At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and provide expert advice to support impactful grant giving.
- Company: Respected charity dedicated to improving lives of children and young people in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to enhancing opportunities for young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while shaping a well-run finance function in a values-driven culture.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in charity finance and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 58000 € per year.
The Organisation John Lyon’s Charity is a long‑standing, respected grant‑making charity that supports children and young people across North and West London. As part of the John Lyon’s Foundation, the charity distributes significant funding each year to improve education, opportunities and life chances. With income of approximately £11.5m and a strong reputation for impactful grant giving, this is an organisation with a clear social mission and a supportive working culture.
The Job Reporting initially to the COO, the Finance Manager will lead all day‑to‑day financial operations and provide expert financial advice across the organisation. The role covers monthly and quarterly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow oversight and ensuring compliance with Charity SORP and statutory requirements. You will manage and develop the Finance Officer, coordinate the annual audit, support the preparation of statutory accounts, oversee grant‑related financial processes and maintain key relationships with outsourced partners including payroll, pensions, audit, banking and investment providers.
The Person The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with strong technical reporting skills and solid knowledge of Charity SORP. You will bring experience from the charity or wider not for profit sector, along with confidence in preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial information clearly to colleagues and trustees. Highly organised, analytical and proactive, you will demonstrate strong attention to detail and a collaborative approach. Experience with SAGE 50 is helpful but not essential. Above all, you will bring energy, integrity and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
What’s in it for You:
- £55,000–£58,000 salary
- 15 percent employer pension contribution
- Bupa private medical insurance
- 25 days annual leave plus additional non‑contractual Christmas closure days
- A supportive, values‑driven culture
- The opportunity to shape a well‑run finance function in a respected grant maker
- A meaningful role supporting work that improves the lives of children and young people across London
What to Do Next Peter O’Sullivan at HAYS is managing this recruitment on behalf of John Lyon’s Charity. If you would like to be considered, please apply in the first instance. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, the advert may close early, and the charity may interview and appoint before the stated closing date. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Commercial Finance Manager in London employer: John Lyon's Charity
John Lyon’s Charity is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the lives of children and young people in North and West London. With competitive benefits including a generous pension contribution, private medical insurance, and ample annual leave, the organisation fosters professional growth and provides a meaningful opportunity to shape a well-run finance function within a respected grant-making charity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Commercial Finance Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Charity SORP and financial reporting. We want you to be able to confidently discuss how your skills align with the needs of John Lyon’s Charity, so practice articulating your experience in budgeting and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Communication is key in this role, so think about examples where you've explained complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues. We want to see that you can connect with people at all levels.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a better chance of landing that interview! Early applications are encouraged, so don’t wait around. Get your application in and show John Lyon’s Charity why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the job description. Highlight your qualifications as a fully qualified accountant and any relevant experience in the charity sector. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention your experience with financial operations and your ability to communicate complex information clearly.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical reporting skills, don’t forget to mention your familiarity with Charity SORP and any experience with budgeting and forecasting. If you've worked with SAGE 50, give it a shout-out, but if not, focus on your analytical abilities and attention to detail.
Apply Early!:Remember, we review applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Applying early not only shows your enthusiasm but also increases your chances of being considered before the advert closes. Head over to our website and get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lyon's Charity
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Finance Manager, you'll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Understand Charity SORP
Since the role requires knowledge of Charity SORP, make sure you’re well-versed in its principles. Prepare examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous positions, as this will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the charity sector.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex financial information to non-financial colleagues and trustees. Practice simplifying your explanations and think of examples where you’ve successfully communicated financial concepts in an accessible way.
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
John Lyon’s Charity is all about improving lives. Be prepared to discuss why you’re passionate about working in the charity sector and how your values align with their mission. This personal connection can set you apart from other candidates.
