Project Accountant Jobs in Marylebone, Greater London
About The Fostering Network
The Fostering Network (TFN) is the UK’s leading fostering charity. TFN provides membership services, including advice, guidance and support to almost 59,000 individual foster carers and more than 450 fostering service providers across the UK.
About the role
Following a period of growth, we are looking to hire a second management accountant to our team to increase our capacity and enable us to more effectively partner with the teams throughout the business.
Responsible to the Head of Finance the post-holder will need to:
· Build partnerships with lead managers and their teams to support effective budget management
· Deliver financial reporting required assigned projects including reporting for funders and budget holders
· Assist with the preparation of accurate and timely management accounts including commentaries on variances
· Assist with planning and reporting of the annual budgets
· Assist the Head of Finance in ongoing reporting and analysis
· Support the finance officers as required with an understanding of systems and operational finance
Candidates should have previous management accounting experience in a similar size organisation, advanced level of excel and be fully qualified/part qualified as an accountant under CIMA/ACCA/ACA. Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to communicate financial information to those with non-financial backgrounds.
Up to date knowledge of charity tax rules including VAT and partial exemption, experience of using MS Dynamics, Netsuite , report writing skills and experience of system change/integration will be desirable.
This is an ideal post for candidates who are looking to get stuck into a growing organisation and help us deliver excellent financial management.
The post is offered on a full-time basis.
As an organisation we are committed to supporting flexible working. All colleagues currently work hybrid arrangements, some travel to the London office will be required.
Closing date: Sunday 12th May 11pm
Interview date: First round w/c 13th May, second round 22nd May
Interview location: First round interviews will be via Microsoft Teams, second round will be in person in our London office
For more information and to apply please go to our job vacancies page on our website CVs will not be accepted.
The Fostering Network is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially encourage applications from groups which are under-represented. All applicants are treated equally and selected on the basis of individual merit and ability to meet the requirements of the role.
The Fostering Network is a registered charity in England and Wales 280852 and in Scotland SC039338.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
- Prepare the monthly management accounts, review variances, trends and performance, and identify cost drivers on an ongoing basis.
- Liaise with budget holders to discuss financial performance and results, and to formulate plans for remedial action where necessary.
- Prepare year-end accounts for one or more specific directorates, and contribute to the production of the HCPC's overall annual report and accounts.
- Provide financial advice and support to major HCPC projects and initiatives, liaising with senior managers and project leaders as necessary. Ensure that all project costs are accurately recorded and reported, and that variances are identified at an early stage
- Coordinate the financial aspects of the HCPC's efficiency programme, including target setting, profiling, validation and reporting of all planned and confirmed efficiency savings.
- Qualified Accountant/Working towards Accountancy Qualification in the UK (ACCA, CIMA)
- A strong background reviewing variances, trends and performance and identification of cost drivers on an ongoing basis.
- Significant previous experience of management accounts to include production of the annual budget and subsequent quarterly forecasts and monthly management information.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent relationship and stakeholder management skills, at all levels of the organisation.
- Able to challenge and influence decisions at all levels with an assertive and confident approach to managing conflict and gaining credibility quickly.
- A positive, proactive and curious mind-set with the experience to apply critical analysis and judgement when faced with challenges; ensuring these solutions are customer focused and balance the wider needs of the organisation.
About us
Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.
Our Finance Team is expanding and we have an exciting opportunity available for a Management Accountant! You will be part of our finance team and will be responsible for producing monthly management accounts, assisting annual budgeting and restricted funding income. This is to provide support in decision making across relevant areas of the organisation and to continuously improve the efficiency and quality of what we do to support other functions in driving efficiencies and reducing costs.
You will report into the Financial Controller and will work as part of a team alongside our experienced and knowledgeable Finance Business Partners.
Title: Management Accountant
Salary: £47,397 per year FTE
Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Based in London but with extremely flexible home-working available in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working policy
About the role
As management accountant, you will –
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts for the organisation
- Assist forecasts and budgets in liaison with the Finance Business Partners and budget managers providing support and advice for new projects/contracts when required. Applicants will need a keen eye for detail!
- Manage and plan restricted funding ensuring funds are spent in accordance with supporter requirements.
- Assist in year-end statutory audit process
About you
To be successful in this role you will have ACCA/ CIMA or equivalent CCAB recognised accounting qualification, or working towards such a qualification, or can demonstrate being qualified by experience. The ideal candidate for this role will
- Be a self-starter with an excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide industry-leading customer service to all internal and external customers.
- Have strong interpersonal skills are required to liaise confidently with other parts of the Business
- Have an inquiring and analytical mind, and be able to demonstrate good attention to detail
- Have an innovative approach and ability to work in a changing environment
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How to apply
If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below.
Closing date: Sunday 5 May 2024 (at 23:59)
Interviews will be held on Friday 17 May 2024 via Microsoft Teams
My client is a prestigious organisation that seeks to support an integral part of UK’s medical profession. With a diverse business model they provide a huge range of services to its members and seek to influence NHS policy and direction for the benefit of all. The organisation is recruiting for a Systems Accountant to lead a high-profile, end to end transformation programme.
- You will be the Finance Transformation Lead during the development of and transition to Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations from the current system. The project is due for delivery in mid-2025 and you will work closely with the third-party implementation team and the project team responsible for delivering the statement of work.
- As the Transformation Lead you will be involved in a number of projects associated with this programme, one project will be to support the Finance team and Implementation team in the development of the internal control framework, Chart of Account, Ledger set up, authorisation routings and other data structures for a D365 F&O environment. A second on-going project will be the development of a suite of Financial Reports and Dashboards across all Finance functional areas.
- A key deliverable for you as the Transformation Lead will be to bring together all the key stakeholders and design a system that delivers the end to end transactional processes and reporting structures and controls required for an organisation that has charitable status.
- The post provides a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Systems Account to deliver a large, organisation-wide Finance Transformation Programme from the discovery phase all the way through to implementation. This programme will add value to the organisation and it’s members for years to come and you can play a part key part in leaving this legacy.
If you are a qualified Systems Accountant with Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI experience and have delivered an end to end programme of a similar nature please apply.
A prominent Housing Association which has been running for over 50 years, is looking for a Development Accountant to join their collaborative, passionate team.
The organisation provides affordable, safe homes to its residents and puts a strong emphasis on tenant and worker satisfaction, resulting in an environment that is enjoyable and provides opportunities to grow and develop.
The Capital and Development team are looking for a Development Accountant to come in on a 12 Month FTC (to begin with) to join the driven and dynamic team.
Role:
- Year end support from the Development perspective
- Carry out Monthly reconciliations and assist with financial statements
- Liaise with the wider directorate providing a strong business partnering experience
- Liaise with external auditors and assist with annual budgets
Requirements:
- Qualified/Part Qualified Accountant with housing association experience desired
- Good communication skills and willingness to partner with a range of stakeholders
- Strong excel skills
- Willingness to get involved with various projects and adhoc tasks
If this role is of interest, please get in touch as the position is moving quickly.
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our close partner is providing financial services guidance to a number of large development agencies & institutions around the world proving grants to NGOs. The International Development team works closely with these global clients – such as UNICEF, The World Bank and the Gates Foundation ensuring their funds are managed approrpiately maximising the effectiveness of crucial development projects.
The Project Coordinator has to assist in providing project coordination for the full life cycle of any assignment offered to our clients; from the proposal process, contract management with the client, assignment planning, through to assisting with the report writing, and ultimately billing the client.
Contract Responsibilities
·Assist with proposal and tender submission, including preparing project budgets and schedules, liaising with prospective staff and ensuring all proposals are submitted within the respective deadlines
·Ensure that contracts are as per the issued proposals, that all terms agreed are in the organisations’ best interests and support the Managers/Partners in any contract administration required
·Plan the fieldwork of the project, including agreeing dates with the beneficiary, liaising with internal and external staff to ensure they can perform the required service on the agreed dates and that all parties have the necessary information to ensure the project fieldwork runs smoothly
·Draw up contracts between our organisation and any subcontracted firm
·Monitor and track project progress and on our ‘Control Schedule’ to ensure all stakeholders are kept up to date with any project developments and that deadlines are met
·Act as the point of contact for all stakeholders (including the client, the beneficiary, internal/external teams and management)
·Assist the manager in finalising of reports & deliver final product to client
·Monitor internal staff working hours & expenses incurred, to ensure project budgets are adhered to
·Check and process external suppliers’ invoices, making sure all days worked and expenses incurred are within the agreed budget, liaising with finance as and when issues arise
·Assist in client billing, ensuring that all bills issued are as per the contractual terms between the firm and the client, that all costs are accounted for, and that bills are paid by the client in a timely manner
·Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation for future use, ensuring that all projects are properly logged and can be used in future proposals/tenders
·Carry out required client onboarding procedures and compliance checks
·General: translate documents, maintain filing system of documentation by client and by assignment, assist with training new project coordinators, archive files when necessar
The Project Coordinator takes responsibility for specific clients and works closely with the respective Project Managers, Manager and Partner.
This is an amazing career opportunity for someone that want to work for a successful internationally focussed and diverse organisation truly making a difference in the world!
This is an exciting 2 day a week role to be part of the growing Newham District Foodbank and Ascension’s Advice Service. On 9th June 2021 Ascension’s foodbank officially became part of the Trussell Trust network. We were named Newham District Foodbank, because our plan is to expand to more than one distribution centre to ensure that people across the whole of Newham are well supported. As part of the strategy, we have already secured funding to have debt and benefit advisors supporting each new distribution centre.
In this role you will manage the poverty response work of Ascension Community Trust, including its foodbank. You will provide high level strategic work, including liaising with donors, referral partners and other local foodbanks and support new partners into Newham District Foodbank. Your role will include fundraising for and reporting on the work of Newham District Foodbank, including local partnership funding. You will be involved in the recruitment, management and development of staff and volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
An exciting opportunity to help lead The Maypole Project into our next exciting phase of growth and development; an opportunity not only to help shape the future of the charity, but in turn transform the lives of hundreds of children and young people with complex medical needs.
The Maypole Project has, for over 20 years, been supporting families through the toughest and most stressful periods of their lives following a child’s diagnosis with complex medical needs. The diagnosis of a complex need in childhood can affect people from all walks of life, can impact all aspects of their lives, and brings with it a lifetime rollercoaster of events and emotions. The Maypole Project promises to be alongside every family member, every step of their way to help them live their lives to the fullest.
To fulfil our five-year strategic development plan, we are seeking key skills in our new CEO which will be increasing our ability to reach out to as many people in need of The Maypole Project expertise in psychological and social support by creating new partnerships, new support networks and reaching into new geographical areas,
Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and with the support of Head of Developments, the CEO will lead the management of the organisation, drive its strategic development and, together with the Board, secure the future success of the organisation.
The post holder will promote The Maypole Project, its ambitions, values and objectives through every aspect of their work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, management & control of the finance function, including the completion of all finance tasks including financial & management accounting. Reports directly to the Executive Director.
The post holder will have ambition and enthusiasm to drive change in the department to meet the needs of an evolving organisation.They will need experience of working closely with budget holders and ensuring financial processes are embedded.
The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, accuracy and integrity of the financial accounting systems within the organisation. They are responsible for producing monthly accounts, undertaking variance analysis and implementing financial controls
Responsibilities
Annual Audit
• Overseeing the preparation of the annual audit pack and the statutory audit process.
• Management of the annual audit, liaising with BFT’s auditors.
Financial Planning
• Work as necessary with the Executive Director in drawing up annual company budgets, production budgets, annual operating plans and cash-flows, and long-term financial planning.
Monthly Management Accounts
• Report against annual budget on a monthly basis.
• Accuracy and completeness of data input
• Maintaining Purchase ledger and supplier information.
• Supplier payments.
• Petty cash payments, control, reconciliation and filing.
• Assisting on the export and creation of financial reporting.
Reporting and Accounts
• All financial accounting duties.
• Production of draft Monthly Management accounts for the Belarus Free Theatre.
Person Specification
They will be a good communicator, with the ability to work with a range of staff across all departments, have excellent analytical and spreadsheet skills, hands on experience as well as a formal accounting qualification (or part qualification) such as AAT or ACCA/CIMA.
Essential
• Full or part qualified ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent)
• Experience of Sage Line 50 and Sage payroll
• Excellent and proven IT skills including excel (vlookup, pivot tables etc)
• Accounts preparation to TB and Management Accounts
• A proven track record of managing finance in a small to medium sized organisation
• An understanding of Charity VAT, TTR and PAYE
• Experience of Charity Accounts and SORP
• A good communicator and advocate for the department
• Enthusiastic team player and internal communicator
• Efficient and methodical
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Responsible and reliable
• Ability to work across tight deadlines and manage a diverse workload
Desirable
• Experience of dealing with transactions in other countries
• Experience of production and or project accounting
• Experience of charity and/or arts environment
• Experience of preparation of quarterly VAT return including partial exemption calculations
• 3 years managerial
Request our candidate pack for further details about Belarus Free Theatre and the responsibilities of the role. The Candidate pack is available in audio and BSL formats.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Anabaptist Mennonite Network seeks to equip the Church to live distinctively in a post-Christendom world. In this role you will be providing the administrative support to enable our innovative projects to share and demonstrate Jesus’ challenge of peace as outlined in our Core Convictions.
To apply send a Curriculum Vitae (CV), including contact details for two referees. In addition please send a covering letter, no longer than 2 sides of A4, explaining why you are a good fit for this role.
We believe that the Anabaptist-Mennonite story offers an alternative and inspiring perspective to our contemporary society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
The St Pancras Community Association (SPCA) is a charity delivering high quality services for Camden residents, especially the lively and diverse community of the St Pancras and Somers Town ward. As the Director of SPCA you will lead and guide a highly skilled and motivated team to make the SPCA a community hub and a centre of excellence which has a positive impact on the lives of local residents.
The governance of SPCA is overseen by a Board of Trustees. The Director will report directly to this Board and work closely with Board members.
Key responsibilities
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To build strong relationships with members of the local community, community groups, representatives and service providers to ensure that strategies and services are based on an understanding of the community’s needs and the contribution that SPCA is best placed to make as part of the of the range of local support services.
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To develop and deliver a business plan based on a financially sustainable strategic vision and which maximises the use of existing and emerging funding and income generation sources and opportunities.
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To provide a caring and highly supportive working environment which enables all staff and partners to fully contribute their skills, knowledge and perspectives.
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To manage, plan and monitor budgets to ensure the continuing financial sustainability of the Centre and to work with the Treasurer to ensure that the Centre is operating effective, and compliant accounting practices, policies and procedures.
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To ensure that SPCA fulfils its legal and procedural obligations under relevant legislation.
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To maintain an effective and transparent working relationship with the Board of Trustees to
ensure that Trustees are kept informed of opportunities, threats and challenges and are fully involved in decision making.
Main tasks
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Overseeing all fundraising activities from trusts, the local authority, local businesses and the community.
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Overseeing the development and implementation of an income generation strategy that includes maintaining and securing funding from statutory bodies, charitable trusts and any other relevant agencies/organisations and delivering charged services.
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Forming collaborative partnerships with organisations and agencies from all sectors that can be developed into services and business ventures
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Line managing key staff and ensuring that effective line managing processes are in place for other staff and volunteers. The postholder will directly line manage approximately xxx staff.
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Holding monthly staff meetings where everyone is heard and respected
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Ensuring all employees receive appropriate line management, where issues and problems
that arise are handled with sensitivity and a high priority is given to staff development.
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Overseeing the recruitment and induction of new staff in accordance with the SPCA’s Equal Opportunities.
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Ensuring arrangements are in place for the systematic collection and review of employees opinions and the opinions of service users and potential users
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Ensuring effective systems are in place for monitoring and evaluating project performance.
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Attending meetings of the Board of Trustees as appropriate.
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Keeping the Chair, and other Trustees as appropriate, informed about SPCA’s business
between formal Board meetings.
Person Specification Essential
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Experience of managing an organisation or department at a senior level.
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Experience of delivering services and activities which have had a measurably positive impact
on communities or specific groups.
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Experience of financial planning and maintaining financial sustainability by activities such as
securing external funding, securing sponsorship and charging for services.
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Experience of delivering successful marketing and promotional activities.
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Experience of staff management and successful team building.
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A commitment to advancing and developing equal opportunities and anti-
discrimination/anti-harassment policies.
Desirable
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Experience of managing an organisation within the voluntary and community sector.
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Experience of developing policies, procedures and practices for voluntary and community
sector organisations.
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Understanding of the current and likely future funding environment of voluntary and
community sector organisations and awareness of external strategies, policies and developments affecting voluntary and community sector funding.
To apply, please send a CV and cover letter - which include 3 areas you are passionate about and would like to spearhead at the centre along with previous experience that enable you to do this leadership role. Please send this by the 17th of May.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Donor Finance Cost and Pricing Manager - up to £51,000. London - Hybrid
For an International NGO operating in 40 countries worldwide, we are recruiting a Donor Finance Cost and Pricing Manager - Programme Design and Development. Reporting to the Senior Cost and Pricing Manager, this role will partner with the Programme Design and Development Team to secure new funding via first-class responses to country-level, multi-country, regional and global opportunities for donor funding. This role will support the team in ensuring overall quality of cost proposals and bid submissions while building capability of in-country support teams to create effective cost proposals and program budgets.
Main Duties:
- Develop Cost Proposals: Supporting the proposal development processes and coordinate the Donor cost proposal; reviewing budget templates and cost guidance for country programs, ensuring all Donor cost requirements are met. Travel to country programme to assist in budget building as required
- Manage Relationships: Coordinate with partners for the provision of budget guidelines and time-lines, review partner budget submissions ensuring standards are maintained. Ensure handover from proposal stage to securing a project is managed effectively
- Create and distribute information packs for partners with supporting financial information. Train country Programmes in the use of proposal templates and develop tools and processes for developing proposals and budgets
- Support the Donor Forecast and Pipeline Development Project Manager with reports and analysis
- Ensure there is a good understanding in the organisation of project coding, grant, and contract payment terms
- Work with the SUN systems team to ensure projects are opened and closed effectively
- Statutory and Donor Audits - ensure year end analysis of project budgets, assist partners and in-country staff prepare for donor audits
- Review country programme and external partner budgets for donor proposals
- Set up new projects in SUN and ensure donor reports are submitted and reconciled to SUN
- Review and provide analysis on the Project Finance Reports (PFRs)
- Manage the invoicing, cash flow forecasting and grant receivables balance reporting
- Monitor Consortium partner's financial performance and compliance to Donor requirements
- Ensure projects are closed-out effectively
Person Specification:
- Advanced Excel skills including H/Vlookup, If and nested If statements, Sumif/countif function, cell validation and goal seek (will be tested)
- Experience in NGO project accounting and financial management of large international projects and country programmes
- Experience of financial reporting to Governmental, Private and Institutional Donors (FCDO, USAID, Gates Foundation)
- Ideally SUN systems and Q&A experience
- Skilled in developing value for money analysis, budget narratives and cost competitiveness assessments
- Proven experience of data analysis and visualisation for internal and external audiences
________
As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
E3G PROGRAMME FINANCE LEAD, OPERATIONS, LONDON
E3G funding comes from a wide variety of funders around the world. We are looking for a CCAB qualified finance person with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a charity or not-for-profit programme finance context. The role will work with the Chief Financial Officer and Programme Leads to manage our financial relationships with these funders and the end-to-end finance activities across our funders and programmes.
Background
Founded in 2004, E3G is a not for profit organisation who are world leading strategists on the political economy of climate change, dedicated to achieving a safe climate for all. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics and policies into action.
E3G currently has offices in London, Brussels, Berlin and Washington DC. Some European travel is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing monthly internal project reporting to project leads.
- Managing external funder reporting and project audits.
- Liasing with project leads and project management team to provide expert advice and ensure compliance with funder regulations across projects.
- Supporting with the development and review of funder budgets for grant proposals.
- Managing staff rate card process for charging out time to funders.
- Managing cash receipts process from funders.
- Delivering regular funder income and cashflow forecasting.
- Supporting statutory audit process for revenue recognition on projects.
- Supporting management and development of internal project management system.
- Ad hoc financial analysis as required to support strategic decision making.
- Management of one Assistant Finance Manager
- Deputising for CFO at senior management and board if necessary
Experience and Skills
The successful candidate will:
- Qualified accountant with a minimum of three years post qualification experience.
- A strong desire to work for a climate change, not for profit organisation is essential. Experience in not-for-profit or charity organisations is essential.
- Strong Excel skills are essential with the ability to work competently with minimum supervision.
- Solid organisational skills and good attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Hybrid Working but ideally at least 2 days per week in the London office.
What we offer
- Permanent, full-time position.
- Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working approach.
- 25 vacation days + additional leave between Christmas and New Year.
- 7.5% Employers Pension contribution plan.
- E3G offers a reward and benefits package which compares well with other organisations within our sector. The indicative salary range in the UK for this position is up to ₤57,000- £65,000.
- Yearly process for remuneration review.
E3G is unable to provide any relocation assistance to candidates who would need to move in order to take up this position. Occasional international travel may be required from time to time.
E3G will require candidates to demonstrate that they have the right to live and work in the UK.
How to apply
Please submit your application in English
Please include:
- A CV of maximum two pages
- A cover letter of no more than one page outlining why you are applying for this role and when you would be able to start
The deadline for applications is 17 May 2024.
This is rolling recruitment with interviews being conducted until the position is recruited. We reserve the right to remove this advert, dependent on the level of response received. You are therefore advised to submit your application at the earliest convenience.
Whilst we very much appreciate the time you will have taken with your application, unfortunately due to the level of response we receive we will not be able to reply to every candidate. Therefore, if you have not heard from us with 2 weeks of the closing date please assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful.
E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background. We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
We work on the frontier of the climate landscape tackling the barriers and advancing the solutions to a safe climate.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Task Ahead: Finance Manager
As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.
As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
Areas of Responsibility
The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:
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Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.
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Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.
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Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.
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Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.
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Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.
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Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.
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Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.
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Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.
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Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.
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Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.
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Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences:
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Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.
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Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.
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Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.
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Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself.
Why Work for The Difference?
Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children.
Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.
Our Organisation
The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.
The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.
Our Values
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High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves. We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis.
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Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.
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Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/
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Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them. We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.
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Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions.
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Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.
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Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.
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Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times.
How To Apply
To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.
First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.
If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.
Recommended Reading
If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
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Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a Systems Accountant looking for an exciting new hands-on opportunity? Have you got experience project managing systems implementations? Are you available immediately or on a short notice period? If so, read on…
My client, a leading charity is seeking an interim Systems Implementation Manager to select and implement a new finance system on a 10-month temporary basis with the possibility of extension.
This is a hybrid and part time role.
The main responsibilities of the interim Systems Implementation Manager are:
- Assisting in the selection of a new finance system
- Manage the implementation of the new system
- Training staff on the new system
- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders
My client is looking for:
- Qualified accountant or qualified by experience
- Experience of charity accounts is desirable but not essential
- Experience managing similar projects with strong project management skills
- Understanding of financial processes
Applications are under constant review and the post can close early if the right candidate is found. Please apply immediately if this role is of interest.
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.