System accountant jobs in Westminster, greater london

We are looking for a conscientious Finance & Administration Officer, to join our Finance team on a one-year maternity contract. You will process financial transactions, maintain accurate records, reconcile accounts and support month-end and annual reporting activities. You will work closely with the Head of Finance, Financial Accountant and wider Secretariat teams to ensure effective financial administration and compliance.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance administrator or finance officer looking to develop their career within a respected humanitarian organisation.

About you

We're looking for someone who combines strong financial administration skills with excellent attention to detail and a collaborative approach. You must be detail-oriented with a zeal to support the financial backbone of the secretariat. You must demonstrate strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities.

Some of the key criterion for this role include:

• Experience in processing invoices and handling supplier payment queries.
• Experience of bank, cash and credit card reconciliations.
• Experience using finance systems and reporting tools
• Understanding of accounting and bookkeeping procedures.
• Knowledge of charity finance processes and compliance.
• Previous administrative experience in a busy office environment, being proactive and demonstrating excellent organisational and time-management skills, to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
•  Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

***Please download the job description for full details***

The DEC is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults and participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

The Purple Elephant Project is looking for an experienced, values driven Finance Manager to join our team in Twickenham. We are a children’s mental health charity, supporting over 100 children and their families every week with therapeutic services, such as Play and Art therapy, across the London boroughs of Richmond, Hounslow and beyond. This is an exciting new opportunity to play a key role in a growing children's charity and to use your finance expertise to help us make a real difference to children and families.

Working closely with our CEO and Trustees, you'll take ownership of our financial management, including:

• Management accounts and financial reporting
• Budgeting, forecasting and cashflow
• Payroll and financial controls
• Business partnering and financial insight
• Improving systems and processes, including Xero

We're looking for someone with strong management accounting experience, excellent attention to detail and a proactive, collaborative approach. Charity experience and Xero knowledge are desirable.

As you will be expected to spend 50% of the time in our offices, you will need to live within close reach of our charity.

If you are looking for a meaningful, senior part-time role, where your expertise can directly support the wellbeing of children and families, we'd love to hear from you. 

 

About Us

The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with tens of millions of visits every year.

We are now looking for an Assistant Systems Accountant to join us on a full-time basis, for an 12- month fixed-term contract.

The Benefits

• Salary of £48,000- £53,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays
• Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
• Hybrid/agile working options
• Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
• Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
• Learning and development opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Offices in a beautiful location

This is a terrific opportunity for a part-qualified accountant with experience working with ERP systems to join our historic organisation.

Your role will go beyond financial operations, contributing to the success of our charitable organisation that is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of some of London’s best loved spaces.

What’s more, you’ll be based in the unique setting of Hyde Park where you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of lush greenery, serene lakes and iconic monuments right from your workplace!

So, if you’re ready to elevate your career in the heart of London’s green haven, then apply today!

The Role

As an Assistant Systems Accountant, you will support the finance team in the management, administration and development of our Finance System.

Supporting our system users, you will act as first line support for finance and business users regarding system issues, errors and queries, provide training and user guides and work to maintain and improve processes.

You’ll also take ownership of areas of the internal coding structure and support wider departmental activities through reporting and analysis.

Additionally, you will:

• Maintain the system support model through the management of the finance helpdesk
• Maintain system user accounts
• Champion the system and work to improve working practices and the management and use of financial data across the organisation.

About You

To be considered as an Assistant Systems Accountant, you will need:

• To be a part-qualified accountant
• Experience working with Microsoft Business Central or a similar ERP system
• Experience working with financial controls or in a process control environment
• Knowledge of a finance function and its outputs

Other organisations may call this role Assistant Accountant, Part-Qualified Accountant, Financial Systems Assistant, Systems Process Accountant, Systems Analyst, Finance Systems Specialist, Assistant Technical Accountant, or Assistant Financial Accountant.

We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed so if you think that you may need more support to complete our application process, please do get in touch.

The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Team: Finance 

Location: Remote 

Work pattern: Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week 

Salary: Up to £51,443.10 per year 

Contract: Permanent 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Financial Accountant: 

- Support the Senior Financial Accountant to manage financial processing for the organisation 

- Support the development and implementation of financial controls and system improvements 

- Maintain and reconcile the balance sheet, ensuring that ledgers are complete and accurate 

- Oversee PCard management, monitoring card access, expenses submission and reconciliation

- Approve payment runs and bank payments 

- Support the year-end closedown process and the annual statutory audit 

About the Finance team: 

The Finance team has 22 staff, and within this the Operational Finance team has 15 staff, consisting of the Financial Accounting, Accounts Payable, Systems, Payroll and Branch Finance teams. The Financial Accountant works with the Senior Financial Accountant on all Financial Accounting processes, and supports the Accounts Payable and Systems teams. 

What we’re looking for in our Financial Accountant: 

- Fully qualified AAT, or part/fully qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent 

- Experience of working within the charity sector 

- Experience of managing a balance sheet 

- Experience of financial controls and reconciliations in a medium or large organisation

- Experience of statutory audit processes and statutory accounts production 

- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation

- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships 

- Knowledge of Microsoft programs including Excel (lookup formulae, SUMIF, MATCH, pivot tables etc), Outlook and Word 

What we can offer you: 

- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service

- A competitive contributory pension scheme and life assurance for peace of mind 

- Health and wellbeing support to help you stay well while working remotely 

- Flexible working options to support a healthy work–life balance

- Ongoing learning and development to help you build your skills and grow your career

- Financial wellbeing support, including access to Salary Finance

- Additional support such as eye care vouchers and confidential employee advice services

- Access to discounted pet insurance to help care for your pet’s health

Learn more about our full reward package

Application closing date: 2nd September 2026 

Virtual interview date: w/c 21st September 2026 (subject to change) 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. anonymised application form 

2. virtual interview 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) is the world’s largest alliance of national societies of obstetrics and gynecology, bringing together professionals from more than 139 countries and territories. For over 70 years, FIGO has collaborated with the world’s top health, rights, and donor bodies. We are in official relations with the World Health Organization and consultative status with the United Nations.

FIGO is dedicated to the improvement of the health and rights of women and girls and to the reduction of disparities in health care, as well as to advancing the science and practice of obstetrics and gynecology. We pursue our mission through education, research implementation, advocacy, and capacity building with our member societies.

Financial control responsibility for accurate, complete, Charity SORP compliant balances in the balance sheet. Review of all monthly balance sheet reconciliations, completeness and of income and expenditure lines and controls accounts. This includes ownership of fixed assets register, KPIs for debtor and creditors aged balances, correct processing of taxes (PAYE/NI and VAT) and banking administration.

Responsible for administering the Procurement Policy and Delegation of Authority. Manage and delegate the financial systems. This includes all aspects of systems management, continuous development and full utilisation of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) cloud-based software. Lead and support system-led financial and procedural controls to elevate current practices to meet best practices in accounting and reporting as per IFRS102 and Charity SORP regulatory standards. The role includes change management and process embedding, upskilling end-users and improving user experience.

Business partner across internal and external stakeholders to ensure reporting requirements are met. Achieve high level of assurance and integrity in reports including interrogation and correction as required. Support variance analysis and commentaries on all levels of reporting.

Support finance colleagues in delivery of overall Finance objectives when required i.e. absence cover and deputise for the Head of Finance. 

Job role: Financial Accountant
Location: Central London
Hybrid: Once a week onsite 4 days from home
Salary: £60,000 - £63,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: 12-month interim position


This is an exciting opportunity to join a nationally recognised professional membership body that has recently transitioned to charitable status. As part of an ambitious finance transformation programme, you will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with charity accounting requirements, strengthening financial controls, and supporting the organisation through its first audit and reporting cycle as a charity.

Working closely with senior finance leadership, including a newly appointed Director of Finance, you will help shape future finance processes, governance arrangements, and reporting structures during a period of significant change.

About the Role

This newly created interim position has been established to provide specialist charity finance expertise and additional capacity during an important transition period.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing financial activity and accounting treatments completed during the current financial year.
• Assessing compliance with charity accounting regulations and reporting requirements.
• Supporting year-end audit preparation and audit readiness.
• Reviewing charity tax matters, VAT arrangements and group VAT considerations.
• Improving financial controls, processes and documentation.
• Supporting the development of finance systems and reporting capabilities.
• Reviewing intercompany relationships and structures across the wider group.
• Helping implement recommendations arising from audit and compliance reviews.
• Supporting wider governance and charity transition activities.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience in a similar Financial Accountant role in the charity sector
• Good understanding of technical accounting for charities (FRS 102, Charities SORP, group consolidations) and taxation (VAT/PESM, Gift Aid).
• Experience supporting audits and strengthening financial controls.
• Experience improving finance systems, processes and reporting structures.

Desirable Experience

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Audit background.
• Experience within a membership body, professional organisation, charity or complex group structure.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Play a key role in a high-profile organisational transformation.
• Influence how the finance function develops for the future.
• Work on a varied mix of charity accounting, tax, governance and compliance projects.
• Partner with senior finance leaders and external advisers.
• Make a visible and lasting impact on the organisation's financial framework and controls.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We're looking for an experienced Management Accountant who is excited by the role finance can play in creating social impact. Working closely with colleagues, senior leaders and trustees, you'll provide the financial insight, forecasting and analysis needed to support effective decision-making, ensure strong financial stewardship, and help us make the best use of our resources to deliver our strategy, Leading with Hope. This is an opportunity to combine technical accounting expertise with a commitment to using finance as a tool for positive change. 

Assistant Accountant – Operations & Control

Salary: £39,129.53 - £43,128.79

Location: National / predominantly remote working

MLC Partners is currently recruiting an Assistant Accountant – Operations & Control for a large, highly impactful organisation operating nationally across the UK.

This is a fantastic to develop a broad finance skillset offering exposure across several areas of finance, with responsibility for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting strong financial controls and helping ensure key finance processes operate effectively.

You'll gain hands-on exposure to multiple areas of financial control while working alongside experienced finance professionals within a collaborative, purpose-led organisation. The organisation is also committed to career development and progression, making this a strong opportunity for someone looking to continue developing their finance career.

The role is predominantly remote, with a national remit and connection to a regional business unit.

The Role

Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will work closely with colleagues across Finance and the wider organisation, supporting a broad range of accounting and financial control activities. In this role, you will gain exposure to cashflow and treasury, balance sheet control, fixed assets, audit, VAT and tax, insurance, credit control and regulatory reporting.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Producing daily cash position reporting and supporting effective treasury and cashflow management.
• Completing bank reconciliations, investigating variances and ensuring transactions are accurately recorded.
• Supporting the preparation and maintenance of cashflow forecasts, including deposits and short-term investment balances.
• Supporting balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring balances are accurate, complete and appropriately evidenced.
• Assisting with fixed asset and lease accounting, including additions, disposals, depreciation, provisions and reconciliations.
• Maintaining accurate intercompany balances and resolving differences promptly.
• Supporting the preparation of statutory accounts and year-end audit, including working papers, audit requests and statutory disclosures.
• Preparing and supporting the submission of quarterly VAT returns and assisting with wider tax compliance requirements.
• Providing support across credit control and income processes, including monitoring aged debt and helping resolve queries.
• Contributing to continuous improvements across finance processes, systems and controls.

About you:

We are looking for someone with previous experience working within a finance or accounting environment, ideally with exposure to reconciliations, cashflow, month-end, audit or other operational finance processes.

You may be AAT qualified, approaching the final stages of ACCA, CIMA or ACA, or have equivalent experience. A good understanding of VAT and tax compliance is essential, while knowledge of financial controls, accounting standards and balance sheet accounting would be advantageous.

You will need:

• Has strong attention to detail and takes pride in producing accurate, well-controlled work.
• Is confident reconciling and analysing financial information and investigating discrepancies.
• Can manage multiple priorities and work effectively to month-end and audit deadlines.
• Has strong organisational and planning skills.
• Can communicate financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Is proactive, solutions-focused and keen to identify opportunities to improve processes and systems.

If you're an ambitious finance professional who enjoys variety, problem-solving and taking ownership of your work, we'd love to hear from you.

Please get in touch with Sam at MLC Partners for a confidential conversation.

Interim Senior Management Accountant – Grants

Hertfordshire | £300–£400 per day | 6 months | 3 days onsite | ASAP

We are working with a well-established £50m+ charitable and grant-funded organisation to recruit an experienced Interim Senior Management Accountant – Grants for an initial six-month assignment.

Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a senior, hands-on role combining management accounting, complex grant and project finance, business partnering and financial analysis.

A key part of the brief is finding someone who is naturally curious and questioning. They want someone who will interrogate the numbers, investigate anomalies, understand what is driving performance and come forward with solutions rather than simply reporting what has happened.

Key responsibilities

• Take senior oversight of a portfolio of complex, high-value grants and funded projects, ensuring robust financial management throughout the funding lifecycle.
• Work closely with project leads and senior stakeholders, providing financial advice, challenge and insight.
• Lead on management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, variance and trend analysis.
• Ensure restricted and grant-funded income and expenditure is accurately accounted for, allocated and reported.
• Produce and review financial reports and returns for major institutional and public funding bodies, ensuring compliance with individual funding requirements.
• Monitor project cash flow, income recovery, billing schedules and financial risks.
• Investigate variances and anomalies, getting underneath the numbers to understand the underlying issues.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and develop practical solutions with stakeholders.
• Support improvements to financial processes, controls, systems and management information.
• Provide guidance and support to other members of the finance team and help strengthen financial understanding across the organisation.

What we are looking for

• Qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Strong charity, research, education or similarly grant-funded/not-for-profit experience.
• Ideally experience within a £20m+ organisation with a reasonably complex funding structure.
• Significant experience managing restricted grants and project-based funding.
• Understanding of the requirements associated with major institutional, government or research funding streams, including cost allocation, compliance and funder reporting.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting experience.
• Excellent Excel, analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Confident business partner who can work effectively with senior stakeholders and non-finance project leads.
• Curious, analytical and willing to challenge – someone who questions their findings rather than taking information at face value.
• Solutions-focused and proactive, with the confidence to identify an issue, investigate it and recommend a way forward.
• Able to operate autonomously and quickly get up to speed within a complex organisation.

Contract: 6 months
Rate: £300–£400 per day
Location:  Hertfordshire – 3 days per week onsite
Start: ASAP

Senior Management Accountant

Uxbridge High School | Permanent | Full Time | £49,054 – £53,171 per annum

Goodman Masson are delighted to be supporting Uxbridge High School with the appointment of a Senior Management Accountant.

We are looking for a technically strong, fully qualified accountant to join the Finance Team at this exciting and ambitious school, playing a key role in strengthening financial management and supporting effective decision-making across the organisation.

About Uxbridge High School

Uxbridge High School is a highly successful, oversubscribed co-educational academy for students aged 11–18, with more than 1,300 students, including 220 students in the sixth form.

The school has a strong local reputation and is proud of its diverse and ambitious student body, dedicated staff and commitment to providing a gold standard education.

The Finance Team plays a vital role in supporting the school's strategic priorities, ensuring strong financial management, accountability and value for money.

About the role

As Senior Management Accountant, you will report to the Director of Finance & Operations and take ownership of a broad range of management accounting and financial management responsibilities.

You will lead on the preparation of management accounts, budget monitoring, forecasting, reconciliations, cashflow reporting, payroll review and financial controls.

A key part of the role will be providing clear financial insight and commentary to the Director of Finance & Operations, senior leaders, trustees and budget holders, helping ensure financial information translates into effective organisational decision-making.

You will also have supervisory responsibilities, providing technical guidance to colleagues, reviewing finance work and helping to ensure the team consistently delivers accurate work to agreed deadlines.

Key responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading on monthly management accounts, forecasts and budget monitoring
• Providing insightful variance analysis and financial commentary
• Supporting senior leaders and budget holders with financial advice
• Leading month-end and year-end processes
• Maintaining and reviewing key balance sheet and control account reconciliations
• Managing cashflow reporting and wider financial planning
• Reviewing and reconciling monthly payroll
• Supporting internal and external audit processes
• Supporting the five-year budget plan and integrated financial planning

About you

We are seeking a fully qualified accountant with a recognised professional qualification such as ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS or equivalent.

You will have a strong management accounting background and experience across areas such as management accounts, forecasting, budget monitoring, reconciliations, month-end and year-end processes.

We are particularly keen to speak with candidates who have experience of:

• Producing management accounts and financial reports
• Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Financial controls and reconciliations
• Audit preparation and supporting audit queries
• Improving financial systems and processes
• Working accurately to tight deadlines
• Advanced Excel and financial data analysis

Experience within a school, academy trust, charity, public sector or similarly regulated environment would be advantageous. Knowledge of academy finance requirements, ESFA returns and school MIS platforms would also be desirable.

You will be a confident communicator who can explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders, challenge appropriately and build strong relationships across an organisation.

What's on offer?

Alongside a salary of £49,054 – £53,171 per annum, inclusive of Outer London weighting, the successful candidate will receive:

• 34 days' annual leave, rising to 37 days after 10 years' continuous service
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Early finish on Fridays
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Staff wellbeing initiatives

Application deadline is Wednesday 26^th August. CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis, please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered.

Your new company
My client is a small, well-established, London-based charity.
Your new role
The role is on a part-time basis, 3 days per week. Duties will include:

• Maintain accurate financial records
• Process sales invoices, purchase invoices, receipts and payments
• Dealing with staff expenses in a timely manner
• Perform regular bank reconciliations using various currencies
• Monthly reconciliation of petty cash
• Assist with chasing of debtors
• Historical reconciliation of customer accounts
• Supporting other colleagues as required
• Assist with year-end and preparation of audit
• Answering audit queries
• Assisting FC in quarterly management accounts preparation
• Use of Xero finance system and Excel. Previous knowledge of Xero is essential

What you'll need to succeed
In order to succeed, you will need previous experience in accounts, including with the duties above. Knowledge and experience using Xero is also essential. If you were AAT qualified, or studying for AAT, this would also be an advantage.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will have the opportunity to work in a small, supportive team, in a permanent role which is pivotal to the organisation.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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

Our mission is to ensure effective financial and risk management of Southbank Centre and be acknowledged as a key partner in achieving its aims and objectives. 

Our vision is to: 

• Provide accurate, reliable and timely information so that departments manage and administer their budgets with independence and accountability; future plans and strategy are fit for purpose and risks are understood, managed and mitigated.
• Create efficient, effective and appropriate procedures to protect the assets of the company and ensure compliance with Southbank Centre policies and other legislative requirements. 
• Collaborate as a partner throughout the company on all aspects of our business that require financial input and expertise.
• Work as a team and develop each team member to the maximum so we are collectively and individually brilliant.
• At all times align our objectives with those of Southbank Centre.

Please download the attached Job Description for a full overview of this role's responsibilities.

The annual salary stated is based on the Full-Time Equivalent (40 hours per week). If the job is part-time, the weekly hours will be stated within the advert.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on the closing date for the job posting.

We endeavour to keep job adverts open for at least two weeks for prospective applicants to apply. However, if we receive a high volume of applications for a role, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to ensure consideration for shortlisting.

Please note, applications sent via Email or 3rd party agencies will not be considered.

Need reasonable adjustments? Please contact us so we can help make the application process accessible to you. Be sure to include the job you are applying for and your full name.

Senior Management Accountant

Uxbridge High School | Permanent | Full Time | £49,054 – £53,171 per annum

Goodman Masson are delighted to be supporting Uxbridge High School with the appointment of a Senior Management Accountant.

We are looking for a technically strong, fully qualified accountant to join the Finance Team at this exciting and ambitious school, playing a key role in strengthening financial management and supporting effective decision-making across the organisation.

About Uxbridge High School

Uxbridge High School is a highly successful, oversubscribed co-educational academy for students aged 11–18, with more than 1,300 students, including 220 students in the sixth form.

The school has a strong local reputation and is proud of its diverse and ambitious student body, dedicated staff and commitment to providing a gold standard education.

The Finance Team plays a vital role in supporting the school's strategic priorities, ensuring strong financial management, accountability and value for money.

About the role

As Senior Management Accountant, you will report to the Director of Finance & Operations and take ownership of a broad range of management accounting and financial management responsibilities.

You will lead on the preparation of management accounts, budget monitoring, forecasting, reconciliations, cashflow reporting, payroll review and financial controls.

A key part of the role will be providing clear financial insight and commentary to the Director of Finance & Operations, senior leaders, trustees and budget holders, helping ensure financial information translates into effective organisational decision-making.

You will also have supervisory responsibilities, providing technical guidance to colleagues, reviewing finance work and helping to ensure the team consistently delivers accurate work to agreed deadlines.

Key responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading on monthly management accounts, forecasts and budget monitoring
• Providing insightful variance analysis and financial commentary
• Supporting senior leaders and budget holders with financial advice
• Leading month-end and year-end processes
• Maintaining and reviewing key balance sheet and control account reconciliations
• Managing cashflow reporting and wider financial planning
• Reviewing and reconciling monthly payroll
• Supporting internal and external audit processes
• Supporting the five-year budget plan and integrated financial planning

About you

We are seeking a fully qualified accountant with a recognised professional qualification such as ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS or equivalent.

You will have a strong management accounting background and experience across areas such as management accounts, forecasting, budget monitoring, reconciliations, month-end and year-end processes.

We are particularly keen to speak with candidates who have experience of:

• Producing management accounts and financial reports
• Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Financial controls and reconciliations
• Audit preparation and supporting audit queries
• Improving financial systems and processes
• Working accurately to tight deadlines
• Advanced Excel and financial data analysis

Experience within a school, academy trust, charity, public sector or similarly regulated environment would be advantageous. Knowledge of academy finance requirements, ESFA returns and school MIS platforms would also be desirable.

You will be a confident communicator who can explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders, challenge appropriately and build strong relationships across an organisation.

What's on offer?

Alongside a salary of £49,054 – £53,171 per annum, inclusive of Outer London weighting, the successful candidate will receive:

• 34 days' annual leave, rising to 37 days after 10 years' continuous service
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Early finish on Fridays
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Staff wellbeing initiatives

Application deadline is Wednesday 26^th August. CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis, please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered.

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.