Reporting to: Interim Finance Director
Salary: £50,000-£65,000 pro-rata; 10% employer pension contribution
Location: City of London; remote and hybrid options available
Hours: Part time; flexible arrangements considered
Contract type: Fixed term (duration to be agreed)
Start Date: Immediate, or as soon as possible
About the Impact Investing Institute
The Impact Investing Institute is an independent, non-profit organisation working to transform capital markets so they support a fairer, greener, more resilient future. We see impact investing as an effective way to achieve that transformation and so we work to accelerate the field, both in the UK and globally.
Through our Challenge Lab, we come up with innovative solutions that help private finance better address societal challenges like preventative health, left-behind neighbourhoods and a fair transition to net zero. Via our Field Building, we implement impact investing insights and know-how across financial services through applied research such as guides, training, networks and communities of practice. We also engage, and seek to influence, policymakers and regulators to create an enabling environment where impact investing can thrive, in the UK and globally.
We have a wide, global network across financial services, social investment, businesses, government and regulators. Our work is rooted in collaborative partnership and co-creation: we take existing expertise as our starting point and facilitate interactions and partnerships that catalyse fresh thinking and solutions.
The role
We are seeking an experienced Interim Finance Manager to provide operational finance support to our Interim Finance Director on a part-time, fixed-term basis. This role has the potential to become permanent for the right candidate. The role calls for a highly competent finance professional who can work independently with minimal supervision, allowing the Finance Director to focus on strategic financial management, governance matters, and change and transformation projects.
The successful candidate will work in close partnership with our external accountants and take ownership of day-to-day accounting operations while maintaining the high standards of accuracy and compliance required in our finance function. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional seeking flexible, interim work.
Key responsibilities
Core accounting operations
- Accounts payable and receivable: Invoice processing, payments and receipts with accurate record-keeping and timely processing
- General ledger maintenance: Account reconciliations and ensuring accuracy of all financial transactions
- Bank reconciliation: Regular bank reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly
- Month-end closing: Month-end close process including accruals, prepayments, and journal entries
Financial reporting and compliance
- Management reporting: Support external accountants in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Support monthly financial risk reporting.
- VAT returns: Support external accountants in preparation and submitting of quarterly VAT returns, including partial recovery adjustment.
- Payroll: Oversee the provision of an accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery service.
- Fixed asset management: Maintain comprehensive fixed asset register including acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation calculations.
- Expense management: Process and review employee expense claims, ensuring policy compliance and proper documentation.
Process management and support
- Audit support: Provide comprehensive support during internal and external audits, preparing documentation and responding to queries independently.
- System management: Utilise accounting software (particularly Xero) to maintain accurate financial records and generate reports.
- Process improvement: Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Policy and procedure management: Maintain and adhere to Institute policies and update when necessary.
- Ad hoc analysis: Conduct financial analysis and support budgeting activities as required.
Essential requirements
Qualifications and experience
- Professional qualification: Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent)
- Experience: Minimum five to seven years of progressive accounting experience with at least two years in a senior or semi-senior role
- Sector experience: Previous experience in smaller organisations, charities, institutes, or not-for-profit sectors highly desirable
- Independence: Proven ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards
Technical skills
- Accounting software: Advanced proficiency in Xero accounting systems (essential)
- Microsoft Excel: Advanced Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting
- Financial reporting: Strong experience in preparing management accounts and oversight of financial statements
- Regulatory knowledge: Current knowledge of UK accounting standards, VAT regulations, and compliance requirements
Personal attributes
- Attention to detail: Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail in all financial work
- Time management: Ability to prioritise effectively and meet tight deadlines in a part-time capacity
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder interaction
- Integrity: High level of integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive financial information
- Adaptability: Flexible approach and ability to adapt quickly to organisational needs
The Impact Investing Institute’s values
We look for colleagues who are committed to our values:
Collaborative
With regards to our culture and team dynamics, we pride ourselves on being warm, collaborative, and compassionate. Being collaborative is essential because it:
- Creates a supportive environment where team members feel valued and heard
- Enables everyone to perform at their best
- Fosters an inclusive workplace culture that drives innovation and success
- Is key to achieving our mission: as a market builder and small organisation, we work with others to drive change
We collaborate with diverse teams both within and outside the organisation to leverage a broad range of perspectives, ensuring we build out an inclusive and effective organisation that in turn accelerates an inclusive effective impact investing market.
Ambitious
Our sense of drive and achievement is underscored by being bold and ambitious, which is reflected in our:
- Determination to create lasting change
- Our commitment to break new ground to grow the market, our enterprising approach to challenges, our agile and imaginative tackling of difficult problems
- Our commercial mindset, focus on financial sustainability and the growth of an efficient and dynamic organisation
- Willingness to pursue bold goals in the impact investing space, but also in our wider work around changing investment narratives and the system itself
This ambitious mindset is crucial for driving the systemic changes needed in capital markets and the broader financial sector.
Independent
Our strategic mindset and purpose are shaped by our commitment to being independent, forward-thinking, and authentic, which is vital because it:
- Ensures we maintain our integrity and credibility
- Allows us to adapt to future challenges while staying true to our purpose
- Strengthens our ability to act as a bridge between different capital market actors and work towards transforming capital markets
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via BeApplied. We are committed to equal opportunities, and the initial screening stage will be based on your responses to role-specific questions (250 words limit). These responses will be reviewed anonymously and randomly, so please take the time to answer fully.
Important Notes:
- The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment.
- The Impact Investing Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and do not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. (Note to applicants: DIE information submitted in the application is anonymous and helps us to ensure our roles are reaching a wide pool of candidates.)
- Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process.
- When submitting your application, you will be required to declare that you have not used auto-generation software.
- You can view our policies at https://www.impactinvest.org.uk/our-policies/
If offered the role, you will need to provide: - Proof of your right to work in the UK.
- Two referees, one being a previous line manager or professor. Roles including line management responsibility should include a referee who they previously line managed.
- Details for pre-employment checks, including proof of ID and address.