Contract Financial accountant jobs

Job description

Contract: 6-month fixed term

Salary: £34K

Location: Oxford, office based or hybrid

Responsible to: Hannah Worker, Regional Programme Manager, Oxon-Bucks Region.

Background

Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT) is the UK’s leading conservation charity concerned with the protection of freshwater habitats. We are a friendly, evidence-based organisation that works to protect UK and European freshwater wildlife through practical and innovative nature conservation projects. Our organisation is well respected nationally and internationally, and we work with a network of statutory, NGO and private partners both in the UK and the rest of Europe. Freshwater Habitats Trust was originally founded in 1988 (as Pond Conservation) and has a substantial track-record of originating new ideas through research in freshwater biodiversity conservation to inform and drive our practical conservation and policy work.

FHT has a central office in Oxford, and regional hubs in the north of England and the New Forest and out-posted staff in Cornwall and Wales. We run a range of practical projects throughout the Midlands and work with partners on research and policy projects throughout the UK and internationally. Since 2017 we have seconded staff to the Newt Conservation Partnership (NCP), a new community-benefit society established by NatureSpace, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and FHT, to create and manage habitats for the NatureSpace District Licensing scheme for great crested newts.

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire are key areas for Freshwater Habitats Trust’s work. Building on the Trust’s historic work in the county and starting in 2021, Oxfordshire was the first region where we began the implementation of the organisation’s new strategic approach to freshwater conservation, the Freshwater Network. The Freshwater Network is the network of high quality freshwater and wetland habitats, and terrestrial habitats generating clean water across the landscape, that together support our most important freshwater wildlife.

Role

This is a strategically important role within the organisation, offering substantial responsibility and an opportunity for the successful candidate to play a leading role in delivering one of the UK's most ambitious freshwater restoration programmes.

The role will primarily focus on the Ock and Thame Farmers: Floodplains and Freshwaters Project, Ock and Thame Farmers: Freshwaters and Floodplain Restoration, one of Defra's pilot Landscape Recovery projects. Having recently completed its two-year development phase, the project is now entering a critical stage of assurance and negotiations with Defra ahead of implementation.

Key areas of work will include ongoing engagement with land managers, supporting informed decision-making and participation, supporting the establishment of governance and legal structures required for delivery, developing agreements and ecosystem service contracts, undertaking land assessments, and refining habitat designs where required. The project currently involves more than 80 land managers across approximately 7,100 hectares of land in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

In addition to the Landscape Recovery project, the role will involve managing a portfolio of smaller projects across the region. This will include supporting staff delivering catchment monitoring programmes and helping to develop a pipeline of habitat creation and Natural Flood Management opportunities.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of project delivery, working closely with the Programme Manager, Finance Manager, Senior Management Team, project partners, consultants, contractors, and participating land managers.

Key responsibilities

Project management:

· Responsible for work planning, defining tasks and allocating resources.

· Resource, manage and support the project team.

· Responsible for the projects’ budgeting and financial management including: (i) regular reporting to the Project Director and Regional Programme Manager; and (ii) implementation of all financial processes for the projects including regular claiming and reporting funder.

· Responsible for all contract and logistics management

· Responsible for ensuring health and safety procedures are followed, implemented and reported on.

· Track and monitor project progress.

· Present to stakeholders, as required.

· Implement and manage change when necessary to meet project outputs.

· Update all internal management information data systems

Project communications:

· Working with the Freshwater Habitats Trust Communications Team to deliver the communication plans for the projects.

Project development:

· Working with other members of Freshwater Habitats Trust staff and landowner networks to develop future projects to continue our work on the Freshwater Network in the region.

In the longer term there will be opportunities to influence the development of the Freshwater Network concept as it builds and develops in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and adjacent counties.

Additional general responsibilities for the post holder

· Help to build a positive relationship between Freshwater Habitats Trust and its partners.

· Understand and follow Freshwater Habitats Trust’s internal procedures including Health and Safety, information management systems, site protocols etc.

· Work closely and constructively with your manager and colleagues in all areas of your responsibility.

· Undertake other duties as the Senior Management Team may from time to time require.

Knowledge and experience

· Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (at least a 2:1)

· Full current driving licence

· Proven project and budget management skills

· Proven experience of managing multi-partner projects in the field of practical habitat creation and management, including on the ground delivery to deliver practical conservation outcomes

· Experience of staff management

· Good knowledge of restoration ecology for both freshwater and wetland habitats

· Experience of contractor management

· Knowledge of land management stakeholders and policy

· Computer literate: Word and Excel are essential, GIS is desirable

· Proven ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including landowners and the public

· General interest in wildlife

Personal qualities

· Ability to manage workload and competing priorities effectively and meet internal deadlines through effective forward planning

· Good verbal and written communication skills

· Good interpersonal skills - approachable, professional and courteous

· Attention to detail and able to deliver on time

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

What we have to offer

At Freshwater Habitats Trust we value employees' unique views and encourage them to develop their interests. We also offer the following benefits:

• Flexible working

• 35-hour week

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension with 6% employer contribution

• Mobile phone allowance

• Free eye tests

• Free Employee Assistance Program

• Mileage pay

About Us

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England.

We believe that we all benefit from a well-functioning early education system and we all have a role to play in ensuring it works for children, parents and the economy.

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in the UK. Our members span providers, parent groups, trade unions, the business community and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for change.

This is an exciting time to join the Coalition. We have experienced significant growth in recent years and, with early years firmly on the political agenda, we expect this to continue.

About the role

• Hours: 30 hours per week (this can be worked over 4 or 5 days). We will consider other working patterns with a minimum of 3.5 days per week worked over 4.
• Duration: Two-year contract, renewed subject to funding
• Location: Home-working, can be based anywhere in the country
• Salary: c. £53,820 per annum FTE (£43,056 pro-rata for 4 days)

We are a remote team, with most colleagues based outside London. This role will support the whole organisation and requires occasional in-person meetings such as in-person team planning days which you will be expected to travel to.

We work flexibly and understand the realities of balancing work with caring commitments. We trust you to manage your time, but expect most hours to be worked within core office hours. To support effective remote working, all staff work on Thursdays.

This is a senior, cross-cutting leadership role sitting at the heart of the organisation. You will lead on operations, finance, HR and organisational systems, while working closely with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Board to ensure the Coalition is sustainable, well-run, and set up for growth and impact.

About You

You are an experienced operations leader with a strong track record of building and running effective organisational systems, ideally within a charity, social impact or policy environment.

You are equally comfortable developing strategy and rolling up your sleeves to deliver. You bring strong financial and organisational management skills, and are motivated by enabling high-impact teams to thrive.

You have experience working at senior leadership level and are confident operating across a small, fast-paced organisation where priorities can shift quickly. You are a systems thinker who can spot gaps, create structure, and improve how things work.

What You Can Expect to Be Doing

Function leadership

• Work as part of the Senior Leadership Team
• Contribute to organisational strategy, planning and growth
• Support organisational decision-making, balancing operational, financial and strategic priorities

Develop operations and organisational systems

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation, ensuring efficient and effective operations
• Develop and implement systems, processes and policies to support a scaling organisation
• Take ownership of organisational infrastructure (e.g. CRM, internal systems, workflows)
• Improve internal coordination, planning and ways of working across functions

Financial management and sustainability

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including reporting, invoicing and payments
• Support organisational financial planning, forecasting and scenario modelling
• Work with external accountants/bookkeepers and ensure strong financial controls
• Support the Executive Director and Board on financial governance and decision-making

People management

• Ensure the organisation has robust HR systems in place, ensuring they reflect changes in legislation, support staff wellbeing and development and foster an inclusive and positive culture
• Lead recruitment, onboarding and staff contracts
• Support performance management, team development and organisational culture

Programme and contract management

• Oversee operational delivery of programmes and projects
• Manage funder agreements and contracts, ensuring compliance and reporting
• Support programme leads with planning, delivery tracking and coordination
• Strengthen systems for delivery and accountability

Governance and organisational support

• Support effective governance, including Board coordination and reporting
• Ensure strong administration of meetings, papers and decision-making processes
• Strengthen alignment between governance, strategy and operations

Cross-organisational leadership

• Act as a central coordination point across policy, campaigns, research and communications
• Support other heads of function to deliver effectively through strong operational systems
• Identify and address organisational capacity gaps, particularly in admin, finance and infrastructure

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working at senior leadership level
• Strong experience in operations and financial management
• Experience establishing or improving systems and organisational infrastructure
• Experience of HR processes and people management
• Experience supporting governance and working with senior stakeholders
• Ability to operate effectively in a small, fast-paced and growing organisation
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills

Desirable

• Experience in a charity, coalition, membership or policy organisation
• Experience supporting organisational growth or scaling
• Experience managing CRMs or digital systems
• While not essential, we would welcome applications from candidate who have either a HR or a financial qualification i.e. CIPD qualified or AAT qualification or similar level of experience and knowledg

The application process

Please apply with a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages) by the listed closing date. No agencies please. We recognise that the use of AI technologies can be useful in reducing the work that goes into job-hunting, however, we kindly request that you use your cover letter to evidence that you have understood the requirements of the role and provide examples of how you can meet the criteria.

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We use anonymous recruiting during the application process and we use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race. This means that if we have two candidates of equal merit in our process, we will seek to take forward the disabled or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidate in order to diversify our staff team.

We regret that our small team does not have capacity to respond to unsuccessful applicants individually.

Timeline

• Closing date: 23:30, Thursday 11th June
• Notified for interview by: Tuesday 16th June
• Interviews: We expect this to be a two-stage interview process with first interviews held on either 24th or 25th June and second stage interviews arranged an agreed time.

The Operations Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring the effective day-to-day running of the charity. Working closely with the Business Development Manager and Board of Trustees, the postholder will oversee operations, finance, governance, and organisational systems to ensure the charity delivers high-quality services in line with its mission and strategic objectives.

The role will strengthen organisational sustainability through robust financial management, effective systems and processes, strong team leadership, and support for income generation activities.

The Operations Manager in conjunction with the Business Development Manager together form the CVS’s senior management team. They will ensure the charity operates in compliance with all regulatory requirements while maximising impact for beneficiaries and communities.

The Woodland Trust is looking for two Funded Project Managers to lead the successful delivery and completion of our funded projects.

The Role:
•    Provide leadership to Project Officers, ensuring all funded projects are delivered and completed to a high standard.
•    Manage the Funded Projects team to maintain consistent, robust project standards across all activity.
•    Support the development of strong funding bids, realistic budgets and informed organisational decision-making.
•    Maximise grant opportunities, identify risks early and safeguard the Trust’s financial and reputational interests.
•    Maintain excellent relationships and effective negotiations with funders, regulators and contributors.
•    Champion continuous improvement in reporting processes across the Trust and for external funders.
•    Monitor resources, highlight risks and ensure compliance with statutory obligations, VAT, procurement rules and best-practice project management.
•    Produce high-quality management information, support forecasting and contribute to fund accounting and full cost recovery modelling.
•    This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required.
•    These roles are to be offered on a 12-month fixed term contract.

The Candidate:
•    Brings proven experience in supporting, mentoring and developing individuals and teams.
•    Skilled at building strong, productive relationships across internal teams and external partners.
•    Able to navigate complex financial challenges, including funder restrictions and avoidance of double funding.
•    Capable of interpreting, challenging and explaining financial principles to non-experts with clarity and influence.
•    Understands the financial implications of projects and how they flow through organisational accounts.
•    Makes sound decisions based on budgets, policies, funder guidelines and project management frameworks.
•    Brings knowledge of conservation and/or relevant finance or project management qualifications (desirable).
•    The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check, as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
•    Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.  
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. 
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. 
Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. 

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

1st stage interviews are to be held via MS Teams on June 23rd & 24th, with 2nd stages on July 8th.

Coordinator, Communities, Practice & Participation
Salary: £26,520, per annum, pro rata (£21,216 per annum actual for 4 days per week)
Contract: 2 years fixed-term
Hours: Part-time, 4 days per week (0.8 FTE) Wednesdays and Thursdays plus flexible working hours available.
Location: Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP

About Us

Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces with an international reputation for innovation and ambition. The gallery presents a programme of changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art each year, coupled with an extensive programme of education, events and performance projects involving several thousand people of all ages and backgrounds.

About You and The Role

The Communities, Practice & Participation Coordinator supports the administration, delivery, and evaluation of Modern Art Oxford’s community-facing participation and exhibition programme, involving a wide range of groups.

Working as part of the Communities, Practice & Participation team at the gallery, you will be a key support in the coordination of our participatory programme and live events, the installation of displays in Modern Art Oxford’s Ground Floor gallery and Studio, and assisting the delivery of workshops, as required. The Coordinator is also responsible for the administration and archiving of Modern Art Oxford’s community-facing participation programme.

This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented approach, to ensure appropriate and ongoing communication across departments to realise projects successfully, within budget, and to the highest standard. You will be trusted to use your initiative in problem-solving and encouraged to contribute ideas. This job is an integral role in the team, aimed at an early-career arts professional.

The Coordinator, Communities, Practice & Participation is line-managed by the Curator, Communities, Practice & Participation and supports the Head of Communities, Practice & Participation and other CPP colleagues.

Primary Objectives

• To support the Curator of Communities, Practice & Participation in the planning and delivery of temporary exhibitions sharing our participatory projects across our Ground Floor, including our Ground Floor Gallery and Studio.
• To support the CPP team in collating, administrating and disseminating all information required for the timely and accurate delivery of all aspects of the CPP programme with early years, young people, and adult communities.
• To assist in the delivery and administration of the workshop programme as requested by the Curator of Communities, Practice & Participation.

Key Accountabilities

Ground Floor Gallery

• To support the planning and delivery of the Communities, Practice, and Participation exhibitions Programme

The Studio and Participatory Programme

• To support with the administration and coordination of the Studio and related participatory programme

Finance

• To support the CPP team with accurate and up-to-date financial administration

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for contemporary art and a willingness to gain a broad range of curatorial skills and experiences. They will have strong administration skills, with demonstrable experience, a proactive mindset and the ability to be flexible. They will have a keen attention to detail and an ability to prioritise and deliver multiple strands of work to deadlines. Good planning and communication skills are essential in this busy, demanding and exciting environment. They will be comfortable working as part of a team, and sharing responsibilities and tasks where necessary.

Benefits

An auto-enrolment pension scheme is in place with Legal & General. Under pension auto enrolment legislation, the employee will pay 5% (before tax relief) and the employer will pay 3% of qualifying earnings to the Legal and General plan. A salary sacrifice scheme is available after 3 months employment.

Employees are entitled to a staff discount in the Modern Art Oxford Shop and Café.
There is an Employee Assistance Programme through Gemelli, and a series of discounts and salary sacrifice schemes through BHN Extras.

Applications must be received by 9.00am Monday 29 June 2026
Initial interviews planned for 14, 15, and 16 July 2026  
Ideal start date in the w/c 17 August 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Modern Art Oxford is committed to creating equality of opportunity for all and we value diversity in our team. As part of our Anti-racism Action Plan, we welcome applications from people from the Global Majority who are under-represented in the workforce in our sector.

No agencies please.