Finance Officer (Part Qualified/AAT)

About the Role

At UKCISA, every pound we spend supports our mission to improve the experience of international students studying in the UK. We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Officer to join our friendly team and play a key role in ensuring our finances run smoothly and effectively.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone building their finance career who enjoys variety, wants exposure to the full finance cycle, and is looking to make a meaningful contribution within a respected national charity.

About UKCISA

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) support international students and the institutions, students’ unions and organisations who work with them. Our mission is to ensure every international student has a positive, supportive and informed experience throughout their time in the UK.

We are a small team of around 20 permanent staff, working closely with a network of volunteers, trustees and member organisations. Despite our size, our impact is significant – we provide expert guidance, training, policy insight and a trusted advice line that helps shape the national conversation on international student experience.

We’re collaborative, values-driven and committed to creating an inclusive environment for both our staff and the communities we serve. Further information about us and the services we provide can be found on our website.

What You’ll Be Doing

Reporting to the Head of Finance & Risk, you'll be responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of UKCISA while helping to maintain strong financial controls and deliver accurate, timely financial information.

You'll be involved in:

• Processing purchase and sales invoices, payments, expenses and credit control activities
• Maintaining accurate financial records and supporting monthly reconciliations
• Assisting with management accounts, forecasts and financial reporting
• Supporting year-end audit and VAT compliance activities
• Helping maintain strong financial controls and procedures
• Contributing to improvements in systems, processes and reporting
• Providing helpful finance support and guidance to colleagues across the organisation

This is a varied role offering exposure to all aspects of charity finance, with opportunities to develop your skills and take on increasing responsibility over time.

About You 

We're looking for someone who is organised, accurate and enjoys working collaboratively. You'll bring:

• AAT Level 2 qualification or be actively studying towards AAT
• At least two years' experience in a finance role
• Experience of purchase ledger, sales ledger and bank reconciliations
• Experience using finance systems such as Xero
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy
• Good communication skills and a customer-focused approach
• A willingness to learn, improve processes and develop professionally

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys being part of a small team where everyone contributes and supports each other.

In Your First Few Months, You Will Have…

• Become a trusted member of the Finance team
• Built strong working relationships across UKCISA
• Be confidently managing day-to-day finance activities
• Gained a good understanding of UKCISA's annual business cycle and reporting requirements
• Identified opportunities to improve processes and ways of working

Why Join UKCISA?

• A role with variety and autonomy

• Opportunities to shape processes and make a real impact

• Meaningful work that supports international students in the UK

Benefits:

o   A defined benefit pension scheme (USS),

o   Support for your training & development as well as 3 days personal development leave

o   25 days annual leave + bank holidays as well as concessionary days between Christmas and New Years. Staff also receive an extra day of leave for every year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days.

o   Flexible working – Our staff mainly work from home, but we have an office in London for collaborative work and staff who want access to an office space. We also meet in person for regular all-staff days in London.

Join Us

If you're looking for a finance role where your work has purpose and you want the opportunity to develop your career within a mission-driven organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

We welcome applications from throughout the UK, as long as you are able to join us in London for one day every month.

We are unable to sponsor visa for this role, so you must have the right to work in the UK.