Accountant/Finance Consultant For Impact Consultancy Jobs in London, Greater London
Are you an experienced finance leader who is passionate about animal welfare?
We’re looking for a Head of Finance to lead and support our finance function for six months, ensuring that the organisation receives an excellent finance service.
About this role:
As Head of Finance, you will:
- take day-to-day responsibility for the finance and accounting functions, ensuring systems are working effectively, suppliers are paid, payroll is completed, and ensure the new finance system meets the needs of the organisation,
- line manage and develop a team of finance professionals, ensuring an effective financial service is provided to the organisation through their expertise, championing continuous improvement,
- be accountable for the effectiveness of the charity’s annual budgeting and forecasting, and contribute to the updating of our five-year strategic plan.
About you:
To be successful in this role, you will need to be an experienced, qualified accountant who is comfortable working in large, complex organisations. You’ll need the ability to lead a dynamic team of finance professionals, from day-to-day support to professional development. Stakeholder engagement is a big part of this role, so you should feel comfortable working across the organisation with different teams and ‘breaking down barriers’ to develop key relationships. A commitment to the aims and objectives of Dogs Trust is essential.
About Dogs Trust:
We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.
About this team:
The purpose of the Finance Department is to support the rest of Dogs Trust in achieving the strategic aims of the charity. They work to ensure financial (and non-financial) systems and controls function effectively and limit the exposure of the charity to related risks, providing accurate, timely financial information and of course, paying suppliers in a timely fashion.
Please note, this role is being offered as a six-month contract. A basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) and credit check will be required for this role.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you complete an application form and a covering letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role. Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable interest, so to avoid disappointment early application is encouraged.
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Job Purpose and Summary
- To provide strategic financial leadership through strategic planning and robust reporting to ensure financial sustainability and facilitate growth of the organisation in order to maximise impact, in line with charitable objectives.
- To act as company secretary and provide oversight of IT.
Responsible to CEO
Direct Reports 2-4 x Finance admin and 1 x IT
Location Remote, with minimum one day per week in office with team (location flexible)
Hours Flexible (as required to do job effectively).
% FTE 0.8 to 1.0 FTE
FTE salary range Senior Leadership Team Scale (£55-65k per annum)
Scope Across Bild Group (Bild, Bild Association of Certified Training and Restraint Reduction Network)
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Responsible for:
- Financial oversight and leadership.
- Providing robust financial information to inform and improve operational management and decision making to further the charities’ objectives.
- Ensuring financial sustainability of the charity and facilitate growth and development to further charitable aims.
- Ensuring appropriate financial probity and controls in place.
- Financial planning including budgeting and forecasting.
- Financial reporting including monthly management accounts so that Directors and Trustees understand the financial health of the organisation.
- Financial compliance including with HMRC and Charity Commission.
- Facilitating Finance Sub Committee of the board, in coordination with Treasurer.
- Support Chair of Finance Sub Committee in providing assurance to the Trustees in relation to financial strategy, performance and financial sustainability.
- Effectively management of financial risks as part of organisational approach to risk management.
- Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies.
- Monitoring and reporting on the financial health of the organisation.
- Oversight of and being responsible for the preparation and submission of all statutory financial accounts and returns.
- Ensuring effective Payroll function and Pension scheme.
- Effective procurement procedures to ensure services are best value for money.
- Ensuring effective financial audit.
- Maintaining positive and healthy cash position.
- Leading, with support from CEO, on commercial decisions including pricing.
- Identifying efficiencies to ensure the lean operation of the organisation.
- Timely completion of all Statutory returns.
Business:
- Act as Company Secretary supporting trustees to ensure all legal and statutory compliance with Charitable Articles and Charity Commission requirements.
- Oversight and continuous improvement of IT (and data) systems (with support from out-sourced IT support) to ensure efficient and effective workflow across the organisation.
- As business manager, lead on risk management and KPI dashboard reporting to trustees and Finance Sub Committee.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA/ACCA) (essential)
Experience
- At least 5 years’ experience as an accountant (essential)
- At least 3 years’ senior leadership experience (essential)
- At least 3 years’ experience managing a staff team (essential)
- At least 3 years’ experience in registered charity OR health and social care (essential)
- At least 2 years’ experience of working at Board level (desirable)
- Significant experience of both accounting and financial management environment.
Competencies
- Proven ability to present financial information in accessible format.
- Proven ability to think and plan strategically and commercially.
- Proven ability to interpret financial reports and advise on any appropriate action required.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly and accurately.
- Proven track record of facilitating growth and development.
- Proven track record of facilitating continuous improvement.
- Proven track record of successfully implementing new IT systems.
- Good understanding of IT systems including AccountsIQ (or equivalent finance systems) and Salesforce (or equivalent CRM system).
- Positive and solution focused thinking.
- High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
- Proven ability to develop positive relationships across the organisation and with external partners.
- Proven track record of effective collaborative and partnership working with CEO / Treasurer.
- Track record of effective leadership skills including as acting as a role model within an organisation, promoting positive culture and living the organisational values.
- A commitment to human rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
- Demonstrate values congruent to Bild values.
Further information
- All staff at Bild are required to treat sensitive material confidentially and comply with data protection legislation.
- All staff working at Bild are required to read and comply with required policies, including health and safety policy.
- Job descriptions may be reviewed after 6-month probation and at annual performance review.
Application and Closing Date
Applications are invited by CV and covering letter.
Closing date is 5pm on Monday 27 May 2024
Equal Opportunities
Bild strives to be an equal opportunities employer. In working towards this aim no employee, or job applicant will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of their role, gender, age, disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, colour, sexual orientation, domestic circumstances, social and employment status, gender reassignment, privately held political opinion, trade union membership, religious or similar philosophical belief, or disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Bild is committed to ensuring all employees have fair and non-discriminatory systems for recruiting or accessing training to enhance the development or promotion of staff.
We are currently working with a London based Council to recruit an interim accountant for an initial period of 6 months. You will be supporting year end and the closing of accounts as well as working on some of the transformation that will be taking place
The successful candidate will be fully qualified, with great technical experience in a local authority setting, especially around the closing of accounts and year end. Experience is transformation/ change management work in a local authority setting is also required.
This role offers hybrid working with time in office to be once a week.
A quick application is encouraged. If you would like to apply please contact Charlotte Daly
My client is a prestigious organisation that seeks to support an integral part of UK’s medical profession. With a diverse business model they provide a huge range of services to its members and seek to influence NHS policy and direction for the benefit of all. The organisation is recruiting a Technical Accountant to play a pivotal role in the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations.
- You will be Technical Accounting Lead for the development and transition to Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations from the current on-premise system. Due for delivery in mid-2025, your role will be to ensure that the D365 F&O system set up and internal control framework are delivered to accommodate the reporting requirements for a Charity.
- The implementation of Microsoft Dynamics D365 with its scope and functionality will allow the Charty to deliver on its ambitions to reach an international audience, it will be your role to ensure that the system can deliver and account for international transactions. Other technical area’s we will be looking to use your expertise will be in Investments and Pensions.
- As the Technical Accountant you will ensure the system build complies with current group reporting standards and will adapt to the upcoming changes to FRS 102. You will also provide assurance that the internal control environment within the D365 F&O system are robust, fit for purpose and will meet the external and internal audit requirements.
This post is an excellent career opportunity for a qualified Accountant who wants to have an influential role in a large transformation programme from the discovery phase all the way through to implementation.
My client is a prestigious organisation that seeks to support an integral part of UK’s medical profession. With a diverse business model they provide a huge range of services to its members and seek to influence NHS policy and direction for the benefit of all. The organisation is recruiting for a Systems Accountant to lead a high-profile, end to end transformation programme.
- You will be the Finance Transformation Lead during the development of and transition to Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations from the current system. The project is due for delivery in mid-2025 and you will work closely with the third-party implementation team and the project team responsible for delivering the statement of work.
- As the Transformation Lead you will be involved in a number of projects associated with this programme, one project will be to support the Finance team and Implementation team in the development of the internal control framework, Chart of Account, Ledger set up, authorisation routings and other data structures for a D365 F&O environment. A second on-going project will be the development of a suite of Financial Reports and Dashboards across all Finance functional areas.
- A key deliverable for you as the Transformation Lead will be to bring together all the key stakeholders and design a system that delivers the end to end transactional processes and reporting structures and controls required for an organisation that has charitable status.
- The post provides a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Systems Account to deliver a large, organisation-wide Finance Transformation Programme from the discovery phase all the way through to implementation. This programme will add value to the organisation and it’s members for years to come and you can play a part key part in leaving this legacy.
If you are a qualified Systems Accountant with Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI experience and have delivered an end to end programme of a similar nature please apply.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Management Accountant
Organisation: Professional membership body
Location: Central London with hybrid working
Hours: Full-time
Duration: Permanent
Salary: £63,000 per annum
A leading professional membership body based in central London is seeking a Management Accountant on a full-time, permanent basis. The organisation is a prestigious and historic professional body providing an impressive array of qualifications, services and resources to its members.
The role will manage a small team, and the organisation offers a highly flexible working environment with an excellent benefits package.
Key points:
-Management Accountant role at medium sized professional membership body
-Full-time permanent role with salary of £63,000 per annum
-Hybrid working – 2 days per week on average in central London
-Managing small team of 1-2 staff
-Role covers monthly management accounts, month-end work, all budgeting and forecasting, business partnering to senior stakeholders and financial planning
-Fully-qualified accountant essential
-Charity sector/membership sector experience preferred
-Excellent benefits package
The role would be best suited to a candidate with demonstrable experience in a similar management accounting or business partnering role in a comparable organisation.
Please note that interviews will be on a rolling basis for this position.
Please send your CV for immediate consideration.
Closing Date: 26th May
Contract: This is a fixed term contract for 12 months. Immediate start preferred.
Application Process: Please ensure you apply with your most updated CV and a supporting statement on why you believe you would be the most suitable individual for this position.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Are you a Qualified Accountant looking to use your skills and accounting knowledge to help address the biggest health issue in the UK today?
We are looking for a Financial Accountant, to join our busy Finance team on a 12 month fixed term contract as progress our finance transformation journey, including the implementation of a new ERP finance system, Unit 4 (Agresso).
In this role, you will help manage the preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts and statutory returns, quarterly VAT returns, and oversight of monthly accounting processes ensuring that accurate accounts are produced on a timely basis.
You will be responsible for ensuring:
- Thorough testing of finance related end to end processes on Unit 4 ensuring that any issues are captured and resolved as appropriate.
- Successful finance data cleanse activities to ensure that data migrated to Unit 4 is fit for purpose
- Opening financial data migrated to Unit 4 reconciled clearly back to the legacy systems on a detailed and timely basis to ensure strong financial control and a successful audit
- Take lead on understanding and implementing any changes to approach necessary for month end close, journal processing and balance sheet reconciliations
- Successful and timely transfer of knowledge to the remaining members of the finance team
This is a homeworking role, but you will be required to travel to attend some meetings and team-days, so you must reside in the UK, have the correct right to work documents to work in the UK and be comfortable/willing to travel to our flagship offices.
About you
- Qualified Accountant (ideally ACA)
- Experience and knowledge of Unit4 ERPx or equivalent cloud-based system
- Experience of working within the charity sector is preferred but not essential
- Ideally focussed all or part of your career on being a Financial Accountant and you are likely to have worked in an organisation of similar size, scale, and complexity.
- We also welcome applications if you are newly qualified, with practice experience.
- You will be joining a committed finance team with an ambitious transformation plan and will be expected to demonstrate initiative, judgment, and a continuous improvement mentality.
- Being systems-oriented and having an interest in tax will also be beneficial.
Person Specification
- Verbal and written communication skills to liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Experience of producing minutes, action lists and meeting summaries.
- Excellent IT skills and extensive experience/knowledge on using Microsoft packages.
- Work collaboratively and be able to prioritise your workload effectively and remain solutions focussed.
- Strong interpersonal and interpretation skills.
- Excellent organisational and timekeeping skills.
- Be a team player, supporting colleagues when there are deadlines and know when to ask for help.
- Be a self-starter and incredibly motivated.
About Alzheimer's Society
At Alzheimer's Society, we believe passionately that life doesn't end when dementia begins. We are here for anyone affected by dementia, and we do everything we can to keep people with dementia connected to their lives and the people who matter most.
Everything we do is shaped by people affected by dementia. Their knowledge and experience are critical to bringing about real-world solutions. From choosing the most promising research through to telling their stories to raise awareness; they are the heart of this organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Royal Voluntary Service - Interim Management Accountant
Home based with occasional travel
£35,000 - £40, 000 plus benefits - would consider PT
Overall purpose of the job - T
To provide the financial management support to
- the NHS&C VR programme
- the Fundraising team
What you will be doing:
- Working with the H&C Finance Business Partner and the Treasury & Finance team to prepare the monthly financial accounts for the NHS VR programme and ensure that the appropriate invoice is raised.
* To work with colleagues engaged in the NHS VR programme to prepare a forecast of expenditure to the end of the current financial year
- To prepare the monthly financial report for the NHS&C VR programme to be presented to the NHS team
- To work with the Assistant Director of Finance to make sure that the VAT treatment for the services included in the NHS VR programme is appropriate and correctly accounted for
- To support the Fundraising team in the preparation of the Budget and Financial Plan for 2024-26
- To prepare the monthly financial report for the charity's fundraising activities
- To work within the Fundraising team reviewing investment in income streams and providing support as necessary with regard to decision making and analysis
- To assist in the preparation of funding applications, providing information and advice
- Key point of contact for the fundraising team for all financial matters
- To work with colleagues across the charity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the preparation of the financial reports set out above
What you need to know:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACMA, ACCA)
- A minimum of three years' experience of having led and managed the preparation of complex financial management accounts.
- A high level of Excel experience including the use of key functions to automate part of the process
Experience of working with non-financial colleagues in the gathering of relevant information, the development of budgets and forecasts and the reporting and interpretation of actual performance.
Please get in touch for a more detailed JD
A well-established Housing Association in London is looking to take on a Treasury and Management Accountant (focus on the Treasury) for the next 3 months at first.
This organisation enables tenants and communities to thrive whilst also providing great support to their employees. They have award winning ways of engaging with residents and provide homes that people feel happy and safe to live in. It is an interesting role and comes with the flexibility of being fully remote.
Responsibilities:
- Manage treasury facilities, including cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and working capital optimisation for the group.
- Liaise with bankers and investors, maintain positive relationships, ensure accurate reporting to stakeholders, and identify potential treasury risks.
- Produce monthly and long-term cash flow forecasts, alongside conducting sensitivity analysis on group liquidity.
- Oversee arrangements with valuers for various valuations
- Ensure the property security register is up-to-date, advising on cost implications of property regeneration, preparing quarterly reports for the security trustee and Business Partners, and coordinating with legal teams for adding or releasing properties from the security portfolio.
Requirements:
- Strong Treasury and Cash Flow knowledge
- Housing Association/Charity or Not for Profit background
- Ambitious with the ability to take the lead on Treasury
- Good communication skills
If this role sounds of interest, please apply ASAP as the role is urgent.
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
My client is a leading and pioneering UK health charity. From education to prevention, support and counselling to political campaigning, they deliver a wide range of services to people across the country.
Currently in the middle of a major transformation programme, they are keen to secure some additional resource for the busy finance team that can lead them through year end.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Preparation of year end statutory accounts – financial reporting and analysis, trial balance, P&L and balance sheet.
- Working with finance colleagues on information required for internal and external stakeholder reporting.
- Responsible for preparing analysis to support the statutory disclosures.
- Handling external audit queries with auditors.
The successful candidate will be fully qualified and have experience of preparing accounts for year end in the charity sector. A good level of Excel and practical, can-do approach are also essential.
This role has been assessed as inside of IR35. With flexible office working practices, this role can be delivered fully remote.
Your new company
Workingfor a professional body based in Farringdon, London. This opportunity is officebased 4 days a week. The office is closed on Fridays, so the successfulcandidate can work from home 1 day a week.
Your new role
- Reporting to the Finance Manager.
- Supporting with the preparation of management accounts.
- Bank reconciliations.
- Month-end journals.
- To support monthly close-down and the production of month-end reports.
- Post sales day books into nominal ledger.
- Support purchase ledger and credit control functions.
- To maintain and reconcile cash books to the nominal ledger.
- May be required to deputise for the Finance Manager.
What you'll need to succeed
- Strong double entry and reconciliation experience.
- You will be an experienced Accounts Assistant.
- Strong purchase and sales ledger experience is required.
- Ideally part-qualified.
- Strong systems' usage.
- Great communication skills - both written and verbal.
What you'll get in return - 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. There will also be an extra 3 paid leave days between Christmas and new year due to office closure.
- 2 paid volunteering days. 1 paid leave day if you are moving house.
- Employer contribution pension scheme.
- Season ticket loan.
- Life assurance.
- + more.
What you need to do now
Ifyou're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copyof your CV, or call us now.
Ifthis job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position,please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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Location: Bromley by Bow - Hybrid
Job Type: up to 35hours per week (with some degree of flexibility). our client are encouraging applications from individuals looking for a part time role (with a minimum of 0.6FT)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £58,000 per annum
Benefits: Competitive
The Head of Finance is responsible for ensuring that the finances of the Centre are managed efficiently and effectively to support the delivery of services in line with our clients ambitions.
Over the years the Centre has developed a highly diverse set of services and activities that support a broad range of community needs. These services are funded through a wide range of income sources and delivered in a complex set of arrangements and through many different partnerships.
The Head of Finance has centre-wide responsibilities and plays a key role in ensuring effective service delivery and sound financial management of the organisation as a whole.
This role needs to promote a positive culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity across the organisation and with external stakeholders and support the development of innovative, inspiring and viable service propositions.
As a member of the senior leadership team this role will play a key role in continuing to develop both the strategic direction and internal culture of the organisation, specifically driving forward our clients commitment to being a truly antiracist and inclusive organisation and creating space for honest conversations and feedback.
You may also have experience in the following: Head of Finance, Finance Director, Finance Manager, Group Finance Director, Accountant, Qualified Accountant, Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Financial Controller, Director of Finance, CIMA, ACCA, AAT, etc.
REF-213 045
The Task Ahead: Finance Manager
As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.
As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
Areas of Responsibility
The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:
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Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.
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Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.
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Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.
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Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.
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Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.
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Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.
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Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.
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Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.
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Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.
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Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.
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Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences:
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Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.
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Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.
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Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.
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Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself.
Why Work for The Difference?
Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children.
Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.
Our Organisation
The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.
The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.
Our Values
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High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves. We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis.
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Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.
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Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/
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Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them. We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.
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Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions.
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Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.
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Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.
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Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times.
How To Apply
To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.
First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.
If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.
Recommended Reading
If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
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Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Lead – Enabling & Strategic Investments
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities? We are looking for a talented and motivated Finance professional to fulfil a high profile Finance Lead role supporting the Enabling areas (support functions) and Strategic Investments portfolio.
This role will deliver high quality insight and financial management, helping to ensure spend is efficient and that our strategic investments are delivered against their business cases. The Strategic Investments are integral to delivering our organisational priorities and this role would work with various senior leaders.
As the Finance Lead for Enabling & Strategic Investments you will support efficient financial management, insightful financial reporting, and support effective strategic investment decision-making. This role is pivotal in optimizing financial resources to improve the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
· Provide timely, accurate and insightful management reports for the directorate, helping to support good decision-making and financial management.
· Lead financial planning processes and collaborate with the Project Management Office (PMO).
· Assess risks, opportunities, and support on business cases for strategic investments.
· Provide line management and support to a Finance Business Partner.
· Ensure financial compliance with regulatory requirements.
What You Will Bring:
· Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and strategic thinking.
· Ability to communicate financial information effectively.
· Excellent prioritization, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.
· Self-motivated with a commitment to making an impact.
Your Experience:
Essential:
· Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, or equivalent).
· Strong Excel skills
· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Highly Desirable:
· Relevant post-qualification experience in commercial or charity sectors.
· Experience Finance Business Partnering operational areas and/or projects/programmes
· Experience with investment/business cases and project accounting / portfolio management.
Benefits
Why join Mencap?
· 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays + a variety of benefits including pension and holiday buying options.
· Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
· A supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions are valued.
Join us at Mencap and be part of a team that believes in equality, diversity, and inclusion. Together, we can create a brighter future for individuals with learning disabilities and empower them to break down any barriers they may face.
Mencap vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with learning disabilities. If you're ready to embark on a rewarding career that truly makes a difference, apply now!
About Mencap
At Mencap we work in partnership with people with a learning disability. We do this by providing high quality, flexible services that support people, including young adults, to live as independently as possible in their own homes and in the community.
Everyone wants a purposeful job - to do something meaningful. At Mencap, we can give you that. You will have opportunities to develop as a person, colleague, leader and activist.
You’ll make new friends and feel inspired to reach your potential. We will ask a lot of you - but you’ll get back so much more. With us, it is never ‘just a job’.
In return for your hard work and passion, we can give you real meaning and purpose in your work.
Are you seeking a role focused on financial planning and analysis within a dynamic team? Do you have proven experience of grant accounting? Want to work closely with a high performing Head of Financial Planning and Analysis? Continue reading if so!
Robertson Bell are partnering with one of the UK’s largest charities to lead on their search for this newly created Assistant Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. This role will play a crucial role in advancing the financial planning and analysis function, with a primary focus on leading the management accounting and analysis team to deliver essential management accounting and reporting services.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Lead and inspire a team of Management Accountants and Financial Analysts with four direct reports ensuring the team deliver high-quality financial planning and analysis services.
- Oversee grant management activities, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and timely reporting.
- Act as a key member of the Financial Planning and Analysis Team, supporting the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in delivering seamless finance support.
- Implement best practices in financial reporting and analysis, leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance reporting capabilities.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to understand operational needs and provide strategic financial insights.
This permanent Assistant Head of Financial Planning and Analysis will be based out of the charity’s head office in central London with two days of office working required. The role comes with generous annual leave offerings and professional membership fees will be paid. The role will best suit candidates from a not-for-profit background with experience in grant accounting.
The successful candidate will:
- Hold a professional accounting qualification.
- Have proven experience in financial planning, forecasting, and management reporting within a large and complex organization.
- Be able to demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Have proficiency in using technology to optimise financial reporting processes.
- Be an excellent communicator with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
Our client is keen to review applications on a rolling basis to candidates are encouraged to apply asap!