Senior financial accountant jobs in London

We are looking for an experience Financial Controller for DASH, an inspiring charity. Working closely with the CEO to implement improved project tracking and reporting tools.

This role will play a central part in embedding robust financial controls and scalable reporting processes. This role is a hands-on role, you will need strong financial management experience, strong balance sheet ownership, control discipline, and clear audit trail management.

This is a home-based role with going to their HQ in Berkshire a few times a month.

The Role
To lead and manage the operational finance function, ensuring
Strong internal financial controls
Accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds and projects
Timely, clear management reporting to support decision-making
Compliance with charity and regulatory requirements
Reduced reliance on manual spreadsheets through improved systems and documentation

The Candidate
Senior finance experience at Finance Manager or Financial Controller level.
Strong balance sheet management and reconciliation experience.
Demonstrable experience strengthening internal controls and financial processes.
Experience in project accounting, revenue allocation, or managing multiple cost centres and funding streams.
Experience working in regulated or high-accountability environments.
Experience producing management accounts, budgets and cashflow forecasts.
Strong analytical and documentation skills.
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues

12-Month Fixed Term Contract
Location: London / Hybrid Working
Sector: Not-for-Profit

About the Organisation

Our client is a large, complex organisation operating in the not-for-profit sector, with a diverse portfolio. With an annual income exceeding £100 million, the organisation is undergoing significant transformation to modernise its finance systems and improve service delivery.

The Finance department operates across multiple entities, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring financial sustainability. The team is currently engaged in a major transformation programme, including system upgrades and process improvements. This interim role has been created to allow the current Head of FP&A more time to focus on this transformation. The interim will focus on BAU.

The JobT

his is a senior interim leadership role within the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) function. As Head of FP&A (Finance Business Partnering), you will:

• Lead a team of five Finance Business Partners, ensuring consistent and high-quality financial support across the organisation
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting processes
• Drive improvements in reporting tools, templates, and processes
• Support the Head of FP&A and collaborate with other senior finance leaders
• Lead on business-as-usual change initiatives, including internal audit actions and risk mitigation
• Act as a senior finance representative on project boards and steering groups
• Promote financial accountability and literacy across the organisation

You'll play a key role in embedding a culture of strategic insight, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

The Person

You'll be a qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience in financial planning and analysis. You'll bring:
Essential Experience:

• Leadership of finance business partnering
• Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting
• Large complex organisation background
• Proven track record of process improvement and problem-solving
• Experience developing and motivating teams
• Strong understanding of financial systems and data structures

Essential Skills:

• Advanced Excel and data manipulation skills
• Strong analytical and presentation capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences
• Organised, proactive, and resilient

Desirable:

• Intermediate to Advanced Excel
• Experience with financial planning tools
• Knowledge of charity finance and SORP (not essential)

What's in it for you?

• Salary: £80,000 plus
• Non-contributory pension (8%-15%)
• 28 days annual leave + 3 additional gratuity days
• Flexible working and strong work-life balance
• Inclusive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to lead through change and make a meaningful impact

What to Do Next

If you're a strategic finance leader looking for a rewarding interim opportunity in a purpose-driven organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

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

The Key Information

· Location: London based, requiring two days per week at Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1.

· Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

· Salary: £85,000 per annum.

· Contract: Permanent.

· Interview process: Two stages totalling around 2 hours.

· Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer.

About the Role

Financial expertise meets strategic leadership

We’re looking for a leader to shape our organisation’s financial management, governance and control environment.

As Associate Director of Finance, you’ll lead financial planning, reporting and controls to ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and strong stewardship of resources.

Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and executive team, you’ll provide strategic financial insight to support decision-making and delivery of organisational priorities. You’ll also strengthen financial systems, processes and governance to ensure management is robust, transparent and forward-looking.

Why this role matters

Strong financial leadership is essential to our organisation’s sustainability and impact.

In this role, you’ll:

· lead the organisation’s financial planning, reporting and control environment

· strengthen financial governance, transparency and regulatory compliance

· provide strategic financial insight to support Executive decision-making

· enable confident investment, growth and operational performance

· build a high-performing finance function that supports organisational resilience.

This is a unique opportunity to combine professional financial expertise with strategic leadership, helping our organisation deliver its mission with confidence.

Why Join Us?

With members at the heart of everything we do, we champion the charities and volunteers who make a daily difference to our communities across England. Join us and help us make communities stronger and support us making a bigger difference!

Some of NCVO’s great benefits include:

· 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff), increasing based on years of service

· five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)

· enhanced pay for maternity/adoption leave

· generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary.

Find out more about the benefits of working at NCVO on our wbesite.

About us

We are a national charity dedicated to ensuring support and access to treatment for everyone living with leukodystrophy. These rare and often life-limiting conditions affect individuals and families in profound ways, and we are committed to ensuring that no one faces them alone.

Our work focuses on the shared challenges across all leukodystrophy conditions, bringing together those affected within a compassionate community of Tender Loving Care. Alongside providing support, we champion research, raise awareness among both the public and medical professionals, and collaborate with specialists and other rare disease charities to improve best practice across healthcare systems.

As we continue to develop and strengthen our impact, we are seeking an experienced and values-driven Chief Finance & Operations Officer to join our senior leadership team.

The role

This is a key leadership role within the organisation, responsible for ensuring strong financial stewardship, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic financial leadership and hands-on operational support.

This role will suit a qualified accountant who enjoys combining strategic oversight with practical involvement in the day-to-day realities of a small charity.

Please note that this is primarily an office-based role.

Key responsibilities

Finance & governance

• Lead on all aspects of financial management, reporting, and control
• Prepare management accounts, cashflow forecasts, budgets, and year-end statutory accounts
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements
• Work closely with the CEO and Treasurer and support the Board of Trustees with clear financial reporting and advice
• Oversee payroll, gift-aid and financial policies
• Work within our current Sage desktop system and support the transition to a cloud-based finance system, which is being implemented at the start of our new financial year (July 2026).

Operations

• Oversee operational systems and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance
• Support HR administration and organisational policies
• Manage risk, insurance, and regulatory requirements
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development
• Be willing to engage in day-to-day operational matters as they arise

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ICAEW, or equivalent)
• Has proven experience in charity finance, including SORP and restricted funding
• Has experience working with trustees and senior leadership teams
• Is comfortable working both strategically and operationally
• Is hands-on, pragmatic, and solutions-focused
• Has excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
• Is aligned with our mission and values

Experience in a small charity environment would be highly desirable.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a values-led organisation
• Senior leadership role with influence across the organisation
• Flexible working arrangements
• A collaborative and supportive working environment

Finance Manager at Reading Students’ Union 

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire 

Salary: £ 36,596 - £45,653 depending on experience

Contract: Permanent - Full time, 35 hours a week which can be condensed into 4 days

A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!  

About Reading Students’ Union 

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone; we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy.

The Role: Finance Manager 

As Finance Manager, you will be at the heart of Reading Students’ Union’s Finance team, providing senior operational leadership and expert financial support to ensure the Union operates efficiently, transparently, and in line with its charitable purpose, values, and legal obligations. 

You will be the trusted expert on the Union’s finances. You will be overseeing management accounts, statutory accounts, payroll, and financial systems and will be a key business partner to senior leaders, budget holders, and elected student officers. Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will help build a strong culture of effective financial management across both charitable and commercial activities, ensuring financial decisions always reflect our mission, vision, values, and ethics. 

You will be the line-manager of the Finance team, drive continuous improvement, support strategic delivery, and confidently deputise for the Director of Finance when required. 

What you’ll do:  

Financial Reporting & Data-Driven Insight 

• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all key financial reports to support informed decision-making. 
• Prepare monthly management accounts and annual final accounts. 
• Design, maintain, and analyse KPI reports to monitor financial health and operational efficiency. 
• Respond promptly and accurately to requests for financial data and insights, including Board reports. 

Financial Planning & Business Partnering 

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop and implement long-term financial planning aligned with strategic objectives. 
• Act as a trusted partner for commercial strategy, providing insights on income generation and subsidiary operations. 
• Support annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, ensuring robust financial oversight. 

Operational Finance Management 

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including invoice processing, payment runs, journal preparation, and reconciliations. 
• Manage cash flow and reserves to ensure financial stability. 
• Maintain aged debtor and creditor records and reconcile balance sheet accounts (prepayments, accruals, PAYE, NIC, payroll control). 

Systems, Controls & Compliance 

• Control the operation of the SU’s accounting system and ensure completion of month-end and year-end procedures. 
• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. 
• Develop and maintain accessible financial procedures aligned with best practice and audit recommendations. 
• Ensure compliance with financial legislation, governance frameworks, and statutory reporting requirements (VAT returns, Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC). 

Risk, Governance & Assurance

• Maintain an accurate and live risk register in collaboration with the Director of Finance. 
• Implement robust internal financial controls across the organisation. 
• Support the Finance & Risk Committee and ensure adequate insurance coverage and asset management. 
• Work confidently within governance frameworks, providing assurance to senior leaders and Trustees. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

• Line-manage the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. 
• Provide training and guidance on financial processes and best practices. 
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including auditors and insurers. 

About You  

Essential 

• AAT qualified or part‑qualified accountant (or willing to work towards). 
• Significant experience as a Finance Manager or in a senior finance role.
• Advanced Excel skills (creating data, analysing data, manipulating data)
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills. 
• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy and fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent communicator, confident in explaining financial information to non‑finance colleagues. 
• Confident people manager with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others. 
• Passionate about using financial insight to support effective decision‑making. 
• Evidence of ongoing CPD or professional development. 
• Proven experience in: 
  • Producing monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports. 
  • Managing day‑to‑day finance operations, including invoicing, payments, reconciliations, and payroll. 
  • Business partnering with budget holders and senior leaders. 
  • Leading the development of financial processes and controls to strengthen governance, efficiency, and effectiveness. 
  • Working within governance frameworks and applying good financial controls. 
  • Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. 

Desirable: 

• Experience working in a charity, education, or student-focused environment. 
• Knowledge of charity VAT requirements and governance frameworks. 
• Experience supporting Boards, Trustees, or Finance & Risk Committees. 
• Knowledge of EPOS, stock control, or electronic payment systems. 

Why Join Us? 

• Inclusive and supportive team culture 
• Flexible working options 
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus. 

Ready to make bold change happen? Ready to lead the way?  

Join us and help shape the future of student life at Reading Students’ Union. 

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all. 

Head of Finance

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is seeking to appoint a Head of Finance who will be responsible for all finance functions across the BGCI Group, including financial and management reporting, company secretarial, tax, financial risk and controls, project reporting, audit liaison, banking and compliance, as well as the management of a small Finance team located in the UK and Kenya.

Title of post:

Head of Finance

Job Purpose:

Control of finance function

Reports to:

Secretary General

Contract Type:

Job-share, Part-time (3 days a week; potential to go full-time)

BGCI Offices, Kew, London*; Hybrid (working 1 day per week in office)*

Remuneration:

£50-52000 FTE (Actual:  £30-31200) Grade S2.  Salary dependent on level of skills, experience and necessary qualifications

About BGCI

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is the largest global plant conservation network with over 950 member institutions in more than 120 countries. BGCI plays a key coordinating role, facilitating collaboration between botanic gardens and other conservation organisations, and supports the development and long-term functioning of botanic garden networks. BGCI ensures that local expertise contributes to global impact, and mobilises funding and technical assistance for practical conservation efforts worldwide.

*Please note that our temporary offices in 2026 are in Putney, London

Person Specification

BGCI is seeking to appoint a person interested in a job-share but with the potential to go to full-time if desired. Candidates for this post will have a proven track record working for a conservation or scientific organisation, preferably in plant conservation. The post holder will demonstrate sensitivity to complex, multicultural and multinational institutions and structures.

Location: Hybrid working - Part London office-based (E14) and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office. 

Salary: £80,000 per annum 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 10.00am 

Interview date: The interviews will take place in the afternoons of Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 April 2026 in person at our London office. There will be a final interview stage during week commencing 27 April 2026. 

This is a permanent role. 

Who we are looking for 

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Director of Finance and IT to help us build on this momentum.

We are seeking an experienced leader to join Breakthrough T1D’s Senior Management Team, in playing a critical role in the delivery of our ambitious 10-year strategy and ensure we are set for future success and ultimate impact towards our mission. 

A qualified accountant, you will lead the finance team in ensuring Breakthrough T1D is financially strong, providing sound financial stewardship, thoughtful investment, and values-led decision-making through a sustainable financial model that enables delivery of strategic objectives. 

You will be experienced in leading an IT strategy that works to strengthen our digital maturity, improving operational efficiency, enhancing cyber resilience, and enabling innovation across Breakthrough T1D. 

This is an exciting time to be joining BreakthroughT1D and an opportunity to the shape the Finance and IT functions to enable us to deliver to our mission 

Experience required 

• Senior level finance experience including developing, delivering and communicating financial strategy 
• Experience overseeing IT or digital functions at a strategic level · Understanding of cyber security risk management and data protection obligations (including GDPR and AI) 
• Significant experience of working with financial accounting software, word processing and spreadsheet packages
• A thorough understanding of voluntary income fundraising 
• Knowledge of VAT and direct taxation as they affect charities and associated subsidiary trading arms
• Experience of using Sage accounting software 

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 
• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 
• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 
• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 
• Season ticket and cycle loan 
• Pension scheme 
• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 
• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Looking to use your financial expertise to make a real global impact? This is your opportunity to join a world-leading international organisation driving change where it matters most. As a Global Financial Head of Finance, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping financial planning and reporting across a global federation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end federation financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes
• Consolidate and analyse financial data across multiple countries and regions
• Prepare high-quality reports and insights for Executive and Board stakeholders
• Support and collaborate with the Global Finance Executive (GFE)
• Partner with senior stakeholders in a complex, matrix environment

Essential Skills & Experience

• CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Proven ability to consolidate and interpret complex financial data
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders in a strategic capacity
• Background in the charity/voluntary sector

My client can offer flexible working throughout the duration of the contract and an expectation of 2 days a week in the office based in central London and the rest working remotely.

Applications for this role are now under review, and the deadline could well be brought forward if the suitable candidate is found. Therefore, do not delay in submitting your application!

Social Finance is an ambitious non-profit that designs, funds and scales solutions to complex social problems. Our vision is a fairer world where together we unleash the potential of people and communities. We work with governments, funders, communities and the social sector to tackle some of the most persistent challenges facing society in the UK.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together experience from the public, private and charity sectors. We are known for our collaborative and intellectually curious culture and for delivering systems change, improving how entire systems operate so they produce better, lasting outcomes.

One of our most significant initiatives is IPS Grow, which supports the national expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services across England. IPS is an evidence-based approach that helps people experiencing severe mental illness, addiction and other health challenges find and sustain competitive employment with tailored support.

IPS Grow works with commissioners, healthcare providers and delivery partners to expand high-quality IPS services, improve quality and learning across the system, and ensure the data and evidence behind IPS continue to demonstrate its impact. Scaling IPS has been a priority for Social Finance since 2015 and continues to be an integral part of our work today.

With IPS Grow transitioning from a fast‑growing initiative to a mature organisation with expanding reach and influence, we are now looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join the IPS Grow and Social Finance Senior Leadership Team.

The COO will provide strategic leadership across IPS Grow’s operational infrastructure, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes and capabilities required to deliver impact at scale. You will strengthen financial oversight, resource planning and risk management while helping develop IPS Grow’s data and digital capability. The role will also help shape the organisational structures and culture needed to support sustainable growth.

We are looking for a senior operational leader with experience in finance and the non-profit or publicly funded sectors, ideally with a track record of helping organisations scale. You will bring strong financial literacy, sound strategic judgement and the ability to build effective operational frameworks in complex environments.

You will be a collaborative partner across IPS Grow and the wider Social Finance organisation, building trusted relationships, bringing clarity to operational challenges and fostering a strong “one team” culture across a distributed team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of IPS Grow’s development. If this resonates with you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots.

Applications should include a CV and covering letter responding to the following questions:

1. What is motivating you to become our new Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
2. Given what you have read about us so far, what do you believe would make an effective Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
3. Please describe your experience ensuring an organisation had the right systems, processes or capabilities in place to use data effectively. What was your role and what difference did this make? (250 words)
4. Please tell us about a time when you built strong partnerships across teams or organisations to deliver a shared goal. What approach did you take and what was the outcome? (250 words)

Prospectus is delighted to be working with our client in their search for a part-time Head of Finance (2 to 3 days per week). The organisation is an innovative and entrepreneurial women’s health focused foundation creating bold awareness campaigns, industry leading fundraising events, and shattering the silence surrounding gynaecological cancers. 

What began as a grant-awarding charity raising funds for critical research has evolved. While continuing to support vital research, the foundation is expanding its focus towards prevention, education and awareness, championing earlier diagnosis and influencing systemic change across the women’s health landscape.

As its ambition and activity continue to grow, the foundation is strengthening its internal finance capacity to support increasing operational complexity and ensure robust financial management underpins its impact.

The Head of Finance is responsible for all aspects of the charity’s financial operations, including daily accounting activities, management reporting, compliance, and governance. Supporting the organisation’s ambitious plans to create greater impact, the role will also work closely with the CEO and leadership team in building the organisations capacity, and firm charity governance to enable growth.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified and experienced accountant as day-to-day financial management is a given. As a key player in the Foundation’s growth, you will also embody the values of the organisation, inspire others and actively build strong frameworks within finance, and also for other operational areas if required. This role would be ideal for someone who has been involved in the building and growth of a charity, bringing strong charity governance in equal measure with passion and innovation.

To discuss this role further, in the first instance, please apply with your CV and a covering letter to showcase your relevant experience. CV’s will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and as such, we would recommend that you apply early.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invests in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

Global Finance Manager

Contract: Permanent, Full Time – 35 Hours per week.

Location: London, UK.

Hybrid Working: A minimum of 40% (2 days) of working time is spent face to face, either in London office, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid. WaterAid is located at Canary Wharf, London and this will be your location and contract base. In order to apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Salary: £57,000 - £63,000 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

This role sits within the finance function at WaterAid and is based in the UK office. The role works with members across the federation and supports financial planning, reporting and monitoring across the membership of WaterAid. The role collaborates with colleagues across countries and regions in a matrix environment, helping strengthen financial capability and consistency across the membership.

The role works closely with members, Finance Leaders across the federation and the Global Finance Executive (GFE), supporting federation financial planning and reporting processes and consolidated financial reporting at federation level.

About the Role

The Global Financial Manager will be based in the UK office of WaterAid and will focus on federation financial planning and reporting. The role supports financial planning, reporting and monitoring across the membership of WaterAid and contributes to improving financial controls, planning and management reporting across the membership.

The role supports the federation financial planning and reporting process from end to end, including consolidation of financial information, analysis of figures, and preparation of draft narrative for Executive and Board reports. The role also supports the work of the Global Finance Executive (GFE) and supports members in strengthening financial planning and reporting processes.

In this role, you will:

• Lead federation financial planning and reporting
• Facilitate Global Finance Executive (GFE) support
• Provide member support, supporting members with limited finance capacity on key areas such as business planning etc.
• Provide WaterAid international (WAi) finance support
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding. 

To be successful, you’ll need:

• Professional accounting qualification (CCAB or CIMA);
• Experience in planning, budgeting and forecasting;
• Demonstrable ability to prioritise and co-ordinate across multiple tasks;
• Experience of working in a strategic support capacity with multiple stakeholders;
• Experience of developing finance capacity and capability;
• Experience in problem solving across teams, organisations and countries in an international/multi-cultural organisation;
• Ability to consolidate and analyse financial information;
• Excellent communication skills, particularly written and with non-finance people;
• Ability to lead and work collaboratively within a matrix team;
• Customer focus attitude and good relationship builder;
• Commitment to WaterAid’s values and a working style that reflects these.
• Ability to work systematically and methodically, managing time effectively.
• Willingness to share expertise and knowledge with others.
• Able to travel for work

Desirable:

• Experience of accounting systems specification, selection and implementation.
• Experience in a managerial/ senior role.
• Working knowledge of multiple accounting systems including SunSystems.
• Experience with using business intelligence tools such as Power BI
• Experience of the voluntary sector

Closing date: Applications will close 12:00 PM UK time on 07 April 2026. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 20th April 2026.

How to Apply: Click Apply to answer 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.

UK 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

As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK Water Aiders to take a well-deserved break.

These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances.

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!

Role Purpose:

About Fair4All Finance

Fair4All Finance is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2019 to improve the financial wellbeing of people in vulnerable circumstances by increasing access to fair, affordable and appropriate financial products and services. Our funding comes from The Dormant Assets Scheme. The scheme makes it possible for money in dormant bank and building society accounts to be used to help good causes.

There are at least 20.3m people in the UK in vulnerable financial circumstances, who are poorly served or unfairly excluded from mainstream financial services. That’s almost half of adults in the UK.

Our vision is of a society where the long-term financial wellbeing of all people is supported by a fair and accessible financial sector.

Innovation and Development 

As we continue our exciting growth plans to deliver on our ambitious goals and refreshed strategy at Fair4All Finance, following additional funding from the Dormant Assets Scheme, we are seeking an Associate Director Commercial to join our Innovation and Development Team.

The role involves delivering a portfolio of work which includes completing, negotiating and managing innovative product pilots with commercial and mainstream financial providers, Fintech providers and not for profit community lenders; supporting programmes and transactions on our technology workstream; considering ad hoc strategic opportunities for market interventions and transformations.

Role Purpose:

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a growing and dynamic team working to make the financial services sector fairer for everyone. Millions of people are unable to access the mainstream products and services that meet their financial needs and have to choose between going without essentials or turning to high-cost credit or illegal money lenders. Without safety nets like credit, insurance or savings, everyday life events or financial shocks can tip people into increasingly vulnerable circumstances.

One of Fair4All Finance’s key strategic priorities, and a focus of the Innovation and Development team, is to transform the market, to test and deliver the right products to all customers who need them including dramatically improving access to credit, insurance and resilience products by attracting new entrants, scaling existing providers and supporting mainstream providers to diversify their offerings.

A key part of our strategy is to test and scale product propositions, working in partnership with providers, and, where successful, to scale these propositions up for long term success. We do this by codesigning propositions that work for the customer, commercial arrangements that work for the provider, societal outcomes that deliver for the funders and stakeholders.

The Associate Director – Commercial will lead on the commercial lifecycle of proposition tests, meeting potential partners and developing a pipeline of opportunities through to procurement (where appropriate) or running a transparent competition via a subsidy scheme, bid assessment, contract negotiation with significant providers of lending, insurance and savings products. You will work with those providers to oversee the successful setup and delivery including building in how we measure the success of the pilot or proposition and evaluate the impact.

Also key to the role is liaising with the Head of Proposition, Design and Development to design end to end products that meet the needs of people in financially vulnerable circumstances. Strong collaboration with other members of the team is also essential to build the evidence base (economic, value for money and societal impact) which you will then build into business cases for long term funding for these propositions, or alternative financial support. You will work flexibly across our portfolio of partnerships and propositions as it develops.

You will also engage with the Investment team to:

• Establish appropriate commercial agreements, investment structures and legal vehicles to safeguard our funding.
• Make clear and evidenced recommendations to our Investment Committee on the case for investment into our product and service pilot propositions.
• Oversee Innovation and Development team input into our ongoing portfolio management and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

Delivery of Strategic Priorities

• Develop and scale new proposition pilots through commercial partnerships, 60%

oWork with the team to be a key contributor in developing a pipeline of opportunities and potential partners to pilot products and propositions and lead on major market engagement exercises for key programmes of our work.

oLead on the process of selecting and appointing the providers who can deliver tests of those propositions and in setting up the diligence process and contractual arrangements for iterative testing and learning, robust data capture, and for their subsequent scaling if successful 

• Design and structuring of long-term financial instruments and subsidies to enable scale up, 20%

You will:

oSupport our work to stimulate new entrants and/or encourage provider pivots by designing appropriate risk and commercial mechanisms. 

oBe responsible for using early and final evaluation evidence to build the business case for the ongoing delivery of the proposition pilots and scaling them up in the future.

• Reporting, monitoring and pilot partner management, 10%

oOversee reporting and monitoring of pilot and proposition work as required supporting appropriate input and commentary into our portfolio management and financial tracking of commitments.

• Financial and procurement management and framework utilisation, 10% 

oWork closely with our procurement team and in house counsel adhering to our commercial frameworks for supply.

oManage suppliers and contracts to ensure the obligations are fulfilled to the appropriate quality and timelines.

oWork with the leadership team to set appropriate budgets for work to deliver value for money and oversee financial monitoring of Innovation and Development pilots and projects.

For further details please see the Careers4Change website

Skills and Experience:

Essential experience and capabilities

• A high tolerance for complexity and ambiguity as well as being a self-starter, with the ability to take commercial arrangements from scoping through to procurement, delivery, learning and evaluation, closure or scaling up.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills including ability to operate in a multi-stakeholder, multi-funder environment and bring clarity to complexity .
• Experience of financial services especially as regards consumer facing propositions and the commercial arrangements in place for their delivery.
• Contract and Supplier Management skills – The ability to work collaboratively with suppliers, being able to iterate and learn within proposition pilot experiences to contribute to improved supplier and outcome performance and utilise, where relevant, contract structures for extensions, variations, transfers, data management.
• Fluency in commercial contractual arrangements and in the management of external counsel and specialist consulting expertise where additional insight is needed. To be highly numerate with a keen understanding of structuring business cases and commercial models.
• Experience working alongside investment professionals to structure arrangements where lending capital is provided to enable the delivery of financial services.
• Highly numerate with a keen understanding of structuring commercial deals to work for all parties.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• People management experience and skills, and the ability and willingness to represent our organisation externally and with senior stakeholders.

Desirable experience and capabilities

• Experience in working with the public sector, ideally with the civil service, and an understanding of how to make the economic and social case for interventions with some understanding of subsidy, procurement, and additionality.

Please forward your CV and provide an answer to the following sift question (in 250 words or fewer) via the Careers4Change website:

“What attracted you to Fair4All Finance, and what excites you about this role and our mission?”

 All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK.

Fair4All Finance is committed to being a diverse organisation that is truly representative of the people and communities we serve. We are an equal opportunities employer with an inclusive environment where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop and all team members can contribute to their fullest potential.

Job title: Associate Director-Commercial

Location: Hybrid/ London office & WFH

Reporting To: Director of Innovation & Development

Contract:Full time permanent/open to flexibility

Salary: £75,000-£80,000

Date Closes: Thursday 9th April 

HEAD OF FINANCE

Lead finance in a vibrant multi form arts venue and cultural hub in North London. 

artsdepot incorporates a 395-seat main theatre, 148 seat studio theatre, gallery, Creation Space, dance, drama and art studios, café and bar and other public spaces, and welcomes over 185,000 people to watch, learn or be inspired by a programme of shows and events.

As Head of Finance, you will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, leading financial strategy, governance and performance. You will ensure robust financial management, support decision-making, and oversee HR and ICT functions. This is a visible, influential role with scope to shape long-term sustainability and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead financial strategy, planning, budgeting and forecasting
• Deliver accurate management accounts, cashflow and financial insight
• Ensure compliance with Charity SORP, VAT, payroll and statutory reporting
• Advise CEO, Trustees and committees on financial risk and performance
• Lead and develop finance, hires, HR and ICT functions

This role will suit a qualified accountant with charity or cultural sector experience, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to confidently balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Benefits:

• Location: Barnet, London / Hybrid (1-2 days in the office a week)
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), plus public/statutory holidays
• Hybrid working and time off in lieu
• Access to counselling via Health Assured
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• 2 complimentary tickets if a show is not sold out

For more information, please see the candidate pack and contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Executive Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: 17th April 2026

Charisma vetting interviews will be conducted across the campaign. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

About Play for Progress 

Play for Progress is a small but mighty London-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of young unaccompanied refugees and asylum seekers. We provide a safe, welcoming environment where young people aged 14-25 can access practical support, education, wellbeing programmes, and a genuine sense of community. Our work is driven by a deep belief that every young person — regardless of where they come from — deserves the chance to thrive. 

We are a close-knit team with a flat structure, a strong values-led culture, and a real commitment to involving the young people we serve in everything we do. 

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to play a central role in the sustainable growth of our charity. As Finance Manager, you will be the financial heartbeat of the organisation — ensuring robust financial management, supporting our fundraising and grant compliance, and providing the Executive Director and Board with the financial insight they need to make good decisions. 

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is comfortable working across all aspects of charity finance in a small team, and who brings both technical skill and a genuine commitment to our mission. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records using accounting software (currently Xero ) 

• Prepare clear and insightful monthly management accounts for the ED and Board of Trustees 

• Monitor cash flow, manage banking, and provide regular financial forecasts 

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the ED and programme leads 

• Help Budget leads to manage devolved targets through reports and Quarterly Review 

• Prepare year-end statutory accounts and liaise with the external independent examiners or auditors 

• Ensure financial systems, processes and controls are fit for purpose and continuously improved 

Grant & Fund Management 

• Maintain accurate tracking of all restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring full compliance with funder terms and conditions 

• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for statutory, trust and individual funders 

• Support the ED and fundraiser with budget development for grant applications 

• Monitor programme spend against budgets and proactively flag underspends, overspends or risks 

• Support due diligence processes for new funders and partnerships 

Payroll & HR Finance 

• Manage monthly payroll for employees, including PAYE, National Insurance and auto-enrolment pension 

• Process staff expense claims and ensure adherence to the expenses policy 

• Maintain accurate staff financial records and support HR administration as needed

Governance & Compliance 

• Ensure the charity operates in compliance with Charity Commission regulations, SORP and relevant financial legislation 

• Prepare and submit annual returns to the Charity Commission and Companies House.

• Complete all required Company secretarial duties

• Review, maintain and implement financial policies and procedures

• Support the Board meetings, including preparing papers, attending meetings and responding to trustee queries 

General & Organisational 

• Process purchase invoices, supplier payments and income receipts in a timely manner 

• Support the wider team with financial queries, guidance and informal training

• Contribute to organisational planning, risk management and strategy as part of the senior team 

• Carry out any other duties reasonably requested by the ED 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or qualified by significant relevant experience 

• Demonstrable experience in a finance management role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector 

• Strong working knowledge of charity accounting, fund accounting and the Charities SORP 

• Proven experience managing restricted and unrestricted grant funds 

• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks or Sage) and Microsoft Excel 

• Experience preparing management accounts, year-end accounts and budgets 

• Experience managing payroll (in-house or via an external provider) 

• Excellent attention to detail and high degree of accuracy 

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and trustees 

• Self-motivated and able to work independently and prioritise effectively in a small team 

• A genuine commitment to the rights, dignity and potential of young refugees and asylum seekers 

Desirable 

• Experience working in a refugee, asylum, migration or broader human rights context 

• Familiarity with funding from Trusts and Foundations and complex funder reporting requirements 

• Experience supporting Board-level governance, including Finance Sub-Committees 

• Experience of working in an organisation going through a period of growth or change 

What We Offer 

• A flexible, supportive and genuinely values-led working environment 

• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of young people who have overcome extraordinary challenges 

• 20 days annual leave pro rata, plus bank holidays 

• Employer pension contribution of 3% 

• Remote and flexible working arrangements 

• Regular supervision, an open-door culture, and access to professional development 

• A diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve 

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Play for Progress is an equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, and those with lived experience of the refugee or asylum journey. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and heard. 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact us.