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- Tasks: Manage payroll, prepare accounts, and support financial queries for our nursery.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit nursery dedicated to quality childcare in Lambeth for over 25 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a values-driven organisation that prioritises child welfare and community support.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping/accountancy, ideally with charities; familiarity with accounting software is a plus.
- Other info: This is a hybrid role with minimal in-person meetings, perfect for balancing work and life.
Join Union Grove Community Nursery as Our Freelance Bookkeeper.
Location: Union Grove Community Nursery, Lambeth, London (Hybrid – some in-person work approximately 2-3 times per year)
Fee: £550/month inclusive of VAT (open to discussion – please include your rates in your application)
Start Date: to be discussed
Time Commitment: Flexible – estimated hours per month to suit your availability.
About Us
Union Grove Community Nursery is a long-standing, not-for-profit nursery based in Lambeth. For 25 years, we’ve offered high-quality, affordable childcare to local families, placing warmth, care, and community at the heart of what we do. As a small charity (annual income under £500k) caring for up to 48 children at a time, we pride ourselves on giving every child the attention and support they need to thrive. Our team is friendly, values-driven, and committed to creating a safe, joyful environment for early years education.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a friendly and reliable freelance bookkeeper or accountant to join our extended team and help keep our finances running smoothly. You’ll play a key behind-the-scenes role, supporting our nursery’s sustainability and ensuring we can continue delivering quality care for local families. This role would suit someone who enjoys working with purpose-led organisations, and who values flexibility, community impact, and clear communication.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Run monthly payroll (ideally in-person with our Nursery Administrator), and issue payslips to staff.
- Prepare monthly management accounts in a clear, accessible format for trustees and management.
- Produce statutory annual accounts for submission to Companies House and the Charity Commission.
- Provide ad-hoc support and advice on bookkeeping, accounting, and financial queries as well as forecasting.
- Assist in creating cash flow forecasts or budgets.
- Act as a secondary bank signatory.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in bookkeeping or accountancy, ideally with small charities or community organisations.
- Confidence with payroll processes and charity finance.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset – someone we can turn to with financial questions.
- Familiarity with accounting software and simple reporting formats.
- Bonus if you have experience working with voluntary boards or in the non-profit sector.
We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.
What You'll Gain:
- A flexible freelance role with real community impact.
- The chance to work alongside a values-driven team.
- An opportunity to support a long-standing charity doing meaningful early years work.
- A warm, supportive, and child-focused environment.
How to Apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you! Please send a short email outlining your experience and your freelance rate to our email address. Feel free to include your CV or a portfolio if helpful.
Union Grove Community Nursery is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. Let’s make a difference together – one child, one family, and one balance sheet at a time.
Contact Detail:
Union Grove Community Nursery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Bookkeeper/Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial needs of small charities. Understanding the unique challenges they face will help you demonstrate your value during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the local community and charity sector in Lambeth. Attend events or join online groups to connect with others who may have insights or recommendations for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with payroll processes and accounting software. Being able to articulate your familiarity with these tools will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your collaborative mindset in conversations. Emphasising your ability to work well with a team, especially in a community-focused environment, will resonate with the nursery's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Bookkeeper/Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Union Grove Community Nursery. Highlight your experience in bookkeeping or accountancy, especially with small charities or community organisations.
Outline Your Experience: In your email, clearly outline your relevant experience in bookkeeping and accounting. Mention any specific roles you've held that relate to payroll processes, charity finance, or working with voluntary boards.
Include Your Rates: Since the fee is open to discussion, be sure to include your freelance rate in your application. This shows transparency and helps set expectations from the start.
Keep It Concise: While it's important to provide enough detail about your experience, keep your email concise and to the point. Aim for clarity and ensure that your key qualifications stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Union Grove Community Nursery
✨Show Your Passion for Community Work
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with purpose-led organisations. Highlight any previous experience you have in community-focused roles or charities, as this will resonate well with the values of Union Grove Community Nursery.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with bookkeeping and accountancy, especially in relation to small charities. Bring examples of how you've managed payroll processes or prepared financial reports, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Operations
Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the nursery's financial practices and challenges. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also your commitment to understanding their unique needs.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Collaboration
Since the role offers flexibility, emphasise your ability to adapt to varying workloads and your collaborative mindset. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with teams or boards in the past, particularly in a freelance capacity.
