Senior accountant jobs

As Payroll and Finance Manager, you will manage our Finance Department with particular focus on our payroll, pensions and treasury functions, ensuring the delivery of accurate information to our staff in order to minimise risk and maximise efficiency.

You will oversee payroll and pension services for UK and overseas staff, ensuring full compliance with PAYE, National Insurance and pension requirements, while providing guidance and support on payroll, tax and pension matters.

You will also manage all banking and treasury functions, ensuring payments are properly authorised, and funds are managed and invested effectively.

Additionally, you will:

- Ensure that overseas staff are on the correct tax (NT) code
- Make staff aware when they need to take independent financial advice
- Maintain the integrity of financial reporting, nominal ledger and costing structures
- Strengthen internal financial controls and monthly financial processes
- Manage and develop the Finance & Administration Officer

About You

To be considered as our Payroll and Finance Manager, you will need:

- Proven experience in a management role, including people and financial management
- Proven experience of charity accounting and SORP requirements
- Proven experience running payroll functions
- Proven experience running pension functions
- Experience preparing and managing budgets
- The ability to influence stakeholders at all levels within a complex organisation
- The ability to supervise, motivate and develop team members
- A degree, or equivalent qualification or experience
- A finance qualification
- A CIPP payroll qualification
 

This is a full time role but part time will be considered. 

This is an opportunity for a senior role within the Finance Department of the Diocese of Southwark.The role involves the statutory and management accounting of a large Diocese, with around 300 parishes and clergy, £30m turnover and £300m balance sheet.You will work closely with the Director of Finance accounting for a major charity and supporting a wide range of parishes.

The job is wide ranging, and you will be given a high degree of latitude and responsibility in a collaborative relationship with the Director of Finance.

Post Introduction

In conjunction with the Director of Finance you will manage the efficient operation of the finance function though management and statutory accounting, internal control and cash management.

You will manage the accounting system covering processes for nominal ledger, purchase and sales ledger, stipends and payroll.

Through the work of the department you will contribute to the effective stewardship of resources and the transparent accountability that is the hallmark of the Diocese of Southwark.

Main Responsibilities

Working alongside the Director of Finance you will produce the annual financial statements and work with him on managing the annual audit process.

You will produce monthly management accounts on a timely basis as key financial information for the efficient management of the Diocese and for the information of Trustees. The Diocese uses XLedger and you will become the primary contact and knowledge base for the system, developing its reporting and functionality.

You will be responsible for the financial systems and processes of the finance department, and manage part of the finance team.  You will oversee the team members responsible for payroll, stipends, purchase ledger and banking.  

You will work with a wide range of people throughout the organisation, and have key relationships with those working on generous giving and vocations.

The Ideal Candidate

You must be a qualified accountant.

We are looking for someone is a qualified accountant, with charity accounting experience, and:

• a high degree of ability with accounting software packages, managing data flows into and out of such systems.  
• experience of staff management and supervision, and who also enjoys building relationships outside the finance team.

You will be someone who:

• is most comfortable and productive working as part of an open and collaborative team.
• responds quickly to changing priorities, and can manage these while maintaining adherence to the deadlines that financial reporting cycles demand.
• has an affinity with the aims and values of the Church of England.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             About Us: 

Southwark is a diverse and vibrant Diocese in so many ways, from the energy of the inner city to the beauty of the Surrey Hills. We are one of the largest Dioceses in the Church of England, serving the people of South London and East Surrey. We take joy in the distinctiveness and variety of God’s gifts and people. You will find churches that offer welcome, care and dignity in Christ’s name to their parishes; chaplains walking along side those in education, hospitals, and prison; and pioneering communities seeking to reach out and serve in new ways. 

We seek to be Christ-centred and outward-focused in all we do. 

 Applications will close on Friday 7th August 2026. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 17th August                                                                                                2026.

Location: Bristol office, hybrid (minimum three days a week onsite)

Salary: £50,285 per annum

Job Type: Fixed term maternity cover, approximately 15 months. Minimum 30 hours a week, up to full time (37.5 hours)

The role:

This role covers the current post-holder's maternity leave for an anticipated 15 months. As Financial Controller you will lead CSE's finance team, directing and overseeing the finance function in compliance with appropriate accounting standards and practices, company and charity law.

You will provide timely, accurate financial and management information to support strategic decision-making and effective budgetary control by our Senior Leadership Team, Trustees, project managers and other budget holders. You will line manage the Finance Manager and Finance Assistant and be a member of CSE's Senior Management Team.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will work alongside the wider Operations Team to provide operational support that underpins delivery of our charitable mission. This is a fast-paced role and we need someone who can get up to speed with minimal delay.

Specific responsibilities

An applicant appointed to the role will be expected to:

• Take responsibility for day-to-day accounting, invoicing, payroll, VAT returns, payments and banking, credit control and cash management, including timely monthly management accounts.
• Line manage the Finance Manager and Finance Assistant.
• Co-ordinate the annual budget cycle and mid-year budget refresh alongside the Director of Finance & Operations and SLT.
• Attend monthly SMT meetings to share the previous month's financial results and handle related queries.
• Prepare accurate, accessible reports on organisational, team, staff and project financial indicators to support timely decision-making.
• Maintain the organisation's financial records to appropriate accounting standards and prepare documentation for the annual audit and other statutory reporting.
• Liaise with CSE's auditors to enable an effective and timely annual audit.
• Support project managers to plan and manage project budgets, providing financial data for reporting to clients and funders.
• Provide expertise on financial costing and monitoring approaches for new project funding proposals, reflecting funder requirements.
• Provide finance support to Retrofit West CIC, including financial reporting, statutory obligations and payroll as required.

To see a more detailed list of responsibilities please see the supporting documents attached. These documents are also available to download from our website.

About you:

Essential attributes for this role include:

• Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or equivalent accountant.
• At least seven years' post-qualification experience, including at least five years in a financial management role.
• Working knowledge of accounting standards, VAT and HMRC regulations in England, including requirements applicable to a UK charity with a trading subsidiary.
• Experience of leading the preparation for an annual audit.
• Experience of preparing routine financial and management information reports for senior executives and staff.
• Experience of using timesheet software to track allocation of staff time to different cost centres.
• High level competence with Sage accounting software and MS Excel.
• Able to analyse, structure and sense-check financial data to produce clear, informative reports, with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven management skills.
• Self-motivated and organised, able to work with limited supervision and manage conflicting priorities.

Please note, the above is an overview of the skills required for this role. To see the full list of essential and desirable skills please see the attached job description.

Benefits:

CSE offer a range of other benefits including:

• You will be entitled to 25 days' paid holiday (plus statutory holidays)
• Company pension scheme with 8% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Subsidised bike purchase and Tech Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Health Cash plan
• Retail discounts
• Discounted breakdown cover and many more.
• We will pay fees and expenses on relevant training courses.
• We are flexible with working hours and will discuss this openly if you are invited to interview.

How to apply

To apply, please download and complete the application form available from our website and send it to our Jobs email (available in the candidate pack). Your application should demonstrate your suitability against the criteria in the person specification and job description. CVs and supporting letters will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 5pm Sunday on 16 August 2026.

First interviews are expected online on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September 2026, with final panel interviews at our Bristol office on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September 2026. The earliest start date is early October 2026.

This role requires a basic DBS check. If invited to interview, we will ask for evidence of eligibility to work in the UK.

Finance Manager / Director - Cardiff - £36,000 - £45,000 DOE

Headway Cardiff and South East Wales help 500–600 people a year rebuild their lives after acquired brain injury (ABI). As demand grows, they're looking for a Finance Manager / Director to take charge of the back office — finance, payroll and systems — so their small senior team can spend more time where it matters most.

This isn't a desk-bound manager's or director's post. It's a hands-on role at the centre of a small, agile charity. You'll own the budget, run payroll, keep the numbers straight, and become the third senior decision-maker who can hold things together when it counts. You'll report directly to the CEO and line-manage two administrators.

You don't need a charity background, and you don't need to be a qualified accountant. What matters is genuine confidence with financial detail, the ability to pick up new systems fast, and the judgement to take real responsibility.

Full details of the role, what to expect from the process, and how to apply are in our candidate brief:

headway-candidate-brief.vercel.app

This search is being handled exclusively by Raise + Recruit a not for profit Executive Search company

Terrence Higgins Trust is looking for an experienced Head of Finance to lead our finance function and shape our financial strategy. This is a senior leadership role with organisational influence: you will oversee financial planning, reporting, compliance, audit, treasury and controls, while ensuring that high-quality financial insight supports confident decision-making across our Executive, Board and wider teams. 

We are seeking a qualified accountant who can combine technical expertise with clear communication, collaborative leadership and a commitment to our values. If you are motivated by strengthening financial sustainability, developing high-performing teams and using finance to support life-changing services across the UK, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

We welcome applications from candidates based anywhere in the UK and are committed to flexible ways of working. While the role can be undertaken from any UK location, we would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are able to work on a hybrid basis from our London office, enabling regular collaboration with colleagues across the finance team and wider organisation. 

Team: Finance & Resources

Locations: Hybrid – at our office (Argon House, Argon Mews, London SW6 1BJ) and remotely at home. A minimum of two days a week at the office (including our all-staff Wednesday) 

Duration: Permanent (with six months’ probation)

Reporting to: CEO

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Salary: Starting salary £60,000 

The post holder will be responsible for the following: 

Finance 

• Maintain appropriate and comprehensive finance and accounting policies and procedures including payment authorisations, cash management etc. 

• Provide clear and accurate financial information, budgets and forecasts to the trustees, CEO fundraising team and other departments as required. 

• Manage strategic relationship with key partner organisations such as bookkeepers/auditors/payroll providers/banks etc. 

• Overall responsibility, with support from the external bookkeeper and internal staff, for: 

• Ensuring accurate recording and maintenance of finance data, including accurate classification of income. 

• Ensuring balance sheet and bank is reconciled and reviewed monthly. 

• Preparing and developing monthly Management Accounts. 

• Oversee preparation of the annual financial statements and manage the external audit. 

• Oversee payroll and pension process, engaging with external payroll support, including administering monthly payroll and fortnightly payroll during the Winter Night Shelter season. 

Legal and compliance 

• Overall responsibility for compliance with all legislation / codes. 

• Ensure Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC and Pensions Regulator requirements 

 are met in a timely fashion. 

Risk management 

• Overall responsibility for risk management, including timely and accurate completion of relevant risk assessments, maintaining and developing the organisation's risk register, and procuring and maintaining appropriate insurance cover. 

• Overall functional responsibility for health and safety. 

Office Management  

• Overall responsibility for information technology across the organisation, which is implemented day-to-day by the IT support providers. 

• Ensure Glass Door has appropriate office space which meets all legal requirements and government regulations, environmental, health and security standards. 

• Organise and review general administrative processes and induct new staff on relevant office processes, including data protection, security and fire safety.

• Support and line manage the receptionist and office volunteers to ensure that we deliver high levels of service to staff, guests and other visitors, creating a warm and welcoming environment 

People Management 

• Manage the HR function: 

• Ensure Glass Door is an attractive and rewarding place to work and staff deliver their potential. 

• Review, identify and implement improvements in the HR function to optimise effectiveness and efficiency. 

• Lead on managing employee relations. 

• Support and line manage the Finance & Resources team (HR Manager, receptionists). 

• Conduct regular supervision meetings and performance appraisals. 

Senior Leadership Team 

• Operate as part of the Glass Door senior leadership team, with a particular remit to ensure that we are fulfilling our financial and compliance objectives. 

• Support the CEO and colleagues in setting the strategic direction for Glass Door. 

• Represent the CEO on internal or external matters, if appropriate. 

Governance 

• Manage the Resources Committee and Finance Committee on behalf of the trustees. 

• Assist in managing the Board of Trustees e.g. co-ordinate diaries, set dates, drafting and circulating agendas and papers. 

• Organise the Annual General Meeting, including drafting papers and corresponding with members. 

• Co-ordinate the annual policy review process for Finance & Resources (finance, legal, HR, data, governance) and Fundraising & Communications (fundraising, communications). 

• Manage the Glass Door complaints process.

Person Specification 

Essential 

Personal Qualities 

• Empathetic attitude towards homeless and vulnerably-housed people. 

• A confident self-starter who will hit the ground running. 

• Ability to operate at a range of levels; with both gravitas and relate-ability 

• A team worker with an open, collaborative style and a practical, “can-do” approach. 

• Commitment to our values of being welcoming; being open to all, without prejudice; 

compassionate; believing individuals can turn their lives around; and knowing we can have a 

bigger impact when we work together. 

• Commitment to and understanding of the issues relating to equality of opportunity and the 

ability to implement change in this area. 

• Ability to adhere to and implement Health & Safety, HR and operational policies. 

Qualifications and Experience 

• Minimum CIMA or CIPFA qualification. 

• Minimum five years’ in-house employment experience post-qualification. 

• Experience of leading and inspiring a team. 

• Experience of budgeting and financial planning, including modelling / scenario planning. 

• Experience with month end reporting. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

• Excellent working knowledge of accounting software systems e.g. Xero. 

• Fully conversant with best practice in accounting procedures. 

• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail, especially record-keeping and 

electronic filing. 

• Strong written English and numeracy skills. 

• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and 

databases). 

• Good interpersonal and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to forward plan and schedule workflows. 

• Ability to relate to and work with people from a range of backgrounds. 

Desirable 

• ACA or ACCA qualification. 

• Experience of working with homeless people or similar disadvantaged client groups and an 

understanding of their needs. 

• Experience of working in the not-for-profit sector. 

• Experience of charity accounting/ the SORP. 

• Experience of risk management. 

• An understanding of GDPR and health and safety legislation. 

Age UK Wandsworth has been supporting older residents across Wandsworth for over 60 years. We are an independent, well-established and trusted charity that serves approximately 15,000 residents a year in Wandsworth. Our goal is to help residents age well in Wandsworth and to build confidence and resilience to stay living healthily and independently for as long as possible.

This role will suit an organised and detail-oriented individual with good interpersonal skills, a professional approach, and the ability to work through challenges in a dynamic environment. You will be a key part of a small, friendly team who are busy making a difference to the lives of older people in Wandsworth.

What we can offer you:

You'll be joining a vibrant workplace where no two days are the same, working as part of a small, supportive team that is committed to making a positive difference in the community. You'll benefit from an experienced leadership team, collaborate with kind and caring colleagues who genuinely work together, and even have the company of a friendly hypo-allergenic office dog.

Due to the nature of the work that we carry out, our staff work from our office, day centre and in the community. Therefore, please note that unless it is otherwise stated, all roles advertised will require the successful candidate to work on-site.

Employee benefits:

• 5% employer’s pension contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee shopping benefits scheme
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Employee recognition and reward programme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

We are looking for a Finance Manager to join the staff team at Godalming Minster, an active church across 4 locations in Godalming.  It comprises 3 listed church buildings, a community centre and a worshipping community which runs activities to support groups and individuals locally, and focuses on making a positive impact.

This is a new role in the finance team, to support the growing remit of the Minster's facilities and initiatives.  Working alongside staff and volunteers who lead youth and children's work, groups for older people, hearing aid clinics, pastoral care, a community cafe and a foodbank, we need a strong communicator who is highly organised - a great team player in a lively organisation.

The scope of the role includes routine financial oversight including aspects of management and statutory accounting, budgeting, VAT, Gift Aid, payroll and audit.

Part-time 23 hours per week.  Salary £24,500 - £27,500 per year (FTE £40,000 to £45,000).

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced charity finance professional to join a friendly, values-driven organisation at an important point in its development.

Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire is entering a new strategic period, and we are looking for a Finance Manager who wants support real change. You will have the chance to shape how we plan, report, forecast and make decisions, helping us build strong financial systems that support high-quality services for adults, parent carers and young carers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The role is available due to the upcoming retirement of our current Finance Manager, creating an opportunity for someone to bring fresh insight, strengthen our processes and work closely with the CEO, Treasurer, Senior Management Team and Finance Officer.

You will lead the day-to-day finance function, produce monthly management accounts, oversee payroll, support budget holders, manage cash flow forecasting, review investments, strengthen financial policies and controls, and provide financial modelling for funding applications, tenders and service planning.

This is a varied and influential role where your work will directly support better decisions, better use of resources and stronger services for unpaid carers, who play such a vital role in our communities.

We are looking for someone who can combine technical finance skills with a practical, collaborative approach. You will be confident explaining financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues, spotting risks and opportunities, and helping managers understand the financial impact of their decisions.

You will be joining a supportive team where flexibility, trust and shared purpose matter. We offer hybrid working, a part-time senior role with real influence, and the opportunity to help shape the future of a respected local charity.

About you

You will bring experience of charity, not-for-profit or comparable financial management, with strong skills in management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, payroll oversight, financial controls and reporting.

You will be comfortable managing a small finance team, improving systems and processes, working with auditors and trustees, and supporting organisational efficiency without losing sight of the people and purpose behind the numbers.

Most importantly, you will want to use your finance skills in a role where they make a real difference.

Why join us?

At Carers Support BSG, you will find a warm, committed and practical team working to improve life for unpaid carers of all ages. We support adults, parent carers and young carers through advice, information, assessments, groups, wellbeing support, hospital and GP-based services, and community connection.

You will have flexibility in how you work, the support of an experienced team and the space to help modernise our financial planning and reporting as we develop our next strategy.

If you are looking for a finance role where you can be both hands-on and strategic, where your judgement will be valued, and where your work will help sustain services that matter deeply to local people, we would love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the finance function and line managing the Finance Officer.

• Producing accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.

• Supporting the CEO, Treasurer, SMT and trustees with financial insight and decision-making.

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning.

• Supporting funding applications, tenders and contract planning with robust financial modelling.

• Overseeing payroll processes with the Finance Officer.

• Reviewing investments, reserves and cash holdings.

• Maintaining strong financial controls, policies and procedures.

• Identifying financial risks, operational efficiencies and areas for improvement.

• Supporting the annual audit and statutory reporting requirements

There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.  If you’d like any further information, please email us.

Please visit our website  for all the information you need and details of how to apply.  All completed applications should be returned to our recruitment email address.

Closing date for applications is 13th August 2026 @ 12 noon with interviews at our offices in Fishponds on 3rd September 2026.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our workplace is free of barriers and fully accessible for people with disabilities.  We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults; from recruitment of staff through to supporting our team working with families and carers in crisis.

Registered Charity No:  1063226

The Director of Finance will lead on all aspects of the Museum’s financial management, including producing monthly accounts and strengthening internal controls and processes. They will oversee treasury functions, including the management of the Museum’s cash holdings and endowments. Serve as Company Secretary, ensuring full compliance with Charity Commission requirements and the Companies Act.

As part of the Leadership Team, they work closely with our board of trustees to manage the Museum’s finances in line with the forward plan and wider Museum strategies.

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare annual budgets, working with managers to achieve realistic targets and review figures throughout the year.
• Prepare monthly management accounts including cash-flow forecasts for presentation to the Director and Trustees.
• Prepare monthly management accounts to report and analyse any significant variance between actual and budget result.
• Prepare year-end draft accounts ready for audit and assist the audit team with any queries.
• Manage the Finance Team.
• Organise and oversee the daily and monthly accounting procedures in respect of banking, cash handling, data entry, bill payments etc.
• General financial and business management as well as co-ordination of Museum affairs including Investments, Banking, Legal, and Insurance, Contracts, Licence Agreements and other associated matters.
• Provide the accounting function for fundraising projects including Heritage Lottery, Arts Council, other grants and any other fund providers.
• Provide financial and textual information in support of major capital expenditure projects being an active and crucial team member.
• Preparing Month Gift Aid returns and Quarterly VAT returns and providing advice on VAT and Gift Aid or any other tax matters.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly Pension contributions to Scottish Widows.
• Provide statistical information and returns to various local and national bodies.

What you'll bring

Experience:

• Proven experience of leading a finance function at a senior level is essential, along with extensive experience shaping and delivering financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
• Experience of managing partial exemption VAT calculations and compliance is vital, along with a track record of establishing and maintaining strong relationships with auditors, regulators, trustees and external stakeholders.
• We would particularly welcome candidates with experience of working within the charity, not-for-profit, or a similarly regulated sector.

Knowledge & Skills

• You will be an excellent people manager, who has exceptional attention to detail and a robust understanding of accounting principles and practices.
• Able to demonstrate strong initiative and accountability in delivering work to a high standard.
• Knowledge of restricted/unrestricted fund accounting and Gift Aid.
• You will have comprehensive knowledge of the full MS Suite, but will excel at Excel.
• Knowledge and experience of using Iplicit and Sage accounting and payroll is preferred.

Qualifications

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).

About Us

Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) is a community-based charity with income of c. £400k–£500k per year. We are supported by a small staff team and a large volunteer base.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to undertake a short-term review of our finance processes and controls and to implement improvements where appropriate. The successful candidate will work closely with our administrator, providing support to the Treasurer in ensuring that our financial arrangements are robust, proportionate, well documented and aligned with the needs of the charity.

The Role

This is a short-term project role (approx. 2–3 months) with potential for a small ongoing involvement to maintain and run the processes put in place.

The focus is on practical implementation and knowledge transfer, ensuring that improvements are embedded and sustainable

Key Responsibilities

• Review, enhance and document key financial processes and controls, including:
  • Reconciliation procedures for key balance sheet accounts
  • Month-end and period-end processes
  • Journal and accounting procedures, including income recognition and accruals
  • Restricted fund monitoring and reporting
• Review balance sheet accounts and support the ongoing refinement and documentation of accounting treatments where appropriate
• Develop and refine a practical management reporting pack
• Create practical tools and supporting documentation, including:
  • Month-end checklists
  • Process guidance and templates
• Work closely with the administrator to:
  • Provide training and support
  • Ensure processes are practical, sustainable and well embedded
• Provide support to the Treasurer on finance process improvement initiatives

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified accountant (or highly experienced equivalent)
• Has strong hands-on experience in small organisations or charities
• Has experience setting up financial processes and controls
• Is pragmatic and able to keep things simple and proportionate
• Is comfortable working collaboratively and supporting non-finance colleagues
• Strong Excel skills.  Xero skills are helpful.

Charity experience, including restricted funds accounting, is helpful but not essential.

Time Commitment

• Approx. 1.5–2 days per week for 2–3 months
• Potential for a small ongoing role (time to be agreed based on need)

Equality

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed.  We encourage applications from groups that are currently under-represented and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.

Safeguarding

FPS is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all individuals. We expect all who work or volunteer with us to share this commitment and to follow our safeguarding practices at all times. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and proof of identity.

IR35

This role is open to independent contractors via a Personal Service Company (PSC). As FPS qualifies for the Small Company Exemption under the Off-Payroll Working Rules, the responsibility for the IR35 status determination rests entirely with the contractor.

Head of Finance and Operations

Salary: £50,000 – £54,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)

Location: Manchester (Hybrid working with regular office attendance: 2 days a week)

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

About CLES

CLES is an independent economics think tank and charity dedicated to tackling the UK’s most pressing economic challenges. For over 40 years, we have collaborated with local governments, the NHS, national government, universities, and communities to create impactful, practical solutions. Our expertise in community wealth building has gained international recognition, and we embody our progressive ethos by offering a four-day full-pay working week. At CLES, we foster a deeply collaborative and flexible environment where strong relationships are valued, reflected in our regular social activities and annual residential gatherings.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Head of Finance and Operations who will play a crucial role in steering our financial and operational functions. Working closely with our senior management team, you will combine strategic insights with hands-on delivery, ensuring the efficient management of our financial systems, governance, and HR processes. You will be supported by a dedicated Finance and Office Administrator, allowing you to focus on higher-level financial oversight and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day finances including cash flow, financial controls, and oversight of bookkeeping tasks.
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual management accounts, VAT returns, and payroll submissions.
• Lead the administration of governance, working closely with the board of trustees on compliance and regulatory filings.
• Oversee daily office operations, including IT infrastructure and health and safety.
• Administer HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, and the management of employee records.

About You:

• You possess a recognised accounting qualification (ideally ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or AAT Level 4, with substantial senior-level charity finance experience.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, including preparation of management accounts and familiarity with accounting software such as Sage.
• Strong understanding of governance and compliance within a charity context, alongside experience in HR administration.
• Excellent organisational skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to work.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, building trust and collaboration.

Our Offer to You:

• A four-day working week with full pay for a 30-hour commitment.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Generous holiday entitlement, starting at 20 days (the equivalent of 5 full weeks off) and rising to 24 days (6 weeks) with service, plus additional leave for birthdays and Christmas.
• A robust pension scheme with an employer contribution starting at 6% and increasing with tenure.
• A supportive learning and development culture, with a dedicated budget for professional growth and annual team retreats.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

CLES is committed to fostering an inclusive workspace and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. We actively encourage candidates from all sections of the community to apply.

How to Apply

Click apply and you will be redirected to our careers page which has instructions on how to submit your application.

Please note, we are operating a rolling recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged. Initial application cutoff is Monday, 24th of August 2026 at 9:00am. Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 2nd of September 2026. If we do not fill the position, the advert will remain open for ongoing applications.

We look forward to welcoming you to our team at CLES!

Your new company
Hays are delighted to be supporting a respected UK-based membership organisation in the recruitment of a Finance Manager. This purpose-led organisation supports a large national membership base and operates within a specialist professional field. With an annual income of approximately £4m, it offers a collaborative culture and the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership in a broad and impactful finance role.

Your new role
Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, you will take ownership of financial and management reporting, ensuring the organisation has accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:
* Producing monthly management accounts and reporting packs
* Budgeting, forecasting and cash flow analysis
* Preparing balance sheet reconciliations
* Managing VAT reporting and compliance
* Leading the annual budgeting process
* Supporting the preparation of year-end accounts
* Acting as the key contact for external auditors
* Building strong relationships with budget holders and senior stakeholders
* Providing financial insight and analysis to support decision-making

What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a strong background in management accounting and financial reporting. You should be able to demonstrate:

* Experience producing management accounts and financial reports
* Strong budgeting and forecasting skills
* Excellent balance sheet reconciliation experience
* Previous involvement in external audits
* Good technical accounting knowledge
* Strong Excel and systems skills
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* A proactive and organised approach with strong attention to detail

What you'll get in return

• Fully remote working arrangement
• 35-hour working week
• Generous pension

What you need to do now
Please apply now to be considered! Applications will be considered as they come through.

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