chief Executive) [email listed on the jobs page of the Science Media Centre website]

The application deadline is 9am on Monday 4th August, and interviews will take place on Tuesday 19th August. Click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button below for instructions on how to apply.