Senior Finance Accountant

We are recruiting a Senior Finance Accountant to join the finance team of an established international charity and membership organisation based in central London. The role is hybrid and requires 2 days a week in the London based office. This is an excellent opportunity for a fully qualified accountant with strong technical knowledge of UK charity accounting and reporting, particularly Charities SORP and FRS 102, alongside experience of complex grant funding arrangements and restricted fund accounting. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will take ownership of key financial controls, statutory reporting and financial systems, ensuring the integrity of financial information and supporting continuous improvements across the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on balance sheet integrity, including monthly reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, reserves and fixed assets.
• Support the preparation of statutory accounts in accordance with UK charity reporting requirements, Charities SORP and FRS 102.
• Ensure accurate and timely month-end reporting, delivering consolidated accounts within agreed deadlines.
• Manage the accounting and reporting of complex grant funding arrangements, including restricted funds, grant conditions and funding restrictions.
• Review and reconcile historic and legacy restricted funds, ensuring funds are appropriately classified, monitored and reported.
• Ensure income and expenditure are accurately recognised and allocated in line with funder requirements and charity accounting standards.
• Oversee debtor and creditor control accounts, aged balances, cash flow management and banking administration.
• Ensure appropriate VAT accounting and treatment, including an understanding of VAT implications for charities providing exempt services.
• Oversee the accurate processing and reporting of VAT, PAYE and National Insurance.
• Manage and develop cloud-based financial systems, improving reporting functionality, controls and efficiency.
• Support the implementation of procurement policies and delegated authority procedures.
• Partner with colleagues across departments to provide financial insight, investigate variances and support budget monitoring.
• Assist with audit queries, statutory reporting and ad hoc financial analysis.
• Share financial best practice, support colleagues and deputise for the Head of Finance when required. You will be a technically strong and proactive finance professional with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage complex accounting matters within a charity environment. Essential requirements:
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with at least three years' post-qualification experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK charity accounting and reporting, particularly Charities SORP and FRS 102, including the preparation of statutory accounts.
• Demonstrable experience of complex grant funder accounting arrangements and restricted fund accounting.
• Understanding and experience of historic or legacy restricted funds, including their appropriate accounting treatment, monitoring and reporting.
• Good understanding of charity VAT accounting, including the VAT implications of exempt services.
• Experience of balance sheet reconciliations, month-end reporting and financial controls.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and wider Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to manage change, improve processes and work collaboratively across teams. Desirable experience:
• Previous experience within a UK-registered charity or international membership organisation.
• Experience supporting external audits and preparing statutory accounts.
• Experience of cloud-based ERP or finance systems and improving financial reporting processes.
• A degree in finance or a related discipline, alongside a commitment to continuing professional development. This is an opportunity to join an internationally focused, purpose-driven organisation in a key finance role. You will have the opportunity to apply your technical expertise in charity accounting, strengthen financial controls and contribute to the effective management of complex funding arrangements. Starting salary circa 60K plus unbeatable benefits