Lead financial accountant jobs

Be part of something truly inspiring.

The Orpheus Centre is an award-winning charity that supports disabled young adults aged 18–25 to live independent, fulfilling lives through the performing and visual arts. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we are driven by our values — joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined — and a vision of an inclusive world where every young person can achieve their aspirations.

We are now seeking a strategic, values-led Director of Finance to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation.

Salary: £72,000 – £77,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: 35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Location: Godstone, Surrey (onsite with some flexibility)

Contract: Permanent

About the Role

You’ll lead the financial strategy, planning and operations for the Orpheus Centre, ensuring sustainability, transparency and compliance while enabling innovation and growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with Trustees and senior leaders, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and insight to drive organisational success.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audit.
• Ensure compliance with The Charity Commission, HMRC and Companies House regulations.
• Lead on procurement, risk management and digital transformation in finance systems.
• Manage investments and oversee capital and operational budgets.
• Lead and develop a small, high-performing finance team.

This is a hands-on and highly influential role for someone who thrives on both strategic planning and operational excellence.

About You

You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant experience in senior financial leadership — ideally within the charity and/or education sector.

You will bring:

• Strong understanding of charity SORP, financial governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with Boards and governance structures.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic financial planning and risk management.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.
• A proactive, future-focused approach and commitment to Orpheus’ values and mission. 

Why join Orpheus?

• At Orpheus, you’ll join a joyful and inclusive community that values creativity and collaboration. We offer:
• The opportunity to play a key role in an Outstanding organisation.
• A collaborative leadership environment with real impact.
• A supportive and passionate team culture.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Free parking on our beautiful Surrey campus.

Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people through the power of the arts.

Safeguarding & Equality

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer.

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration

Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and if a suitable candidate is identified, we reserve the right to close our advert sooner.

With a new CEO and an ambitious and inspiring new strategy being developed, Smart Works are looking for a skilled and analytical Director of Finance to drive organisational financial strategy at a time of significant change and growth.

The Director of Finance will act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, and provide financial reporting for the board, working closely with the Treasurer. As part of the SLT, the post holder will be responsible for the financial management and strategic financial planning for our London centres and Group staff, as well as supporting our 12 centres nationally, operating within a federated structure. In addition, the post holder will provide wider leadership as part of a multi-disciplinary team to drive positive outcomes for our clients.

For full details, please see the attached job pack, and submit your application via our online portal by 12 noon on Friday 31st October. 

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Purchase Ledger Accountant to join the finance team supporting both the Helen Bamber Foundation. This role is key to ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoices, maintenance of supplier relationships, and effective management of the purchase ledgers for both organisations.

You will play an important part in safeguarding the charities’ assets by adhering to established financial policies and procedures, while ensuring that suppliers are paid promptly and financial data is accurately recorded. Your work will directly support the production of reliable management accounts and contribute to informed decision-making across the organisations.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, proficient in Excel and financial systems, and able to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail. Experience with Sage and knowledge of VAT processes are desirable but not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who is motivated by purpose-driven work and wishes to contribute to the continued success and impact of two respected charities.

Location: Birmingham (Hybrid working - minimum of 2 days in the office) 

Interviews: 27th and 28th October

For more information, or to apply, please click 'apply now' to be directed to our website.

Join Our Mission – Drive Impact Through Financial Excellence 

We’re looking for a qualified accountant with a strong understanding of charity fund accounting to play a pivotal role in our mission to change the lives of young people. As our Financial & Funding Accountant, you’ll lead our financial accounting team and ensure our financial processes are effective, accurate, and aligned with charity governance standards.

This is a senior accounting role, so we’re specifically looking for candidates who are:

• Professionally qualified (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) 

• Experienced in charity financial reporting, including restricted and unrestricted fund accounting 

• Confident managing complex funding streams, statutory accounts and regulatory returns.

From owning the balance sheet and managing audits to preparing statutory accounts and regulatory returns, you'll play a key role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of our finances. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we maximise every pound of charitable funding in support of our work.  

This is more than just numbers, it's about making a real difference. If you're a qualified accountant, who brings charity fund accounting experience, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. 

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Financial & Funding Accountants? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Financial & Funding Accountants! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Harris Hill is delighted to partner exclusively with Consumers International, the only global membership body for consumer organisations, to recruit their new Lead, Management Accountant on a permanent, part-time (2 days per week) basis. Consumers International unites over 200 member organisations in more than 100 countries. As the independent voice for consumers worldwide, it works with Members and partners to advocate for safer, fairer, and more sustainable markets, from energy to digital goods, from food systems to circular economy solutions.

The purpose of the role is focused on generating and developing monthly management accounts information and providing insight and direction to the Director General and Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance and Organisation Development, you will play a key role across the business in improving data capture and managing reporting across the team.

Please note, for this role you can be based remotely. Additionally, the salary on show is the FTE.

As Lead, Management Accountant, you will:

- Prepare monthly management accounts, including comparatives to budgets, trends and forecasts

- Compile Balance sheet reconciliations

- Prepare quarterly Project Income and Expenditure reports for Project Managers

- Prepare interim/final financial Project reports for submission to Funders

- Prepare quarterly VAT returns

- Provide accurate and timely financial information to support the organisational financial strategy and decision-making process

The successful applicant will:

- Have demonstrable experience in finance within the charity sector, in a similar role

- Be Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA or Part qualified on final stage

- Have a strong understanding of charity accounting principles, including SORP

- Have experience of managing financial ledgers, systems and processes

- Have strong IT skills, particularly in Excel, and the ability to manage large amounts of data

- 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.

Walsall Council are once again exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell on a recruitment campaign for a Lead Accountant (Capital) on a permanent basis. At Walsall Council, we’re transforming, and so are our Financial Services. We’re changing the way the council works so that we can provide an even better customer experience, increase staff satisfaction, and improve our service performance. It’s all about achieving the very best for our colleagues, customers and communities.

Reporting into the Strategic Finance Business Partner, this post will lead an established capital finance team, providing proactive and independent support to directorates while overseeing all financial aspects of the Council’s ambitious Capital Programme. This role will ensure the effective monitoring, budget setting, close down, and risk management of capital activity, while delivering robust financial appraisals and cost-benefit analyses to support decision-making.

The organisation:
Walsall is situated within the West Midlands and is one of four Local Authorities comprising the Black Country. It contains six urban district centres: Walsall Town Centre lies at the heart of the Borough, surrounded by Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston and Willenhall. The Borough covers 40sq miles and is bisected by the M6 motorway.

In addition, we provide an attractive employment package that includes a generous annual leave entitlement of up to 29 days (which rises to 34 days after 5 years continuous local government service), a flexible working scheme that allows up to a further 12 days leave per year, working from home opportunities with emphasis on an optimum work life balance arrangement and a career average pension scheme. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.

The key duties of the Lead Accountant (Capital) will be:

• Lead a small finance capital team, ensuring high-quality service delivery across the Council’s ambitious Capital Programme.
• Co-ordinate capital monitoring, close down, and budget setting processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Provide robust financial appraisals and cost-benefit analyses for business cases to support senior decision-making.
• Identify and manage financial risks across the Capital Programme, liaising closely with directorate management.
• Present complex financial information to Senior Managers, Executive Directors, scrutiny panels and public meetings.
• Act as a key link between service accounting/finance managers, ensuring resources are effectively planned and utilised.
• Continuously review and improve financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and value for money.
• Deputise for senior finance managers as required, representing the Council at regional meetings and projects.

The successful candidate will have:

• Full membership of CIMA, CCAB or equivalent, with post-qualification experience.
• A strong technical background with proven experience in capital accounting, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and developing staff.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information to a wide range of stakeholders, both financial and non-financial.
• Experience of treasury, audit or statutory accounts would be advantageous.
• Ideally, a background in the public sector, but this is not essential.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 26^th October, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 3^rd November. Applications will be under continuous review before the closing date, so please submit your CV to our exclusive search agent Robertson Bell ASAP to avoid disappointment.

The Trainee Assistant Accountant will support the Finance Director in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing budgets, and producing financial reports. This role includes a fully funded training pathway toward an AAT qualification, incorporating structured day-release study.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in maintaining accurate financial records and accounting systems, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and internal controls.
• Support the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of organisational budgets.
• Assist in preparing and distributing regular financial reports to internal team members and the board of directors.
• Provide administrative and practical support for the month-end and year-end accounting processes.
• Assist with the management of purchase and sales ledgers.
• Maintain organised filing systems (both electronic and paper-based) for finance documentation.
• Support routine reconciliations of bank statements and accounts.
• Contribute proactively to financial process improvements and efficiency initiatives.
• Engage fully with the AAT qualification, managing coursework and exams effectively.

The VCS Alliance is a dynamic and collaborative organisation dedicated to transforming health and social care across Bradford District and Craven. Our mission is to work in partnership with local health, social care, and support providers to create a more integrated and effective care system. 

We manage Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) representation in different partnership groups associated with health and social care, and co-ordinate the local VCSE Sector to deliver different health and social care projects across Bradford District and Craven.

Our four strategic aims are:

• We will remain a transforming force in Health, Social Care, and the community. 
• We will nurture our team and put them at the heart of everything we do. 
• We will develop a robust internal infrastructure. 
• We will create a culture of continual learning and development. 

Details

Job Title: Trainee Assistant Accountant

Department: Finance

Reports To: Finance Director

Location: Hybrid working (Bradford office, college, remote working)

Hours: Full-time (Flexible working hours between 8am–6pm, Monday to Friday)

Salary Range: £23,000–£25,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Contract Type: Permanent

Application Deadline: 3pm Monday 27th October 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 5th November

Applying: Read the full Job Description and then the Job Application Pack below for how to apply

Senior Financial Accountant

(SEO)

£42,450 to £46,636 (National)

+ £5,000 Accountancy Allowance

Candidates can be based from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham or Swindon; however candidates must be able to travel to the Birmingham office when required.

The Government Property Agency is the largest property holder in government, with more than £2.1 billion in property assets and over 50% of the government’s office estate. We are transforming the way the Civil Service works by creating great places to work, leading the largest commercial office programme in the UK, working towards halving carbon emissions from government offices, and achieving greater value for taxpayers.  We are looking for innovative, solutions-focused people to join our team.

Representing the best covenant in the UK – His Majesty’s Government – we are leading ground-breaking programmes such as the Government Hubs Programme, Whitehall Campus Programme and Net Zero Programme, as well as delivering modern and cost-effective real estate service solutions. 

Innovation and progress are at the heart of our behaviours.  We foster a culture of lifelong learning, where curiosity and self-improvement are encouraged, and we’re dedicated to becoming a leading, inclusive employer both in the external market and throughout the Civil Service.  Our strong emphasis on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is not just about driving inclusion across our organisation, it is also about ensuring our services meet the needs of government departments and the civil servants who use our spaces. 

Join our dynamic and diverse team that leads with purpose, improving sustainability, nurturing social value, driving inclusivity and flexibility, and kickstarting economic growth.  We are driven by purpose, and you can be part of it too: where you make a meaningful impact; where you influence; where your voice really matters; where you help to shape our future direction.

The responsibilities of the Senior Financial Accountant will include:

• Support the production of the GPA Annual Report and Accounts including provision of consolidation returns for Cabinet Office departmental accounts and Whole of Government Accounts
• Maintain and analyse accurate accounting records including preparation and monitoring of Statement of Financial Position reconciliations and accrual and other journals
• Monitor the effectiveness of key controls including those operated by outsourced service providers
• Prepare tax returns to deadlines including monthly VAT return and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) returns
• Support the delivery of internal and external audits including provision of fully supporting and signposted evidence, monitoring of requests and responding to auditors in a timely way
• Support continuous process efficiencies and improvements across the function
• Build relationships with key staff across Finance and the business in order to maintain effectiveness and relevance during change

Key Skills & Experience 

• Good experience of financial accounting
• Good knowledge and experience of VAT
• Strong attention to detail and ability to analyse and interpret significant amounts of financial data
• Ability to seek out new information and self-develop
• Experience of using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• Proficient using Microsoft Excel Ability to work to tight deadlines

For more information, please apply using the link, or contact Emma Fuller at our retained search agent, Robertson Bell.

The GPA is committed to representing the communities we serve by making Diversity, Equality and Inclusion part of everything we do. To ensure that we are always recruiting and retaining a diverse mix of talent, we are particularly inviting applications from candidates who are disabled, ethnically or gender diverse, and people who identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Venn Group is delighted to be recruiting for an Assistant Accountant on behalf of a respected membership organisation based in London. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative finance team and contribute to the smooth running of financial operations.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Lead weekly and fortnightly payment runs for suppliers and staff expenses
• Process purchase and sales invoices in line with internal controls and VAT compliance
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations, including bank accounts and control accounts
• Prepare general ledger journals and assist with month-end and year-end procedures
• Support audit preparation and respond to audit queries
• Maintain accurate financial records and filing systems
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to resolve finance-related queries

Ideal candidate profile:

• AAT qualified or actively studying towards a recognised accounting qualification
• Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and accounting principles
• Experience with payment processing, reconciliations, and financial systems (e.g. Great Plains)
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Confident communicator with strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• A team player with a customer-focused approach and problem-solving mindset

Agency reference number: J91506
Location: Central London
Duration: 6-month fixed term contract, likely extension
Salary: £35,500 per annum
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Working pattern: Hybrid (2 days per week in the office)

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

About the role

Job Purpose:

We are looking for an experienced Management Accountant to provide professional, accurate, and timely financial management and reporting for Repowering London. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will play a key role in supporting our sustainable growth by ensuring sound financial control, analysis and statutory compliance. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our Finance function, contributing to the organisation’s overall operational excellence.

The role will include providing technical and practical support for Repowering and the family of Community Benefit societies which we service and in the future the growth of additional members.

To succeed in this new role, you will need to be a proactive and detail-oriented finance professional with strong analytical skills, excellent stakeholder management, and a genuine commitment to Repowering London’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

· Management & Statutory Reporting: Prepare monthly management accounts, reconcile balance sheet accounts, complete statutory returns (VAT, Companies House, FCA), and support annual audits.

· Budgeting & Forecasting: Assist with annual budgets, reforecasts, cashflow statements, and ad hoc financial projections.

· Business Partnering: Provide financial insights to the management team and project leads, supporting effective decision-making and project financial reporting.

· Supervision: Manage and support the Finance Officer, ensuring professional development and alignment of tasks with departmental goals.

· Systems & Processes: Maintain and improve finance systems and digital tools for accuracy, efficiency, and timely reporting.

· Finance Operations: Oversee sales and purchase ledgers, payroll,  and ad hoc financial reporting for senior leadership.

· Audit & Compliance: Prepare reconciliations for external audits and ensure compliance with HMRC, FCA, and other regulations.

· General Duties: Uphold organisational policies, confidentiality, equality, and sustainability commitments while representing the organisation professionally.

About Repowering London

Repowering London is an award-winning social enterprise developing clean energy for urban communities. A community development organisation, we enable local communities to plan, fund, build and benefit from clean energy and energy efficiency projects across buildings. We help people see how they can make a real difference.

We are UK's most experienced urban community energy innovator with a successful track record of working in partnership with major London councils and national funders for the last ten years.

Our local ownership model for clean energy is scalable and strengthens communities by delivering clean energy hand in hand with a range of long-term local services and benefits – from skills training to lower energy bills and generating funds for local investment. 

Our vision is for every town and city in the UK to benefit from locally owned clean energy solutions. We believe that urban buildings can be transformed into intelligent, efficient, clean power hubs, providing substantial economic, social and environmental benefits. Energy security can become the norm, and inequality and fuel poverty a thing of the past.

As a place to work, Repowering London has a strong culture of personal respect and integrity. We have a talented and diverse team, and we have all made the choice to be part of positive solutions to the collective challenges we face. We aim to create a supportive and empowering working environment, with high levels of collaboration, team support, and personal and professional development.

 About You

The preferred candidate will have the following abilities and aptitudes:

Essential:

• Qualified or part-qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• A minimum of 5 years experience of management accounts preparation, including reconciliation and reporting.
• Experience of working with accounting software ( QuickBooks & Xero).
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical with a passion for accuracy and commitment to process.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled in budget management and resource optimisation.

· Confident communicator, able to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.

· Advanced IT proficiency, including Excel and Commitment to teamwork, respect, and collaboration across all areas of the organisation

· Strong understanding of core business functions, including finance, HR, project management, and marketing

Preferred:

• Experience of Charity / not for profit accounting for grants

This is an opportunity to join a well-established international not-for-profit who support people around the world facing some of the world’s biggest crises.

The organisation has enjoyed a significant period of growth over the last 5 years, almost doubling their income. As such, the role the finance team plays in enabling the organisation’s mission has never been more crucial — ensuring resources are used effectively, transparently, and strategically to deliver life-changing programmes around the world.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Head of Financial Accounting to lead the financial accounting function during a period of transition and audit preparation.

This role will oversee the 2025 year-end process, manage the statutory audit, and ensure robust compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements. It’s a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and can balance operational delivery with strategic oversight.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the financial accounting function to ensure accurate transaction recording and efficient accounts payable/receivable operations.
• Oversee the production of statutory annual accounts and audit in accordance with FRS102, UK GAAP, and charity accounting standards.
• Manage, mentor and develop a small team of finance professionals.

We are looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with substantial experience leading a financial accounting function in a complex organisation — ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Key Dates:

• Closing date: Sunday 26 November 2025, 11:59pm (GMT)
• First-round interviews: Week of 3 November 2025
• Projected start date: Mid-November 2025

We are looking for a highly skilled and visionary senior leader, with a proven track-record of financial and business management and the creation of robust and innovative financial and operational strategies. The Senior Finance Lead will be a member of the senior leadership team, entrusted with strategic responsibility and supervising day to day management of the financial and commercial operations across the business including the shop, café, nursery, admissions and educational courses. The Senior Finance Lead will conduct rigorous analysis of financial data, trends and performance metrics to derive insights and offer recommendations for informed decision making.

Responsibilities will include overseeing the organisation's financial and operational activities and ensuring robust financial systems and processes are in place throughout the Trust, working collaboratively with the CEO and senior management to form a financial, retail and business strategy, act as Company Secretary to the Trust and lead on GDPR and information security.

In return Great Dixter offer a market rate salary and benefits package. To apply, please send a full cv with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the post.

Early applications are encouraged; interviews may be staged and we may choose to appoint at any time during the application process.

Financial Accountant

Maternity Cover (Up to 12 months)

£47,000

To start ASAP

Bristol /Hybrid

Financial Accountant required for a leading specialist children's health charity on a 12 month fixed term contract basis. The Finance team is undergoing an exciting period of transformation, including the implementation of a new finance system. This is a key role where you will help lead the month-end processes, statutory accounts, VAT compliance, and audit preparation. You'll play a key role in implementing a new finance system (Microsoft Business Central) and act as systems administrator for financial platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate financial data and continuous process improvement
• Administer finance systems and support system transition
• Prepare VAT returns and optimise tax recovery
• Manage cash flow and support investment decisions
• Coordinate audit preparation and respond to queries
• Communicate financial info to non-financial staff

Requirements

• Qualified Accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with 12+ months post-qualification
• Strong month-end and reconciliation experience
• Charity VAT knowledge and experience completing VAT returns
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Experience with financial systems; Business Central desirable

Benefits

• 4 wellbeing days/year
• Generous leave and pension
• Family/caring leave
• Employee savings scheme

Assistant Accountant
Department: Finance and Services
Responsible to: Finance Manager
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Working Pattern: 35 hours a week (2 days in the office)
Terms: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £34,000 - £36,000

The Society

The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education.

The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers.

The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status. The Society is based in a listed building in its own grounds in Kensington opposite Hyde Park, and operates nine regional branches in the UK and two overseas.

The Position

We are seeking a full time Assistant Accountant to support timely processing of financial transactions, accurate accounting, consistency of financial records, supporting the year-end close.

As the Assistant Accountant, you will become an integral part of our dedicated team, ensuring the smooth functioning of financial operations.

Duties and responsibilities

• Maintain and improve accounts receivable processes – review and issue of sales invoices, and debt recovery, and follow-up invoicing queries.
• Recording receipts – subscriptions, legacies, grants, gift aid and investment income.
• Manage and reconcile payments, including direct debits, credit card expenses, and PDQ receipts.
• Perform accurate cash and bank reconciliations and updates of bank and deposit balances.
• Reconciliation of receipts in the financial system and the CRM system.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of balance sheet accounts, including prepayments, accruals, and other key ledger accounts.
• Assist with VAT returns, ensuring compliance with accurate coding and reporting.
• Support the Finance Manager with the month-end process, including posting month-end journals and assisting with the preparation of month-end reports.
• Assist with year-end processes, including preparing schedules and supporting documentation for auditors.
• Oversee and manage multiple shared finance mailboxes.
• Support internal stakeholders with finance queries.
• Undertake ad hoc general accounting tasks as required.

Salary and Benefits

This is a permanent, full-time post subject to successful completion of a probationary period of three months. The salary range for this post is £34,000-£36,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications. The post is based in Kensington, London.

There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:

• 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
• Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
• Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
• Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
• Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
• Corporate eye care vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.

Closing date: 5.00pm on 31 October 2025.
Interviews are planned to take place on 3 November 2025.

Interested?

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

The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The Society is unable to offer work visa sponsorships.

We thank, in advance, all candidates for applying and regret we are unable to write separately to those who are not selected for interview.

No agencies please.