Payroll manager jobs in edinburgh, scotland
At Makani, we are passionate about working with women seeking sanctuary to overcome trauma, fight for rights, and to transform lives and the world around us. Our vision is a world of freedom, equality and dignity for all refugee women and girls.
WHAT WE DO
We work in Lebanon with Syrian and Palestinian women, and in the UK with women from all over the world.
Our arts projects include theatre and craft therapy, filmmaking and feminist embroidery. We also facilitate access to training, education and income generation opportunities, and run workshops on parenting support and on women’s rights in a context of rights for all.
Our flagship Oshana project provides refugee women in Lebanon with a dignified income, a supportive community, and a creative outlet for trauma through embroidery and crochet - and has built a reputation for beautiful design and impeccable craftsmanship.
We are a young but ambitious organisation that is transforming the lives of hundreds of refugee women and their families in Lebanon, and dozens in the UK. We have rapidly grown over the past three years, with an accompanying increase in income.
WHO WE ARE
Makani was founded in 2022 and officially registered as a charity in June 2024. One of our co-founders has her own lived experience of displacement; both have worked for many years supporting women who have been forced to leave their homes.
We now have two staff in the UK and four in Lebanon. We work from home with occasional meetings in London for UK-based staff. As Finance and Administration Manager, you will join us as our seventh staff member, a key member of the team.
As a charity with a strong emphasis on mental health, we foster a supportive and inclusive working environment. We are friendly and flexible. Our team members enjoy working with Makani because we care about each other and are passionate about what we do.
Makani means ‘my place’ in Arabic. We gave this name to our charity as we want to create a space which women who have been forced to leave their homes, or who have felt dispossessed by society, can call their own. Could Makani be your place too?
THE ROLE
We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Finance and Administration Manager to lead on developing and maintaining our financial and organisational systems, enabling Makani to increase our impact on the lives of refugee women.
Position: Finance and Administration Manager
Contract type: Permanent - but also open to applications on a consultant basis
Responsible to: Director of Operations
Location: Home-based, with occasional meetings in London (transport costs covered)
Hours: 20 hours per week, core hours to be agreed upon appointment, flexitime-friendly
Salary: £35,000 per annum pro rata (£20,000 for the 20 hour week)
Annual leave and benefits:
28 days annual leave pro rata (not including bank holidays)
Company pension with matched contributions of at least 3% after probation passed.
KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Finance
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Work with the Executive team to set and monitor annual budgets
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Record all financial transactions using accounting software (Xero)
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Record and track multiple restricted and unrestricted grants from a range of donors
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Prepare and present quarterly management accounts for the Board
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Prepare end-of-year accounts
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Oversee payroll and ensure timely invoice payments
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Ensure the charity complies with the financial requirements of the Charity Commission, HMRC and other bodies
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Develop and maintain financial procedures and internal controls
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Liaise with external accountants or auditors for the preparation of annual accounts and statutory reporting
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Monitor cash flow and support the Director of Operations in maintaining financial sustainability
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Work with colleagues to prepare budgets and financial reports for funders
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Contribute to development of funding bids, with Executive Team.
Administration & HR
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Support the board and senior staff to maintain and update charity policies (safeguarding, finance, HR, etc.)
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Support the board to develop HR processes to ensure legal compliance
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Organise and minute quarterly trustee meetings
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Book travel and support with other logistics as needed
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Other administrative tasks as relevant and appropriate
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
You will have:
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Proven experience in charity financial management, including restricted/unrestricted funding
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Familiarity with or willingness to learn Xero accounting software
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Familiarity with UK charity accounting and reporting standards
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Strong organisational and administrative skills
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Ability to work independently and remotely and to communicate well in a small team
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Understanding of good HR policies and practice for small charities
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Understanding of or willingness to learn about other key areas of compliance such as data protection
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Commitment to Makani’s mission and our feminist and anti-racist values
And it's desirable but not essential that you have:
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Experience of preparing funding bids and financial reporting to funders
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Experience of working in a charity with some overseas operations
TO APPLY
To apply, click the CharityJob Apply button below.
You’ll be asked to submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
- CV - no more than two sides A4.
- Cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role - no more than two sides A4.
First-round interviews will take place in the week commencing 29 September; final interviews may take place after that if required.
Closing date: 18:00 on 19 September 2025
Makani is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
CV - no more than two sides A4.
Cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role - no more than two sides A4.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Our mission is to work with refugee women to overcome trauma, fight for rights, and to transform lives and the world around us.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
People Manager – Permanent, Remote
Full-time (35 hrs) – Open to part-time
Are you ready to take the lead on shaping people strategy and culture in a mission-driven organisation? MLC Partners are recruiting for an experienced People Manager to play a central role in modernising HR systems, embedding best practice, and creating a workplace where people feel supported, included, and able to thrive.
The opportunity
This is a pivotal role, reporting directly to the Head of People and Governance. You’ll be responsible for managing a small HR team while also influencing senior stakeholders and working closely with staff representatives. The role will combine strategic input with hands-on delivery, ensuring the organisation not only meets its legal obligations but develops as an innovative and inclusive workplace.
Key responsibilities:
- HR leadership: Oversee recruitment, retention, payroll, benefits and workforce planning, ensuring the organisation is effectively resourced.
- Modernising policies: Lead the review and update of policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with employment law and alignment with organisational values.
- Employee relations: Act as a trusted advisor to managers, supporting them to handle disciplinary, grievance, performance, and capability issues with confidence and fairness.
- Change and culture: Partner with managers, unions and staff to deliver organisational change, embedding inclusive and people-focused practices at every level.
- Data and reporting: Use analytics to identify workforce trends and provide insights that shape decision-making.
- Learning and development: Drive the implementation of performance management frameworks, development plans, and training initiatives.
- Team management: Line manage two senior HR professionals as well as providing oversight to a small staff team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
About you:
We’re looking for someone with the confidence and credibility to lead a people function in a complex, unionised environment. You’ll need to be:
- Qualified: CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) with significant HR management experience.
- Experienced: Skilled in employee relations, organisational change, and managing union negotiations. Background in the not-for-profit, public sector, or membership organisations is highly valued.
- Knowledgeable: Up to date with UK employment law, HR systems, and best practice in people management.
- Influential: Strong communicator and relationship-builder, able to engage and influence at all levels.
- Values-driven: Committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement in people practices.
Why join?
This is an exciting chance to step into a role where you can make a visible and lasting impact. You’ll have the scope to reshape policies, implement new systems, and guide leaders through meaningful organisational change. If you’re motivated by modernising HR, supporting people to succeed, and working in a collaborative and purpose-led environment, please apply now.
We welcome applications from underrepresented communities, including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups, disabled people, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Applicants are under constant review, and the role may be filled prior to the ad closing. For a further confidential discussion about this role and to discuss your career search, please reach out to Annabelle Stuart at MLC Partners.
About the role
Are you passionate about people, diversity, equity, and inclusion, alongside learning and development? We are seeking an HR and Safeguarding Manager (maternity cover) to be a point of expertise for HR within the organisation, lead the ongoing implementation of our DEI and L&D strategies, support our robust Safeguarding procedures and policies. The role aims to
cultivate a supportive work environment that empowers our team to achieve our charity's vital mission.
At Action Tutoring, our dedicated team is central to everything we do. With a collaborative and supportive culture at the heart of our strategy, ensuring the smooth and effective running of our people operations is a key priority for us.
Deadline: Sunday, 28th September 2025
Interviews: Friday, 3rd October 2025
Start date: Ideally Monday, 19th December 2025
Place of work: Flexible/hybrid. The candidate can be based anywhere in England. Our London office address is: 8-10, Fivefields, Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH
Main responsibilities
Core responsibilities
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of our employee data and processes, recognising their critical importance for Action Tutoring, including payroll, reporting, and compliance.
- Provide direct support and guidance to line managers in implementing HR policies and procedures. Proactively escalate complex issues and remain diligently up-to-date with developments in HR law to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Line manage the Safeguarding and HR Officer, providing comprehensive support, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development.
Safeguarding
- Actively contribute to the safeguarding team, providing essential support and guidance to the Safeguarding and HR Officer on queries and cases and escalate as relevant to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.
Recruitment and Learning & Development (L&D)
- Coordinate and drive learning and development initiatives across the organisation, ensuring Action Tutoring's L&D approach and action plan are effectively implemented and collaboratively supported.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
- Work with the Senior Management Team to implement the DEI strategy and action plan.
- Actively support and develop a positive and inclusive working culture across all teams and staff.
Any other ad hoc responsibilities as deemed relevant by the CEO.
Person specification
Qualification criteria
- The right to work in the UK.
- CIPD level 5 certificate or equivalent experience
- At least two years' experience holding HR responsibilities.
We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:
- Strong knowledge of HR processes, policies, procedures, employment law, and best practices. You'll be up-to-date with current regulations.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, and understanding of why it is critical to Action Tutoring and a proven ability to ensure processes are correctly followed and appropriately escalated.
- The ability to successfully balance individual needs with the operational and ambitious goals of the organisation. This means demonstrating compassion while supporting our strategic objectives.
- Experience using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
- Strong project management experience.
- Proven experience implementing learning and development initiatives.
- Excellent people management skills, including the ability to be approachable, empathetic, and discreet when required.
- Exceptional verbal, written, and numerical skills.
- Demonstrable attention to detail and a strong ability to prioritise effectively.
- Confidence in communicating change to stakeholders at all levels.
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- A commitment to the mission and values of Action Tutoring.
- A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.
You will be likely be more successful in this role if you have:
- Line management experience.
- Transferable experience in the charity or NGO sector.
- Have previously led on or substantially supported safeguarding in a previous role.
Award-winning national education charity working towards a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Key Responsibilities:
Corporate Partnerships & Relationship Management:
- Build, manage, and steward relationships with corporate supporters, focusing on the healthcare, legal, insurance, and life sciences sectors.
- Develop and implement AvMA’s corporate partnerships offer, including sponsorship packages and bespoke opportunities.
- Identify and research new corporate prospects, working with colleagues to make approaches and secure partnerships.
- Lead the ongoing development of AvMA’s corporate fundraising strategy and toolkit, ensuring they reflect best practice and meet organisational needs.
Workplace Giving & Employee Engagement:
- Support and promote employee fundraising initiatives, matched giving, payroll giving, and workplace events.
- Provide companies and staff teams with engaging fundraising materials, advice, and digital resources.
- Develop case studies and impact content to showcase corporate and employee fundraising.
Digital Fundraising & Content Development:
- Create and maintain engaging digital content for the corporate fundraising section of AvMA’s new website.
- Use online platforms and digital channels to promote corporate giving opportunities and events.
- Work with our communications team to integrate corporate messaging into wider campaigns.
Data & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of all corporate activity and income using Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
- Monitor, analyse, and report on performance against targets.
- Use data insights to improve supporter journeys and maximise income
General
- Attend in-person meetings and events as required (travel expenses covered).
- Contribute to AvMA’s wider fundraising strategy and cross-team projects.
- Undertake other reasonable duties as required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a new Finance and Administration Officer following the retirement of a long-serving team member. A key member of the SLA central office team, the Finance and Administration Officer plays a vital role in ensuring smooth financial operations and providing essential administrative support for our membership. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, book-keeping and effective day-to-day financial operations, producing financial reports using our CRM (IMIS) and XERO, in addition to administration support.
You will be experienced in financial and administration operations of a charity or similar , with an AAT qualification or matching worked experience. Familiarity with XERO will be an advantage. You will be able to bring understanding of cashflow and financial analysis of figure, working with accountants as required.
You will also have excellent customer service skills and be able to work effectively with all stakeholders from our members, to funders to suppliers. You will be determined and have an excellent eye for financial and administrative detail. Your duties will include general administration and:
Financial operations and record-keeping
- Manage day-to-day financial transactions and maintain accurate records of all SLA accounts and petty cash; book-keeping
- Process and record all incoming payments, including foreign cheques (into bank account)
- Monitor cashflow and expenditure, keeping track of spending
- Pay invoices upon approval and ensure timely monthly payments (e.g. pensions, HMRC)
- Handle creditor and supplier communications and resolve related issues
- Monitor and follow up on overdue payments with a focus on membership payments
Invoicing and income tracking
- Issue and track membership and subscriber invoices and reminders
- Keep office team informed of payment statuses
- Prepare sales, cost, and profit reports for SLA publications
- Conduct annual publications stock take
Payroll and reporting
- Liaise with the accountant on salary payments; process salary BACS payments
- Support year-end financial reporting by providing necessary documentation to accountants
- Produce regular financial reports and analysis as required
- Supporting preparation of budgets, working with accountants as required
Event financial administration
- Manage financial aspects of SLA events, particularly the annual conference (e.g., exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates)
- Process and record staff/trustee expense claims
- Support with bookings accommodation and travel for Board meetings
To be successful in this role you should demonstrate:
- Strong experience in financial and office administration
- Knowledge of accounting principles
- Experience of working with XERO or similar
- Experience of using CRM systems (ideally IMIS)
- Experience of working for a small charity and / or membership association
- Accuracy, numeracy, attention to detail
- Ability to manage own workload, prioritise and meet competing deadlines
- Excellent customer service manner
- Being a team player
The Association is a UK wide organisation, working mostly remotely. Working patterns can be negotiated and we welcome applicants from all over the UK. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new role provides us with an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our team. The SLA is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place, where you can do brilliant and rewarding work.
To apply please send a one page covering letter and CV with the job title in the subject line by 30th September. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.
Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within one week of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.
Helping schools develop vibrant reading and learning communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.
We are delighted to be recruiting for a Finance Business Partner to support and assist the Senior Finance Manager in providing day to day financial and management accounting. Reporting to the Senior Finance Officer, you'll be the first point of contact to each of the Directorates in Mary's Meals UK for all expenditure related matters.
We have a remote-first approach to work and are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance. We also have an office near Glasgow city centre for those who live nearby and would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis.
Key responsibilities include:
- Establish regular communication with each of the Directorates to support existing business processes and provide guidance for any potential changes to business processes which have a financial impact.
- Communicate any relevant changes back to the wider Finance Team.
- Prepare and analyse monthly expenditure against budget, investigating and documenting explanations for any significant variances, and liaising with directorates for review.
- Prepare monthly management information (expenditure).
- Lead on the preparation of the annual expenditure budget.
- Prepare consolidated income and expenditure budget.
- Lead on expenditure forecasting.
- Prepare consolidated income and expenditure forecast.
- Prepare quarterly VAT returns for submission to HMRC.
- Prepare the monthly payroll and coordinate payroll processes including supply of information to payroll bureau and authorisation of submission to HMRC.
- Maintain and update employee information for online submission of Group Pension Scheme and other providers of employee benefits.
- Be responsible for the expenditure audit requirements for the annual audit.
- Assist in the development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate financial policies and procedures.
- Deal with finance related queries, both internal and external, as they arise.
- Support the wider finance team in any finance related matters.
About you:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
- Numeracy skills and an ability to understand, analyse and manipulate complex information and data.
- Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues, other partners and suppliers.
- Able to work independently and proactively, with the ability to consult wherever necessary.
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
- Able to use initiative to identify improvements to systems and procedures within own level of authority.
- Experience of using and maintaining purchase ledger.
- Experience of using SAGE financial system.
- Experience of using and maintaining databases.
- Experience and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
- Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
- Experience of organising and providing administrative assistance in an office environment.
- Experience of handling a wide range of enquiries and an excellent telephone manner.
- Knowledge of data protection act and responsibilities.
- Clear understanding of confidentiality with written and computerised materials and processes.
Please visit our website for further details by selecting the apply button on Charity Job.
Applications for this role will be reviewed and interviews arranged on an ongoing basis.
About us
We are a collaborative, UK based network bringing our 30+ years of experience working on the HIV response to the broader global health space. We contribute to a global movement of actors seeking to challenge the systemic causes of health inequity to end AIDS and ensure all people can realise their right to health and wellbeing. We give decision-makers the proof – and the push – they need to make informed and just decisions to help improve the lives of the millions of people around the world needing access to treatment, prevention, care and support services for HIV and other health conditions.
About the role
This is a newly created role to provide extra capacity within the finance function at STOPAIDS. We are looking for someone with previous finance experience, ideally within a charity. The Finance Administrator is responsible for supporting the maintenance of financial and administrative services working closely with the Finance Manager to meet legislative and policy requirements and to support the operations of STOPAIDS. These duties include but are not limited to Xero Accounts functions, assisting with payroll and processing invoices and financial transactions.
STOPAIDS is a fully remote organisation, so the postholder would be working from home, but the team is very connected and collaborative, so there will be plenty of contact and support.
Hours: Part-time, one day or 2 half days per week (0.25 FTE).
Location: Home based in the UK. Occasional attendance at all staff meetings in London (normally 4 days annually).
Benefits of working at STOPAIDS
We offer several benefits including:
- We operate a shorter working week with no salary reductions. For this role, this equates to 1 day per week or two half days. This time needs to be worked between Monday and Thursday.
- We operate a home-based working policy, including a home working set up allowance and monthly working from home allowance.
- Flexible working, including non-standard working hours.
- A group stakeholder pension scheme with 6% employer contributions (after qualifying probationary period).
- 20 days' annual leave per year (excluding bank holidays), plus 1 day for every year of service (pro rata).
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay for employees with 1 years’ service or more.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website.
Closing date: 10.00am on 27th September 2025.
Interviews will be held on 30th September and 1st October 2025.
People living with or affected by HIV, from Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds or from other minority groups are particularly encouraged to apply and/or contact us regarding any queries about the role.
STOPAIDS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive positive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex characteristics, HIV status, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.
Financial Controller
We are seeking a qualified or part-qualified accountant for an exciting Financial Controller position with a growing international charity working at the intersection of cultural heritage and community development.
Position: Financial Controller
Location: Remote (UK-based) – may require occasional international travel
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: 21st September 2025 at 11.59pm
About the Role
Reporting to the Group Finance Director, this is a varied and hands-on role leading on the consolidation of accounts and supporting the organisation’s finance operations across multiple countries. You will play a key role in ensuring financial transparency, compliance, and robust reporting, working closely with both the central finance team and in-country colleagues.
As part of a close-knit and collaborative team, the Financial Controller will need a flexible, practical approach and a willingness to partner with stakeholders across different cultures and geographies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Financial Planning and Budgeting
- Book-keeping and Accounting
- Preparation of Monthly Consolidated Accounts
- Annual Statutory Audit and Compliance
- Grants and Funding Management
- Payroll & Employee Benefits
- Bank and Cash Management
- Group Accounting Oversight
About You
The successful candidate will be a resourceful, detail-oriented problem solver with excellent communication and collaboration skills. You will have strong technical accounting knowledge, experience working with international NGOs, and the ability to manage complex, multi-currency, multi-entity finances.
Key skills and experience required:
- Recognised accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA) or part-qualified in final stages of completion
- Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to produce and present concise financial reports
- Experience of managing and developing teams in dispersed or matrix settings
- Proven experience in the International NGO sector
- Experience producing consolidated statutory accounts under Charity UK SORP and managing multi-site international audits
- Experience with multi-currency and grant accounting
- Excellent understanding of financial processes, procedures, and related systems
- Experience of leading a month-end process, including preparation of management accounts
- Experience using cloud-based accounting systems (QuickBooks and/or Xero preferred)
- Understanding of commercial accounting and Gift Aid
Desirable:
- Experience mentoring colleagues remotely
- Experience working in a fully remote role
- Experience in a similar field (e.g. artisan communities or cultural heritage)
How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining why you are the right person for this role.
About the Organisation
The employer is a British charity founded in 2006 that believes artisanal heritage matters and has the power to transform lives. The charity supports artisans to thrive, revitalise endangered traditions, and connect people across the world through heritage.
The organisation is fast-growing, with offices in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and the Levant, and employs over 400 staff worldwide. With both charitable and trading operations, they deliver an ambitious, wide-ranging programme of work in complex and sometimes conflict-affected regions.
You may have experience in areas such as: Group Financial Controller, Financial Controller/Senior Manager, Management Accountant, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Divisional Financial Controller, Assistant Group Financial Controller, International NGO Finance Lead.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.
This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.
We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.
The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.
The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.
Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.
The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.
The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.
Key Accountabilities:
- Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
- Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
- Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
- Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
- Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
- Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
- Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
- Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
- Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.
Staff Management:
- Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
- Support the team in their professional development.
- Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.
Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:
Essential
- Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
- A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
- Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
- Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
- Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
- Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
- The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
- Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
- Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
- Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
- Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.
Desirable
- Experience of working in the charitable sector.
- Experience of being a Company Secretary.
- Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
- Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
- Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
- A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.
Qualifications/ Education
- Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.
Additional information
Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.
Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.
Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission
A leading environmental charity, and umbrella body for the Rivers Trust Movement, our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Shelter provides flexibility to allow home-based, Shelter Office-based, or a combination of the two, although regular travel to London and other locations is expected.
Do you have proven experience of data integration and ETL tools, and strong Python and SQL knowledge? Do you have a good understanding of data engineering practices including Data Lakes, Warehouses and Lakehouses, and experience using Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse or another modern data engineering stack? Then join Shelter as a Data Engineer and you could soon be playing a crucial role at the heart of our Data and Insight team.
About the role
We are looking for a data engineer with experience of developing and maintaining ETL pipelines to move data between enterprise applications. Day-to-day, you’ll be responsible for developing ETL processes using Microsoft Fabric and Azure Synapse, linking from a variety of data sources to various targets on-prem, in cloud platforms and in Azure.
We’ll also rely on you to ensure business requirements for new data feeds or changes are understood and translated into efficient and effective technical solutions. You will transform and centralise raw data from multiple platforms into user friendly reporting data, as well as explore new ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of data management across Shelter.
Writing, validating and executing test plans, troubleshooting performance issues and supporting Shelter’s wider data management initiatives – all are aspects of this interesting and varied role.
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
Our vision is for Shelter to have the high-quality data and insight required to describe the housing emergency, the impact we have fighting the crisis and the internal performance and health of the organisation. We want all of Shelter to have the skills and knowledge to use data as part of their everyday activities and make informed, transparent decisions with robust evidence, in an organisational culture that treasures its data because it recognises the value of it. This particular role sits within a Data and Insight team that’s been formed to bring together the skills and experience to achieve this vision as part of a wider Technology and Data team within our Strategic Enablement directorate. The Data Architecture team currently comprises of the Data Architecture Manager and a Data Engineer, and they work closely with the Insights team.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.