At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and compliance for impactful global programmes.
- Company: Join HALO, a leading NGO making a difference in conflict-affected areas.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private health cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to making the world safer.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career while contributing to meaningful humanitarian efforts.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance operations and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: UK, Hybrid (Minimum of 2 days per week in our Thornhill, Scotland office)
Salary: Up to £32k, dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Key Working Relationships: Programme Managers, Country Finance Managers
Reports to: Regional Finance Manager
About HALO
HALO is the leading global NGO addressing the impact and drivers of conflict in 30 countries and territories, with over 8,000 staff. Most of our staff are local employees and include a growing number of women. Our primary duty is to serve people affected by conflict, clearing landmines and the explosive remnants of war that threaten lives and livelihoods long after fighting has finished.
About the role
As a Finance Officer you’ll support several HALO programmes by providing high‑quality financial analysis, advice, and operational support. You’ll work closely with programme teams around the world, helping ensure strong financial management, donor compliance, and accurate budgeting. This role offers a rare opportunity to develop an international finance career, and you’ll join a supportive team with the global reach and stability of an established international NGO.
Responsibilities
- Donor Contract Management: Support the production of accurate and timely donor financial reports and fund requests. Assist in the development of donor budgets using HALO's financial planning system (Adaptive Insights). Contribute to the development and improvement of systems, tools, and processes to ensure efficient budgeting and forecasting. Support financial monitoring of grants and contracts, including forecasting costs to completion in collaboration with programme teams.
- Programme Support: Support programmes in the preparation of country budgets aligned with anticipated donor funding. Prepare, submit for approval, and post monthly journals in the accounting system. Support the review and reconciliation of implementing partner financial reports and payment requests.
- Programme Compliance: Assist with monitoring compliance with overseas statutory requirements, including company registration, financial reporting, and taxation. Support compliance with donor regulations and HALO financial and logistics standard operating procedures, including desk‑ and field‑based audits. Assist in the preparation of documentation for grant and contract audits, liaising with external auditors and country teams as required.
All HALO staff are expected to:
- Work within the framework of HALO's core values, ethos, and mission.
- Contribute to the achievement of programme and organisational objectives.
- Maintain familiarity with and adhere to all HALO policies and procedures.
- Comply with HALO's Health and Safety procedures, including participation in risk assessments and evacuation procedures as necessary.
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Flexibility and a willingness to undertake additional appropriate duties are essential.
Requirements
- Proven background in financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, reconciliation, and month‑end processes.
- Experience working within a fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environment.
- Ability to interpret financial data to support decision‑making and provide clear, actionable insights.
- Experience with financial controls, compliance, and audit preparation is highly desirable.
- Advanced Excel skills; should be confident using complex formulas and functions such as PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIF(S), INDEX/MATCH.
- Ability to clean, manipulate, and analyse large data sets efficiently.
- Experience building dynamic spreadsheets, dashboards, or financial models.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling data.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non‑financial colleagues.
- Strong relationship‑building skills, with the confidence to challenge, influence, and support stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team while also being self‑motivated and proactive.
- Clear, concise written communication, including the ability to produce high‑quality reports and summaries.
Benefits
- 25 days' annual leave plus 8 statutory holidays.
- Non‑contributory life assurance.
- Private medical health cover.
- Pension contributions matched by HALO up to 5%.
- Emergency medical insurance while travelling overseas (including on leave).
- Flexible working policy.
Please submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a cover letter (no more than 1 page) outlining how your experience matches the key skills and competencies required by 18th March 2026. Applications without a cover letter tailored to this position will not be considered. We reserve the right to amend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.
The HALO Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. The HALO Trust is committed to a culture that is both diverse and inclusive and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The HALO Trust is committed to ensuring that it provides a safe and trusted environment which safeguards and promotes the welfare and wellbeing of anyone who comes into contact with, or is part of, the Charity, with a zero‑tolerance approach to behaviours which challenge this.
Finance Officer in Prestwick employer: The HALO Trust
HALO is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that addresses the impact of conflict globally. With a supportive team culture, comprehensive benefits including private medical cover and a flexible working policy, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by violence. The hybrid working model allows for a balanced lifestyle, with the chance to develop an international finance career in a stable and respected NGO environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Prestwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with NGOs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching HALO and its mission. Understand their financial operations and think of ways you can contribute. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about their cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled budgeting and forecasting in past roles. Use real examples to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at HALO and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in Prestwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter is specifically tailored to the Finance Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with HALO's mission. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position and understand what we do.
Keep It Concise:We love a good read, but keep your CV to no more than 2 pages and your cover letter to 1 page. Be clear and concise about your skills and experiences. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Showcase Your Financial Skills:Since this role involves financial analysis and compliance, make sure to highlight your advanced Excel skills and any experience with budgeting or financial reporting. We want to see how you can contribute to our financial operations right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and submit your documents!
How to prepare for a job interview at The HALO Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Officer, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on your financial operations knowledge, especially budgeting and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've used Excel for complex tasks like PivotTables or VLOOKUP in previous roles.
✨Understand HALO's Mission
HALO is all about making a difference in conflict-affected areas. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values. During the interview, show how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in financial compliance and donor management. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges in financial reporting or compliance.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to communicate financial information clearly to various stakeholders. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. Maybe even practice explaining a financial report to a non-financial friend!