System accountant jobs in Westminster, greater london

Green Alliance is an environmental thinktank, charity and advocate committed to achieving a greener, fairer future for the UK. We believe that ambitious political leadership is essential for meaningful environmental change at the speed and scale necessary.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our operations team, someone with a strong financial background with excellent attention to detail, a flexible attitude, an ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a small team, together with excellent organisation and administrative skills.

Effective financial control is central to our strategy and operating model. The finance officer plays an essential role in maintaining control over our finances and operations. You will process and monitor financial transactions, liaise with our payroll bureau regarding staff payroll and pensions and support the Head of finance. You will be experienced in using Dynamics 365 Business Central as an accounting system.

This is a part-time role for two days a week (0.4FTE), with flexibility about when the hours are worked. It's a hybrid role, working from home and from our office. You will report to our Head of finance. You will also work with all staff on financial matters including personal and credit card expenses, central and project income and expenditure, and processing of payroll by liaising with our external bureau.

At Stewardship, we are passionate about equipping the Church and Christian charities with the financial tools and guidance they need to thrive. Our specialist services support a wide range of organisations, from small local churches to larger Christian charities, with annual incomes ranging from £25,000 to £1,000,000.

Stewardship is looking for an Accounts Examiner to join our growing Accounts Examination Team, helping clients prepare and review receipts and payments accounts, identify key financial and regulatory matters, and offer practical, thoughtful support that strengthens good financial stewardship.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your finance skills in a mission-focused Christian charity, supporting a wide range of churches and charities across the UK. You will be highly organised, confident working with financial records and systems, able to communicate clearly, and committed to deadlines and excellent service.

This is full-time role of 35 hours per week, but part-time working would also be considered (minimum of 21 hours per week)

What You’ll Be Doing

• Undertake and oversee the preparation of year end ‘Receipts & Payments’ accounts for our client charities with income up to £500k.
• Undertake, or review, independent examinations of charity ‘Receipts & Payments’ accounts.
• Provide fee quotes to clients and monitor job costs against this budget. Provide explanations for variances from budgeted fees and negotiate additional fees if required.
• Review the information we receive to identify any significant financial and regulatory issues that need to be brought to attention of our client charities.
• Working collaboratively with a team of experienced accountants who share a passion for church and charity finance.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of our services and resources.
• Provide ad hoc advice to client charities on a whole range of technical issues (which may include advice on bookkeeping, accounting issues and arrangements, internal controls, gift aid, taxation and regulatory compliance) where appropriate

What We’re Looking For

• Bookkeeping experience
• Experience of / a desire to be involved in Christian finance, working with church/charity finance teams, treasurers & trustees.
• Excellent communication skills and a heart for serving Christian organisations.
• Experience working with or within churches or Christian charities is highly desirable.
• A practising Christian, in line with the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, who is committed to Stewardship’s Christian ethos.

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:

· Active membership of local church congregation.

An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on ending financial hardship in later life. We want every older person to be able to afford to live well. 

We stand with older people in financial hardship, offering urgent help today and shaping a fairer, more secure tomorrow. Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. And we use the knowledge and insight gained from our services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

The Finance Officer (Expenditure) is a key role responsible for managing all payments made by the charity. It is a great opportunity to join a small but busy team on a temporary basis.

The role requires managing invoice approvals and processing invoices for payment in line with authority limits, maintaining supplier accounts, generating BACS payment runs to suppliers and making sure all payments are made in a timely fashion.

In addition, you will be managing payments to grantees (individuals and organisational grants), dealing with expenses and credit card queries, as well as managing the finance mailbox. The Finance Officer will also support the month end close process.

This role is a 5-month fixed term contract, starting on Tuesday 8 September 2026. It is part-time, 28 hours per week Monday-Thursday.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work for us on the careers page of our website. 

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site.

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer.

A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Sunday 23 August at 11:59pm

Interview Date: Tuesday 1 September

Start Date: Tuesday 8 September

About Us

We are a values-led Social Enterprise CIC based in Aldgate, London, providing shared finance services to a growing client base of charities, CICs, and purpose-led organisations. Our services include bookkeeping, management accounts, payroll, VAT returns, and year-end financial accounts and Corporation tax.

Purpose of the post

We are seeking a capable and motivated Shared Services Accountant to help deliver high-quality finance services across a varied client portfolio. The role is ideal for someone with bookkeeping experience who wants to apply their skills in a mission-driven environment. It offers flexible hybrid working, combining remote work with time in our Aldgate office.

Role Overview

You’ll manage day-to-day bookkeeping and financial tasks for a range of clients, taking accounts to trial balance, supporting the production of management accounts, and handling VAT and payroll duties. You will work across platforms including Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage Payroll, and be a key part of our collaborative shared services team

Key responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers for multiple clients
• Process purchase and sales invoices, journals, and bank reconciliations
• Prepare books to trial balance and assist with monthly management accounts
• Submit accurate VAT returns in line with HMRC deadlines
• Run payroll using Sage Payroll, including pension submissions
• Prepare and post journals (accruals, prepayments, depreciation)
• Maintain and reconcile fixed asset registers
• Respond promptly to client queries and provide excellent service
• Support the preparation of year-end accounts and audit documentation
• Contribute to improvements in finance systems and processes
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure effective delivery of shared finance services

Position in the organisation:

· The post holder will be required to work closely with Head of Finance and Group CFO

· The post holder will be required to liaise at senior levels externally

· The post holder will report to Head of Finance and Group CFO

General duties and key responsibilities:

· Support SEUK’s wider programme of activities where necessary, undertaking other duties as required

· Maintain commercial confidentiality about SEUK and partners’ activities

· Ensure the implementation of SEUK’s Code of Conduct, Health and Safety policy and Equal Opportunities policy in all areas of the work

· Attend training courses or take part in additional aspects of SEUK’s work that are relevant to the work as decided in conjunction with Head of Finance

· Ensure that all activities for which this post is responsible are carried out in accordance with SEUK’s policies, to the highest ethical standards and in accordance with legal requirements, best practice and external guidelines 

· Service own administrative needs, maintain transparent and up to date digital records of work

· Act as an ambassador for SEUK as appropriate

KPIs

· SLA Adherence: Ensure all client deliverables (e.g. payroll, VAT returns, supplier payments, month-end accounts) are completed accurately and on time, in line with each client’s specific SLA timetable.

· Timetable Management: Maintain and regularly update a shared timetable tracking all monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines across clients.

· Transaction Accuracy: Maintain a <1% error rate across processing tasks including payroll, supplier payments, and VAT returns.

· Month-End Delivery: Complete month-end accounting tasks for each client within their agreed reporting timelines.

· Query Resolution: Respond to client finance queries promptly, aiming to resolve 90% within 3 working days.

· Client Satisfaction: Achieve high satisfaction ratings from clients through reliable, responsive service delivery.

· Process Improvement: Identify and contribute to at least 2 service improvements or efficiency initiatives per year.

Terms and conditions

• Permanent full-time post – 4-5 days, 28-35 hours a week.
• Family friendly, flexible/Hybrid working
• Salary – negotiable based on experience & qualifications
• Leave entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Location:  London (Aldgate)
• £200 personal development
• A six-month probationary period would apply
• Employers - 6% Pension Scheme or Salary Sacrifice Scheme

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. 

Role Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, but dynamic team at Access – The Foundations for Social Investment. The Assistant Management Accountant will play an important role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of Access's financial records. The role will work closely with colleagues across the organisation and provide support to the Senior Finance and Operations Manager and Director of Finance and Operations.

About Access

We want to see a social investment ecosystem that works for all charities and social enterprises. Through our programmes and our advocacy work, we ensure that charities and social enterprises can access the finance they need to sustain or grow their impact.

We target those most in need of patient and flexible investment through:

• Funding enterprise development and blended finance programmes in England.
• Sharing knowledge and data and translating it into practical insight that others can use.
• Mobilising others who share our goal of making capital work for communities.

Main responsibilities include:

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (guide c.85%)

• Keeping the accounting system up to date, ready for review by the Senior Finance and Operations Manager, this includes but not limited to weekly bank uploads, posting weekly and monthly journals and reconciling Access's bank accounts and balance sheet.
• Assisting the Senior Finance and Operations Manager with preparation of monthly management accounts, annual budgets and Access's year end audit. 
• Supporting treasury management by maintaining cashflow records and assisting with forecasting future cash requirements.
• Managing the accounts payable and receivable functions
• Maintaining organised financial files to support monthly reporting and the year-end audit
• Work with the Finance team to ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place and are being followed in order to comply with financial regulations and internal policies
• Carry out such other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time, consistent with the nature, level and responsibilities of the role

OPERATIONS, PEOPLE AND GOVERNANCE (guide c.15%) – scope dependent on number of hours worked

• Support the Senior Finance and Operations Manager with the delivery of the finance and operations team’s objectives
• Support the implementation of new systems and processes to improve operational workflows, with a dedication to continuous improvement
• Understand the programmatic work via the building of strong relationships across Access to be able to provide support to other areas of the business.
• Support the Senior Leadership Team with ad hoc administration, coordination and organisational tasks as required
• Support the Senior Finance and Operations Manager in assisting with the preparation of Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC), Endowment Investment Committee (EIC) and Board papers and minute taking as and when needed

Please download the Job Specification for the full job description, person specification, terms & conditions and benefits. 

Please note we are review applications on Thusday, 6th August, and may close recruitment early if suitable applications are received.

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

A leading international charity is seeking an experienced Finance Manager – Systems & Treasury to join its finance team on an initial three-month contract. There is a strong likelihood of extension, with the long-term intention for the role to become permanent.

This is a newly created position that will act as the Finance team's subject matter expert for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The system has recently been implemented, and the successful candidate will take ownership of its day-to-day management, ongoing optimisation and future integrations.

You'll work closely with Finance and IT to ensure Business Central is embedded across the organisation, continues to evolve and delivers high-quality financial reporting and operational efficiencies.

Alongside systems ownership, you'll also lead the organisation's developing treasury function, managing cash flow forecasting, liquidity and supporting wider financial planning activities.

Hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is essential.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Act as the Finance team's lead for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, taking ownership of its day-to-day administration and development.
• Drive ongoing enhancements, optimisation and future integrations, including timesheet and sales systems.
• Develop reports, dashboards and management information from Business Central to support financial decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance, IT and external system providers to resolve issues, improve functionality and maximise system capability.
• Support and train Finance colleagues, becoming the key point of contact for all Business Central queries.
• Maintain strong financial controls, data integrity and user access within the finance system.
• Develop and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts across multiple entities.
• Support treasury management, monitoring liquidity and identifying opportunities to maximise returns on surplus cash.
• Drive continuous improvements across finance systems, reporting and internal processes.

You will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
• Have demonstrable, hands-on experience using and administering Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Be confident acting as the Finance team's systems lead, supporting users and driving continuous system improvements.
• Have experience developing reporting, improving finance processes and supporting system integrations.
• Possess strong treasury, cash flow forecasting and financial reporting experience.
• Have excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work across Finance, IT and the wider organisation.
• Ideally have experience working within an international or not-for-profit organisation.

What's on offer:

• Initial three-month contract with a strong likelihood of extension and potential to become permanent.
• Day rate: £350 / £450per day (via umbrella) depending on experience
• Hybrid working arrangements with a London office.

Financial Accountant | Temp (Part Time) | £200 - £225 per day Umbrella Co | London | Hybrid

For a well-known charity in central London, we're recruiting an interim Financial Accountant until the end of February 2027 on a 3-4 day a week part-time basis. This role will lead on monthly balance sheet accounts, identify and correct ledger errors, and assist the Financial Controller with continuous improvements to the month-end process. The interim Financial Accountant will also support the Accounts Payable team with journals and PO system errors, reconcile payroll control accounts, and intercompany as well as sales ledger reconciliations and fixed assets.

Main Duties:

• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts, intercompany accounts, Payroll controls accounts and HMRC information
• Maintain the Sales Ledger including monthly reconciliations and reporting on balances
• Post fixed asset and depreciation journals, and maintain the Fixed Asset Register
• Upload income batches from CRM system
• Assist the AP team with expenses, PO issues and journal errors
• Support the management of bank accounts
• Support the timely month-end and year-end closure processes
• Assist the Financial Controller with supporting the audit process and following up on audit recommendations
• Champion continuous improvement around finance processes, VAT, control processes, and support stakeholders with any technical queries

Person Specification:

• AAT or Part Qualified CCAB with ideally experience within the charity and non-profit sector
• Experience of processing VAT transactions and VAT accounting
• Experience of monthly reconciliations of balance sheet accounts
• Strong Month-end processes and controls experience
• Strong Excel experience and a super eye-for-detail!
• Ideally experience of producing statutory accounts in SORP 2015 format and working with Auditors

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

About you and the role

This is a pivotal role, at a pivotal moment for us. We are entering a critical growth phase, which includes rapidly expanding our own operations and managing significant external partnership. As Head of Finance & Systems, you will be accountable for ensuring we have the right systems and structures in place to grow at pace without detriment to good governance.

The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained. 

You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 24 employees and anticipate growing significantly in the next twelve months. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance. 

You will oversee all financial administration, ensuring this is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation.

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.  

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.  

Key responsibilities:

• Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities.

• Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the book-keeper.

• Produce the monthly management accounts and bespoke financial reports—including accurate forecasting, restricted fund tracking, and variance analysis—ensuring decision-makers have clear, actionable data.

• Forecasting cash flow and managing the treasury position.

• Manage the contract and performance of the bookkeeper  and outsourced payroll providers; setting strict monthly closing deadlines, enforcing data accuracy, and ensuring they deliver a clean trial balance for management accounting.

• Oversee sound financial administration, management and governance across the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls in place and operating effectively.

• Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team, and coaching on financial awareness. 

• Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks 

• Support the Partnerships & Impact team and Programme Managers with financial inputs to funding proposals and ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with grant conditions.

• Developing our systems strategy, including reviewing suitability of our current systems (Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc. ) and ensuring optimal use of systems, maximising automation, and using AI where appropriate.

• Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches

• Supporting the organisation’s data governance by ensuring financial systems (e.g., Quickbooks, payroll, expenses) are secure, compliant, and integrated in line with data protection principles.

• Leading an effective risk management process.

• Ensuring the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and all financial reporting requirements.

Essential Skills & experience:

• Charity Finance Experience: Practical, senior-level experience working within a UK non-profit finance function, including a strong working knowledge of the Charities SORP and accounting for restricted vs. unrestricted funds.

• Hands-on Management Accounting:Proven experience independently producing monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis from scratch.

• End-to-End Audit Management: Experience preparing year-end audit files, reconciling balance sheet control accounts, and acts as the primary point of contact for external auditors.

• Accountancy Qualification: Full or partial qualification through an accredited body (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA). 

• Tech Literacy & Data Reconciliation: Comfortable troubleshooting and navigating modern finance tech stacks (e.g., Xero, Pleo) and pulling financial data/reports from a CRM system (e.g., Beacon).

• Vendor & Staff Management:Experience supervising junior staff (or office managers) and actively managing the performance, timelines, and accuracy of outsourced providers (e.g., bookkeeping and payroll).

Desirable skills & experience

• Systems Implementation: Past experience project-managing a software migration or building native integrations/automations between a CRM system and accounting software.

• Broader Operations/HR Exposure: Basic familiarity with HR administration, GDPR workflows, or managing organizational risk registers in a small team environment.

• Sector Passion: A demonstrable interest in food education, children’s health, or food systems.

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays.  We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.

Application process

In line with our commitment to ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we invite candidates to answer a series of questions related to their day-to-day job. 

We recommend that you develop your answers offline and copy them in when you’re ready to ensure you don’t lose your work if interrupted.

Your answers will go through our sifting process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. A long list of candidates will then additionally have their CVs reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 mins online interview. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview at our office in Brixton, London.

Expected duration of this application process: 7 weeks

First interviews will be held 1st -4th September

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.

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.