Financial Accountant

A well-established UK charity is seeking a Financial Accountant to join its finance team on a 6-month FTC.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, the successful candidate will take ownership of the organisation's year-end financial reporting process, leading the preparation of statutory accounts and managing the annual audit cycle. This role will be pivotal in ensuring a smooth and timely close process, acting as the key liaison between the finance team, senior stakeholders and external auditors.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong accountant who enjoys taking responsibility for year-end reporting, statutory compliance and financial controls within a purpose-driven organisation.

Candidates must be available to start at short notice, with preference given to those who are immediately available. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation of annual statutory accounts for the charity and associated entities, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing both interim and year-end audits from planning through to completion.
• Coordinating year-end activities across the finance function, ensuring all audit deliverables are completed accurately and to deadline.
• Managing the year-end close process, driving timelines and working with stakeholders across the organisation to ensure a successful outcome.
• Preparing supporting schedules, technical accounting papers and audit working papers.
• Overseeing VAT compliance and working with external advisers on VAT and Corporation Tax submissions.
• Monitoring changes in accounting and tax regulations and assessing their impact on reporting requirements.
• Supporting month-end reporting processes, including journals, accruals, prepayments, fixed asset accounting and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Maintaining and strengthening financial controls, policies and procedures across the organisation.
• Supporting treasury and banking activities and contributing to ongoing finance process improvements.

You will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or QBE with significant relevant experience
• Have significant experience leading year-end processes and preparing statutory accounts within a charity context with a strong understanding of SORP
• Have a strong track record of managing external audits and acting as the key point of contact for auditors.
• Possess strong technical accounting knowledge, ideally including experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Have experience of VAT compliance and financial controls.
• Be highly organised, capable of managing multiple deadlines and coordinating stakeholders across the business.
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with both finance and non-finance colleagues.
• Have an interest in working for an organisation committed to delivering positive social impact.

What’s on offer:

• 6-month FTC
• £55,000 - £60,000 DOE
• Hybrid working arrangements with a London office, offering flexibility alongside an expectation of approximately two days per week in the office.