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- Tasks: Lead finance and accounting management for an international charity, ensuring compliance and enhancing financial systems.
- Company: Join a dynamic international development charity making a real impact in communities worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team, develop your leadership skills, and contribute to global change.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in NGOs and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; submit your CV to start your journey.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Prospectus is delighted to be supporting an international development charity in their search for a Senior Finance and Accounting Lead who will provide comprehensive financial and accounting management to the organisation. This is a full-time, one-year fixed-term contract based in London (Hybrid). The post is renewable funding dependent.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Finance and Accounting Lead will take on a leadership role and be responsible for the overall management of finance and accounting. The postholder will oversee all aspects of accounting, including:
- Preparation of monthly accounts
- Bookkeeping
- Audit management
- Donor proposals
- Budget management
The Senior Finance and Accounting Lead will ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures, including donor regulations, guidelines, and governmental compliance. Additionally, the postholder will oversee systems administration, strengthening and maintaining financial systems while identifying process enhancements where necessary.
To be successful, you will be a qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, etc.) with previous experience leading finance teams in NGOs or organisations primarily funded by grants. You will have excellent knowledge of accountancy principles, along with budgeting and reporting processes. You will have experience leading the preparation of audits and the ability to present financial information to a wide range of stakeholders. You will be an excellent communicator, able to build relationships with funders, partner organisations, and colleagues. You will have excellent attention to detail and be able to work methodically to strict deadlines. Any experience working with major institutional funders like USAID, the EU, or the UN would be beneficial but is not essential.
As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application. In order to apply, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call to brief you on the role.
Senior Finance and Accounting Lead employer: Prospectus
Contact Detail:
Prospectus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance and Accounting Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the NGO sector, especially those who have experience with financial management. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the financial regulations and compliance requirements specific to international development charities. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences leading finance teams, particularly in grant-funded environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed budgets, audits, and donor proposals effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will be crucial when presenting information to stakeholders who may not have a finance background.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance and Accounting Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a certified accountant and showcases your experience in leading finance teams, particularly in NGOs or grant-funded organisations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in budgeting, reporting, and audit preparation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any experience you have with major institutional funders like USAID, the EU, or the UN. Even if it's not essential, it can set you apart from other candidates. Be specific about your roles and achievements in these contexts.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication skills, include examples of how you've effectively presented financial information to various stakeholders. This could be through reports, presentations, or meetings.
Follow Application Instructions: Submit your CV as instructed in the job posting. Ensure that it is well-formatted and free of errors. After submission, be prepared for a follow-up call where you may discuss your experience further.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospectus
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Finance and Accounting Lead, you'll be expected to lead finance teams. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, how you managed teams, and any challenges you overcame. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to guide and motivate others.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure you have a solid understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations, especially those relevant to NGOs. Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you may need to present this information to stakeholders who aren't finance experts.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to manage budgets, prepare for audits, or handle donor proposals, and be ready to discuss how you approached these situations.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with funders and colleagues in the past. Consider sharing examples of how you effectively communicated financial information to diverse audiences.
