Finance Manager

The Leverhulme Trust

Finance Manager

Circa £65,000 per annum

Permanent, Full Time

Office based in City of London, closest stations Chancery Lane, Temple & Blackfriars

Hybrid working, minimum 40% office attendance

About the Leverhulme Trust

The Leverhulme Trust is one of the UK's largest and most prestigious charitable research funders. Established in 1925 under the will of the First Viscount Leverhulme, the Trust supports outstanding curiosity-driven research and education across all academic disciplines, awarding approximately £120 million annually through more than 600 grants.

With a substantial investment portfolio and a long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge, creativity and independent thinking, the Trust plays a vital role in supporting researchers and institutions across the UK and beyond. Despite its scale and influence, the organisation remains deliberately lean, with a close-knit team of around 20 staff delivering significant national impact.

As the Trust continues to enhance its financial systems, reporting capability and governance arrangements, we are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join the team and play a key role in supporting both operational excellence and strategic decision-making.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, the Finance Manager will play a central role in overseeing the Trust's financial accounting, investment reporting, cash management and governance activities.

This is a broad and varied position offering exposure to a significant investment portfolio, complex financial reporting requirements and engagement with senior stakeholders. Working within a small, highly professional team, you will combine technical accounting expertise with a hands-on approach, helping to strengthen financial processes, develop management reporting and support key organisational initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity for a qualified accountant who enjoys operating across both strategic and operational finance, and who is looking to make a meaningful contribution within an intellectually stimulating and purpose-driven organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead investment accounting and reporting for the Trust's substantial investment portfolio and associated charity.
• Prepare statutory accounts and act as the main contact for external auditors.
• Manage cashflow forecasting, treasury activities and cash management.
• Develop and enhance financial and management reporting through Microsoft Business Central and other systems.
• Drive improvements to finance processes, controls and reporting during a period of systems development.
• Support Investment Committee meetings, prepare Board papers and lead production of the Trustees' Annual Report.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues, auditors, custodians and investment managers to ensure effective financial oversight and governance.
• Provide broader support to the Director of Finance across governance, risk and operational initiatives.

About You

We are looking for a technically strong and proactive finance professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys balancing detailed financial work with strategic projects.

You will bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong financial accounting and statutory reporting experience.
• Experience of investment accounting, financial services or auditing organisations with significant investment portfolios would be advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of financial reporting principles, with charity accounting experience desirable but not essential.
• Experience improving financial processes, systems and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• A hands-on, adaptable approach and willingness to contribute across a broad range of activities.

Why Join the Leverhulme Trust?

• This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's most respected charitable institutions and work at the heart of an organisation that invests heavily in research, education and innovation.
• Generous 25% pension contribution scheme
• Play a key role within a nationally significant charity with a multi-billion-pound endowment.
• Work closely with senior leadership and gain exposure to investment management, governance and strategic decision-making.
• Influence the development of financial reporting and processes.
• Join a supportive, collaborative and intellectually engaging environment.
• Have genuine opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact within a small, high-performing team.

Apply Now

The Leverhulme Trust is partnering with Allen Lane on the recruitment of this opportunity.

For a confidential discussion and further information, please contact Iain Slinn at Allen Lane.