Financial Accountant - 12 Month Maternity Cover

Are you a technically strong Financial Accountant with previous charity sector experience? Do you have a solid understanding of charity accounting, fund accounting and the Charities SORP? Are you looking to join a large charity where you can make an immediate impact during a key period?

A large charity is seeking a Financial Accountant to join its finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering a period of maternity leave. Reporting to the Financial Accounting Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining robust financial controls, ensuring statutory compliance and supporting the delivery of high-quality financial reporting.

Please note: prior charity sector experience is essential for this position.

The key responsibilities of the Financial Accountant are:

• Preparing accurate balance sheet reconciliations and ensuring the integrity of the organisation's financial records.
• Managing cash flow and treasury activities, monitoring liquidity and supporting effective cash management.
• Preparing and posting complex journals as part of the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Producing and submitting quarterly VAT returns, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Supporting the year-end statutory accounts process by preparing audit schedules, liaising with external auditors and ensuring a smooth audit process.
• Maintaining and enhancing finance policies, procedures and internal controls to promote best practice across the finance function.
• Providing technical accounting support and contributing to the continuous improvement of financial processes and reporting.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across finance to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality financial information.

The successful candidate will have:

• Essential: Previous charity sector experience, including a strong understanding of fund accounting and the Charities SORP.
• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or be nearing qualification with no more than two examinations remaining.
• Previous experience within a Financial Accountant role or an external audit role with significant exposure to charity clients.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including statutory reporting and VAT.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships across finance and the wider organisation.
• A proactive approach, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a large charity and play a key role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial reporting during an important period for the organisation.