Financial accountant jobs

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.

HEAD OF FINANCE – Learning Disabilities Sector 

Hybrid and Home working.

Must live within a reasonable commutable distance to our Head Office in Shrewsbury 

Full-time post 

Salary circa £55,000 plus pension and generous annual leave benefit 

Bethphage is a charitable business, operating across the West Midlands providing support to people with disabilities and those who experience mental health problems 

Bethphage has recently celebrated its thirtieth Birthday. Since establishment in 1994, Bethphage has grown from strength to strength, diversified and continues to grow. We operate as a commercial business, we are driven by our mission and live by our values, with the people we support at the heart of what we do. We have held the Investors in People Gold for twelve years. 

Our person-centred approach also enables us to work strategically with commissioners to develop bespoke provision which achieves the desired outcome for people. 

As a not-for-profit business, we reinvest our surpluses wisely and in addition to purchasing several homes for the people we support, our head office, we have recently purchased a farm with twelve acres in South Shropshire to develop our farm-based day opportunities, whilst providing longer term development opportunities over the next five to ten years. 

The current incumbent has decided to retire (early) and has successfully made the job his own over the last five-years. Therefore, we are reluctantly seeking a replacement to join our executive management team. 

The successful candidate will lead on all fiscal and IT issues and be accountable for these functions across Bethphage. This role will demand a strong commercial financial acumen, as these are difficult times for our sector.  We are operating in an environment of disappointing settlements from commissioners and proposed changes in legislation which will complicate the supply of staff.  Fortunately, the organisation has been well and prudently managed so has strong foundations. 

The key purpose of the role is to provide professional leadership to Bethphage's fiscal agenda, ensuring their efficacy and fit with the organisation's values, ethos, culture and strategy. With strategic responsibility for finance and IT you will ensure that the organisation has highly effective well-implemented operational strategies, which align to Bethphage's core business, and deliver positive outcomes. 

A full job description and recruitment brochure will be emailed to all interested candidates.

Core Duties 

1. You will play a key part in ensuring we achieve our mission to be an excellent provider of services to people with disabilities.    

2. Maintain and develop robust financial systems that ensure the utmost standards of governance and financial compliance, delivering a clean audit annually. 

3. Manage the annual budgeting, forecasting, planning and treasury process ensuring the organisation remains of a sustainable footing.  

4. Support senior teams to create growth strategies and plans   

5. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, especially those within commissioning roles within Local Authorities.  

6. Advise the CEO and Executive Management Team on all matters relating to financial performance  

7. Lead, motivate and manage the finance team   

8. To contribute to the management of all contracts and contract reviews.  

9. Finance lead for all new tenders and bids.  

10. To lead and manage Insurance negotiation and all claims activity  

11. Responsible for the management of the external IT contract and organisational lead of information technology.  

12. Prepare annual accounts and manage the audit process, ensuring governance, the highest standards of best practice, and compliance.  

13. Control all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, statutory accounts, compliance, presentation of management information and KPIs   

14. Support the business through change and growth periods, coordinating corporate finance, debt, taxation, equity, acquisitions, and VAT registration.   

15. To manage and coordinate the fiscal relationships between the holding company and subsidiaries.  

Interested parties must complete an application form and the deadline for submissions is the close of business on 8TH August 2025

Interviews will be held 8th & 19th August 2025

A full job description and recruitment brochure will be emailed to all interested candidates.

 *Some of our roles require males, females, race and age specific employees only. Where this is indicated, this is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 

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.

JOB TITLE: Finance Manager
REPORTING TO: Chief Financial Officer
JOB SCOPE
We are looking for an amazing Finance Manager to join the Waverley Abbey team based in Farnham, Surrey !
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about finance, loves
systems and goes the extra mile to deliver efficiency and excellence.
Working with our Finance Director, you will help to lead the financial direction of Waverley Abbey Trust embedding a culture of strong financial management, effective controls and efficient financial processes, overseeing all aspects of our day-to-day financial management.
We need a strong communicator who is highly organised, adept at multi-tasking and prioritising amidst a busy environment; a great team player in a fast-paced organisation.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Role Scope: Routine financial oversight including aspects of management and statutory accounting, budgeting, treasury, payroll and audit.
Role Description: The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing accurate financial records and controls for Waverley Abbey Trust and subsidiary operations, managing a team of three, taking care of day-to-day banking, VAT returns, gift aid, insurance, etc..
Key Responsibilities:
•
Monitor the day-to-day financial operations within the company, including day to day banking transactions, current and deposit accounts, reconciliations and authorisation of all payments, payroll, and other transactions.
•
Ability to interpret complex financial information and provide updates and information as needed.
•
Assist the Finance Director (FD) in organisation-wide budgetary planning.
•
Monitor cash flow, bank accounts and financial transactions.
•
Efficient and rigorous financial administration including but not limited to VAT returns, gift aid, legacies, payroll, the workplace pensions scheme, and staff credit card management.
•
Maintain the fixed assets register and monthly depreciation of assets
•
Supervision and development of the Finance team to improve efficiency and working practices
•
Provide timely, accessible and useful financial reports for senior managers and other operational team members and proactively develop the quality and usefulness of financial reporting and communications to improve business performance.
•
All external and internal obligations, accounts, budgets and forecasts are prepared and reported in a prompt, accurate and timely manner.
•
Work with the FD and external accountants /auditors to manage the preparation and audit of end-of-year statutory accounts.
•
Alongside the FD, ensure all organisational financial practices are in line with statutory regulations and legislation and evolve and ensure adherence to finance policies and procedures.
•
Collaborate in the design and implementation of financial systems and process improvements.
•
Stay up to date with any relevant changes to charity legal and financial responsibilities, for example charity commission and HMRC reporting requirements.
Key Requirements & Skills
•
Preferable- Degree level qualification or ATT (or comparable) in accounting, finance management or similar.
•
At least 10 years’ experience in finance management and accounting.
•
Senior Management experience.
•
Ideally, not essentially, having some experience of the Charity and Higher Education sectors
•
High levels of familiarity and comfort with Sage 200, Microsoft office packages and computer-based accountancy packages.
•
Experience of payroll admin including workplace pensions and leave provisions (i.e. Maternity leave etc).
•
Confident and clear communicator in both written and verbal forms of communication
•
Highly organised with superior attention to detail, especially in planning , report writing and budgeting.

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.

Job Summary:  This role provides operational and strategic leadership for the Finance function of Feed The Hungry UK. As part of the Management team, this role reports to the CEO and the Trustee Board.

Work Pattern  Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Location:    Based at The Halo Centre, Coventry, with limited flexibility to work from home (by agreement).  

JOB DESCRIPTION  Main responsibilities.

Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all internal and external financial processing and reporting, ensuring full compliance with all laws and regulations, including the Charity Commission, HMRC and Companies House regulations.

1. Lead, motivate, develop and train the finance team, promoting an equal, diverse and inclusive team with a positive culture reflecting the values of Feed The Hungry. 

2. Ensure Feed The Hungry operates sound financial, risk management, internal control systems and maintains up-to-date Financial Regulations to safeguard stakeholders' interests and assets and to ensure the integrity of the organisation’s financial performance and statements. 

3. Provide effective day-to-day oversight of the organisation’s financial controls and financial performance, including keeping financial policies up to date and in line with our processes.

4. As Company Secretary, support governance activities, including administration for board meetings, trustee enquiries and administrative duties for the board. 

5. Be alert to all organisational activities that have a financial impact and speedily assess the impact of such activities. 

6. In partnership with the CEO and Directors, develop and support the delivery of the organisation's strategic plan and the related budgets and forecasts.

7. Ensure the preparation and presentation of accurate and timely financial data, including strategic plans, budgets, management accounts, live forecasts, and financial data and monitoring requested by funders.

8. Provide financial and management support to the CEO, Directors and trustees on the financial position and risks and opportunities of Feed the Hungry. 

9. Financial oversight of contract negotiations (utilities, insurance). 

10. Proactively develop strong working relationships with FTH managers, providing constructive challenge and commercial insight in support of the strategy. Be proactive in challenging the status quo and be prepared to bring new ideas that will enhance the organisation’s activities and returns. 

11. Regular monitoring and tracking of grants made to the organisation. Ensuring external reporting deadlines are met and internal updates on remaining spend is conveyed to project management grant holders. 

12. Administrative responsibility for oversight of the externally appointed auditors and the successful completion of annual audited financial statements and the annual report, and the timely submission to the Trustees.

13. Maintain an ongoing dialogue with the CEO and Directors, and the external auditors. Responsible for the Company's Finance, Tax, Pensions, Audit, and Payroll.

14. Fulfil the role and duties of Company Secretary and attend Trustee meetings with the CEO and Directors 

15. General Duties: 

    • Adhere to all company policies and procedures and recommend changes as appropriate. 

    • Attend all mandatory training required to complete and maintain your role, ensuring you keep up to date with changes to specific laws and legislation that are relevant to your role 

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.

Role:  Head of Finance

Location:Hybrid (on-site 3 days per week in Sheffield)

Our offer to you

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, providing a supportive culture with opportunities to grow and develop your career, achieve a healthy work life balance and to be recognised for the great work you do. You will receive:

• Competitive salary and pension scheme
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) - increasing to 38 days over 5 years
• Hybrid, Flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Health and Wellbeing portal – access to financial, health and wellbeing support and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts – you will have access to Blue Light and NHS Discounts as well as discounts on mobile phones, gym membership, cinema tickets, restaurants, holidays and shopping

About Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team of over 1,400 employees and over 31,000 volunteers, united by our goal of saving lives through essential first aid services, training and campaigning.  As a charity with rich heritage and a long history of serving humanity, we are proud of our past and excited about creating a healthier, safer, more resilient future. 

St John Ambulance works at the heart of communities, supporting and enabling them to access and receive physical and mental health first aid. We do this through developing and providing effective community response and outreach services (e.g. Ambulance response & Nighttime Economy) and using our longstanding expertise to empower people with vital clinical skills and the confidence to use them (e.g. our Volunteers and Community Advocates, NHS Cadets and Young Responders programmes). There is also a buoyant social enterprise network which delivers first aid training and supplies medical consumables to businesses and consumers.

Job Summary

We’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking finance leader to play a central role in shaping the future of the finance team at St John Ambulance. Reporting to the Finance Director (who reports directly to the CEO), this is a high-impact position at the heart of our finance transformation journey—ideal for a self-motivated, qualified accountant who thrives on change and making an impact.

As a senior leader within the organisation, you’ll be instrumental in driving the evolution of our finance function, leading and developing a large, multi-disciplinary team. You'll bring deep expertise across a broad range of finance disciplines and be excited by the opportunity to embed best practices, streamline processes, and strengthen financial governance.

This is more than a technical role—it's a strategic leadership opportunity. You'll collaborate with senior stakeholders across the organisation and externally, using your communication and influencing skills to shape decision-making and support our charitable mission.

You’ll oversee the delivery of timely, accurate management accounts and play a key role in providing high-quality financial reporting to our Trustees and Finance Committee. You'll also take the lead on our statutory audited accounts, acting as the principal contact for both internal and external auditors.

With additional responsibility for cashflow forecasting, treasury management, tax compliance, VAT, and gift aid, this role ensures St John maintains robust financial governance. While charity sector experience is an advantage, it's your passion for making a difference and your leadership in finance that will set you apart.

About You

• Educated to degree level with a full professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Significant post-qualification experience (PQE) in senior financial accounting roles, with strong technical expertise.
• Proven track record in producing annual statutory accounts and successfully managing external audit processes.
• Extensive experience leading and developing large finance teams within complex organisations, driving performance and accountability.
• Skilled in preparing management accounts, income and expenditure reports, and cash flow forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in finance team transformation, implementing process improvements, and enhancing financial controls.
• Experienced in stakeholder engagement at all levels, including Board reporting, and providing expert technical accounting advice to support change and excellence.

About the Role

• Lead statutory and management reporting: Oversee the production of audited statutory financial statements and timely completion of the external audit. Ensure best practice in external financial reporting and take full responsibility for the accuracy and delivery of monthly management accounts.
• Own cash flow and balance sheet management: Lead the preparation of the charity’s monthly rolling cash flow forecast and ensure full ownership of the balance sheet, including timely and accurate reconciliations.
• Strengthen financial controls and working capital: Ensure effective financial processes and controls within transactional teams to manage working capital and drive continuous improvement in financial operations.
• Oversee compliance and tax: Identify, manage and control financial risks, including tax compliance. Provide expert technical accounting advice and ensure the charity remains fully compliant in all taxation matters, including VAT and gift aid.
• Drive counter fraud and governance improvements: Act as the financial lead for the charity’s control environment and counter fraud framework. Champion improvements in fraud awareness, culture, and control.
• Manage key external relationships: Serve as the main contact for the charity’s bankers and investment managers, and act as secretary to the Finance Committee and Investment Advisory Group.
• Optimise treasury and investment performance: Lead treasury activities to maximise returns on working capital and investments, ensuring alignment with the charity’s strategic objectives.
• Develop team and performance culture: Foster a high-performing finance team through regular 1-1s, development reviews, and team meetings. Embed a strong performance management culture in line with St John Ambulance policies.

Please see the job description for more detail (this can be viewed on our website or once you click apply)

If you are a current St John Ambulance employee, please apply here: Click here

For all other candidates, or St John Ambulance volunteers wishing to apply: please apply below

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive high volume of applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

St John Ambulance are committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive, we have several networks including Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers and Women’s groups.  We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and engender a sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship. We believe passionately in equality, diversity and inclusion.

St John Ambulance is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice. Therefore, all successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including DBS Clearance, as part of the onboarding process, if applicable to the nature of the role

Please note: St John does not accept speculative CVs and will only review CVs sent in application for an advertised vacancy.

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.

A values-driven non-profit is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to oversee finance and operations. This is a senior leadership role requiring vision, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams spanning Finance, Governance, IT, Health & Safety, and Facilities, ensuring effective systems and practices are in place. Act as a strategic partner in support of executive decision-making.
• Drive long-term business planning, including the development of three-year strategic plans and annual cycles.
• Lead the finance function to ensure optimal use of resources aligned with organisational goals. Deliver accurate financial planning, reporting, and analysis, and oversee budgeting, forecasting, and control processes.
• Oversee and conclude the annual audit process with rigour and transparency.
• Serve as Company Secretary, holding executive responsibility for governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management.
• Provide expert guidance on tax strategy and ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations.
• Collaborate with IT leadership to shape digital infrastructure strategy and oversee major system improvements, including financial systems and process optimisation.
• Support organisational change and development initiatives to build a collaborative, high-performing culture. Lead operational process improvements to enhance cross-departmental efficiency.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, mentoring staff and supporting professional growth across teams.
• Oversee the strategic use of office premises, ensuring physical infrastructure enables effective delivery of organisational objectives.

Requirements

• A qualified accountant with significant experience in senior leadership roles, within the not-for-profit sector.
• Strong track record in strategic financial planning and working closely with Boards; in-depth knowledge of Charity SORP, experience preparing statutory accounts, and sound understanding of charity law and regulatory frameworks, including company secretarial responsibilities.
• Proven experience of managing central services, including governance, IT, infrastructure, health & safety, and facilities functions.
• A strategic, adaptable leader with experience driving organisational change, implementing new ways of working, and developing effective, resilient teams through periods of transformation.
• Commercially astute and technically skilled, with excellent interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, and influencing abilities; able to build trust and inspire high performance.
• Collaborative and consultative approach, with the ability to engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong alignment with the values and mission of a purpose-driven organisation.
• Willing and able to travel within the UK (and occasionally internationally), with flexibility to work outside standard hours when needed.

This role is open to candidates with the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. This role offers hybrid working with the candidate expected to be in the office once every 1-2 weeks, more during busy periods. 

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.

We are working in partnership with Emmaus Village Carlton (EVC), a flagship Emmaus community, who give hope and a sense of belonging to those who have experienced homelessness or social exclusion by creating a safe and supported community and opportunities to develop. They are a respected local charity and social enterprise with a unique self-funded model, and capacity for up to 45 Companions to live and gain work experience on site, who are supported by the staff team and volunteers.

They are now seeking a new Head of Finance, who will be a pro-active member of the Senior Leadership Team and actively contribute to the smooth running and ongoing development of the organisation. The Head of Finance will provide effective leadership of the financial management of EVC, across both the social enterprise and charitable objectives, as well as overseeing administrative and IT support, working closely with the IT support provider and the Administration Assistant to achieve good operational performance.

With a sharp rise in homelessness being seen across the country and the cost-of- living crisis heavily impacting local communities, this is a hugely exciting time to join a dynamic organisation with a strong purpose and unique approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) or part qualified with significant relevant experience.
• 3+ years’ experience in financial reporting, financial planning, strategic planning and budgeting.
• 3+ years’ experience in a senior management / leadership role.
• Experience of managing in house payroll systems, including HMRC and pension requirements. 

We are seeking an agile and resilient individual, who is highly self-motivated and demonstrates integrity, compassion and empathy. 

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment.Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Emmaus Village Carlton, Bedfordshire, MK43 7LQ / scope for occasional homeworking

Closing date: 17th July 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by the EOD on the 24th July prior to shortlisting on the 25th July

Interviews with Emmaus Village Carlton: TBC