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- Tasks: Manage payroll, prepare accounts, and provide financial support for our nursery.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit nursery dedicated to quality childcare in Lambeth for over 25 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a values-driven organisation that prioritises child welfare and community support.
- Qualifications: Experience in bookkeeping/accountancy, especially with charities, is essential.
- Other info: This is a hybrid role with minimal in-person meetings; applicants must be UK residents.
Join Union Grove Community Nursery as Our Freelance Bookkeeper.
Location: Union Grove Community Nursery, Lambeth, London (Hybrid – some in-person work approximately 2-3 times per year)
Fee: £550/month inclusive of VAT (open to discussion – please include your rates in your application)
Start Date: to be discussed
Time Commitment: Flexible – estimated hours per month to suit your availability
About Us: Union Grove Community Nursery is a long-standing, not-for-profit nursery based in Lambeth. For 25 years, we’ve offered high-quality, affordable childcare to local families, placing warmth, care, and community at the heart of what we do. As a small charity (annual income under £500k) caring for up to 48 children at a time, we pride ourselves on giving every child the attention and support they need to thrive. Our team is friendly, values-driven, and committed to creating a safe, joyful environment for early years education.
The Opportunity: We’re looking for a friendly and reliable freelance bookkeeper or accountant to join our extended team and help keep our finances running smoothly. You’ll play a key behind-the-scenes role, supporting our nursery’s sustainability and ensuring we can continue delivering quality care for local families. This role would suit someone who enjoys working with purpose-led organisations, and who values flexibility, community impact, and clear communication.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Run monthly payroll (ideally in-person with our Nursery Administrator), and issue payslips to staff
- Prepare monthly management accounts in a clear, accessible format for trustees and management
- Produce statutory annual accounts for submission to Companies House and the Charity Commission
- Provide ad-hoc support and advice on bookkeeping, accounting, and financial queries as well as forecasting
- Assist in creating cash flow forecasts or budgets
- Act as a secondary bank signatory
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in bookkeeping or accountancy, ideally with small charities or community organisations
- Confidence with payroll processes and charity finance
- A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset – someone we can turn to with financial questions
- Familiarity with accounting software and simple reporting formats
- Bonus if you have experience working with voluntary boards or in the non-profit sector
We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.
What You'll Gain:
- A flexible freelance role with real community impact
- The chance to work alongside a values-driven team
- An opportunity to support a long-standing charity doing meaningful early years work
- A warm, supportive, and child-focused environment
How to Apply: If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you! Please send a short email outlining your experience and your freelance rate to our email address. Feel free to include your CV or a portfolio if helpful. Union Grove Community Nursery is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. Let’s make a difference together – one child, one family, and one balance sheet at a time.
Freelance Bookkeeper/Accountant employer: Union Grove Community Nursery
Contact Detail:
Union Grove Community Nursery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Bookkeeper/Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial needs of small charities. Understanding the unique challenges they face will help you demonstrate your value during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the local community and charity sector in Lambeth. Attend events or join online groups to connect with people who might refer you to this role or similar opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with payroll processes and accounting software. Being able to articulate your familiarity with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your collaborative mindset in conversations. Emphasising your ability to work well with others, especially in a community-focused environment, will resonate with the values of Union Grove Community Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Bookkeeper/Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your email and any attached documents to reflect the specific requirements of the Freelance Bookkeeper role. Highlight your experience with small charities and community organisations, as this is a key aspect of what they are looking for.
Outline Your Experience: In your email, clearly outline your relevant bookkeeping or accounting experience. Include specific examples of your work with payroll processes, management accounts, and any familiarity with accounting software that you possess.
State Your Rates: Since the job description mentions discussing rates, be upfront about your freelance rate in your application. This shows transparency and helps set clear expectations from the start.
Express Your Values: Union Grove Community Nursery values community impact and collaboration. In your application, express your alignment with these values and your enthusiasm for working in a purpose-led organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Union Grove Community Nursery
✨Show Your Passion for Community Work
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with purpose-led organisations. Highlight any previous experience you have in community-focused roles or charities, as this will resonate well with the values of Union Grove Community Nursery.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with bookkeeping and accounting, especially in relation to small charities. Bring examples of how you've managed payroll processes or prepared financial reports, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Collaboration
Since the role offers flexible hours, be ready to talk about how you manage your time effectively. Also, showcase your collaborative mindset by discussing how you’ve worked with teams in the past to solve financial queries or challenges.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the nursery's financial processes or their expectations from the freelance bookkeeper. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can best contribute to their mission.
