Finance Manager

Institute for Public Policy Research; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Annual cost-of-living salary review

Job summary

IPPR in London is seeking a capable, rigorous finance professional to run day-to-day finance operations and contribute to planning. This hands-on role covers financial management, reporting and analysis, with opportunities to improve systems and processes.

You will oversee transactions, reconciliations, budgeting and forecasting, working with colleagues to explain budgets and provide practical advice. The role offers flexible working patterns and a path toward more senior finance

Qualifications

• ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent qualification (completed or final stage) or a finance/accounting degree.
• Fundamental finance experience with solid processes and controls.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to analyse data critically.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations, transactions and reconciliations.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across IPPR.
• Provide practical financial advice and explain budgets to colleagues.
• Improve systems, processes and reporting to enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance and Operations on planning and decision-making.

Skills

ACCA/CIMA/ACA

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

Independent thinking

Communication skills

Education

Accounting qualification or Finance degree

2:1 classification or higher

Tools

Excel

Job description

We are looking for a capable, rigorous and ambitious finance professional to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of IPPR’s finance operations – and to grow with us.

This is a hands-on role combining financial management, reporting and analysis with opportunities to contribute to wider organisational planning and decision-making. We want someone who thinks independently, enjoys solving problems and is curious about how better systems, technology and fresh ideas can make our finance function more effective.

About the role

You will oversee financial transactions, reconciliations, reporting and controls, while supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across IPPR.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues to help them understand their budgets, provide practical financial advice and ensure our financial processes run smoothly. You will also have the opportunity to improve our systems, challenge existing approaches and identify more efficient ways of working.

About you

You may not yet have held a Finance Manager title or encountered every situation this role will involve. What matters most is that you have strong financial foundations, are ambitious to develop and have the confidence to think independently, exercise sound judgement and take ownership of your work, while knowing when to seek advice or involve others.

You will be intellectually curious, quick to learn and take pride in accuracy and getting things right. You will also be someone who builds positive working relationships and enjoys collaborating with colleagues across the organisation.

Working closely with our Director of Finance and Operations, you will have opportunities to broaden your experience of financial management, planning and organisational decision-making, helping you develop towards a more senior finance role.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who has:

• a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent), either fully completed or in its final stages; or a relevant degree in finance or accounting (minimum 2:1 classification);
• practical finance experience, a sound understanding of financial processes and controls, and excellent Excel skills;
• the ability to think independently, solve problems and use initiative, common sense and sound judgement;
• an analytical and thorough approach, with the ability to learn quickly and see the bigger financial picture without losing sight of the detail;
• strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly, collaborate with colleagues and find practical solutions; and
• ambition, adaptability and a willingness to learn new systems, develop professionally and take on greater responsibility

Our recruitment process will assess how you think and solve problems, as well as your experience. Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical finance and Excel exercise designed to assess analytical thinking, accuracy and judgement.

Why join us?

At IPPR, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive organisation working to develop progressive ideas that make a difference.

• generous annual leave
• a pension scheme
• an annual cost-of-living salary review

Our standard contractual working week is 37.5 hours, but we are currently trialling a 35-hour week until March 2027, with no reduction in pay or annual leave and an earlier finish on Fridays.

The role is based in our London office in Westminster. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask colleagues to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office. We also recognise that different working patterns suit different people and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide

Closing date for applications: 8 November 2026, 23:30 GMT

Pre-interview assessment: 13 November 2026

Interviews: 18 or 19 November at our London office.