Senior management and business systems accountant jobs

Director of Operations – Finance & Support Services
Dartington (& Torquay as required)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, ideally Monday-Friday 08.30-16.30
Salary: £51,663.00 - £59,597.00 per annum (DOE)

Are you a skilled operations professional with a background in finance?

We have a brand-new opportunity at Lifeworks Charity, for a Director of Operations (Finance & Support Services) to play a crucial role in our Central Support team. You will drive the sustainable growth and operational efficiency of the charity, directly contributing to our charitable impact.

You'll blend your financial expertise with your keen eye for operational oversight in this hybrid role, ensuring our resources are managed effectively to benefit the young people and families we support.

Who we are:

Since 1996, we've been empowering people with learning disabilities in Devon to achieve their dreams and build fulfilling lives. Our core values of kindness, respect, and positivity guide everything we do.

What you’ll do:

Finance

- Manage and maintain all financial aspects of the charity, including (but not limited to), budgeting, forecasting, reporting, ledgers, balance sheets, bank reconciliations, debtor accounts, cash flow management, insurances, property and procurement.
- Take a lead on the development of financial and fundraising processes and strategies.
- Manage and be the main point of contact for all aspects of ESFA and DfE funding compliance and reporting.
- Lead a small team to deliver outstanding support to the charity and act as a key financial advisor to managers across the organisation.
- Produce clear and concise monthly management accounts and provide financial insights to senior managers and the Board of Trustees.
- Working closely with external auditors, prepare and oversee our year end accounts.

Operations

- Ensure that charity governance and compliance is upheld, by contributing to record maintenance, managing registers and supporting with reviews of policies and procedures.
- Work with our external IT partners to manage our technology. You will make sure that the correct infrastructure, systems and processes are in the right place at the right time.
- Lead on IT security for the charity, implementing regular reviews to monitor compliance.
- Act as the Data Controller and manage all areas of data protection regulations, always prioritising data security.
- Develop and review charity policies as necessary, ensuring they align with best practices and legal requirements.
- Ensure compliance of Health and Safety policies, liaising with external advisors to maintain safety within the workplace.

Last but not least, we are looking for someone that is an advocate for people with learning disabilities and shares our common goal of making sure the people we support achieve their best lives with us. You may not be involved in the day-to-day work with our service users, but the work you will do is vital to the success of our charity.

What we're looking for:

You'll be a motivated and experienced professional who is passionate about making a difference. You should be:

- ACCA/CIMA/ACA part-qualified with significant experience (or fully qualified is a bonus!).
- A proven leader with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- An expert in financial management, from budgeting to reporting.
- An excellent communicator who can clearly explain complex financial information to all audiences.
- Experienced in managing a broad portfolio, ideally including Health and Safety, IT, or facilities.
- Knowledgeable about governance frameworks and risk management.

If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a desire to contribute to a vital cause, we would love to hear from you.

We're passionate about supporting our staff just as much as we are about supporting our service users. When you join our team, you can expect:

- An hourly rate above the Real Living Wage
- A holiday entitlement of 33 days’ holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- A fully funded DBS check and update service to ensure a smooth onboarding process
- Access to valuable resources including an employee assistance program to support your mental and emotional health

Building a diverse and safe team:

At Lifeworks, we're committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the job criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview.

Lifeworks is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. To achieve this commitment, we will ensure the continuous development, improvement and review of robust safeguarding processes and procedures that continuously promote a culture of vigilance in respect of safeguarding within our organisation. All staff undergo Safer Recruitment checks which include pre-employment checks, reference checks, and a DBS check with Barred List checks (where applicable).

Early applications encouraged!

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the 19th of July, but may close earlier if suitable candidates are identified. So, to ensure your application is considered, ensure you apply early!

The interview format will consist of 3 parts; a formal interview assessment, a short presentation and a Q&A with staff members. If you are selected for interview, further details will be shared ahead of the above date.

Apply today and tell us why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Please note that this role was previously advertised as Operations Manager. We ask that previous applicants of this role need not reapply.

We’d appreciate no contact from agencies regarding this role. We are only accepting direct applications.

Ara Head of Finance

We have immediate need for an Ara Head of Finance.  We are looking for an experienced finance leader who combines strong technical finance expertise with excellent leadership and relationship-building skills, to help us provide hope and better lives for people across South West England and Wales. This position is permanent, full-time 35 hours per week (4 days per week considered).

Please note: applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Location: Bristol (with some opportunity for hybrid working)

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Department: Senior Leadership Team

Ara’s Head of Finance will provide strategic and operational financial leadership to ensure the charity is financially sustainable, well-governed and compliant. This role is a key member of Ara’s Leadership Team playing a vital part in the development and implementation of the organisation’s strategy.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees to advise on governance, regulatory responsibilities and financial planning for the charity. The role provides the essential financial stability to enable future growth through leadership and management of finance, and ensuring effective governance and regulatory compliance.

Some of the key tasks for this role include to:

· Lead all aspects of financial management, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.

· Strengthen Ara governance, compliance, and risk management systems.

· Support strategic planning and organisational development.

· Provide leadership and support to key managers and teams.

· Help develop sustainable income generation and business planning.

· Oversee all financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies.

In return we offer:

· A competitive and benchmarked salary.

· A 35-hour working week to promote a healthy work-life balance, with flexible working.

· Up to 32 days annual leave, as well as all UK bank holidays.

· A pension scheme, comprehensive training, and a 24hr Employee Assistance Programme.

· Meaningful and fulfilling work that makes a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Head of Housing

Cambridge, Hybrid

Are you an experienced housing leader who combines strong technical knowledge with confident, values-led people leadership? This is an opportunity to lead a key customer-facing service, shaping how our client delivers housing management services and create meaningful outcomes for customers. 

About the role

As their Head of Housing, you will be accountable for leading the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of housing management services.

This is a key strategic leadership role with accountability for building relationships and working closely with key stakeholders, focusing on a positive and motivating culture within the team while ensuring housing services are legally compliant, cost-effective, value for money and aligned with their values - ensuring customers at the heart of their service development. 

What you’ll be doing 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and inspire the Housing Team
• Shape strategy and ensure regulatory compliance 
• Deliver excellent core housing management services
• Put customers at the heart of what they do
• Drive service improvement, assurance and professional standards 
• Please see the job description for more information 

About you

They are looking for a confident, housing professional with strong leadership, management and people skills. To succeed in this role, you’ll need: 

• Substantial experience of housing management within a social housing provider, with strong technical knowledge across tenancy management, rent and service charges, leasehold services, allocations, voids, estate management and anti-social behaviour. 
• Strong understanding of housing legislation, regulation and professional standards, with the ability to work in a legally compliant, customer-focused and risk-aware way. 
• Experience of managing risk, safeguarding, customer wellbeing and tenancy sustainment issues, with the ability to make sound, evidence-based decision making that reflects organisational values and legal responsibilities. 
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop employees, creating a positive and accountable team culture, supporting the delivery of high-quality services. 
• Confidence in using housing systems, data, performance information and numerical insight to manage risk, improve services and support decision-making with a structured and organised approach. 
• Experience in coaching employees and excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust and manage complex situations, work collaboratively and handle sensitive, complex situations. 
• High levels of personal integrity, accountability and self-motivation, committed to delivering effective outcomes in line with organisational values. 
• CIH Level 4 or 5 qualification in housing is an essential requirement and a condition of the role. This post is a relevant senior manager role under the Competence and Conduct Standard (Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023). They are willing to speak to candidates who do not already hold the qualification, provided they are willing and able to achieve it within the regulatory timeframe. 

Why join them? 

They’ve held Investors in People Gold accreditation since 2020, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, learning and professional growth. Joining them means being part of a collaborative organisation focused on continuous improvement and making a real difference. 

What they offer you 

• 28 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Option to buy/sell up to 5 days’ annual leave
• Private health insurance 
• Employee discount scheme 
• Defined contributions pension scheme, matched from 4% to 10% 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Life assurance 
• Strong focus on learning, development and wellbeing 
• Plus, more when you join! 

We encourage early applications and may close the vacancy once they have received sufficient applications from candidates who meet the essential criteria. 

Please note that Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role.

Inclusion and Diversity 

Our client welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible workplace.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of protected characteristics, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Financial Controller

£60,000 - £65,000 | Permanent | 4 day working week (Full Time) | London Hybrid

Take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, and technical accounting while helping shape the future of CIPFA's finance function whilst they are undergoing transformation!

CIPFA is exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a Financial Controller to join their finance team in a newly created role. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, treasury, tax and compliance, while helping drive the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.

As the professional body for people in public finance, CIPFA is committed to supporting better public services through excellence in financial management and governance. This role will play a key part in ensuring the organisation continues to operate with strong financial stewardship while supporting future growth and organisational priorities.

Why this Financial Controller role stands out:

• A genuine four-day working week – work Monday to Thursday, enjoy Fridays off, and take the full salary home (it is not pro rata!).
• Newly created position with the opportunity to shape the role and influence the future direction of the finance function.
• Strategic exposure – partner with senior leaders on commercial opportunities, international activity, and organisational initiatives.
• Drive improvement and transformation across systems, controls, reporting, and finance processes.
• Clear progression potential – gain exposure well beyond traditional financial control responsibilities, with the potential to develop into a broader finance leadership role over time.

What you'll do – and what you'll gain:

• Play a leading role in statutory reporting, year-end processes, audits, treasury management, and tax compliance.
• Act as the organisation's technical accounting expert, ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and evolving regulations.
• Support strategic projects by providing insight into financial, tax, treasury, and compliance implications.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve reporting, and maximise the value of finance systems.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.

What you'll need:

• Experience preparing charity statutory accounts and managing year-end audits, either in industry or practice.
• Strong knowledge of charity accounting, VAT and SORP FRS102.
• A proactive approach to process improvement and problem-solving.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• A recognised accounting qualification is desirable, although exceptional relevant experience will also be considered.

Location & Working Pattern:

The organisation operates a 32-hour full-time working week, with employees typically working 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday to Thursday (including a 30-minute lunch break) and enjoying Fridays off.

Hybrid working is in place, with 1-2 days per week in the London office.

Ready to make your mark?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation investing in its finance function and creating an environment where technical expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement are genuinely valued.

The deadline for applications is on Sunday 5^th July, but CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged to ensure you don’t miss out!

Hours:  Full time, 35 hours per week. Standard working hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Somerset House, London, although flexible and hybrid working are encouraged

Application Deadline: 12 July 2026 

Please note: 

• We may close the advert sooner if we receive a high volume of applications)
• All finance roles within the charity require a DBS check (basic)

Blue Marine's Mission

The Blue Marine Foundation seeks to protect and restore life in the ocean. Our mission is to see at least 30 per cent of the ocean protected by 2030 and the whole ocean sustainably managed. We support low-impact fishing and equitable use of the ocean and address overfishing – one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. 
 
We are a dynamic NGO at the heart of cutting-edge marine conservation with headquarters in London but operating globally. This is an incredible chance to join our highly impactful charity; we look forward to hearing from you.

The Role

This role heads the Project Finance team and ensures it continues to support Blue Marine effectively as the organisation grows in scale and complexity. It also oversees the full financial journey of Blue Marine’s project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to strong financial oversight and accurate reporting. A key part of the role is building the financial and operational capacity of partners, helping partners scale their conservation impact through improved financial management and operational effectiveness.  

Reporting to the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance, the successful candidate will: 

• Oversee and develop the Project Finance team, setting clear priorities, high standards and effective ways of working.
• Drive the strategic direction of the Project Finance function as Blue Marine’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.
• Maintain high-level oversight of project budgets, delivery partners, donor requirements, financial risks and reporting obligations across the portfolio.
• Oversee the end-to-end financial journey of project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to ensuring timely and accurate reporting is received.
• Ensure high-quality, timely project reporting, budget monitoring, audit evidence and donor compliance, with fit-for-purpose processes followed consistently.
• Provide insight, challenge and analysis to support strategic decisions and funding proposals.
• Lead Blue Marine’s work to build the operational capacity of international project partners, including through some international travel.
• Champion practical improvements to systems and ways of working, building on an existing culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on support during peak reporting periods while maintaining senior oversight.
• Represent Finance with credibility and integrity across Blue Marine and with external partners and funders.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance where appropriate.
• Contribute to wider organisational priorities as a member of the senior management team.
• Uphold Blue Marine’s values and always embody this behaviour internally and externally.

This list is not exhaustive, and the selected candidate will be required to undertake other relevant tasks from time to time.

Skills and experience required

Essential 

• Significant senior experience in project finance, programme finance or commercial finance, with responsibility for complex budgets, reporting and risk.
• Strong track record of overseeing large and complex portfolios, including financial reporting, audit evidence, and contractual or donor compliance requirements and risk management.
• Experience of improving finance systems, reporting tools or organisational processes during a period of growth or change.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, policies and processes, with the ability to apply sound judgement in a practical and proportionate way.
• Experience of working with external partners to improve financial processes, reporting and operational effectiveness.
• Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to set clear priorities and improve ways of working.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build credibility and constructive relationships with colleagues, funders and external partners.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-moving environment.

Desired 

• Qualified accountant, or equivalent senior-level financial experience.
• Experience of working with Microsoft-based systems, including Power Platform tools such as Power BI.
• Experience of bringing structure, clarity and strong financial discipline to complex or evolving organisations.
• Experience of working with international partners across different legal, operational or cultural contexts.
• An understanding of, or interest in, the environmental, conservation or charitable sector.

You may also...

Have the following personal qualities: 

• Calm, practical and solutions-focused
• Collaborative, supportive and confident working across teams
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with a willingness to get into the detail when needed
• Good judgement, integrity and discretion
• Passion for, and commitment to, the ocean or another environmental cause

Why us?

This is a great opportunity for you to join our inspirational team and be part of making a difference! 

We offer a great salary in addition to a generous benefits package.  

We embrace agile working and trust our employees to work in a hybrid manner that gives them the flexibility to work from home or at the office according to their work commitments. We also recognise our head office is in London and currently offer an optional annual subsidy, which is available to employees committed to attending the office regularly on a weekly basis. 
 
Working alongside some of the most leading and pioneering minds in marine conservation, our training opportunities and collegiate nature means you will always be learning and supported with your development.  
 
Your wellbeing is important to us, and we hold social events throughout the year. We have a great culture and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.  
 
If you think you have what it takes and the experience to make it happen, then please apply, we would love you to be part of Blue Marine! 

Please note 
We reserve the right to close job adverts early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you would like to know more or have any questions, we are happy to help. 
 
We are a responsible and inclusive employer. We value diversity and are committed to equality and creating an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and will support you to reach your full potential. 
 
We want you to perform at your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us.