Senior financial accountant jobs in london

Financial Controller
£75,000 pa plus excellent benefits
London
Permanent, Full-time
Ref: TG654198

We’re looking for an experienced and qualified Financial Controller to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the world’s leading cultural institutions and play a central role in managing its financial operations. You’ll bring a recognised accountancy qualification and a proven ability to navigate complex financial environments, offering strategic insight and operational excellence.

Your leadership will inspire and develop a diverse team, fostering an inclusive and respectful culture. With strong interpersonal skills, you’ll work closely with senior stakeholders and support non-financial colleagues across the organisation. You’ll have deep expertise in financial systems, reporting, and taxation—including PAYE and VAT—and a passion for continuous improvement. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and share in Tate’s commitment to creativity, accessibility, and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

First-round interviews are scheduled for 31 July and 1 August 2025. Candidates progressing to the next stage will be invited to a second-round interview, with further details provided in due course.

Frequently, we receive a high level of applications and as such, reserve the right to close applications before the advert deadline. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Our jobs are like our galleries, open to all.

Tate offers a range of benefits, including 25 days annual leave entitlement, rising to 27 days pro rata after 3 years of service; an extra day off for your birthday each year; a cycle to work scheme; opportunities for blended and flexible working; free access to Tate exhibitions and other museums and galleries; Life Assurance; and a ‘Defined Contribution’ pension scheme with generous employer contributions. Successful candidates who are already members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme or have recently left the scheme may be eligible to remain as members of this scheme instead.

Closing date: 24 July 2025

Senior Finance Business Partner & Analyst

About you

As our Senior Finance Business Partner & Analyst you support all financial aspects of our income generation and contract management working closely with budget holders and senior management. Our income is about £10m much of which is contractual but with a small and growing donation income stream from trusts and individuals. You will be supporting the analysis of individual contracts, particularly staffing costs, and a wider look at income streams. You will support bids for new work and produce funder reports. You will be a key part of our organisational forecast and budgeting, with some scenario planning for changes in the economy.

You will report directly to the Director of Finance & ICT.

This is a new role and is a great opportunity to make your mark in a fascinating and challenging organisation.

What we offer:

The role is hybrid, and you will work two days a week either in our office in Wandsworth (SW18 3HR) or East Acton (W12 0AE)

Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, 3% contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.

How to apply:

If you feel that you meet the requirements of this exciting new role please complete an application form by clicking the 'apply now' button.

* We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Other information:

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including those with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).

This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgements may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison. We will also require a certificate of good conduct from the Police Force of the country of residence if you have resided overseas for a period of over 12 months (in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over).

Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a pioneering national charity that provides caring and life changing services to men and women in prison, to people with convictions on release and in the community, and to their children and families.

Pact’s vision is of a society in which justice is understood as a process of restoration and healing, in which prisons are used sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and in which the innate dignity and worth of every human being is valued. We work for the common good of Society, taking a public health-based approach. We work at the intersection of criminal justice, child and family welfare, mental health, wellbeing provision and health & social care.

Our volunteers and staff can be found in courts, prisons, probation services, and in communities across England & Wales. We are a diverse, inclusive, modern, and collaborative charity. We build effective partnerships and sustainable solutions based on our well-established understanding of the systems in which we work, and on our historic values and ethos developed through our 120 years of service delivery.

Location: Two days a week either in our office in Wandsworth (SW18 3HR) or East Acton (W12 0AE)
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £57,000
Benefits: Generous Holiday allowance Season Ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Charity worker discounts Enhanced maternity package Wellness, inclusion, and diversity groups EAP scheme Life assurance

You may also have experience in the following: Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Accountant, Commercial Accountant, Finance Analyst, Finance Analysis, Financial Analysis, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, Financial planning and analysis (FP&A), Business strategy, Strategic financial management, Financial analysis etc.

REF-222 750

Our partner seeks an all-round finance manager to take on the responsibility for supporting the smooth running of the finance function for a 3 month period.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the finance functions of the main charity and its associated trading entity, maintaining accuracy and efficiency across all financial records and transactions.
• Prepare monthly management accounts & analysis, ensuring these are properly communicated with budget holders.
• Prepare and present financial summaries and insights to support strategic decision-making by senior leadership and the Board of Trustees
• Maintain the cashflow forecast.
• Ensure all financial practices align with tax regulations, including VAT, Gift Aid submissions, and the preparation of required filings, including quarterly VAT returns.
• Process the payroll and administer the pension scheme.
• Liaise with external suppliers and manage banking arrangements.

Requirements

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant, with experience working in a similar role within a charity in the UK.
• Experience of preparing monthly management accounts, cashflow forecast, and summaries for senior leadership.
• Strong communication and business partnering skills, able to work effectively with finance, non-finance and senior leadership team members.

This is a 3-4 month fixed-term contract with an immediate start preferred. The organisation offers hybrid or remote working from the UK; the successful candidate will need to be in the UK for the duration of the contract, and therefore have the right to work.

Our partner seeks a seasoned, analytical management accountant, with experience in project accounting and finance business partnering within an international charity. This is a 1 year fixed-term contract.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project leads to monitor budgets and provide tailored financial insights, and regular reporting on project performance and expenditure tracking, ensuring effective resource management across funded initiatives.
• Prepare bespoke financial reports in line with external funding agreements, meeting all donor-specific compliance and deadline requirements.
• Serve as a primary contact for day-to-day finance-related queries from both UK and international colleagues, offering guidance on systems and processes.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly management accounts, supporting senior finance colleagues in the analysis and review of organisational performance.
• Assist in the development of year-end statutory accounts and provide support throughout the external audit process, including documentation collation and response to auditor queries.

Requirements

• Part-qualified accountant with at least 2 years of experience working in a similar role within an international charity, and a sound knowledge of preparing management accounts, undertaking analysis and doing project and donor accounting.
• Strong IT and systems skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, a strong command of the English language and report writing ability.
• Team player, able to be supportive and manage a varied a workload with little supervision.

This role offers remote working from the UK, with the candidate expected to attend meetings in London once ever 2-3 months. This role is only open to candidates with the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. This a 1 year FTC with an immediate start preferred.

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025

Are you an outstanding Christian leader with a track-record of collaborative international working? Are you looking for the next opportunity to use your skills and experience for the benefit of a global organisation? If this is you, then you are invited to apply for the role of Chief Finance Officer at Open Doors International.

The global Chief Financial Officer of Open Doors International has a key leadership role both within the line-managed Open Doors International entity, and more widely across the Global Finance Network of development and field offices. The CFO reports to the CEO and works closely with other executives on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to Financial Planning & Analysis, Financial Accounting (including transactional management and audit), Risk & Compliance, Treasury & Cash Management, Financial Data & Systems, Field Finance, Development Finance and Transformational Programs.

The CFO ensures Open Doors International is known for its excellent stewardship by delivering world-class and well-coordinated financial functions that contribute to excellent operations, risk management, forward-planning and mature governance.

You will:

• Be an experienced CFO with a strong track record of operating in international organisational structures, with exposure to developing markets, complex treasury and money transfer functions, and high-risk environments.
• Have experience of leading strategy formation, team supervision and timely delivery in a complex network or matrix style structures.
• Enjoy and have a matured gift of forward-planning, helping the Board, Executive Leadership Team and colleagues benefit from transparent budget plans in a dynamic missional context that will demand agility.
• Employ wise risk assessment in a context of faith, so that Open Doors can, with effectiveness and great sophistication, deliver its ministry in very challenging and at times restrictive environments.
• Bring a servant-hearted leadership gifting, including the ability to lead through influence and build consensus amongst divergent senior stakeholders; inspire trust; and take a highly relational and capacity-building approach with their colleagues.
• Have excellent communication skills - written, verbal and able to deliver insights with data; effective with a range of audiences from local staff to Board level
• Exhibit grace, to patiently but persistently mature a complex organisation moving through significant phases of growth in a rapidly evolving external environment

Your responsibilities are under the following headings (for a full explanation, please read the attached pdf):

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Management Reports & Communication
• Accounting & Financial Controls
• Treasury and Cash Management
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Innovation & Transformation
• Leadership and People Management

Person Specification

KEY QUALITIES

Open Doors believes that spiritual maturity, character and behaviour are as important as financial competence, therefore the CFO is:

• A devoted follower of Jesus with a heart to strengthen persecuted Christians.
• Prayerful and able to take financial decisions, founded on faith in God.
• Able to build strong relationships across national cultures.
• Able to empower others and intentionally develop future finance leaders.
• Prepared to make difficult decisions and have honest conversations with grace.
• Active in a local church that supports their vocation and provides spiritual support.
• Emotionally intelligent and aware of the impact of their leadership on people.
• Experienced in negotiating and influencing at a senior level, combined with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• A highly skilled Finance professional, who demonstrates an appetite for continued learning and personal development.
• Approximately 15 years of senior finance operational leadership experience prefered in multi-national commercial sector and/or international charity sector.
• Significant team management experience, including remote working across different time zones.
• Proven ability to lead change, including working well across many operational disciplines (Field programs, IT, Legal and HR teams, for example).
• Oversight of a complex treasury function providing financial access across geographical locations.
• Experience communicating and providing reports to Board Audit & Finance Committee.

Open Doors International will offer a competitive salary for the post. We are open to applications from anyone who is suitable for this role, regardless of their current location, with a willingness to be located within -6hours/+2 hours Central European Time zone for ease of communication within a dispersed global ministry.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an MS Teams Interview with the Open Doors International search panel. Finalist Candidates will be asked to come to Netherlands for in-person interviews on 5 September. The Open Doors International search panel members are very aware that this is a two-way discernment process, therefore we encourage each applicant to pray to the Lord and consult their trusted and closest fellow Christians as they consider this opportunity. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the post of CFO as soon as is reasonably possible.

Thank you for taking the time to prayerfully consider this opportunity and to learn more about the work of Open Doors International.

Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
£80,000 pa plus excellent benefits
London
Permanent, Full-time
Ref: TG654199

Tate is seeking a visionary finance leader with a recognised accountancy qualification and a strong track record in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and team development. This is a rare opportunity to bring your expertise to a world-renowned cultural institution at a pivotal moment of transformation.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in complex environments—ideally with experience in the public, cultural, or not-for-profit sectors—who can drive innovation, champion inclusivity, and help shape a sustainable financial future. If you're ready to make a meaningful difference through collaboration, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership, Tate is ready for you!

First-round interviews are scheduled for 31 July and 1 August 2025. Candidates progressing to the next stage will be invited to a second-round interview, with further details provided in due course.

Frequently, we receive a high level of applications and as such, reserve the right to close applications before the advert deadline. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our jobs are like our galleries, open to all.

Tate offers a range of benefits, including 25 days annual leave entitlement, rising to 27 days pro rata after 3 years of service; an extra day off for your birthday each year; a cycle to work scheme; opportunities for blended and flexible working; free access to Tate exhibitions and other museums and galleries; Life Assurance; and a ‘Defined Contribution’ pension scheme with generous employer contributions. Successful candidates who are already members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme or have recently left the scheme may be eligible to remain as members of this scheme instead.

Closing date: 24 July 2025

My client is a very well established name in the charity sector, supporting people facing homelessness. Working with local communities and partners, the group works in more than 70 different countries, providing support to the most vulnerable of individuals.

At present they are looking to appoint an interim Chief Finance Officer to oversee the group accounting function and lead on a number of key projects:

• Oversight of the finance department, providing strategic and operational support, ensuring sound and prudent financial management and compliance.
• Lead on the delivery of the annual budgeting cycle and presentation to the board.
• Support the senior leadership team in the design and delivery of a company wide transformation programme.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant who has previously held the number one finance position within an international charitable organisation. Comfortable with change management you will have an eye for best practice and strong team building skills.

With flexible working arrangements, my client would be looking for 1 day a week in the office. This role has been assessed as inside of IR35. 

Anna Freud Centre
Salary: £110,000 FTE + 6% pension
Location: London (Hybrid working: 2 days/week in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours/week)

Anna Freud is a world-leading children’s mental health charity with over 70 years of pioneering research, innovation and practice. Its mission is to close the gap between mental illness and mental wellness for children, young people and their families—and to create a more compassionate society for all.

The organisation is entering a transformative new chapter and is seeking a visionary, values-driven Executive Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. This is more than a finance role; it is a strategic leadership opportunity with deep social purpose.

The Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact

The Executive Director of Finance will work closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to shape Anna Freud’s long-term financial and operational strategy.

They will oversee a talented team of professionals across Finance, IT, Facilities, Procurement, Risk and Information Governance—ensuring the systems, infrastructure and financial stewardship are in place to support ambitious goals and life-changing services.

This role will play a central part in finalising and delivering the organisation’s new corporate strategy—helping Anna Freud reach more children, young people and families with the support they deserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic financial leadership: Translating vision into robust financial strategies, rolling 3-year business plans and sound capital management.
• Champion a culture of excellence and collaboration: Leading a multidisciplinary team of 21 with five direct reports, embedding proactive business partnering across the organisation.
• Ensure operational resilience and innovation: Overseeing IT and estates strategies to enhance systems, infrastructure and space planning.
• Lead information governance and risk management: Acting as Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO) to maintain the highest standards of data protection and compliance.
• Enable ethical and impactful growth: Managing procurement and investment strategies that deliver best value while aligning with Anna Freud’s values and mission.
• Be a trusted advisor: Providing insight, challenge and confidence to the Executive Team, Board and stakeholders in pursuit of a more compassionate, mentally healthy society.

Candidate Profile

Anna Freud seeks a strategic, values-led finance leader who brings:

• Proven executive-level leadership in finance and operations within a complex, mission-driven organisation.
• Strong expertise in financial planning, governance and business partnering, with the ability to translate data into strategic decisions.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams (finance, IT, estates, risk, procurement).
• A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style, leading with empathy, clarity and purpose.
• A deep commitment to inclusion, ethical practice and the wellbeing of children and young people.

Why Join Anna Freud?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of mental health for generations to come. Anna Freud offers:

• A values-led culture with meaningful work
• Flexible, supportive hybrid working (2 days in-office)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive salary and generous benefits
• Access to professional development opportunities

Ready to lead with purpose?
Those inspired by the opportunity to lead finance and operations in an organisation rewriting the future of children’s mental health are encouraged to apply and help build a world where every child and young person can thrive.

To apply please express your interest by applying. Rosemary Pini from Allen Lane is parnternity with Anna Freud on this appointment and happy to ask any questions regarind the role. 

Hybrid – London and Home-based 
Location - Central London

Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape and drive high performance in a complex, purpose-led organisation? We’re seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Finance to lead a talented team and embed a culture of financial responsibility, transparency, and best practice.

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the full spectrum of financial management. You will lead and develop a committed finance team, champion operational excellence, and ensure robust governance and compliance across the organisation.

As a trusted partner to the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, driving insight and clarity in decision-making.

• Lead group statutory and management reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and commercial support.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and investment planning.

• Ensure effective financial controls, risk management, and policy development.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including boards, auditors, bankers, and investment managers.

• Inspire a culture of customer service, continuous improvement, and professional development within the finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to Finance Board and senior committees, offering clear, data-driven insights.

• Oversee monthly management accounts, statutory reporting, and year-end audits.

• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, delivering clear, actionable outputs for decision-makers.

• Ensure robust management of the balance sheet, assets, cash, and investments.

• Support the development of financial systems and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and excellence.

• Manage key supplier relationships, ensuring value, compliance, and strong performance.

About You

• We’re looking for a qualified accountant (minimum 5 years PQE) with:

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a complex or group structure.

• Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing and managing effective teams.

• Commercial acumen and the ability to see the big picture while maintaining operational oversight.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences.

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, professional excellence, and delivering results.

Desirable

• Experience within the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience working across multi-site environments.

• Previous involvement in systems improvement or implementation.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.

• Hybrid working – home-based with London office presence and occasional travel to other locations.

• Opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion, integrity, innovation, and making an impact.

If you're a strategic finance leader seeking your next challenge in an environment that values innovation, integrity, inclusion and real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help drive financial excellence across an organisation making a difference every day.

JOB TITLE: Finance Manager
REPORTING TO: Chief Financial Officer
JOB SCOPE
We are looking for an amazing Finance Manager to join the Waverley Abbey team based in Farnham, Surrey !
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about finance, loves
systems and goes the extra mile to deliver efficiency and excellence.
Working with our Finance Director, you will help to lead the financial direction of Waverley Abbey Trust embedding a culture of strong financial management, effective controls and efficient financial processes, overseeing all aspects of our day-to-day financial management.
We need a strong communicator who is highly organised, adept at multi-tasking and prioritising amidst a busy environment; a great team player in a fast-paced organisation.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Role Scope: Routine financial oversight including aspects of management and statutory accounting, budgeting, treasury, payroll and audit.
Role Description: The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing accurate financial records and controls for Waverley Abbey Trust and subsidiary operations, managing a team of three, taking care of day-to-day banking, VAT returns, gift aid, insurance, etc..
Key Responsibilities:
•
Monitor the day-to-day financial operations within the company, including day to day banking transactions, current and deposit accounts, reconciliations and authorisation of all payments, payroll, and other transactions.
•
Ability to interpret complex financial information and provide updates and information as needed.
•
Assist the Finance Director (FD) in organisation-wide budgetary planning.
•
Monitor cash flow, bank accounts and financial transactions.
•
Efficient and rigorous financial administration including but not limited to VAT returns, gift aid, legacies, payroll, the workplace pensions scheme, and staff credit card management.
•
Maintain the fixed assets register and monthly depreciation of assets
•
Supervision and development of the Finance team to improve efficiency and working practices
•
Provide timely, accessible and useful financial reports for senior managers and other operational team members and proactively develop the quality and usefulness of financial reporting and communications to improve business performance.
•
All external and internal obligations, accounts, budgets and forecasts are prepared and reported in a prompt, accurate and timely manner.
•
Work with the FD and external accountants /auditors to manage the preparation and audit of end-of-year statutory accounts.
•
Alongside the FD, ensure all organisational financial practices are in line with statutory regulations and legislation and evolve and ensure adherence to finance policies and procedures.
•
Collaborate in the design and implementation of financial systems and process improvements.
•
Stay up to date with any relevant changes to charity legal and financial responsibilities, for example charity commission and HMRC reporting requirements.
Key Requirements & Skills
•
Preferable- Degree level qualification or ATT (or comparable) in accounting, finance management or similar.
•
At least 10 years’ experience in finance management and accounting.
•
Senior Management experience.
•
Ideally, not essentially, having some experience of the Charity and Higher Education sectors
•
High levels of familiarity and comfort with Sage 200, Microsoft office packages and computer-based accountancy packages.
•
Experience of payroll admin including workplace pensions and leave provisions (i.e. Maternity leave etc).
•
Confident and clear communicator in both written and verbal forms of communication
•
Highly organised with superior attention to detail, especially in planning , report writing and budgeting.

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.

Finance and Grant Controller

Contract: Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week.

Location: London, United Kingdom

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face‑to‑face (London office, external meetings or travel).

60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: £48,867- £51,439 per year with excellent benefits

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid:

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team:

The Finance and Grant Controller role is part of the central finance team and sits within the Management Accounting function which provides our country programmes and the region offices with professional and technical finance leadership for WaterAid UK’s international work. The role will work closely with the Project Delivery Lead and the Monitoring and Learning Coordinator for the Multi-country Urban Water Project.

About the role:

The Finance and Grant Controller will manage all financial aspects of WaterAid’s Multi-country Urban Water Project, ensuring rigorous financial oversight, compliance with donor requirements, and alignment with organisational financial policies. This is a bold initiative aiming to raise $40 million and reach two million people with clean water in urban areas across six anchor countries: Colombia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.

In this role, you will:

1. Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare and review all financial reports in line with specific contract requirements and deadlines
• Monitor project budgets, tracking actual expenditures against budget allocations and flagging variances to the project team
• Monitor movement in exchange rates and local currency budget variations

2. Budget and Forecasting Development & Grant Support

• Assist program staff in preparing detailed budgets in each country project
• Deliver regular reforecasts, ensuring realistic timing of spend
• Conduct cost allocations and ensure appropriate coding of expenses

3. Compliance and Controls

• Review contracts and grant agreements to identify financial requirements, restrictions, and deliverables

• Ensure financial activities comply with contractual terms, organisational policies, and legal and regulatory requirements, including guiding eligible costs, procurement, and financial compliance to programme teams
• Support related audits, ensuring all necessary documentation is available and compliant

4. Finance Business Partner

• Collaborate closely with programme lead, providing consolidated financial reporting, financial insights and supporting decision-making.
• Coordinate timely reporting to cross-federation leadership teams from multiple country programmes
• Advise on reallocation of budget if required to meet programme delivery targets

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

Technical Qualifications and Skills

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
• Experience in the use of SUN, or a similar multi-dimensional accounting system.
• Experience in managing programme or project finance funded by institutional donors ( e.g. USAID, FCDO or other reputable organisation)
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skill
• Working knowledge of Business Intelligence tools such as Power BI
• Knowledge and experience of donor fund management in an international context
• Experience of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting of projects
• Ability to analyse financial data and provide insightful narrative for range of audiences
• Finance Business Partnering experience with senior stakeholders 

Desirable skills

• Proven ability to work effectively with staff at different levels and from different cultural backgrounds including experience of coaching or training
• Knowledge of development issues and the sector, preferably gained in an International Development Organisation
• Knowledge of French or Portuguese will be an advantage

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 11th August 2025.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10 %
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !

A prestigious and respected membership body representing healthcare professionals across the UK, is seeking an Executive Director of Finance and Operations to join their team on a long-term fixed-term-contract basis (24 months). 

As an organisation engaging in key conversations on national and local healthcare delivery, offering guidance on best practice, professional standards and ethics as well as providing their members with advocacy, representation and ongoing training and educational resources, this is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation making a real difference within the healthcare sector.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working alongside fellow Executive Directors and the Board, the Executive Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for leading Finance, IT, HR, and facilities functions across the organisation. A summary of key duties is provided below: 

• Provide strategic financial leadership to the Board, CEO, and senior leaders.
• Lead finance, IT, HR, and facilities functions 
• Staff management of 3 direct reports and a wider team across finance and HR 
• Manage risk, ensure compliance, and maintain strong internal financial controls
• Oversee group-wide budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Prepare and present management accounts, year-end financial statements, and audits
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance (e.g. FRS 102, SORP, tax, pensions)
• Advise on long-term financial sustainability and resource allocation
• Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders (banks, auditors, pension and investment providers).
• Lead procurement, contract management, and treasury operations.

About You

You will be a qualified accountant with experience operating at Director of Finance level. 

You may have also overseen non-finance directorates, though candidates with extensive finance-only experience who can demonstrate an ability to oversee non-finance areas are encouraged to apply 

Previous experience working in a membership body or similar is desirable

What’s in it for you?

Hybrid working: 2 days per week in central London office and 3 days working from home. Candidates requiring alternative working arrangements are encouraged to apply and enquire. 

Salary: £102,592 + £6,769 London allowance 

The role is a long-term fixed-term contract and will be offered on a fixed-term duration of 24 months. 

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: Sunday 27th July 
Interviews: Tuesday 5th August and Thursday 7th August

Ivy Rock Partners are working exclusively with the hiring client on this engagement. For further information, please apply or contact Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners for further information.