System accountant jobs in Westminster, greater london

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Financial Controller to work for this well-established charity based in Northwest London (Hybrid) 

THIS IS AN URGENT PERMANENT POSITION WITH INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

• Position: Permanent
• Title: Financial Controller
• Reporting to: Director of Finance:
• Management: 2 Finance Staff: Finance Manager & Finance Assistant
• Salary: £55.000pa
• Hybrid working: 3 days a week is required in their offices in Northwest London
• Qualification: A Fully Qualified Accountant is required.

The Role 

As the Financial Controller, you will run the day-to-day financial operations, taking ownership of transactional accounting and month-end reconciliations. You’ll maintain the general ledger, ensure data integrity across systems, and manage accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit control functions.

The role involves coordinating payroll, preparing management accounts and VAT returns, supporting budget preparation and assisting with year-end accounts and internal and external audits. You’ll also manage the Finance Manager and play a key role in the organisation’s financial stability and operational success.

Requirements 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification).
• Proven experience managing the month-end close and preparing management accounts.
• High-level Excel proficiency and ability to work with financial data confidently.
• Experience with accounting software (Xero experience is advantageous). Proactive self-starter with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Experience in the charity sector, including technical expertise in Charity SORP.

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust is seeking an experienced finance professional to lead its financial management and oversee the organisation's operational functions. This is a senior leadership role supporting the Trust's continued growth, financial resilience, and conservation mission. The position can be based remotely, with travel to the Isles of Scilly as needed.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a respected conservation charity. 
• Flexible full-time or part-time arrangement. 
• Remote working (with some travel to the Isles of Scilly as required) will be considered.
• Broad influence across finance, operations, governance and organisational development. 
• Chance to contribute to nationally significant conservation projects, including the Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project. 

Our Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be:

• A qualified (or nearly qualified) accountant. 
• Collaborative and approachable. 
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail. 
• Comfortable working strategically while also managing day-to-day financial 
• operations. 
• Passionate about conservation and supporting the Trust's mission. 
• Motivated to help a growing charity strengthen its systems and long-term 
• sustainability. 

Overall, this is a senior finance leadership role with significant operational responsibilities, suited to someone who enjoys combining strong financial stewardship with organisational improvement in a mission-driven charity.

For the full list of key responsibilities please see the job description.

CVs will not be accepted, please visit IoSWT website to download the application form

About Us

Our mission is to keep Scilly special – to protect the islands’ unique heritage, particularly its native wildlife, ensuring that this heritage can be enjoyed by all.

We look after around half of the Isles of Scilly, making sure that Scilly stays special. We help wildlife thrive and provide opportunities for us all to enjoy nature.

If you have any questions, or would like to talk about this role, please find our contact details in the job description.

Finance Manager  

Location: London
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £50,000 per annum

· Lead a finance team within a mission-driven organisation transforming conflict resolution globally

· Manage end-to-end financial operations including bank reconciliations and monthly reporting

· Drive process improvements and automation within finance systems to enhance team efficiency

· Support strategic financial initiatives whilst developing your team's finance business partnering skills

Position Overview 

Our client is an international dispute resolution centre with over 35 years' experience helping organisations resolve commercial and workplace conflicts. As Finance Manager, you'll lead daily transactional finance activities, oversee team supervision, and support the Head of Finance in delivering accurate financial reporting and strategic initiatives that underpin the organisation's continued growth. They are part-company, part-charity.

The position is offered on a full-time permanent basis, with hybrid working available. The expectation is that you will be office based for 2-3 days per week.

Responsibilities 

· Lead daily transactional finance activities with timely, accurate ledger entries

· Oversee bank clearing and reconciliation of bank, cash, petty cash balances

· Manage monthly payment runs and customer receipt allocation processes

· Conduct monthly balance sheet reconciliation and foreign exchange revaluation

· Maintain and control the fixed asset register and chart of accounts

· Support payroll processing and prepare draft VAT returns

· Supervise team members, conduct performance reviews, manage finance timetable

· Identify opportunities to automate and improve accounts production processes

· Support annual accounts preparation and liaise with external auditors

· Assist Head of Finance with ad-hoc projects and strategic initiatives

· Support Head of Finance with management accounts and budgets

Requirements 

· CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or ICAEW)

· Proven experience managing and supporting finance staff

· Strong experience with finance systems (iplicit experience desirable)

· Experience preparing VAT returns

· Experience preparing management accounts and financial reporting

· Desirable: change management, systems implementation, or process improvement experience

Benefits 

· Competitive salary of £50,000 per annum

· Generous annual leave entitlement

· Company pension scheme

How to Apply 

Please send your CV for consideration.

Closing date: Ongoing/ASAP

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Commercial, you will take day-to-day responsibility for the Hospice’s finance function, ensuring robust financial management, effective financial controls and high-quality reporting across the organisation and its retail subsidiary.

You will provide accurate and insightful financial information to support decision-making at all levels, working closely with Trustees, Executive Team members, senior leaders and budget holders. You will also lead a skilled Finance team, drive continuous improvement and play a key role in delivering our financial strategies.

A major focus of the role will be supporting the implementation of a new Finance and Accounting system, helping to modernise processes and maximise organisational efficiency.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Hospice’s Finance function and provide effective leadership to the Finance team.

• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, financial reports and forecasts.

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting.

• Provide finance business partnering support to managers and senior leaders.

• Oversee cash flow management, supplier payments and debt recovery activities.

• Ensure compliance with Charity SORP, statutory accounting requirements, VAT, Gift Aid and other taxation regulations.

• Lead the annual external audit process and preparation of statutory accounts.

• Develop and maintain robust financial controls, risk management processes and fraud prevention measures.

• Monitor designated, restricted and endowment funds.

• Support financial transformation projects, including implementation of a new Finance and Accounting system.

• Present financial information and recommendations to Boards, Committees and senior stakeholders

In return St Luke’s Hospice offer the following benefits:

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increases with service)

• Hospice pension 3% employee contribution and 6% employer contribution

• Continuation of NHS pension if a member within the last 12 months and approved by the NHS

• Subsidised onsite meals

• Access to our 24hr employee assistance programme

• Free onsite parking

• Reimbursed NHS Blue Light Card

• Work from Home Opportunities (in line with team needs)

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

St Luke’s Hospice are equal opportunity employers and particularly welcome applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.

Please note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Chief Executive to assume overall responsibility for the management of HMC. The purpose of this senior leadership role is to lead the organisation in fulfilling its purpose of supporting migrants in Hackney and the wider London community, ensuring they can access their rights and overcome injustices in the immigration and social welfare system.

About us

We are a long-established UK research institution with charitable status and accounting operations in both the UK and East Africa. With an annual turnover of over £1 million, our finances span two entities and a range of restricted and unrestricted funds, consolidated for reporting. We are looking for a qualified accountant to join us as a contractor in a part-time, ongoing capacity to strengthen the running of our finance function.

The role

Our accountant in the East Africa office handles the day-to-day transactions — raising invoices, recording expenses and paying supplier bills. You will work alongside them, providing the qualified oversight, payment control and monthly discipline that keep the finance function running well, and supporting their development along the way.

It is a varied role that combines hands-on accuracy with oversight and coaching. In practice, you will:

• Support, guide and coach our accountant so that accounting entries are made correctly and consistently, building their skills over time.

• Run payment preparation and approval process in the UK entity, approving payment runs for release by local signatories.

• Financial management of project funds: accounting, expense management, funds transfers and accurate financial reporting.

• Review monthly results and report, examining the Statement of Financial Activities and underlying entries, and tracking performance against budget.

• Own the budgeting process, maintaining and updating the existing annual budget and monitoring it each month, and reporting quarterly to funders.

• Run a reliable monthly close and provide cover for our accountant during leave or absence to keep the accounting running.

• Lead on risk, taking an active interest in risk assessment, management and internal financial controls, working with compliance officer for local regulatory compliance.

• Attend and co-ordinate the finance and development meeting, support Companies House and Charity Commissions returns and updates.

• Administrative support for grant applications and management of these.

Key requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPFA), or a finalist with strong relevant experience.

• Right to work in the UK.

• Proficient in Xero, and either proficient in Joiin or a similar consolidation system such as Hyperion and able to learn it quickly. Familiarity with payment platforms (desirable).

• Sound understanding of payment controls, dual authorisation and segregation of duties.

• Experience of maintaining a budget and reviewing monthly performance against it.

• Detail-focused and hands-on, with the judgement to review, oversee and coach a colleague.

• Charity or non-profit experience is useful but not essential, including experience of managing project funds, expenses and reporting to funders.

What does success look like

In this role, success means:

• Accounting is accurate and correctly recorded across both entities.

• Monthly review and reporting is completed reliably and on time.

• The budget process is mastered and embedded in monthly reporting, with performance tracked against budget categories.

• Dual authorisation of key processes is operating successfully.

• Key processes in both entities are learnt, so you can cover for the East Africa accountant in the event of absence.

• The payment process is smooth, reviewed, and presented to the Director for second approval.

• Risk assessment is formalised and internal financial controls are maintained.

Who it suits

This role would suit an accountant who wants to broaden their range of experience, or an experienced accountant from the commercial or non-profit sector who now wishes to work part-time and contribute to the smooth running of a respected institution.

Our systems

We use Xero for our accounting and Joiin for consolidated reporting. Both are already implemented and stable. Proficiency in Joiin is ideal; otherwise, experience of a similar system and a readiness to learn this software quickly is an advantage.

How to apply

Please send your CV with a short covering note explaining your interest and how your experience fits the key requirements above. We will review applications on a rolling basis and may close early if we find the right candidate.

We are hiring two Finance Business Partners in our London Team to support our mission-driven programmes by providing insightful financial guidance, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring the effective stewardship of donor and organisational resources.

The Finance Business Partners (FBP) report to their Finance Business Partnering Manager (FBPM) based in London within the Finance, Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team and hold key relationships with Programme Heads and Leads, the core Finance team and members of the Programme Management and Development teams based in London and other ClientEarth entities.

For the second role, we are seeking a candidate with proficient French language skills to support Partners who operate mainly in French.

Important dates to note: Applications close on 17 August 2026. If your profile passes initial screening, you will be requested to submit additional information in the form of three additional questions. The deadline to have your responses to these questions submitted is 20 August 2026 for your application to be fully considered. Please also remember to check our recruitment process section at the bottom of the advert to get acquainted with our recruitment process for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Working closely with the FBPM, oversee the financial management of a portfolio of departments and projects, keeping budgets under continuous review, and providing regular financial information and analysis.
• Contribute proactively within the FP&A team to improving programme finance systems, procedures and templates.
• Assist the Programme Management Group to keep track of and reconcile actual and committed project expenditure. 
• Create and post monthly salary allocation and cost recovery journals into our accounting system Dimensions.
• Ensure that the financial aspects, reporting and audit requirements of grant/donor funded projects are aligned with donors’ contractual requirements and ClientEarth standards. 

See the job description for a full list of duties for this role.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Qualified Accountant (desirable) 
• Fluency in French for one of the roles
• Demonstrable experience of financial administration of a portfolio of grants 
• Demonstrable experience of preparation of budgets and grant financial reports (ideally trusts, foundations and institutional donors such as FCDO and EU) 
• Experience and knowledge of donor funding and compliance 
• Advanced excel skills and strong general IT skills 

See the job description for a full list of requirements for this role.

Job Benefits

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based. See our benefits page for more: Benefits | ClientEarth Careers as well as our flexible working FAQ.
 

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at ClientEarth | ClientEarth journey page for more.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in the UK.
 

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.

About Ataxia UK 

Ataxia’ is an umbrella term for a group of progressive, neurological conditions which involve problems with co-ordination, balance and speech caused by disruption of the messages sent from our brains to our muscles. 

Ataxia UK funds research into cures and treatments for ataxia, including stem cell and gene therapy. By collaborating with ataxia researchers across the globe, and pharmaceutical and research organisations, we’re confident that cures can one day be found. Until then, we work towards getting better treatments for people with ataxia and providing information and  support to everyone affected. Improving their quality of life and helping to slow the progression of the disease.   

About the Role   

As our Financial Controller, you'll lead the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and efficient processes that support our mission. You'll oversee month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis, providing clear insights to inform decision-making across the organisation. Working closely with colleagues throughout the charity, you'll manage grant and restricted fund reporting, support annual planning, drive continuous improvement in financial systems and processes, and lead a small finance team. You'll also play a key role in ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards, governance requirements and best practice.

About you 

We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA ,CIPFA or similar) with at least five years' post-qualification experience and a proven track record in senior finance or audit roles. You'll be confident leading finance operations, managing staff, and turning complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.

You'll bring experience of charity finance, including grant management, restricted and unrestricted funds, and Charity SORP, alongside strong skills in Xero and Excel. Experience with Fathom and Raiser's Edge (or similar CRM/database systems) would be an advantage.

Just as importantly, you'll be passionate about making a difference for people affected by ataxia. You'll understand the barriers faced by disabled people, approach our members with empathy and respect, and share our commitment to equality, inclusion and ethical medical research.

This is an opportunity for a skilled finance professional to use their expertise to help drive our mission and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits of working for us. 

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service)
• Extra holiday day for your birthday
• Access to a free Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline
• Flexible hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer

Please see full Job Description for further details including Person Specifications. Your covering letter will be used to assess you against the person specification for this role.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Finance Director with a social enterprise on a full-time, permanent basis. As Finance Director, you will lead the Finance function, providing high-quality financial planning, reporting, control, technical accounting and decision support that enables the COO, CEO, Leadership Team and Board to manage financial sustainability, risk and performance across the organisation.

The role has a particular focus on property finance, including the financial stewardship of the organisation’s mixed-use estate property portfolio, service charge arrangements, long-term asset planning and accounting for land and buildings, alongside senior oversight of charity / and social enterprise accounting and long-term financial sustainability. Please note, the COO retains senior executive ownership of financial strategy, capital allocation and organisation-wide financial sustainability.

Please note, there is hybrid working in place with this organisation with 3 days per week required in their London office.

As Finance Director, you will:

- Lead on organisation-wide budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes, balancing operational requirements with long-term financial resilience and sustainability

- Maintain an effective framework of financial governance, delegated authorities and internal controls that protects organisational assets and supports sound decision making

- Lead on the performance, capability and continuous development of the Finance function, ensuring effective delivery of finance services across the organisation with a business partnering ethos

- Provide strategic financial advice, challenge and recommendations to the COO, Leadership Team and Board on organisational performance, investment decisions and financial risks

- Contribute to organisational strategy, performance management and transformation initiatives

by ensuring financial considerations are embedded within major decisions and change programmes

- Lead a team of 3

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the not-for-profit sector, in a similar role (evidence of continuing professional development in charity / social enterprise finance, property finance, VAT, audit, treasury or systems improvement)

- Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA etc)

- Have more than 3 years’ experience leading a finance function or senior finance team in a complex organisation

- Be able to work confidently across multiple entities with property ownership within the group (knowledge of, or experience working with asset-owning, organisations and that own, manage or account for mixed-use property subsidiaries assets, including commercial, community or residential elements)

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

A leading international charity is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join its finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, this is a broad leadership role responsible for financial control, statutory reporting and the day-to-day management of the financial accounting function. Alongside ensuring robust financial governance, you'll also play a key role in driving finance transformation projects, improving systems, processes and ways of working across the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong finance professional who enjoys combining hands-on financial control with leading change and developing high-performing teams.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Lead the production of statutory accounts and oversee month-end and year-end reporting.
• Act as the key contact for the external audit process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Maintain a strong financial control environment across balance sheet reconciliations, treasury, tax and fund accounting.
• Lead, develop and support the financial accounting team.
• Drive finance transformation initiatives, including improvements to systems, processes and reporting.
• Partner with senior stakeholders, providing financial insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Strengthen financial processes, controls and governance across the finance function.

You will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Have significant experience leading financial control and statutory reporting within a complex international organisation.
• Have strong knowledge of UK GAAP and ideally Charity SORP.
• Have experience managing external audits and leading month-end and year-end processes.
• Have a proven track record of leading finance transformation, systems or process improvement projects.
• Be an experienced people manager with the ability to lead and develop finance teams.
• Possess excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

What's on offer:

• 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Hybrid working with approximately one day per week in the London office.
• The opportunity to lead an established finance function while driving meaningful transformation and continuous improvement.

About the role

This is a role for an experienced financial leader who can think strategically to ensure financial sustainability and resilience. You will enjoy being part of a mission driven team, be able to translate numbers into insight, and understand the importance of relationships, collaboration and trust.

Who We Are

Merton Connected strengthens the voluntary, community and faith sector and supports organisations across the borough through training, advice, volunteering and partnership building. We pioneered social prescribing in Merton, now embedded in every GP practice for over a decade, and deliver services including Healthwatch Merton, the Home Visits Library and Merton Giving, the borough’s place-based giving scheme. 

Our new 2025–2030 Strategy sets out a bold vision: A borough recognised for resilience, inclusion and community connection. To achieve this, we need strong internal foundations, and that includes a confident, people‑centred Finance Manager who can help us grow sustainably, work collaboratively, and prepare for the challenges facing the sector.

Our strategy commits us to being:

• A Convenor - bringing people together.
• A Capacity Builder - strengthening organisations.
• An Incubator - developing new ideas.
• An Amplifier - making community voices heard.

 To deliver this, we need financial leadership that is:

• Strategic but not disruptive
• Supportive, not siloed.
• Collaborative, not transactional
• Forward looking and resilient

You will help ensure Merton Connected remains financially strong, transparent, and sustainable for the future while maintaining excellent relationships with partners, funders, commissioners and community organisations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Strategic Financial Leadership

• Support long term financial planning, scenario modelling, and risk management, including exploring income diversification.
• Ensure financial systems remain proportionate, efficient, and aligned with our strategic pillars.
• Help the organisation prepare for sector wide challenges such as rising demand, funding pressures, and increased complexity.
• Support the Quarterly Finance Sub Committee Meetings and attend Board Meetings

 Annual Accounts and Audit

• Prepare year‑end accounts in line with the Charities SORP.
• Work closely with auditors to ensure a smooth, timely audit process.
• Draft the financial commentary for the Trustees’ Annual Report.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including Charity Commission, Companies House, and HMRC.

Oversight of Day to Day Finance Operations

• Produce clear, accurate quarterly management accounts and cash flow forecasts with meaningful commentary.
• Work closely with the Assistant Accountant, providing them with support and direction.
• Maintain oversight of income, expenditure, payroll, reconciliations, and journals.
• Ensure robust tracking of restricted funds, project budgets, and grant reporting.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial procedures.

 Building Strong Relationships Across the Organisation

• Work collaboratively with department leads, supporting them to understand budgets and forecasts.
• Communicate financial information to colleagues and the Board in a clear, supportive, and accessible way.
• Contribute to a positive, team‑centred culture that reflects our values of Empowering, Collaborative and Inclusive.

 Customer relations with partners and funders

• Provide timely, accurate financial information for commissioners, funders, and partners.
• Build confidence with stakeholders through professionalism, clarity, and responsiveness.
• Support collaborative funding bids, shared investment pathways, and partnership‑led projects - aligning with our Convenor and Incubator roles.

 Support innovation and organisational development

• Work with Head of Operations to develop and embed robust and effective financial systems
• Help us test new approaches, pilot ideas, and strengthen our internal resilience.
• Ensure financial systems support accurate and timely information, as well as innovation and collaboration.
• Contribute to business planning, strategic development, and organisational learning.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience producing management accounts and year‑end accounts in the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of restricted funds, project accounting, and the Charities SORP.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - able to build trust with colleagues, trustees, and partners.
• A collaborative, team‑centred approach.
• Ability to think strategically and anticipate future challenges.
• Commitment to our values: Empowering, Collaborative, Inclusive.
• Ability to present reports to the Finance Sub Committee and Board
• Ability to represent the organisation with funders stakeholders when needed.
• Familiarity with MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Teams and Sharepoint
• Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity.

Desirable

• Experience in infrastructure, health, community, or multi funded charities.
• Familiarity with NHS/ICB (Integrated Care Board)  funded programmes or local authority contracts.
• Experience with cloud based accounting systems such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks
• Understanding of the voluntary sector landscape and its emerging pressures.

Who This Role Is Perfect For

Someone who:

• Brings solid charity financial management and reporting experience.
• Enjoys being part of a friendly, purpose‑driven team.
• Communicates well with non‑finance colleagues.
• Can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on oversight.
• Values relationships as much as spreadsheets.
• Wants to help build a more resilient, connected, and inclusive Merton 

Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on making organisations run brilliantly behind the scenes?

Southwark Charities is entering an exciting new chapter. With a £100m property portfolio, a growing grant programme and the development of 64 new almshouses, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Resources to lead the systems and processes that keep our charity strong.

Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee finance, HR, IT, governance, property compliance, contracts and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, remains compliant and is well positioned for future growth. You'll work in a small, dedicated team while working closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding services for older people across Southwark.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, managing change and finding practical solutions. You'll bring experience in operations, finance or corporate services, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple disciplines.

If you're looking for a varied senior role where your expertise will have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of a respected historic charity, we'd love to hear from you.

This is far more than a traditional Finance Manager position.

As Finance Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day finance function while helping shape the future of financial management at British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). Reporting to the Director of Business Operations and leading our Finance Assistant, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting that enables informed decision-making across the organisation.

Alongside ensuring excellent financial governance and control, you'll have the opportunity to modernise and transform the finance function. From improving management information and financial processes to leading the redesign of our purchase-to-pay process and supporting wider digital transformation, you'll play a key role in ensuring finance helps deliver our ambitious Strategy 2030.

We're looking for a fully qualified CIMA/CGMA accountant who combines strong management accounting expertise with a passion for continuous improvement. You'll enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, translating financial information into meaningful insight, challenging assumptions, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen financial sustainability and maximise the value of BUCS' financial resources.

If you're excited by the opportunity to build, influence and make a lasting impact within a values-led organisation that supports student sport across the UK, we'd love to hear from you.

Working at BUCS

BUCS prides itself on being an ambitious and challenging place to work, where staff enjoy work, embrace development opportunities, and have fun.

Benefits include:

• Generous Pension Scheme
• Paid Health Care Plan
• Tax-free - Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas Closure 
• Volunteering Day leave
• Flexible - hybrid working
• Wellbeing and Social activities
• Company-supported Learning and Development opportunities

How to Apply

Please apply via our recruitment platform Applied.

This will take you to the BeApplied platform which we use for our recruitment. 

Should you have any questions about the role, please contact Jude Edwards, Director of Business Operations.

Application deadline: 

13th August 2026, 22:00

Interview Information:

If successful candidate will be called to interview on the provisional date of 26th or 27th August 2026.

Candidates who successfully advance to the interview stage will receive further information about logistics and tasks via email. Some candidates may process to a second interview, which will be communicated accordingly. If any reasonable adjustments are required, please communicate them when accepting the interview offer.

Due to the expected high number of applications, it is likely we will only be able to provide feedback to those who reach the interview stage. If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that, unfortunately, your application has not been successful. 

Applicants should have the right to work in the UK and will be asked to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK before employment is confirmed. 

Data Protection Statement

Any personal data submitted to BUCS in the course of this recruitment process will be held securely and processed solely for the purposes of recruitment. It will be held for the duration of the recruitment process, and if employed by BUCS, for the duration of the contract of employment and to fulfil the statutory, or recommended, retention periods when no longer an employee of British Universities and Colleges Sport. BUCS will comply with data protection legislation at all times and in line with BUCS Privacy Policy.

Head of Finance

Reports to: Director of Finance, Data and Innovation

Line reports: 2

Location: London, hybrid working, with minimum 40% of working time in the office

Salary: London £54,000 (salary band £54,000 - £58000; Outside London £51,500 (salary band £51,500 to £55,500)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

The Head of Finance will lead the day-to-day finance function, ensuring our financial information is accurate, timely and useful. The role will oversee financial reporting, controls, compliance, payroll, budgeting and forecasting, while managing and developing the finance team. The postholder will work closely with budget holders and senior leaders to support good financial decision-making across the organisation. The role will also provide oversight of key operational areas, including premises, health and safety, equipment and outsourced technology support.

In the first 6–12 months, the postholder will be expected to strengthen monthly reporting, improve budget holder support, maintain clear financial controls, support the annual audit and help embed effective finance processes across the organisation.

Financial responsibilities

· Ensure that all financial data is accurately recorded, maintained and reported in accordance with relevant accounting standards and guidelines

· Ensure compliance with relevant financial, tax and statutory obligations, including VAT, PAYE and other reporting requirements

· Lead financial business partnering across the organisation, ensuring budget holders have the knowledge, skills and tools to manage their budgets effectively. This will include:

• • Running effective budgeting and forecasting processes to ensure the organisation has a robust plan
  • Producing monthly management accounts with useful variance analysis to ensure proper financial management

· Alongside the Director of Finance, develop and maintain financial controls to safeguard the charity’s assets, ensuring clear processes are in place and control checks are documented

· Take full management responsibility for the finance team, lead, motivate and develop them to ensure that they are focused, competent and working effectively and efficiently

· Maintain clear review and approval processes so that financial work is properly checked, authorised and documented

· Oversee finance processes for the trading subsidiary, including reviewing postings, accounts and consolidation entries

· Produce or review monthly payroll amounts and postings

· Lead preparation for the annual audit and statutory accounts, ensuring working papers, reconciliations and supporting evidence are complete and accurate

· Ensure restricted funds, grants and project income are recorded, monitored and reported accurately

Operations

· Ensure premises and properties are managed appropriately on a day-to-day basis

· Ensure we comply with H&S standards in our multiple offices

· Ensure the organisation has the resources it needs to do their job through the procurement/ provision of laptops and other equipment

· Work with colleagues to ensure we comply with GDPR

Person specification: Skill / experience 

Essential

A demonstrable interest and commitment to working with, and supporting people from, a refugee background

Financial and Operational Responsibilities

Strong management accounting experience, including business partnering with budget holders to support good decision-making

Good understanding of UK charity accounting, including charity SORP, audit and year-end reporting

Professional accounting qualification or substantial relevant accounting experience

Management experience and ability to support and develop line reports in a welcoming and inclusive environment 

Understanding of key compliance areas relevant to charity finance and operations, including VAT, Gift Aid, PAYE, P11D and GDPR

Good understanding of charity controls and risk management

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, strong experience using finance systems (we currently use Xledger) and an interest in AI

Experience of charity fund accounting, including restricted funds and grant reporting

Experience of managing/supporting in the management of outsourced technology providers 

Personal Traits

Able to improve processes and deliver practical changes that make finance easier to use across the organisation

Able to manage competing priorities and maintain high standards during busy periods

Self-motivated, organised and able to deliver agreed outcomes on time

Analytical thinker with good problem-solving skills

Practical, flexible and willing to support both strategic and day-to-day finance work

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex information to different audiences

Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to form effective working relationships with other teams

Desirable

Committed to continuous improvement and the use of agile tools to support business change

Considerations 

· As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out pre-employment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks for some roles, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.

· We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.