Lead financial accountant jobs

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager (Finance Business Partner)

Reporting to: Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

Contact term: This is a full-time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role: From £50,000 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application instructions: Please submit both a CV and a covering letter within your application.

Application deadline: Tuesday 27th January 2026

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

The FP&A Assistant Manager delivers clear, high-quality financial insight to support planning and decision-making across the Crick. Working closely with research Group Leaders, you’ll lead financial planning, analysis and decision support for a portfolio of world-class research teams, helping bridge finance and science. As part of a small FP&A team, you’ll build strong relationships, strengthen finance business partnering and provide the insight needed to support the Crick’s research strategy.

See the full job description here.

What you will be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Owning financial planning (budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning) for a portfolio of research groups, working closely with Group Leaders and the Post-Award Grants team.
• Supporting Crick Leaders and the FP&A Manager to deliver efficiency plans and maximise value for money.
• Building strong trusted stakeholder relationships and clearly communicating the financial impact of decisions.
• Producing clear, insightful management information to support effective decision-making.
• Improving financial reporting processes and data quality to increase focus on insight and decision support.
• Identifying and resolving complex issues, driving continuous improvement across the team.

About you

You will have:

(Minimum criteria *)

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) or finalist with strong FP&A experience in a complex organisation.*
• Confident finance partner with high emotional intelligence and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.*
• Skilled in turning financial data into clear, insightful reporting for non-finance audiences.
• Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities and drive continuous improvement.
• Motivated by the Crick’s mission and excited to support world-class research.
• Proven track record of delivering change and improving finance processes.

Desirable:

• Experience in a research or grant-funded environment
• Familiarity with Workday Finance or cloud-based planning tools (e.g. Adaptive Planning)

What if your ability to transform tax processes could unlock thousands of pounds in savings while building best-in-class compliance systems for one of the UK's biggest charities?

As a Financial Accountant within our Finance & Assurance directorate, you'll be part of a team that's transforming how we deliver financial partnership across the organisation. We're on an ambitious journey to become the Society's single point of financial truth. We aim to be trusted partners and credible experts who enable the organisation to make faster, better-informed decisions.

This is a highly technical, hands-on role where you'll own and improve our tax function. You'll be responsible for the essential technical delivery, preparing VAT returns, managing partial exemption calculations, overseeing Corporation Tax and Gift Aid. Ensuring we meet every regulatory requirement. But what sets this role apart is the opportunity to transform how we deliver this work. You'll drive continuous improvement across all tax processes, identifying inefficiencies, implementing automation, redesigning workflows, and developing robust controls that optimise our position while maintaining compliance. This is your opportunity to leave your mark on a critical area of the finance function.

Your process improvement mindset and ability to explain complex matters clearly, will help colleagues make tax-efficient decisions.

About you:

You're a qualified accountant with strong process improvement experience who thrives on identifying inefficiencies and implementing better ways of working. You're excited by the prospect of shaping an entire area within a finance function.

You're a problem-solver who constantly asks, "how can we do this better?" You have a genuine curiosity about how things work and a drive to continuously improve. Existing knowledge of VAT compliance, particularly partial exemption, would be beneficial, as would broader familiarity with Corporation Tax, Gift Aid, and other statutory obligations. However, what matters most is your appetite to learn and your determination to find better ways forward.

You'll have:

• Proven experience driving process improvements in a finance environment, demonstrating where you've identified inefficiencies, redesigned workflows, or delivered measurable improvements.
• A CCAB qualification achieved through education, or demonstrable equivalent knowledge and experience that evidences your understanding of the role's requirements.
• Some experience with VAT, Corporation Tax, Gift Aid, or other UK tax regulations. You don't need to be a tax specialist, but you should have exposure to tax compliance and a genuine interest in developing deep expertise in this area.
• The ability to quickly build technical knowledge and confidence in complex tax scenarios, with a problem-solving approach to navigating regulations.
• Experience working with HMRC or other regulatory bodies, demonstrating credibility and professionalism in external relationships.
• Demonstrated experience as a Financial Accountant in a large or complex organisation.
• The ability to work effectively across departments and at all levels, translating complex financial or technical matters into practical guidance.
• Experience with cloud-based ERP systems (we use Unit4) and a mindset of continuous improvement.

What you'll focus on:

• Driving continuous improvement across the tax function.
• Developing robust tax processes and controls that optimise our position while ensuring compliance.
• Overseeing VAT compliance – preparing and reviewing accurate VAT returns, managing partial exemption calculations, and optimising our VAT position.
• Overseeing Corporation Tax and Gift Aid compliance as well as other statutory tax obligations.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with HMRC, managing enquiries or audits with professionalism.
• Providing clear tax guidance across the Society, empowering colleagues to make tax-efficient decisions.
• Working seamlessly with colleagues across the Finance team to provide integrated financial partnership, while role-modelling our values.

Can you see yourself as the person who transforms our tax function, not just maintains it? Are you ready to shape an entire area within our finance function and make your mark?

Rolling applications

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for this role. There is no fixed deadline. We will continue to review applications until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we may close the vacancy once we've made a successful appointment.

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a DBS check at the relevant level.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it’s like to be an employee at the Society.

Responsible to: Charity Manager.

• Primary Responsibility: Maintain accurate financial ledgers and provide comprehensive financial reporting.
• Reporting: Responsible for Management and Year-End reporting.
• Financial Operations: Manage supplier payments, VAT, and cash monitoring.
• Planning: Assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts.
• Asset Management: Maintain records for fixed assets.
• Compliance: Adhere to and maintain financial procedures and policies.
• Support: Provide support to the wider Finance Team and work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Safety: Protect the safety and security of service users, staff, and the confidentiality of information.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience: Experience in financial management, managing budgets, and analysing management accounts.
• Qualifications: Relevant accounting experience or qualification (e.g., AAT or equivalent).
• Skills: Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work.
• Networking: Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with stakeholders.
• IT Proficiency: Strong skills in IT and proficiency in Windows software.

Additional Information:

• Work Attire: Smart casual clothing with appropriate footwear.
• Training: Appropriate training provided as needed.

This is a paid position for up to 2 days a week - negotiable

A prestigious, world-renowned professional membership body and educational charity is seeking a Financial Accountant to join them. This is a pivotal role that balances technical reporting, tax compliance, and systems development within a complex group structure.

As the Financial Accountant, you will oversee the accurate recording of accounting entries and lead the production of subsidiary financial statements. You will act as the organisation’s technical expert on accounting standards and the primary lead for VAT and Corporation Tax.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce subsidiary accounts and support the Group Financial Reporting Manager with consolidated year-end statements.

• Prepare and submit quarterly group VAT returns and manage relationships with external tax advisors and HMRC.

• Act as the functional administrator for the finance system, driving improvements and providing staff training.

• Administer investment portfolios, scholarship programmes, and fund accounting.

• Lead and develop a Finance Administrator, specifically providing mentorship through their apprenticeship programme.

• Manage the fixed asset register, intercompany reconciliations, and lead on cash flow monitoring.

Essential Requirements:

• CCAB (ACA or ACCA).

• Experience working as a Financial Accountant in a charity or membership organisation. 

• Proven experience in reporting and consolidation for a group of entities.

• Strong Excel and system skills.

• Ability to present complex financial data simply to non-finance stakeholders and boards.

Salary is £55,000 + Benefits. Central London based with hybrid working. 

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews being set up immediately. Please apply with your CV ASAP to ensure you are considered. 

Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS) is a leading charity dedicated to providing high-quality counselling and mental health support across the county. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

We are seeking a Management Accountant to join our team and play a key role in ensuring financial integrity and supporting strategic decision-making. This is a new position within GCS, offering an exciting opportunity to shape processes and contribute to the charity’s success.

Key Responsibilities

•       Prepare monthly management accounts and explain variances against budget.
•     Develop reporting processes for accurate and timely departmental reports.
•     Manage balance sheet reconciliations.
•       Support the Head of Finance & Operations with policy and process development.
•     Assist with payroll submissions for 100+ employees and process payroll journals.
•     Contribute to annual budget preparation and audit processes.

About You

 Qualifications: Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA/AAT) or qualified by experience.

 Experience: Minimum 5 years in financial management, budgeting, and reporting (charity sector experience desirable).

Skills: Strong analytical ability, proficiency in Xero and Excel, excellent communication skilss.

Values: Commitment to GCS’s mission and values.

Why Join Us?

•    Flexible hybrid working.
• Opportunity to make a real difference in the voluntary sector.
•   Collaborative and supportive team environment.

A large, well-established professional membership organisation is seeking a technically strong, detail-oriented Financial Accountant to play a key role in maintaining robust financial controls, statutory compliance, and high-quality financial reporting across a complex group structure.

The opportunity

This is a pivotal role within a respected, purpose-led organisation operating at scale. You will be responsible for the accurate recording of accounting entries, the production of subsidiary and group accounts, and the oversight of VAT, corporation tax, and statutory reporting.

Working closely with senior finance colleagues, you will provide technical accounting expertise, support audits and regulatory submissions, and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, policies and processes. The role also includes line management responsibility and the opportunity to influence strong financial governance across the organisation.

The role

• Production of subsidiary statutory accounts and support for consolidated group accounts
• Ownership of VAT and corporation tax returns, liaising with external advisors
• Provision of technical accounting guidance on standards and best practice
• Oversight of balance sheet reconciliations, including intercompany balances, payroll, pensions and fixed assets
• Administration of investment portfolios, fund accounting and grant-related financial processes
• Maintenance and development of financial systems, controls, policies and documentation
• Support for audits, regulatory reporting and compliance activity
• Cashflow monitoring, reporting and financial control oversight
• Line management and development of a junior finance team member
• Deputising for senior finance leadership when required

About you

You will be a confident, proactive finance professional who combines strong technical capability with a collaborative, service-focused approach. You will bring:

• Experience in financial reporting and consolidation within a group environment
• A professional accounting qualification (ACA or ACCA)
• Strong understanding of VAT, statutory reporting and financial controls
• Experience supporting or managing staff in a hybrid or multi-site environment
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly
• Strong Excel capability and confidence, supporting others to improve financial skills
• A problem-solving mindset, intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement
• A collaborative, inclusive working style aligned with values-driven organisations
• Experience of modern finance systems and familiarity with professional, membership or regulated environments would be advantageous.

You will provide day-to-day leadership of the finance function, bringing your accounting expertise to the team, and work collaboratively with me in my role as Director of Finance and Services, and from March with the incoming Chief Operating Officer, to ensure our strategy is translated into effective financial systems, budgeting, financial management and reporting.

Responsible for: Leading on the charity’s management accounting and financial reporting

Hours: Part time, 3 days per week

Reports to:  Business & Finance Manager

Role overview

City of Trees is looking for an experienced charity accountant to strengthen our internal finance function and provide high-quality financial insight to our senior management team and board of trustees.

City of Trees Trust is a fast-growing environmental charity working to plant trees, restore woodland, and create greener, healthier communities. Now in its third year, with a turnover exceeding £4 million, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of expansion. Our work is funded through a diverse mix of grants, corporate donations, and contracted delivery projects.

This newly created role will lead on the charity’s management accounting and financial reporting; including preparing monthly management accounts, providing restricted fund analysis, budgeting and monitoring, support strategic decision-making, and ensure strong financial control.

About City of Trees

We are City of Trees, the Community Forest for Greater Manchester and registered charity. We plant trees, we look after trees, we promote a culture of trees. We plant trees for people; to create better, greener places; to boost health and wellbeing; to enhance green skills; and to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergency. We’re rooted here in Greater Manchester, the place we live and work. We are proud to call Greater Manchester home and are passionate about making our region even better, one tree at a time.

Benefits

• Flexi-time
• 25 days paid holiday plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Training and development opportunities
• Employer match up to 8% contribution pension scheme after 3-months service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Comprehensive health & wellbeing package

Key duties and responsibilities:

Management Accounting & Reporting

• Produce timely, accurate monthly management accounts using QuickBooks.
• Prepare detailed restricted and unrestricted fund analysis.
• Provide variance analysis and commentary to the Management Team and Trustees.
• Prepare and present quarterly finance reports for the Board of Trustees and relevant sub-committees.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cashflow

• Work with the Senior Management Team and Business & Finance Manager on the annual budgeting cycle across departments.
• Prepare updated forecasts throughout the year.
• Maintain monthly cashflow forecasts and advise on cash requirements.
• Support budget managers in understanding project budgets and financial performance.

Financial Controls & Compliance

• Support the Business & Finance Team with day-to-day financial processing.
• Work with the Business & Finance Team to review and develop financial policies, procedures, and internal controls (existing framework in place).
• Ensure accounting records comply with charity-specific requirements (SORP, fund accounting, restricted funds, VAT).
• Support the preparation of year-end accounts and audit information for the external accountant and auditor.

Operational Finance

• Lead on reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, including grant and project balances.
• Monitor grant expenditure against funding agreements and ensure accurate allocation to restricted funds.
• Liaise with operational teams on project financials and contract delivery.
• Support Business & Finance Team with monthly payroll process.

Year-End & External Reporting

• Prepare year-end working papers and accounts for submission to the external accountant and auditor.
• Assist with queries from auditors and funders.
• Support preparation of financial information for grant applications and reports.

General

• To support the senior management team and build strong relationships with managers and wider members of the team.
• Monitor and implement general statutory requirements e.g. risk assessments, Health & Safety, data protection and GDPR.
• Perform any other duties, as required, in line with expectation within organisational framework.

Person Specification

Essential

• Strong experience working in a charity finance environment, including restricted fund accounting
• Part or fully CIMA, ACA or ACCA qualified
• Using Quickbooks or other financial management software and standard MS Office applications
• Strong management accounting skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
• Experience preparing and presenting budgets, forecasts, and cashflow models
• Understanding of charity compliance, SORP, VAT and grant funding
• Ability to process and analyse information with detail and care
• Preparing audit support schedules and liaising with external accountants and auditors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Professional, proactive and approachable.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Highly organised
• Commitment to work with integrity and discretion when dealing with confidential information
• Willing to manage a diverse and busy workload
• A positive, proactive, flexible attitude

Desirable

• Developing and implementing finance process improvements

Additional information

How to apply: Should you be interested in this role, please submit a full CV and covering letter detailing your relevant skills and experience.

The closing date for this advertisement is 3rd February 2026 with interviews expected to be held on at our Trafford Park office on 10th February 2026

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

Allen Lane is pleased to be partnering with London Air Ambulance Charity for the role of Financial Accountant - Projects.

With a new and ambitious 15-year strategy in place, London Air Ambulance continues to grow and invest in its future. As such they are looking for an interim Financial Accountant – Projects to play a pivotal role in ensuring the charity has efficient and robust financial processes and controls in place for this growth journey.

About the charity:

London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously injured patients. The team, consisting of an advanced trauma doctor, paramedic and consultant on most missions, can perform treatments such as open heart surgery, blood transfusions and general anaesthetic by the roadside.

By providing intervention as quickly as possible after injury, they aim to give patients the best chance of survival, and best quality of life, after trauma.

The charity serves the 10 million people that live work and travel within the M25, treating an average of five patients every day

About the role

Reporting into the Head of Financial Accounting, key responsibilities will include:

• Lead reviews of financial processes including documenting new workflows following CRM implementation.
• Perform a comprehensive review of the finance processes and system set up to strengthen organisational flexibility, and quality of reporting.
• Support the adoption of updated FRS102 accounting standards for leases and income.
• Assist with the preparation of year-end statutory accounts in line with the new Charities SORP (2026).

About the person

This is an opportunity for a technically strong accountant who enjoys improving systems, leading finance projects and working closely with colleagues across the organisation — all while contributing to a clear, meaningful mission.

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
• Experience in a similar financial accounting or finance projects role
• Strong experience of process improvement and system reconciliations
• Strong Excel and systems skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Clear communicator, comfortable working with finance and non-finance colleagues
• Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector is welcomed but not essential.

Recruitment timetable:

Closing date for applications: 1st February
Interviews: Week commencing 9th February

Director of Finance and Operations

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Senior HR Executive (PT) and Database & Operations Officer (PT)

HOURS: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - home and minimum 2 days in the office (Amersham, Buckinghamshire)

PENSION: 7% non-contributory

ANNUAL LEAVE: 28 days, plus bank holidays

OTHER BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will play a crucial role in realising our ambitious plans as a charity. The postholder will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), along with the CEO, Director of Development, Director of Programmes and Director of Fundraising and Communications. The DFO role is responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and organisational infrastructure of the charity, ensures that the charity operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary requirements. This role blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational management and is critical to enabling the charity to achieve its charitable programme as well as provide long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Develop and manage the organisation’s annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Manage the accounting functions, including payroll and pension, and month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to the SLT, Finance and Investment Sub- Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and investments to ensure financial stability and liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, funder requirements, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Manage relationship with investment managers and their adherence to investment strategy.
• Support the Fundraising team in submitting income application, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

Operations & Organisational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Lead and continuously improve policies and procedures related to finance, operations, and administration.
• Manage organisational risk, insurance coverage, and compliance (e.g., legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations).
• Oversee facilities, technology, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Ensure strong data management, financial systems, and operational reporting tools are in place.

Human Resources & Administration

• Oversee HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, employee policies, and compliance with employment laws.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, compensation strategy, and organisational design.
• Support performance management systems and contribute to a positive, inclusive organisational culture.
• Ensure onboarding, offboarding, and personnel record management processes are effective and compliant.

Leadership & Strategy

• As a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making.
• Advise the SLT and Board on financial and operational implications of strategic initiatives.
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor finance and operations staff, fostering professional development and accountability.

Finance and Project Accountant/Business Partner

Youth Business International (YBI)

Location: Hybrid

Salary: £45,000 (FTE)

Contract: Full-time/Part-time considered, 6 months FTC

The role

Are you passionate about creating impact for young entrepreneurs around the world? Youth Business International (YBI) is looking for a highly motivated Finance professional to join our Finance team.

This is a pivotal, business-partnering role working closely with the Finance Director and embedded within our Development and Programmes Team.  The Finance and Project Accountant will contribute to providing clear, real-time financial insight that ensures our projects are financially robust and transparent. You’ll be a collaborative, proactive team player who builds trusted relationships across the organisation and contributes flexibly to our wider goals.

How to apply 

If this sounds like the role for you:

• Please carefully review the full job description for further details about the role and to find out more about YBI.
• Please ensure your CV reflects the requirements of the role.
• Please submit your CV (maximum 2 x A4).
• Closing date for applications is 27th January 2026. 

As we need to move quickly with this role, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may close the vacancy early due to volume of applications expected.

Please note you must have existing Right to work in the UK as YBI is not a sponsoring organisation.

Interview process

We are planning panel interviews which will most likely be online.  Details tbc

About Us

Freeways and Freeways Trust are linked local charities that supports adults with learning disabilities.

Freeways is a highly regarded provider offering a range of social care support services and Freeways Trust owns and manages a portfolio of properties which support the work of Freeways. Both charities are passionate about helping people to become as independent as possible by supporting them to make choices, learn new skills, and make links with their local community.

About the Role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of both Freeways and Freeways Trust and will be responsible for developing  and delivering financial strategies that align with the charities' objectives while maintaining financial sustainability. This position also involves overseeing financial management, ensuring compliance and leading the finance team to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Financial Planning: Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to set strategic direction and develop financial strategies and budgets.  Develop the financial strategy and five-year budget plan, including capital investment plans and cashflow forecasts that align with strategic priorities and operational plans.

• Financial Management and Control: Oversee finance operations, ensure timely reporting, and lead the annual audit process.  Maintain, review, and update internal financial controls across the finance function, identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks. Be responsible for the review and audit of financial processes across the organisation including for the people we support.

• Organisational Performance: Manage budget-setting and performance tracking, providing insightful analysis to stakeholders. 
• Governance: Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with charity law and maintaining essential records with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Leadership, Management and Culture: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and lead the finance team to achieve operational excellence and foster a positive organisational culture.

About You

You will be a qualified and experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving financial processes. Your strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills will allow you to explain complex financial information to various audiences and help them understand the impact on the wider charity and the potential future options. You will also possess a solid understanding of financial management, compliance, and governance, along with the ability to lead and develop a team.

Benefits

• 35 days (pro-rata) annual leave entitlement (including public holidays)
• Company sick pay
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover of twice your annual salary (subject to rules of the scheme)
• Free parking on site
• Family-friendly/work-life balance policies
• Free DBS check every 3 years
• Occupational health provision
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24-hour access to a counselling and legal helpline

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS and Adult Barred List check.

Your new company
A small, well-established charity that sits within a large, high profile group structure. They are based in Central London.
Your new role
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will lead on the production and audit of the organisation's financial year-end, ensuring accounting standards are adhered to and compliance matters are met in accordance with FRS 102/Charity SORP. You will be a key contributor in the production of the annual report and accounts and will liaise with the auditors to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The anticipated duration is two months+. Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified Accountant with strong, recent experience of charity year-end accounting.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Systems Accountant to join our Finance Team located at our Head Office in Islington.

£50,000 - £60,000 per annum depending on experience, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel in control of your career? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service

Free DBS

Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card

Fully paid induction programme and further training

ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support

Online wellbeing resources

A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)

Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

We are currently implementing Unit 4 ERP which is due to go live on 1st April 2026. We are seeking a proactive and technically adept Systems Accountant to support in the final stages of implementation and take over the ongoing system admin role post go live.

This pivotal role bridges finance and IT, ensuring seamless integration, data integrity, and enhanced financial reporting capabilities.

What you'll do:

ERP Implementation & Project Support

• Support the Project Team in the implementation of Unit4 ERP modules tailored to housing association needs.
• Assist in data migration activities, ensuring accurate and efficient transfer of financial data.

System Administration & Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for all Unit4 ERP related queries and issues.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement necessary updates or patches.
• Maintain and update system documentation, including user guides and procedural manuals.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Develop and maintain financial reports and dashboards within Unit4 ERP to support decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies through system controls.
• Collaborate with finance teams to streamline processes and enhance reporting accuracy.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Proven experience in managing and supporting Unit4 ERP systems, preferably in the housing or public sector.
• Part Qualified Accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and processes.
• Experience in data migration, system testing, and user training.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose, and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.

We are Caring and Compassionate.

We are Inclusive and Trusted.

We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

mployers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.