6-month contract to start in May 2026
Interim Group Financial Accountant 6-month contract
Start: May | UK Charity
We are recruiting an experienced Interim Group Financial Accountant to join a well-established, highly regarded UK charity on an initial 6-month contract, starting as soon as May. This is a hands-on technical accounting role requiring strong charity sector experience, particularly across VAT, partial exemption, statutory accounts and audit preparation. The role will play a key part in the post-year-end close, with focus shifting to the July audit and associated preparation during Q2.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead and support post-year-end accounting activities
2. Prepare and review statutory accounts in line with Charities SORP and FRS
3. Take ownership of VAT compliance, including:
4. Preparation and review of VAT returns
5. Understanding VAT liability of income and activities
6. Attribution and apportionment of VAT costs
7. Business / non-business and partial exemption calculations
8. Capital Goods Scheme considerations
9. Support audit planning and delivery for the July audit, including liaison with auditors
10. Maintain and review general and nominal ledgers (Oracle Netsuite preferred)
11. Review and enhance chart of accounts / coding structures
12. Oversee fixed asset register integrity and compliance
13. Ensure compliance across VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, Gift Aid claims
14. Work effectively with internal stakeholders and national charitable and regulatory bodies
Essential Requirements
15. Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / FCA / FCCA)
16. Proven charity sector experience - applicants without this cannot be considered
17. Strong technical expertise in:
18. Charity VAT & partial exemption
19. Statutory accounts preparation
20. Charities SORP & relevant FRS
21. Significant experience preparing VAT returns within a charity environment
22. Solid understanding of:
23. General & nominal ledgers (Oracle Netsuite desirable)
24. Fixed asset registers
25. Financial systems, reporting standards and data analysis tools
26. Confident operating in a hands-on interim role, able to add value quickly
The Ideal Candidate
27. Immediately or quickly available
28. Comfortable working in a complex, regulated charity environment
29. Detail-driven with strong technical judgement
30. Pragmatic, collaborative and delivery-focused
This is an excellent opportunity to support a respected UK charity at a critical point in its financial calendar while making a meaningful impact in a short-term assignment.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Charles Maidment from the Hays senior finance contract team here in Bristol.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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