UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Accounting Officer (UK-based candidates) in Cardiff

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteers-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change. We are looking for a passionate VOLUNTEER Accounting Officer (EU-based) who will support the organization’s financial operations by collecting, analyzing, and reporting financial data. The role involves assisting with budgeting, VAT compliance, and other financial activities that help shape climate policy on a global platform.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in maintaining accurate financial records and postings to the general ledger;
• Support the preparation and monitoring of budgets and forecasts;
• Reconcile bank accounts monthly, verify deposits, and address inquiries from banks;
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and ensure compliance with relevant regulations;
• Assist in preparing financial performance reports for senior management;
• Provide explanations for variances against budget and assist with re-forecasts;
• Collaborate with auditors and financial analysts to ensure accurate reporting;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills, including exceptional written English, the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels;
• Proven ability to lead, develop and motivate a team;
• Proven ability to effectively multitask and prioritize work;
• Excellent problem-solving skills;
• Excellent attention to detail and proactive attitude.

General & Specialist Knowledge:

• Strong financial management expertise is essential for this role.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to perform this role;
• Some knowledge of topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology preferred.

Education & Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or international professional qualification in accounting required; preferably with a professional qualification.

Relevant Experience:

• Experience in accounting or financial operations, including VAT reporting;
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;
• Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using own initiative;
• Previous experience within an international NGO is desirable but not a requirement;
• Experience in formulating budgets, financial planning, and strategy in a corporate environment;
• Highly proficient with Excel Spreadsheets;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Benefits:

What difference will you make? Blockchain and other emerging technologies. Climate change and sustainability. These are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is here as an expert platform to help governments, inter-governmental and regional organizations as well as relevant corporates to negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. We cement our expertise by putting in the hard work in researching, identifying, and analyzing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.

Benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and some include:

• You will hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, professional etiquette;
• Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you with a sense of purpose;
• You will advance and boost your professional career by helping you to make professional connections and giving you real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies;
• Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge a close connection.

Selection Process:

As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCI’s policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.

• Section A: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)
• Section B: Situation Judgement Test (20 multiple-choice questions)
• Section C: In-Tray Exercise (An open-ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)

Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.