Interim Finance Manager

Location: Hybrid, East London (flexible after initial handover period)
Hours: Part-time, 18–21 hours per week
Contract: Temporary contract, approximately 3 months
Salary: £22.91 – £26.64 per hour, plus holiday pay (equivalent to £42,000 – £50,000 FTE)
Start Date: No later than 2 September (earlier preferred)

We are delighted to be supporting a well-established community and environmental charity in the search for an experienced Interim Finance Manager.

This is a critical interim appointment, providing finance leadership during a period of transition while ensuring continuity across audit, grant reporting and financial management activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining financial oversight, supporting funding compliance, and ensuring a smooth handover of knowledge and processes.

This role will suit an experienced charity finance professional who can quickly become operational, maintain strong financial controls and work independently within a values-driven organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function during an interim period, ensuring continuity and financial stability.
• Manage reporting and tracking for major grant funders, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Maintain accurate grant expenditure records, spend trackers and supporting documentation across Xero and internal reporting systems.
• Support and manage the final stages of the annual audit, responding promptly to auditor requests and queries.
• Prepare VAT returns and work closely with external VAT specialists to ensure compliance, including partial exemption considerations.
• Produce regular management accounts, forecasts and financial reports for the Board of Trustees.
• Process day-to-day financial transactions, invoice management and accounting entries within Xero.
• Review and improve finance processes, creating clear documentation, process maps and handover guidance for future sustainability.
• Provide guidance and training to administrative staff undertaking finance-related responsibilities.
• Work closely with senior leadership to support financial planning and decision-making.

Requirements

• Proven finance experience within the charity, not-for-profit or voluntary sector.
• Strong working knowledge of Xero and confidence managing day-to-day financial operations.
• Experience managing restricted funding, grant reporting and funder compliance requirements.
• Previous experience preparing VAT returns and working with partial exemption arrangements.
• Experience supporting external audits and handling auditor queries.
• Ability to prepare management accounts, forecasts and Trustee-level financial reporting.
• Demonstrable experience in interim assignments, with the ability to quickly understand new systems and working practices.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• A proactive mindset with an interest in improving processes and strengthening financial controls.
• Availability to start by 2 September or earlier is essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced charity finance professional to join a purpose-led organisation and provide vital financial leadership during an important transitional period.

CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so if you’re interested in the role, please apply ASAP with your CV in a Word format.

At Prospectus, we are committed to supporting you throughout your application journey. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity.