Volunteer centre jobs in merton

The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting KCLSU's finance operations, maintaining strong financial controls, and ensuring accurate financial reporting across the organisation.

Main Tasks

• Process and reconcile purchase invoices, sales invoices, and supplier payments, maintaining accurate ledgers.
• Reconcile daily income from multiple systems to banking records and update the finance system accordingly.
•  Support month-end processes, including bank reconciliations, journal postings, and assisting with management accounts.
• Assist with reconciling Balance Sheet accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Generate financial reports and data extracts from the finance system to support financial reporting.
•  Support the maintenance of internal financial controls and ensure compliance with relevant financial procedures and regulations.
• Respond professionally to financial queries from staff, students, and suppliers, providing accurate and timely information.
• Other finance-related ad hoc tasks

General Responsibilities
• Support the efficient operation of the Finance Department, ensuring organisation and professionalism. Provide cover for colleagues where necessary, contributing to a cohesive team environment.
• Develop a strong understanding of Finance Business Partnering, providing financial advice and insights to internal budget holders, aiding informed decision-making and improved financial performance.
• Lead or contribute to projects supporting the implementation of KCLSU’s Finance Strategy, driving process improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with KCLSU’s financial regulations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, addressing finance-related queries and providing accurate, timely information.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, ensuring sound financial controls and best practices are in place.
• Represent KCLSU professionally, supporting its objectives and upholding its positive reputation.
• Adapt flexibly to evolving responsibilities, assisting with tasks that support the wider needs of the organisation.
• Collaborate across departments, adopting a team-oriented approach to support the overall functioning of KCLSU.

Other Responsibilities
• Assist in the delivery of finance systems and procedures training for over 400 student groups, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their finances effectively.

Working Hours
• The role requires 35 hours per week. On occasion, working hours may exceed this, including evening or weekend work to meet deadlines. These additional hours are included in the role's grading and contract.

Additional Information
• This job description is accurate as of 28th April 2025 and outlines the core responsibilities of the role. It is intended to assist both the post holder and KCLSU in understanding the position’s primary duties.
• The description is not exhaustive, and duties may evolve over time. The post holder may be required to work at various King’s College London sites.
• KCLSU operates a hybrid working policy, requiring employees to work in the office at least once a week and five days per month.
• KCLSU reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities after consultation with the post holder.
• Please note that the starting salary for this role is £31,041 with annual increases.

Candidate Specification

Qualifications
• A finance-related qualification (such as part-qualified Chartered Accountant or equivalent) is highly desirable, with at least two years of relevant finance experience, ideally within a student union or higher education environment, though other sectors will be considered.
• Alternatively, candidates with strong hands-on financial experience in a similar setting, or who are working towards a finance qualification, are also encouraged to apply.

Experience
• Proven, hands-on experience working with integrated accounting systems.
• Demonstrable experience managing all aspects of financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Experience in finance business partnering or providing financial advice and support to non-finance staff is highly desirable.
• Experience in presenting financial information clearly and effectively to senior management is desirable.
• Any experience in treasurer or fund investment management is an additional advantage but not essential.

Knowledge
• Solid understanding of accounting concepts, financial reporting, and VAT regulations, ensuring compliance and accurate financial operations.
• A working knowledge of data protection requirements, particularly in the context of a membership organisation, is beneficial.

Skills
• Excellent multitasking ability and a keen eye for detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced IT skills, including proficiency with Excel (intermediate to advanced), and strong Office 365 competency to produce reports and manage data efficiently.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact diplomatically with staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently under pressure, demonstrating initiative and a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.

The list above is not exhaustive. We recommend that you read through the Job Pack to understand the scope of what the role entails.

Application Process

To apply, please visit our website, download and complete the application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form below and email your completed application directly to our HR email address.

Once shortlisting is completed, we will contact you and inform you of your progress.

At KCLSU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of everything we do and we endeavour to ensure equal treatment of all candidates. We welcome a diverse range of applicants and are open to discussing flexibility with the right candidate. Reasonable adjustments will be made for candidates with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment and selection process, and to ensure that a successful candidate with a disability can undertake the post.

As you will also see on our Job Pack that we are an equal opportunities employer and live by our 4 main values: Inclusive, Collaborative, Open and Brave. KCLSU is a fun, social and flexible work environment which offers opportunities for development as well as great staff benefits.

Benefits of Working for KCLSU include:

• Hybrid Working Policy 
• Pension Contribution
• Interest Free Season Ticket Loan & Computer Loan
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Eye Tests & single focal glasses allowance
• 25 days holiday entitlement & bank holidays & discretionary closure days per annum
• Discounts on KCLSU venues
• Employee Assistance Programme
• "No meeting Friday" ethos
• KEATS Learning Platform & LinkedIn Learning subscription
• Death in Service
• Access to Kings Libraries

Eligibility 

To be eligible to apply for this role you must: 

• Be eligible to work in the UK, and provide proof of this (i.e. a passport/visa) prior to your start date. Please note that KCLSU is unable to provide a visa sponsorship.
• Not be a trustee of King’s College London Students’ Union 
• Have a National Insurance number, or be in the process of applying for one

Thank you for applying with us. We look forward to bringing your talent onboard and working with you!

About the role

As a Foundation we are committed to learning together with others and reflecting and acting on what we learn. We learn to improve our understanding about how to approach the complex issues we are trying to address, to examine how our funding relates to the social change we want to see, and to improve how we work and fund.

The Learning & Insight Officer will play a key part in delivering our learning, monitoring and research activities, and we want the successful candidate to be able to develop their skills and interest within the role. They will work closely with the Head of Learning & Insight, wider Grants team colleagues and others across the Foundation to gather insights from our grants and wider work. These insights will inform our strategic direction and contribute to wider sector learning and understanding.

This is a permanent, full time role (35 hours) but we will also consider a part time role at 4 days/ 28 hours equivalent.

We are committed to best practice and accountability in equity, diversity and inclusion. We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are including: age, disability and mental health, neurodiversity, cultural background, ethnicity and race, sex, gender identity and expression and sexual orientation including LGBTQIA+ identities, religion and socioeconomic background.

Main Responsibilities

• Work with colleagues to design and implement systems for the LEF to collect data and to capture and share learning in a systematic way that reflects our values and our commitment to Power, Cuture and Inclusion.

• Coordinate a timetable of activities for LEF to learn from its grants and direct work (such as regular feedback surveys and internal reflection sessions).

• Work with colleagues to collate and analyse evidence from organisations we fund to identify key insights and learning (such as reports and notes from grant management calls).

• Work with the Head of Learning & Insight and wider grants team colleagues to prepare our grants data for publication (for example through 360Giving and as part of the Funders for Racial Equality Alliance (FREA) Audit)

• Support the LEF to communicate insights in accessible and engaging ways.

• Work with colleagues to prepare key insight reports and data for a range of audiences such as colleagues, trustees or other funders.

• Work with colleagues to run internal sessions with staff and trustees to reflect on our processes (what is working well, less well and what we can improve about how we work) and understand the progress the LEF is making towards its strategic objectives.

• Work with colleagues to run online and in-person events to bring together the organisations and people we fund to reflect and learn from one another.

• Support the development of a ‘culture of learning’ within the LEF and with grantees and 

• Work with the Head of Learning & Insight to commission and manage external contractors for particular pieces of work (for example, research briefs or learning partnerships).

• Provide administrative support on tasks, such as scheduling meetings.

• Carry out such tasks as the Director of Grants & Learning or Head of Learning & Insight may from time to time deem necessary for the effective and efficient functioning of the Foundation.

To see a full description of the role and what we are looking for, download the candidate recruitment pack.

Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to pivot their professional journey towards creating a regenerative, equitable and just future.

Key info:

• Based in London, UK

• Full-time (4.5 days at placement & one half day training weekly)

• £27,010 per annum salary 

• Programme dates: October 2025 - September 2026 (49 weeks)

About On Purpose:

On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.

Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.

Programme summary:

• Two 6 month placements:

Through work placements with leading purpose-driven organisations, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Save the Children, BAFTA and Sustainable Ventures.

• Expert-led learning:

Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. This blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change. 

• 1-2-1 mentoring & coaching:

Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.

• Join a supportive, impactful community:

You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of 20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.

Benefits:

• Earn while you learn: On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs, all the while offering extensive learning and development.

• Develop your ability to make an impact: Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. You’ll join nearly 1000 purpose-driven alumni who are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.

• Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities: Our Associates have moved into a whole range of sustainability jobs and social impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former music label business owner now the CEO of Hubbub, a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK and a former civil servant now Climate Lead at Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 

• Standard UK holiday allowance

• A 3-day residential (all expenses paid)

Who we’re looking for:

This programme is ideal for:

• Individuals seeking a career change into the environment and social impact sector.

• Individuals already in the impact sector who want to develop new skills, have the opportunity to work in more commercial organisations, or to join an engaged network of people who share your values and are working toward the same goal. 

Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:

• A minimum of three years full-time professional experience

• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme

• Fluency in English 

• Office environment experience 

• Skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.

• Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

How to apply:

• Read our Associate Programme brochure for more information.

• Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.

• Closing date for applications: Monday 19 May, 9:00 am (BST).

• Interviews will be held in mid-late June.

The School:

Merchant Taylors’ School is a large Independent Boys’ School, situated in 280 acres of parkland in Northwood, Middlesex.  The School was founded in 1561, is owned by the Merchant Taylors’ Educational Trust and moved to its present site in 1933. There are four distinct boys’ day schools on campus. The Nursery, the Pre-Prep & the Prep cater for 370 boys, while the Senior School has over 960 pupils. The Senior School employs over 110 teachers and 160 Support staff across Merchant Taylors’ School.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Fundraising

· Developing and innovating the school’s regular giving programme, the Merchant Taylors’ Fund, to ensure a consistent income stream and increased participation from alumni, parents and friends.

· In conjunction with external consultants, running our (currently) biennial telephone fundraising campaigns and Giving Days.

· Liaising with school departments, clubs and societies to identify exciting projects to motivate supporters.

· Segmenting and targeting recipients for appeals to ensure the greatest impact and returns.

· Devising the strategy for promoting legacy giving as a means of supporting Merchant Taylors’, and to implement this strategy to increase the number of known legacy pledges to the school.

 Stewardship

· Establishing and running a comprehensive benefactor stewardship programme that thanks and stewards donors at all levels, including legacy pledges, through regular communication and events.

Reporting

· Reporting on progress against all objectives to the Development and Alumni Relations Sub-Committee of Governors.

· Where appropriate, working with the Development Executive (Events and Communications), to produce benefactor report publications and contribute to other Development publications.

· Ensuring that all contact with OMTs and parents is recorded on the Development Office’s database, the Raiser’s Edge.

Safeguarding responsibilities:

It is the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy Statement at all times.  If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the Head Master.

Merchant Taylors’ School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As this role will bring you into contact with children you are expected to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Further information on how the School uses personal data is set out in the School’s Staff Transparency Notice, which can be found n the Vacancy page of the School Website.