Project Accountant Jobs in St Jamess, Greater London
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Head of Finance will lead on budgeting, financial management and reporting and work closely with the Chief Executive to provide effective financial direction to the Treasurer and the Board of Trustees.
You will provide financial leadership overseeing all aspects of the organisation’s finances and in ensuring that it complies with relevant legislation and principles. You will be responsible for efficient policies, procedures, systems and practices to support the smooth running of the organisation and will be proactive in developing new systems and processes to meet the needs of the British Deaf Association (BDA) as it grows. As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for coordinating and managing the financial planning cycles, governance, and management reporting process as well as managing relationships with external stakeholders/advisers ensuring value for money, contractual compliance, evaluation and quality assurance processes.
With prior experience of working with charities’ accounts as well as experience of Sage accounting system used at the BDA, you will manage the Finance team and provide excellent business service and support to circa 28 staff across the UK.
As a bilingual organisation with a working language of British Sign Language (BSL) and English, we will provide BSL training for the successful candidate.
For more information about the vacancy (which is also in BSL) please see our website.
To apply, please send your CV including details of two referees and a supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4/BSL video no more than 10 minutes) outlining the reasons behind your application. This should respond closely to the person specification, showing how you meet the requirements of the role.
Our diversity monitoring form should also be completed and returned.
We encourage applications from D/deaf people.
Timetable
Closing date: Friday 10 May 12pm (noon)
Preliminary interviews: Monday 13 May 2024
Please send your CV including details of two referees and a supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4/BSL video no more than 10 minutes) outlining the reasons behind your application. This should respond closely to the person specification, showing how you meet the requirements of the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Inter Mediate
Inter Mediate (IM) is a unique and discreet London-based peacemaking organisation established in 2011 to support behind-the-scenes peace negotiations in some of the world’s most challenging conflicts. This role offers an exciting opportunity to join the senior management team of a small high-impact organisation working at the leading edge of international peacemaking.
Reporting to the Deputy CEO and working closely with the CEO and the Financial Director, the Operations Manager will lead Inter Mediate’s institutional, Human Resources and project-support systems to keep the organisation running smoothly and ensure we are equipped to deliver the best results.
A successful candidate will be a motivated self-starter with senior management experience in operations, preferably for a non-profit organisation. You will be familiar with the fast and sometimes unpredictable pace of an international operating environment, and confident in handling challenges as they arise. You will be comfortable working collaboratively within a small team and engaging credibly with a wide range of people from senior government officials to project interlocutors in the field.
Key Responsibilities
A) Governance and Institutional Compliance (with the Deputy CEO and senior management)
- Lead the development and implementation of IM’s operational planning, in coordination with the CEO, Deputy CEO, Finance Director, staff, Trustees and supporters.
- Ensure that Inter Mediate complies with its charitable and legal obligations.
- Prepare, attend and minute Trustee and Committee meetings.
- Develop and implement quality improvement process for institutional policies and project delivery to keep Inter Mediate ethical, efficient and delivering value for money.
- Source, manage and review all professional services and suppliers engaged by Inter Mediate including banking, legal advice, accounting and auditing.
B) Human Resources and Office Operations
- Oversee Inter Mediate’s recruitment process and work with the Deputy CEO to ensure that we have fair procedures for benefits, training, probation, diversity and inclusion, gender pay gap, safeguarding, grievance and disciplinary matters.
- Oversee the contracting and on-boarding for new staff, consultants and trustees.
- Manage day-to-day HR functions and queries, including leave recording systems.
- Conduct staff remuneration and salary benchmarking exercises with the Deputy CEO.
- Update and maintain the employment handbook policies and procedures.
- Oversee office operations, equipment and facilities management.
C) IT, Security and Risk Management
- Ensure that the IT and communications systems are optimally configured for effectiveness and security, and that staff can operate them as necessary.
- Ensure Inter Mediate has robust risk mitigation systems and training for staff.
- Ensure Risk Assessments and security plans are completed by staff prior to staff travel.
- Ensure Inter Mediate has a viable business continuity plan.
- Maintain and review the Risk Register for the organisation with the Deputy CEO.
D) Financial Management (with the Finance Director)
- Work closely with the Finance Director to ensure that operational and financial planning processes and decisions are mutually informed and fully aligned.
- Strategise with the Finance Director and Deputy CEO to ensure all wings of the organisation work together to advance the best interest of the institution, its staff, projects and donors.
Experience, qualifications and skills:
- At least 8 years experience leading charity operations at a senior level spanning institutional compliance, Human Resources, IT, security and project support services, ideally in the non-profit sector.
- Track record of excellent business decisions for institutions under UK charity law operating in an international, multi-donor environment.
- Extensive experience of supporting Boards and Board committees at a senior level in a non-profit context.
- Some knowledge of project support mechanisms required for smooth delivery of peacebuilding, humanitarian, human rights or political projects in high-risk environments.
- Evidence of ability to both lead and service a complex network of external relationships.
- Graduate with a relevant degree and, preferably with relevant post graduate qualifications or relevant experience.
Attributes:
- Strong people management, collaboration and team building skills
- Excellent business planning and decision skills, and a sound understanding of operational and financial management in charities.
- Proven commitment to designing effective and enabling systems for organisation management in support of effective delivery
- An appetite for innovation and awareness of how experience can become organisational knowledge
- You will be able to work well under pressure and provide a grounded presence to the operations team
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Other language skills are desirable
- Good verbal communication skills and the ability to represent IM to a wide range of stakeholders
- High levels of energy and personal resilience
Working at Inter Mediate
A normal working week consists of 35 hours (or pro rata for part-time). Our office operates between 8am and 6.30pm with core hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Inter Mediate operates a hybrid working model, with at least 2 set days per week in the office in London.
Benefits include: (pro rata) 25 days holiday, pension contribution and private health insurance (following successful completion of the 6-month probationary period).
To Apply by 22nd May 2024 :
Send a one page cover letter explaining why you would be a good candidate for this position, and a CV.
IM is unable to currently sponsor working visas. All applicants must have the right of employment within the UK. Inter Mediate welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Only full applications will be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
To Apply by 22nd May 2024 :
Send us a one page cover letter explaining why you would be a good candidate for this position, and a CV.
IM is unable to currently sponsor working visas. All applicants must have the right of employment within the UK. Inter Mediate welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Only full applications will be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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.
Part-time - 21 hours per week
Would you like to take on an interesting and varied finance role and be part of a community mental health charity?
We’re looking for someone with at least a year’s accounting experience who is able to meet deadlines to join our small but vital finance team.
Among other tasks, you will be processing invoices and payments, reconciliations, and administering salaries.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website.
Closing date: Friday 17th May 2024 at 5.30pm
Interview date: Wednesday 29th May 2024
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.
Focused on developing cultural and accessible opportunities for new and existing audiences, building local and long-term relationships, embedding meaningful and relevant ways of working with young people and collaborating with artists, partners, programme team to create impact. Emphasising an audience-centred approach, this new role has been established to develop and deliver new initiatives and engagement projects that bridge the gap between artistic programme and communities.
Key aims include:
• Platform new narratives, underrepresented perspectives and reflective discourse to widen audience engagement
• Futureproof the creative industry for generations to come through inclusive pathways and progression routes – supporting young people that enter the programme to expand and grow skills set and build the talent pipeline.
• To produce programmes that have impact by ensuring effective implementation of the Learning and Engagement and Audience Development strategy.
Strategy
• Deliver on the ICA’s vision and mission, the L&E strategy, audience development targets, increasing reach to work with diverse audiences, working to team targets and SMART objectives. Promote equality and inclusivity in all aspects of work.
• Instigating new collaborative models to engage with contemporary society that leverages the ICA’s assets as a resource.
Programme delivery
• Working closely with the Head of Learning and Engagement to devise and produce ICA’s Learning and Engagement programme, including co-creating with young people on our core youth projects (ICA Creatives and youth forum), monthly talks programme, book launches, symposia, workshops (inc reading groups), residencies.
• Developing programme that is responsive to the artistic programme and audience need.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with institutions including higher education and third sector for collaborative purposes and to grow new audiences.
• Liaise and collaborate with the Bookstore Manager on creating opportunities in line with the talks programme and book launches. 
• Ensure programmes are accessible, in content, language and reach.
• Contracting freelance artists, facilitators, and other collaborators, ensuring they understand and apply the organisation ethos and policies in their approach to work.
• Devising and delivering new online content opportunities, that create programme visibility, promote and target audience reach, including contributing towards digital strategies (in collaboration with comms team).
• Contribute to and participate in a collaborative working environment, including weekly team discussions and other conversations.
Finance Management
• Manage the project budget ensuring both quality control and good value for money, including authorising expenditure via any payment method, tracking all transactions, and tracking actual, committed, and forecast (uncommitted) costs. With oversight from Head of L&E.
• Track income, request sales invoices, and submit a third-party audit trail for all income received.
• Reconcile project budgets and cashflow to our accounting system monthly, in collaboration with the Finance Manager.
Comms & Marketing
• Work to maintain the profile of ICA and our projects.
• Work with the Communications Team to plan and deliver communication and participant recruitment campaigns and implement appropriate strategic marketing for each project.
• Arrange photography and video documentation as necessary.
• Write copy in line with ICA guidelines to promote programme
General Administration
• Ensure all day-to-day project administration is carried out efficiently and appropriately.
• Maintain that all project activity and outcomes are carried out in line with ICA’s policies and procedures, including and not limited to insurance, liability, health & safety, safeguarding, privacy & data protection, access, equity, diversity, inclusion, safer spaces, and anti-racism.
• Work in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner in the production and presentation of ICA programme.
• Maintaining data collection to contribute towards evaluation, tracking monitoring information to monitor impact.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
• At least 5 years’ experience of working effectively as a producer in the cultural sector within a participation / learning / engagement context
• A strong track record of producing programmes that respond to audience need and create impact
• Experience working with diverse audiences including young people and communities
• Knowledge of access, diversity, equality and inclusion, anti-racism policies in the cultural sector.
• Growth specific mind-set; adaptive and fresh thinking in new approaches to engage audiences
• Experience of working with artists and supporting them in complex project delivery
• Excellent project management, administrative and organisational skills
• Good numeracy and project budgeting skills
• IT literate and confident across a range of programmes and platforms
• A strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people
• Awareness of safeguarding management principles and best practices
• Keen interest in contemporary culture and shifts in generations and society.
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.
King’s College London offers an intellectually stimulating environment, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-faculty institution, providing high-quality research, education and innovation across the social sciences, humanities, health, law, dentistry, and sciences. As a member of the Russell Group, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in research and education.
The Finance, Procurement, Strategic Planning and Analytics directorate, led by the Chief Financial Officer / VP (Finance), comprises c.150 roles located across our campuses in central London. The Finance department of c.100 roles provides various accounting, assurance, advisory, decision support and financial processing functions for the whole university.
The Director of Finance Business Partnering (Operations) is a critical role within the Financial Strategy, Planning & Performance division that will lead, develop and deliver high quality finance business partnering and decision support to all the central services of the university, including providing financial planning, reporting and insight across revenue and capital funded activity.
You will support the senior Director of the Financial Strategy, Planning & Performance function in development and improvement projects. Examples include the development of a professional competencies framework to support career progression and performance at all levels, supported by learning and development opportunities, improving key processes, resource allocation and financial planning methodologies, and reporting on financial performance.
As part of the function’s senior management team, this role will lead a team of finance business partners who will provide outstanding partnering services to our central services including large functions such as Estates and Facilities, IT, Students & Education, Research Management and on other crucial ‘head office’ activities. Working closely with the corporate reporting team on the provision of management accounts, you will lead on financial performance support in-year and across our three-year financial planning framework. You will also undertake and provide professional support to your team on business partnering skills, financial modelling, business case development and financial appraisals. You will play a wider role as a senior member of the finance leadership team on cross-college initiatives and be asked to deputise for the senior Director of the division or their peers.
It is an exciting time to join the university as we are making a step change in our support and advice, particularly to directorate heads and our Senior Vice Principal (Operations), and onwards through the leadership roles across the central service directorates where financial and operational decisions are made.
This is a full time post (36 Hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract. We work in a hybrid way and there is an expectation of being able to work at least three days a week in our offices to help facilitate a collaborative working culture.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
1. Professional Accountancy Qualification
2. Highly resilient with the ability to run multiple objectives, large senior teams and complex political processes concurrently
3. Exceptional understanding of running and leading financial planning, monitoring, forecasting and business partnering in a complex and large organisation
4. Exceptional leadership skills and a service approach in your professional work
5. Ability to operate and deliver change and improvements in a complex organisational environment
6. Exceptional business case financial appraisal and modelling skills
7. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in the written word and in person in a variety of formats including committee presentations and policy documentation
8. Numerate and IT literate with the ability to use the standard suite of office software together with excellent knowledge of one or more corporate finance/ERP and reporting systems
9. Significant recent experience of leading business partnering, financial support and advice functions and services
10. Experience of designing, delivering and improving capital planning and reporting processes
11. Leading teams to achieve complex and competing objectives over a variety of time horizons in partnership with other technical leads and partnered areas.
12. Ability to build and manage internal and external relationships
13. Self-management and ability to work independently to meet deadlines
14. Attention to detail and working to a high-level of accuracy
Desirable criteria
1. Degree level qualification
2. Leadership of technical / professional staff who manage their own work and activities
3. Experience of having worked in or with the university sector
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.
We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We have a strong equality, diversity and inclusion agenda and would expect the post holder to demonstrate these values.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. The deadline for applications is Sunday 19th May 2024. If you would like to discuss the role, please get in touch with Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.
Shortlisting will complete late May and may include an initial conversation with Allen Lane, our recruitment partner for this role. First stage interviews with King’s College London are planned for early June.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates for this role who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.