At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for a global education programme, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.
- Company: Join a respected international development charity focused on improving learning outcomes worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation and take ownership of a high-profile programme.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with 5+ years in financial accounting, ideally in international development.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 £ per year.
A respected global development organisation is seeking a Programme Finance Manager to oversee the financial management of its flagship education initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced charity finance professional to lead on all aspects of programme finance for a complex, multi-country, donor-funded portfolio focused on improving learning outcomes in marginalised communities around the world.
The role will involve close collaboration with programme colleagues, partner organisations, and global teams to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting and management across multiple grants. The Programme Finance Manager will play a key role in donor stewardship, internal financial planning, and strategic grant management, while also directly line managing a Finance Officer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Produce timely and accurate financial reports for the programme, including internal monthly updates, quarterly reports for global partners, and external donor reports.
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the project, coordinating across teams and ensuring alignment with donor requirements.
- Monitor programme expenditure by country, grant, and donor – flagging risks or discrepancies and supporting resolution.
- Ensure robust financial controls, regular reconciliations, and full compliance with internal policies and donor regulations.
- Maintain and update internal tracking tools for cost recovery, grant performance, co-financing, and secured/pipeline funding.
- Oversee the review and approval of budgets, cash requests, and sub-grant agreements for partners and donors.
- Ensure financial information is well organised, accessible, and regularly reviewed, including use of systems such as SharePoint and AIMS.
- Support audits, financial reviews, and due diligence processes across partners and funders.
- Line manage and support a Finance Officer, providing day-to-day guidance, performance management, and professional development.
- Collaborate with global and UK-based colleagues across finance, programmes and partnerships to ensure financial processes underpin successful programme delivery.
Qualifications:
- Ideally CCAB qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial accounting, reporting, and budgeting – ideally within a grant-funded or international development setting.
- Strong experience of designing and managing effective financial systems, policies, and processes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage donor compliance, cost recovery, and multi-partner sub-granting arrangements.
- Excellent Excel and data analysis skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-finance audiences.
- Clear, confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across cultures and departments.
- Knowledge of charity accounting and experience working with institutional donors (e.g. FCDO, EU, Trusts and Foundations) highly desirable.
- Experience in line management or team supervision preferred.
This is a brilliant opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile, globally connected education programme within a values-driven, mission-led organisation. If you're passionate about international development and ready to step into a strategic finance leadership role – we’d love to hear from you.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are strongly encouraged!
IND1
Programme Finance Manager in London employer: Trace – Expert Accountancy Recruitment
As a Finance Business Partner at a prestigious London university, you will be part of a dynamic finance team that values collaboration and innovation. The university offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. With opportunities for continuous learning and a commitment to making a positive impact in the education sector, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Trace – Expert Accountancy Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Finance Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements related to international development charities. Understanding these nuances will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity finance sector, especially those who have experience with donor-funded projects. Engaging in conversations can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial reporting and budgeting in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed complex financial systems and ensured compliance with donor requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills by preparing to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex financial information to non-finance audiences will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial management, particularly in charity or international development settings. Emphasise your qualifications, such as CCAB certification, and any specific achievements related to budgeting and reporting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for international development and how your skills align with the role of Programme Finance Manager. Mention your experience with donor compliance and multi-partner sub-granting arrangements, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Financial Acumen:Provide examples of your experience in producing financial reports and managing budgets. Highlight your proficiency in Excel and data analysis, and be prepared to discuss how you've communicated complex financial information to non-finance audiences.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:If you have experience in line management or team supervision, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss how you've supported team members' professional development and contributed to a collaborative work environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trace – Expert Accountancy Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in financial accounting, reporting, and budgeting. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles, especially those related to grant-funded projects or international development.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Programme Finance Manager, you'll need to communicate complex financial information clearly. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms, as you may need to present to non-finance audiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Donor Requirements
Research the types of institutional donors the organisation works with, such as FCDO and EU. Understanding their compliance requirements will show your readiness to manage donor relationships effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly around financial discrepancies or budget management. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in financial oversight and be ready to share those experiences.
