Finance Manager in City of London

Finance Manager in City of London

City of London Full-Time 34650 - 42350 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage finance operations, reporting, and analysis while supporting budgeting and planning.
  • Company: Join IPPR, a progressive organisation making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, and a trial 35-hour work week.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to equality of opportunity.
  • Why this job: Grow your finance career in a collaborative environment with real impact.
  • Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification or relevant degree, plus practical finance experience.

The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.

We are looking for a capable, rigorous and ambitious finance professional to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of IPPR’s finance operations – and to grow with us. This is a hands-on role combining financial management, reporting and analysis with opportunities to contribute to wider organisational planning and decision-making. We want someone who thinks independently, enjoys solving problems and is curious about how better systems, technology and fresh ideas can make our finance function more effective.

About the role

You will oversee financial transactions, reconciliations, reporting and controls, while supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across IPPR. You will work collaboratively with colleagues to help them understand their budgets, provide practical financial advice and ensure our financial processes run smoothly. You will also have the opportunity to improve our systems, challenge existing approaches and identify more efficient ways of working.

About you

You may not yet have held a Finance Manager title or encountered every situation this role will involve. What matters most is that you have strong financial foundations, are ambitious to develop and have the confidence to think independently, exercise sound judgement and take ownership of your work, while knowing when to seek advice or involve others. You will be intellectually curious, quick to learn and take pride in accuracy and getting things right. You will also be someone who builds positive working relationships and enjoys collaborating with colleagues across the organisation.

Working closely with our Director of Finance and Operations, you will have opportunities to broaden your experience of financial management, planning and organisational decision-making, helping you develop towards a more senior finance role.

What you'll bring

  • a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent), either fully completed or in its final stages; or a relevant degree in finance or accounting (minimum 2:1 classification);
  • practical finance experience, a sound understanding of financial processes and controls, and excellent Excel skills;
  • the ability to think independently, solve problems and use initiative, common sense and sound judgement;
  • an analytical and thorough approach, with the ability to learn quickly and see the bigger financial picture without losing sight of the detail;
  • strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly, collaborate with colleagues and find practical solutions;
  • ambition, adaptability and a willingness to learn new systems, develop professionally and take on greater responsibility.

Our recruitment process will assess how you think and solve problems, as well as your experience. Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical finance and Excel exercise designed to assess analytical thinking, accuracy and judgement.

Why join us?

At IPPR, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive organisation working to develop progressive ideas that make a difference.

  • generous annual leave
  • a pension scheme
  • an annual cost-of-living salary review

Our standard contractual working week is 37.5 hours, but we are currently trialling a 35-hour week until March 2027, with no reduction in pay or annual leave and an earlier finish on Fridays. The role is based in our London office in Westminster. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask colleagues to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office. We also recognise that different working patterns suit different people and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.

Closing date for applications: 8 November 2026, 23:30 GMT

Pre-interview assessment: 13 November 2026

Interviews: 18 or 19 November at our London office.

Finance Manager in City of London employer: INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH

IPPR North is an excellent employer that champions equality and diversity, fostering a collaborative work culture where creativity and varied perspectives are valued. Located in Manchester, the role of Media and Communications Officer offers competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on social and environmental issues across the UK. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, IPPR North is dedicated to building a fairer and greener future for all.

INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH

Contact Details:

INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in City of London

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in City of London

Financial Management
Financial Reporting
Financial Analysis
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Planning
Accounting Qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.