Senior project accountant jobs

Join Catalyst Support as a part-time Management Accountant and use your finance skills to support meaningful work across mental health, wellbeing and recovery services. This flexible hybrid role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning financial information into useful insight, supporting budget holders and making a real difference in the charity sector.

Catalyst Support is looking for a part-time Management Accountant to join our Finance team and play a key role in supporting the financial management of our charity services. This is a great opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys preparing clear management accounts, working collaboratively with budget holders, and helping ensure accurate financial reporting across projects that make a real difference to people’s mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Working closely with the Head of Finance & Resources, you will support monthly reporting, budgeting, forecasting, reconciliations and year-end processes, while providing practical finance guidance to colleagues across the organisation. We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised and values-led, with a commitment to kindness, integrity and high-quality charity finance.

Location  Hybrid with at least 50% of working time in our Woking office

Salary  £32,000 pro-rata

Work pattern 14–17.5 hours to be worked across 2 / 2 ½ days per week

Contract  Permanent

About Catalyst Support

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health and wellbeing – together every step of the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and project financial reports.
• Participate in regular management accounts meetings with budget holders; conduct variance analysis against budget and forecasts and provide commentary for senior management.
• Complete reconciliation of project related balance sheet accounts including accrued and prepaid expenditure, deferred and accrued income accounts.
• Respond to internal and external finance queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Process the month-end transactions in the accounting software (Xero).
• Prepare budgets and financial forecasts in collaboration with the Head of Finance & Resources and budget holders to ensure accurate upload into the financial system.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of financial procedures and systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist with the preparation of year-end accounts and liaise with auditors as required.
• Contribute to the compliance with relevant financial regulations, internal policies, and reporting standards.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the Head of Finance and Resources tp support the effective running of the finance function.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds an Association of Accounting Technicians Certificate, or an equivalent qualification.
• Has at least two years’ experience in a management accounting role.
• Has experience working within the charity sector.
• Is confident preparing accurate, timely and informative monthly management accounts.
• Has experience working with budget holders and providing clear financial advice and guidance to non-finance colleagues.
• Can analyse budgets, forecasts and variances, and explain financial information in a clear and accessible way.
• Has strong numeracy skills and experience working with multiple projects or funding streams.
• Is confident using Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, including advanced Excel functions such as IF formulas and Pivot Tables.
• Has experience using accounting software; experience of Xero would be desirable.
• Understands, or is willing to develop knowledge of, charity finance, Charity SORP and relevant financial regulations.
• Works well independently, within a small finance team and as part of the wider organisation.
• Is organised, proactive and able to prioritise work effectively.
• Demonstrates Catalyst’s values of kindness, commitment and integrity.
• Is respectful, inclusive and committed to equality of opportunity.
• Is adaptable, self-motivated and able to work calmly in a changing or challenging environment.

Benefits 

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental and counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working wherever possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation and access to our employee assistance programme

Safeguarding & Checks

• Please note past drug and/or alcohol or criminality history will not necessarily discount you from undertaking this role. We encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to support your application.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, and supporting our small talented highly talented Team your key tasks will be to:

· assist staff managing project finances ;

·       support the development of donor project budgets;

·       take a principlal role in supporting financial compliance;

·       support IM to fulfil its accountability to funders 

You will be part or fully qualified, with at least 4 years’ progressive experience supporting charity financial management including budget compilation, donor reports and grant management.  With excellent MS Excel skills and experience of Sage 50 and ExpenseIn or similar systems, you will have outstanding attention to detail and excellent oral and written English communication skills.

We don't just want a dyed in the wool accountant, we also want someone with great interpersonal skills. You will be dynamic and keen to move to the next stage in your career, you are a problem solver with a GSOH who thrives in a small, fast-paced high-calibre international team where everyone pitches in. A demonstrable interest in international relations and peacemaking and / or experience of working in a conflict zone and additional languages would be highly desirable.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK

Previous applicants need not apply again.

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong finance professional to lead our Financial Accounting and transaction processing functions. This is a senior role within the Finance / Resources directorate, reporting to the Director of Resources and playing a key part in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and effectiveness of the College’s financial accounting arrangements.

The postholder will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the financial accounting and transaction processing teams, supporting statutory reporting, technical accounting, treasury management, tax compliance, financial systems development and effective financial control across the group. The role covers the accounting arrangements for the College, its subsidiary and the Malaysian company, with responsibility for maintaining high-quality accounting records and supporting informed decision-making by senior leaders and the Trustee Board.

About the role

You will lead the preparation of annual financial statements for the group and single entity, ensure timely submission of regulatory returns, and provide expert advice on technical accounting matters including FRS 102, Charity SORP, OSCR requirements, VAT and other tax matters. You will also oversee key reconciliations, maintain effective financial controls, manage treasury arrangements and banking relationships, and support the development of financial systems and procedures.

As a senior member of the finance team, you will work closely with the Head of Financial Reporting and Analysis, senior leaders, committee chairs, external auditors, consultants and colleagues across the organisation. You will also lead, motivate and develop a team of

6 colleagues, ensuring strong performance, effective processes and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the production of annual financial statements and associated notes for the group and single entity.
• Oversee statutory and regulatory returns, including OSCR, Companies House, HMRC and other relevant submissions.
• Provide technical accounting advice and ensure compliance with FRS 102, Charity SORP and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Manage control account reconciliations, ledger integrity and financial accounting processes across the organisation.
• Lead treasury management, banking relationships, investment broker liaison and online banking controls.
• Ensure effective VAT, corporation tax and other tax compliance, maximising tax recovery where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain financial accounting policies, procedures, systems and controls.
• Lead, manage and develop the financial accounting and transaction processing teams.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and deputise for the Director of Resources as required.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant with a recognised professional accountancy qualification, such as ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA or CIMA, and significant experience in financial accounting. You will bring strong technical knowledge, ideally gained within an FRS 102 or similar environment, together with the ability to interpret complex financial requirements and translate them into practical solutions.

You will have excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the confidence to advise senior finance and non-finance colleagues, present complex information clearly, and manage competing priorities. Experience of staff management, team development, financial systems, advanced Excel and working with external auditors or advisers will be important. Knowledge of Charity SORP, fixed asset accounting under FRS 102, or experience in charity or public sector would be advantageous.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact finance leadership role within a complex and respected organisation, supporting financial stewardship, strong governance and informed strategic decision-making. You will work with senior stakeholders across the group and help shape robust, efficient and continuously improving financial accounting services.

Interim Payroll Review Consultant (Outside IR35)

Contract: Interim Consultancy (Outside IR35)

Duration: Approximately 3 months (with potential extension)

Location: Hybrid, London

Day Rate: Competitive

The Opportunity

A leading international humanitarian charity is seeking an experienced Payroll Review Consultant to undertake a strategic review of its payroll function. This is a consultancy assignment for someone who can quickly assess the current payroll operating model, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide clear recommendations for the future delivery of payroll services.

The successful consultant will engage with stakeholders across Finance, HR and Payroll to understand existing processes, systems and controls before producing a practical roadmap for change. A key outcome will be determining whether payroll should continue to be delivered in-house or be outsourced to a third-party provider.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll transformation specialist who enjoys diagnosing complex operational challenges and delivering strategic recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the organisation's current payroll function, processes and operating model.
• Assess the efficiency, effectiveness and resilience of existing payroll operations.
• Review payroll governance, controls, compliance and associated risks.
• Evaluate current payroll systems, reporting capabilities and integration with HR and Finance.
• Map end-to-end payroll processes and identify inefficiencies, duplication and opportunities for automation.
• Benchmark the current function against best practice.
• Carry out an options appraisal comparing an in-house payroll model against outsourcing to a managed payroll provider.
• Develop a robust business case outlining the advantages, risks, costs and implementation considerations for each option.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Produce a practical roadmap and implementation plan for the preferred operating model.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience reviewing, transforming or redesigning payroll functions.
• Proven experience leading payroll transformation or operating model reviews.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, compliance and governance.
• Experience evaluating outsourced payroll providers and managed service models.
• Excellent analytical and process mapping skills.
• Ability to engage credibly with senior Finance, HR and operational stakeholders.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex findings clearly.
• Experience within the charity, public sector or other complex organisations would be advantageous, although not essential.
• A proactive, independent consultant who is comfortable working autonomously and delivering recommendations with minimal supervision.

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver:

• Current state assessment of the payroll function.
• Gap analysis against best practice.
• Risk and controls assessment.
• Options appraisal for in-house versus outsourced payroll.
• Cost-benefit analysis and business case.
• Final recommendations report.
• High-level implementation roadmap for the preferred solution.

This assignment is offered on an Outside IR35 basis and would suit an experienced payroll consultant, payroll transformation specialist, or operational review consultant with a track record of delivering strategic payroll reviews and organisational change.

Head of Financial Accounting
£65,000 - £70,000
Permanent | Full-time
Fully Remote Working

Our client is a globally recognised organisation with operations across multiple countries and a strong reputation for delivering meaningful impact worldwide. As part of an exciting period of development and continuous improvement, they are looking to appoint an experienced and technically strong Head of Financial Accounting to lead financial accounting, statutory reporting and audit activities across the organisation.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with a strong audit and financial reporting background to take ownership of a broad remit, lead a high-performing team and play a key role in strengthening financial control, governance and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial accounting policies, processes and controls, ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and other relevant international reporting requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and review of annual statutory accounts and financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the planning, preparation and delivery of annual external audits, managing relationships with auditors and driving continuous improvement through audit action plans.
• Provide expert technical accounting guidance across the business, embedding best practice and supporting the development of finance teams.
• Oversee quarterly balance sheet reviews, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data and implementing corrective actions where required.
• Support governance and reporting requirements, including contributions to senior leadership, board and committee reporting.
• Manage and develop the Financial Accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Review and oversee key tax compliance activities, including VAT and other statutory reporting requirements.
• Partner with finance, operational and project teams to ensure financial accounting implications are considered in strategic initiatives and organisational change programmes.

Who Are We Looking For?

• ACA qualified accountant (or equivalent) with a strong technical accounting background.
• Previous experience gained within a leading audit practice and/or a large, complex organisation.
• Extensive knowledge of UK GAAP and statutory reporting requirements.
• Proven experience leading external audits and managing auditor relationships.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with the confidence to interpret and communicate complex accounting matters.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• Experience of improving financial processes, controls and reporting frameworks.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.

If you are a technically strong financial accountant looking for a leadership role where you can drive best practice, influence senior decision-making and lead a high-performing team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust is seeking an experienced finance professional to lead its financial management and oversee the organisation's operational functions. This is a senior leadership role supporting the Trust's continued growth, financial resilience, and conservation mission. The position can be based remotely, with travel to the Isles of Scilly as needed.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a respected conservation charity. 
• Flexible full-time or part-time arrangement. 
• Remote working (with some travel to the Isles of Scilly as required) will be considered.
• Broad influence across finance, operations, governance and organisational development. 
• Chance to contribute to nationally significant conservation projects, including the Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project. 

Our Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be:

• A qualified (or nearly qualified) accountant. 
• Collaborative and approachable. 
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail. 
• Comfortable working strategically while also managing day-to-day financial 
• operations. 
• Passionate about conservation and supporting the Trust's mission. 
• Motivated to help a growing charity strengthen its systems and long-term 
• sustainability. 

Overall, this is a senior finance leadership role with significant operational responsibilities, suited to someone who enjoys combining strong financial stewardship with organisational improvement in a mission-driven charity.

For the full list of key responsibilities please see the job description.

CVs will not be accepted, please visit IoSWT website to download the application form

About Us

Our mission is to keep Scilly special – to protect the islands’ unique heritage, particularly its native wildlife, ensuring that this heritage can be enjoyed by all.

We look after around half of the Isles of Scilly, making sure that Scilly stays special. We help wildlife thrive and provide opportunities for us all to enjoy nature.

If you have any questions, or would like to talk about this role, please find our contact details in the job description.

Head of Finance

Salary£80,000.00 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Head of Finance

Location: London/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Salary: £80,000.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1228366

About Us

Founded in 1844, YMCA is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity.  In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. The turnover of YMCA in 2025-26 was £386m. YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting a Federation of 80 local YMCAs to deliver vital services which positively impact young lives across the country. As we grow our income and impact, we are seeking an established and inspirational Head of Finance to take on one of the most pivotal roles in our organisation.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership appointment, reporting to the Director of Resources and leading a Finance team of around nine, including the payroll function. You will act as our lead on all matters of finance, liaising with our Federation members where necessary, providing expert support to our Income Generation Directorate (Fundraising and Retail) and other internal Directorates, embedding financial insight into revenue-generation strategy and working in close collaborative partnership with senior colleagues both within those teams but also across the Federation. Beyond this, you will oversee statutory reporting, investments, VAT and taxation compliance, and provide expert counsel to our Board of Trustees and Finance and Audit Committee.

Why You

Perhaps you have already established an excellent track record within a charity with significant fundraising and retail operations and are ready for the scale and influence this role commands. Or perhaps this is your first move into a charity; you are a seasoned accountant whose clients have included charitable organisations, and you now plan to apply that expertise where it matters most. Either way, this is a genuine opportunity to shape the financial future of a movement with over 180 years of heritage as we continue to embed strong financial practices whilst delivering our strategic ambition

What We're Looking For

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with senior management experience leading finance in an organisation of comparable scale, ideally with charity reporting and SORP knowledge. Strong business partnering skills, gravitas with trustees and committees, and genuine collaborative leadership are essential to succeed in this crucial role.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check

Project Manager (CEO)

Following many years of exceptional service, which has seen Durham City Youth Project (DCYP) grow and develop, our current Project Manager (CEO) is stepping down from her post.  The DCYP trustees seek to appoint a Professionally Qualified and Experienced Project Manager (CEO) who can demonstrate passion and enthusiasm to lead the Project into the next stage of its development.

DCYP has been supporting children and young people since 1933. We work across County Durham to provide youth work, counselling, sexual health education and wellbeing support for young people aged 8–19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

Our mission is to create opportunities that help young people develop confidence, resilience, skills and aspirations while ensuring they have access to trusted adults, positive activities and support when they need it most.

We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background, circumstances or challenges.

Hours: 35 hours a week to work regular evenings and weekends
Salary: £33k – 37k per annum
Holidays: 6.5 weeks holiday (pro rata), inclusive of  bank holidays
Based: Across County Durham
Benefits: Company pension scheme
Occupational sick pay
Ongoing training and professional development
A supportive and flexible working environment

Durham City Youth Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Location: Bristol office, hybrid (minimum three days a week onsite)

Salary: £50,285 per annum

Job Type: Fixed term maternity cover, approximately 15 months. Minimum 30 hours a week, up to full time (37.5 hours)

The role:

This role covers the current post-holder's maternity leave for an anticipated 15 months. As Financial Controller you will lead CSE's finance team, directing and overseeing the finance function in compliance with appropriate accounting standards and practices, company and charity law.

You will provide timely, accurate financial and management information to support strategic decision-making and effective budgetary control by our Senior Leadership Team, Trustees, project managers and other budget holders. You will line manage the Finance Manager and Finance Assistant and be a member of CSE's Senior Management Team.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will work alongside the wider Operations Team to provide operational support that underpins delivery of our charitable mission. This is a fast-paced role and we need someone who can get up to speed with minimal delay.

Specific responsibilities

An applicant appointed to the role will be expected to:

• Take responsibility for day-to-day accounting, invoicing, payroll, VAT returns, payments and banking, credit control and cash management, including timely monthly management accounts.
• Line manage the Finance Manager and Finance Assistant.
• Co-ordinate the annual budget cycle and mid-year budget refresh alongside the Director of Finance & Operations and SLT.
• Attend monthly SMT meetings to share the previous month's financial results and handle related queries.
• Prepare accurate, accessible reports on organisational, team, staff and project financial indicators to support timely decision-making.
• Maintain the organisation's financial records to appropriate accounting standards and prepare documentation for the annual audit and other statutory reporting.
• Liaise with CSE's auditors to enable an effective and timely annual audit.
• Support project managers to plan and manage project budgets, providing financial data for reporting to clients and funders.
• Provide expertise on financial costing and monitoring approaches for new project funding proposals, reflecting funder requirements.
• Provide finance support to Retrofit West CIC, including financial reporting, statutory obligations and payroll as required.

To see a more detailed list of responsibilities please see the supporting documents attached. These documents are also available to download from our website.

About you:

Essential attributes for this role include:

• Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or equivalent accountant.
• At least seven years' post-qualification experience, including at least five years in a financial management role.
• Working knowledge of accounting standards, VAT and HMRC regulations in England, including requirements applicable to a UK charity with a trading subsidiary.
• Experience of leading the preparation for an annual audit.
• Experience of preparing routine financial and management information reports for senior executives and staff.
• Experience of using timesheet software to track allocation of staff time to different cost centres.
• High level competence with Sage accounting software and MS Excel.
• Able to analyse, structure and sense-check financial data to produce clear, informative reports, with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven management skills.
• Self-motivated and organised, able to work with limited supervision and manage conflicting priorities.

Please note, the above is an overview of the skills required for this role. To see the full list of essential and desirable skills please see the attached job description.

Benefits:

CSE offer a range of other benefits including:

• You will be entitled to 25 days' paid holiday (plus statutory holidays)
• Company pension scheme with 8% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Subsidised bike purchase and Tech Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Health Cash plan
• Retail discounts
• Discounted breakdown cover and many more.
• We will pay fees and expenses on relevant training courses.
• We are flexible with working hours and will discuss this openly if you are invited to interview.

How to apply

To apply, please download and complete the application form available from our website and send it to our Jobs email (available in the candidate pack). Your application should demonstrate your suitability against the criteria in the person specification and job description. CVs and supporting letters will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 7 September 2026.

First interviews are expected online on w/c 14 September 2026, with final panel interviews at our Bristol office on w/c 21 September September 2026. The earliest start date is early October 2026.

This role requires a basic DBS check. If invited to interview, we will ask for evidence of eligibility to work in the UK.

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of Head of Liaison and Project Support Unit, and working collaboratively with colleagues across the Country Office and the wider organisation, the Senior External Relations Associate will be responsible and accountable for supporting the implementation of engagement activities with governmental and parliamentary stakeholders, international financial institutions, think tanks, as well as other key counterparts. This includes assisting with information gathering, preparation of materials, logistical arrangements, and follow-up to help the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as a trusted advisor on migration-related issues and to contribute to building understanding and support for IOM’s work.

For more details about the role and how to apply, please vist our website: https://unitedkingdom.iom.int/careers

Women’s Inclusive Team (WIT)

Finance and Fundraising Manager

Salary: £35,000–£45,500 FTE, pro rata
Hours: 14–21 hours per week
Location: Bethnal Green / hybrid
Contract: Permanent, subject to funding and probation
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About WIT

Women’s Inclusive Team is a community-led charity in Tower Hamlets. We work with women, children, young people and families, particularly those from Black, Asian and minoritised communities, to improve wellbeing, widen opportunities and strengthen local voices.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Finance and Fundraising Manager to join our Senior Management Team.

This is a senior, hands-on role combining charity finance with fundraising and income development. You will lead the finance function, strengthen controls and provide clear information to the CEO, trustees and senior managers.

You will also help grow and diversify income by managing WIT’s funding pipeline, identifying opportunities and contributing to strong applications, tenders, budgets and financial narratives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the finance function using QuickBooks and Excel.
• Produce management accounts, cash-flow forecasts, budgets and reforecasts.
• Strengthen reconciliations, journals, salary allocations, debtor monitoring and year-end processes.
• Maintain a central funding pipeline covering needs, opportunities, deadlines and gaps.
• Lead or contribute to funding applications, tenders, contracts and partnership bids.
• Prepare budgets, financial narratives and full-cost recovery calculations.
• Build relationships with funders, commissioners and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant and contract finances, reporting deadlines and audit trails.
• Advise the CEO, trustees, managers and budget holders.
• Line manage the Finance Assistant and improve systems and workflows.

About you

You will have:

• Strong charity finance experience, including management accounts, cash-flow forecasting, budgeting, restricted funds and financial controls.
• Experience of month-end processes, reconciliations and debtor management.
• A successful fundraising track record across grants, tenders, commissioned contracts or partnership bids.
• Experience managing a funding pipeline.
• Confidence using QuickBooks and Excel.
• Knowledge of grant management, funder reporting and audit requirements.
• The ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Strong organisational, collaborative and line-management skills.

You do not need to have held an identical combined role, but you must show strong charity finance expertise alongside credible fundraising and income-development experience.

What we offer

Flexible part-time hours, hybrid working, a place on WIT’s Senior Management Team and the opportunity to help shape the future of a values-led community charity.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and brief responses to these questions. A covering letter is not required.

1. Why would you like to work for WIT, and what attracts you to this role? Maximum 250 words.
2. Give one example of a successful funding application, tender, contract or partnership bid you contributed to. Include your role, the amount sought or secured and the outcome. Maximum 350 words.
3. Give one example of how you used management accounts, budgets or cash-flow information to support a decision, address a risk or improve financial controls. Maximum 350 words.

Closing date: 27th August 2026. We may close early if we receive enough suitable applications, so early applications are encouraged.
Interview dates: To be confirmed.

Further competency questions will be explored at interview; no lengthy written task is planned.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, right-to-work evidence and pre-employment checks. A DBS check may be required.

WIT welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Our partner is an international non-profit and social enterprise working across Asia to improve access to essential health and rehabilitation services. They are now entering an important stage of organisational development and are seeking an experienced finance systems and project lead to lead an ERP system implementation, and help strengthen financial visibility, reporting, controls and decision-making across their global operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the selection, implementation and ongoing management of a new finance / ERP system across regional operations.
• Manage the full systems implementation process, including requirements gathering, vendor engagement, configuration, data migration, testing, training, go-live and post-implementation support.
• Ensure the system supports multi-country, multi-currency operations, donor and investor reporting, country-level management information and group reporting requirements.
• Strengthen financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and performance reporting across country operations.
• Improve visibility of costs, margins, cashflow, financial drivers and operational performance to support decision-making.
• Work with country teams to strengthen financial controls, expense management, reporting processes and day-to-day operational finance practices.
• Build finance systems capability across country teams through training, mentoring and practical support.
• Support financial planning and systems design for new country operations, expansion and organisational growth.

Person specification

The successful candidate will bring:

• Strong experience leading finance systems, ERP implementation or significant financial systems improvement projects.
• A professional accounting qualification, or equivalent senior finance and systems experience.
• Strong financial management skills, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, analysis and controls.
• Experience working across multi-country and multi-currency environments, preferably within an international not for profit organisation.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, delivery, stakeholder management, risk management and practical problem-solving.
• Experience supporting finance teams through change, including training, mentoring and building system adoption.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures, time zones and different levels of finance capability.
• Experience working in South or Southeast Asia, or comparable international contexts, would be highly beneficial.
• Experience in organisations combining charitable, development, commercial or social enterprise objectives would also be helpful.

Ways of working

• The organisation is open to considering different working models, depending on the right person’s experience and availability. This could be a salaried appointment or a consultancy arrangement, and may be full-time or part-time.
• There is a defined overall budget for the role, and the final structure, time commitment and remuneration will be shaped around the preferred candidate’s experience, availability and proposed approach.
• The role is remote, with flexible working arrangements across time zones. Regular international travel to regional operations across South East Asia will be an important part of the role, with work-related travel expenses and per diems covered.

Employment Details: 

• Location: Haringey (N17), London, UK. (This is an In-Person role with optional one day working remotely) 
• Job Title:  Director of Operations 
• Reporting to: CEO, with accountability to the Board of Trustees 
• Line Manages: Operations Co-ordinator and Finance Officer
• Employment Type: Full-Time (40hrs Per Week)
• Start date: October 2026 (Ideally, or later if you have a notice period) 

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 25 days (Exclusive of Bank Holiday)
• 1 x WFH/flexi working as per policy
• CPD Budget: £1000
• Group Life Insurance
• Discount on Food (Specific Restaurants)
• Free Brunch every Thursday
• Company Well-being Events
• Pension Contribution

Summary of the role:
The Director of Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role at Sister System, responsible for strengthening the people, culture, systems and organisational foundations that enable our mission to thrive. Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, the postholder will play a central role in delivering our current strategic priorities and shaping the next chapter of Sister System as we develop our future strategy beyond September 2027. 

This is a significant opportunity to help shape a growing, values-led organisation founded on co-curation, sisterhood, race & gender equity and the belief that girls and young women should be active architects of the services, systems and opportunities designed for them. With oversight of financial management, people and culture, compliance, risk and organisational infrastructure, the Director of Operations will lead on empowering & ensuring that our internal culture and ways of working reflect the same care, accountability, ambition and empowerment that sit at the heart of our model. 

The role will be instrumental in translating our founding vision into strong, sustainable practice, ensuring Sister System is equipped to grow its impact while remaining deeply connected to the voices, experiences and leadership of the girls and young women we exist to serve. 

Our Charity:
Sister System exists to ensure that care-affected girls and young women are not defined by the systems they have experienced, but are supported to recognise their strengths, shape their futures and access the same opportunities as their peers. 

Our culturally competent, co-curated model works alongside girls and young women aged 13–24 through a long-term journey of support, progression and leadership. Across three interconnected stages, we provide trusted relationships, mentoring, therapeutic support, education, leadership development and pathways into employment. Our approach recognises that meaningful change takes time, consistency and a community that continues to believe in her. 

Founded with girls and young women, not simply for them, Sister System places their voices, experiences and ambitions at the heart of everything we do. Through our growing hub-and-spoke model, we are expanding our reach while also influencing the wider systems, services and institutions that shape their lives. 

Our ambition is not only to improve individual outcomes, but to demonstrate a better way of working with care-affected girls and young women—one that is relational, culturally responsive, asset-based and built around what they tell us they need to thrive. 

As Sister System enters its next phase of growth and prepares to shape its future strategy, we are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the people, culture, systems and infrastructure that will enable our organisation—and the girls and young women alongside us—to achieve even more. 

Our Vision: 
A world where empowered girls reach their potential through equitable opportunities.

Our Mission: 
To bridge the gap between care-affected girls and young women within mainstream society by working alongside them to ensure they have the same opportunities that everyone else has – at home, school, work and within our communities. 

Our Values: 

• COLLABORATIVE 
  We co-curate programmes with our Sis-Stars. We seek powerful partnerships. 
• EVIDENCE-BASED 
  We build trust and respect within our sector. 
• MASTERFUL 
  We aim for excellence as standard and share our learning. 
• SOLUTION-FOCUSED 
  We innovate to overcome challenges with a long-term goal in mind. 
• TENACIOUS 
  We are not afraid to take a stand and push for change. 

 
Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership and Implementation 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to translate Sister System’s strategy, theory of change, operational model and financial plans into clear organisational priorities and coordinated action. 
• Play a central role in shaping Sister System’s next strategy ahead of the September 2027 refresh, ensuring it reflects our founding commitment to co-curation, the voices of girls and young women, our evolving three-stage model and our future growth ambitions. 
• Lead the development of proportionate planning, monitoring and review processes that enable the Senior Leadership Team to track progress, reflect on performance, identify barriers and remain accountable for delivery. 
• Monitor progress against agreed strategic goals and KPIs, ensuring that risks, dependencies and areas requiring leadership attention are clearly identified and addressed. 
• Support senior leaders to turn strategic priorities into realistic plans, with clear ownership, timescales and measurable outcomes. 
• Ensure that learning from delivery, impact data, staff experience and the voices of girls and young women inform strategic decision-making and organisational improvement. 
• Cultivate a strong shared sense of purpose across Sister System, helping colleagues understand how their roles contribute to our mission, values and long-term ambitions. 

Financial Strategy and Audit 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to shape, implement and regularly evaluate Sister System’s financial strategy, ensuring it supports our mission, strategic ambitions and long-term sustainability. 
• Provide clear, financial recommendations to the CEO, helping the organisation navigate the balance between delivering high-quality, meaningful impact for girls and young women, achieving value for money and maintaining financial resilience. 
• Translate Sister System’s strategic priorities, delivery model and growth ambitions into realistic financial plans, forecasts and scenarios that support timely and well-informed decision-making. 
• Lead financial scenario planning and ensure that the CEO and Board have a clear understanding of the financial implications, risks and trade-offs associated with key organisational decisions. 
• Lead and oversee the annual audit process, working effectively with external auditors, the finance team, senior leaders and the Board to ensure a robust, timely and transparent process. 
• Ensure that learning and recommendations arising from audits, financial reviews and assurance activity are translated into clear improvements and strengthened organisational practice. 

Financial Management 

• Lead the development, monitoring and management of annual budgets, reforecasts and longer-term financial plans, ensuring resources are aligned with Sister System’s strategic priorities. 
• Hold and actively manage the tension between quality, impact, affordability and value for money, ensuring financial decisions protect the integrity of Sister System’s model and the experience of the girls and young women we serve. 
• Provide the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board with clear, accessible and timely financial information, insight and recommendations to support effective leadership and governance. 
• Produce high-level financial reports and analysis covering budgets, cash flow, reserves, forecasts, strategic KPIs and other relevant performance indicators. 
• Maintain and continuously strengthen proportionate financial systems, controls and processes that reflect Sister System’s size, stage of growth and evolving operating model. 
• Ensure that robust financial and performance-reporting infrastructure is in place, with clear accountability, reliable data and appropriate oversight across the organisation. 
• Support Directors and budget holders to understand their financial responsibilities, manage resources effectively and make informed decisions within agreed parameters. 
• Identify emerging financial risks, pressures and opportunities for greater efficiency, advising the CEO on appropriate actions and ensuring these are monitored and addressed. 
• Oversee high quality bookkeeping practice to ensure reporting is accurate and up to date. 
• Work with the fundraising team to develop budgets for proposals and create timely financial reports for funders and donors 

Culture and Operational Effectiveness 

• Work closely with our People and Culture consultant, CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape and embed a progressive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• Champion a culture of regular, honest and constructive feedback, helping managers and colleagues to hold crucial conversations with clarity, care and accountability. 
• Ensure that Sister System’s internal culture reflects the relational, empowering and values-led approach that sits at the heart of our work with girls and young women. 
• Review existing organisational processes and workflows, identifying practical opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, collaboration and efficiency. 
• Develop and embed proportionate ways of working that support Sister System’s current size, evolving operating model and future growth. 

People Planning and Management 

• Lead the development of a clear and forward-looking people plan that ensures Sister System has the right structure, capacity, capabilities and leadership in place to deliver its strategic ambitions. 
• Support managers to build high-performing teams through effective objective-setting, regular feedback, performance management and professional development. 
• Foster an environment in which people are supported to grow, appropriately challenged and held accountable for delivering against agreed expectations. 
• Facilitate professional learning, career development and progression across the organisation, ensuring that opportunities are transparent, equitable and aligned with organisational need. 
• Oversee workforce and succession planning, ensuring that the organisational structure remains appropriate, affordable and responsive to Sister System’s development. 
• Work with the CEO and relevant advisers to ensure fair and appropriate pay, benefits and working conditions. 
• Oversee recruitment and the end-to-end employee experience, from attraction and onboarding through to development, retention and exit. 
• Ensure that people policies, practices and management approaches are legally compliant, consistently applied and reflective of Sister System’s values. 

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure that Sister System meets its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities as a charity and employer. 
• Lead the development and maintenance of a proportionate organisational risk-management framework that protects Sister System’s people, assets, reputation and ability to deliver its mission. 
• Ensure that key organisational risks are clearly identified, owned, monitored and reported to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 
• Promote a culture in which risk is understood and actively managed without limiting thoughtful innovation, learning or ambition.

Governance, Communications and Facilities 

• Facilitate clear, timely and effective communication and cooperation between the Board of Trustees, CEO and Senior Leadership Team. 
• Support the development of strong governance systems, ensuring that trustees receive the information, insight and assurance required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. 
• Work closely with trustees through the Finance and Audit committee 
• Oversee the organisation’s IT infrastructure and digital systems through external providers, ensuring that they remain secure, reliable and appropriate for Sister System’s needs. 
• Oversee the effective operation of Sister System’s physical workspace within a fully managed office environment, working with building management and relevant external providers where required. 
• Ensure that Sister System provides a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for girls and young women, staff, volunteers, visitors and partners across its hub, spoke locations and external activities. 
• Ensure that appropriate health and safety systems, procedures and responsibilities are understood, implemented and regularly reviewed. 

Person Specification 
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and values-led operational leader to join Sister System’s Senior Leadership Team. You will combine sound judgement and strong organisational skills with a warm, collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for care-affected girls and young women. 

You do not need to be a specialist in every area of the role. You will, however, need the confidence and experience to lead across a broad operational portfolio, work effectively with professional advisers and external providers, and provide clear, practical advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 

Essential Experience and Knowledge 

• Significant experience in a senior operations, finance, people, governance or organisational leadership role within a charity, social enterprise or similarly values-led organisation. 
• Experience of translating organisational strategy into clear priorities, plans, systems and measurable outcomes. 
• Experience of developing and managing organisational budgets, forecasts and financial reporting, with the ability to balance quality, impact, affordability and value for money. 
• Experience of supervising or coordinating an external audit process, working effectively with auditors, finance colleagues and the Board. 
• Experience of people planning, performance management and supporting managers to build capable, accountable and high-performing teams. 
• Experience of developing or improving organisational systems, processes and ways of working during a period of growth or change. 
• A sound understanding of charity governance, organisational risk, compliance and the responsibilities of senior leaders and trustees. 
• Experience of working collaboratively with a CEO, senior leadership colleagues, trustees, consultants and external professional advisers. 
• A strong understanding of equity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and the ability to embed these principles within organisational culture and decision-making. 

Skills and Leadership Approach 

• An approachable, emotionally intelligent and credible leader who can build trust, motivate others and develop effective working relationships across an organisation. 
• The ability to lead with both care and accountability, supporting open feedback and helping colleagues to hold constructive and sometimes crucial conversations. 
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to understand the wider organisational picture while maintaining oversight of important operational detail. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial, people or operational information clearly and accessibly. 
• Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, meet deadlines and maintain momentum. 
• Sound judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge, identify risks and offer clear recommendations to the CEO and Board. 
• A practical and solution-focused approach, with the ability to move from discussion and planning into coordinated action. 
• The ability to handle sensitive, confidential and personal information professionally and in accordance with Sister System’s policies, data-protection responsibilities and GDPR. 
• Energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for strengthening an ambitious organisation as it prepares to shape and deliver its next strategy. 

Values and Commitment 

• A demonstrable commitment to Sister System’s mission and to improving the opportunities, experiences and outcomes of care-affected girls and young women. 
• The ability to model and champion Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• A commitment to co-curation and to ensuring that the voices, experiences and leadership of girls and young women inform organisational planning and decision-making. 
• A commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and personal and professional development. 

Desirable 

• Lived experience of the care system, or a strong professional understanding of the experiences of care-affected girls and young women. 
• Experience of working within a founder-led organisation or alongside a founder CEO. 
• Experience of supporting an organisation through growth, restructuring or the development of a new strategy. 
• Knowledge of culturally competent, trauma-informed or relational approaches to working with young people. 
• A relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in operations, finance, human resources, governance or organisational leadership. 
• Experience working with social care and educational service providers (statutory and third sector). 
• Knowledge of the Charity SORP, Charity Commission reporting requirements, and other third-sector financial regulation. 

Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to two satisfactory reference checks and DBS enhanced disclosure.

How to apply

Please apply via our recruitment platform Breathe by 31st August 2026. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:

Values alignment 
Sister System's model is built on co-curation (working with girls and young women, not simply for them) and on being Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. Which of these values do you feel most aligned with, and which do you find hardest to live up to in practice?
 
People & Culture
Sister System is a founder-led organisation, underpinned by race and gender equity and a culturally competent, trauma-informed approach to working with girls and young women. Tell us about a time you strengthened internal culture of this nature within a team. What resistance did you meet, and what was different a year later?

Finance 
A key element of the role is monitoring income against budget for current and future years. Charity income can provide additional complexities, particularly with different types of grants. Please explain your understanding of these complexities, and how they impact on recording and reporting, including examples from your own experience if relevant. 

Timeline
Deadline for applications: End of day Monday 31st August 2026 
First round interviews: w/c 7th September 
Second round interviews: w/c 14th September
Decisions made: by 22nd September 

Thank you for your interest in joining Sister System in our mission to inspire and empower young women. 

Head of Finance

Reports to: Director of Finance, Data and Innovation

Line reports: 2

Location: London, hybrid working, with minimum 40% of working time in the office

Salary: London £54,000 (salary band £54,000 - £58000; Outside London £51,500 (salary band £51,500 to £55,500)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

The Head of Finance will lead the day-to-day finance function, ensuring our financial information is accurate, timely and useful. The role will oversee financial reporting, controls, compliance, payroll, budgeting and forecasting, while managing and developing the finance team. The postholder will work closely with budget holders and senior leaders to support good financial decision-making across the organisation. The role will also provide oversight of key operational areas, including premises, health and safety, equipment and outsourced technology support.

In the first 6–12 months, the postholder will be expected to strengthen monthly reporting, improve budget holder support, maintain clear financial controls, support the annual audit and help embed effective finance processes across the organisation.

Financial responsibilities

· Ensure that all financial data is accurately recorded, maintained and reported in accordance with relevant accounting standards and guidelines

· Ensure compliance with relevant financial, tax and statutory obligations, including VAT, PAYE and other reporting requirements

· Lead financial business partnering across the organisation, ensuring budget holders have the knowledge, skills and tools to manage their budgets effectively. This will include:

• • Running effective budgeting and forecasting processes to ensure the organisation has a robust plan
  • Producing monthly management accounts with useful variance analysis to ensure proper financial management

· Alongside the Director of Finance, develop and maintain financial controls to safeguard the charity’s assets, ensuring clear processes are in place and control checks are documented

· Take full management responsibility for the finance team, lead, motivate and develop them to ensure that they are focused, competent and working effectively and efficiently

· Maintain clear review and approval processes so that financial work is properly checked, authorised and documented

· Oversee finance processes for the trading subsidiary, including reviewing postings, accounts and consolidation entries

· Produce or review monthly payroll amounts and postings

· Lead preparation for the annual audit and statutory accounts, ensuring working papers, reconciliations and supporting evidence are complete and accurate

· Ensure restricted funds, grants and project income are recorded, monitored and reported accurately

Operations

· Ensure premises and properties are managed appropriately on a day-to-day basis

· Ensure we comply with H&S standards in our multiple offices

· Ensure the organisation has the resources it needs to do their job through the procurement/ provision of laptops and other equipment

· Work with colleagues to ensure we comply with GDPR

Person specification: Skill / experience 

Essential

A demonstrable interest and commitment to working with, and supporting people from, a refugee background

Financial and Operational Responsibilities

Strong management accounting experience, including business partnering with budget holders to support good decision-making

Good understanding of UK charity accounting, including charity SORP, audit and year-end reporting

Professional accounting qualification or substantial relevant accounting experience

Management experience and ability to support and develop line reports in a welcoming and inclusive environment 

Understanding of key compliance areas relevant to charity finance and operations, including VAT, Gift Aid, PAYE, P11D and GDPR

Good understanding of charity controls and risk management

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, strong experience using finance systems (we currently use Xledger) and an interest in AI

Experience of charity fund accounting, including restricted funds and grant reporting

Experience of managing/supporting in the management of outsourced technology providers 

Personal Traits

Able to improve processes and deliver practical changes that make finance easier to use across the organisation

Able to manage competing priorities and maintain high standards during busy periods

Self-motivated, organised and able to deliver agreed outcomes on time

Analytical thinker with good problem-solving skills

Practical, flexible and willing to support both strategic and day-to-day finance work

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex information to different audiences

Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to form effective working relationships with other teams

Desirable

Committed to continuous improvement and the use of agile tools to support business change

Considerations 

· As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out pre-employment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks for some roles, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.

· We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.