Financial Accountant

"International Institute for Environment and Development"; London; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research organization in London is seeking a qualified Financial Accountant to maintain accurate financial records and support compliance. This full-time role offers excellent benefits including hybrid working options and a competitive salary range between £54,438 and £67,692. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in financial accounting, especially within non-profits or NGOs, and will contribute significantly to the organization’s mission of sustainable development.

Benefits

25 days' annual leave

7.5% employer pension contributions

Flexible hybrid working options

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant experience required.
• Experience in non-profit or NGO accounting is essential.
• Knowledge of UK GAAP and Charities SORP necessary.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance.
• Manage the general ledger and produce statutory accounts.
• Lead cash flow forecasting and VAT returns.

Skills

Financial accounting expertise

Non-profit financial experience

VAT management

Cash flow management

Financial controls

Education

Qualified with a recognized professional body (CIMA, ACCA, ACA)

Job description

UK - Hybrid with access to London office

Function

Finance

Financial Accountant
Hybrid (within the UK) with travel to our London office

About Us

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a policy and action research organisation promoting sustainable development and linking local priorities to global challenges. We are based in London and work on five continents with some of the world’s most vulnerable people to strengthen their voice in the decision-making arenas that affect them. With more than 150 members of staff working with associates and partners around the world, IIED has been at the forefront of evidence-based policymaking in sustainable development for over 50 years.

We are now looking for a Financial Accountant to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 35 hours per week.

The Benefits

- Salary of £54,438 - £67,692 per annum
- 25 days' annual leave per year (increasing with service) plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Flexible hybrid working options
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Interest-free season ticket loan (subject to eligibility)
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)
- Employee Assistance Programme

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with strong experience in non-profit, NGO or research accounting to join our globally respected and mission-led organisation.

You’ll play a key role in safeguarding and strengthening the financial foundation of a charity that directly empowers some of the world’s most vulnerable communities to shape environmental and development policy on the global stage.

What’s more, you’ll have the chance to work in a purpose-driven environment with flexible hybrid options where you’ll be able to develop your professional expertise whilst contributing to impactful work that drives sustainable and equitable change worldwide.

The Role

As a Financial Accountant, you will maintain accurate financial records, ensure regulatory compliance, and support robust financial reporting and audit processes.

You will play a central role in managing the general ledger and producing statutory accounts, ensuring transactions are recorded in accordance with UK GAAP and Charities SORP.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will lead the cash flow forecasting, ensure timely and accurate VAT returns and lead the reconciliation of donor income, restricted funds, and other key financial areas.

You will also contribute to the implementation of internal controls, preparation for audits, and the upkeep of regulatory frameworks, such as the Charity Commission’s CC8.

Additionally, you will:

- Prepare accurate financial statements and co-ordinate audit schedules
- Supervise bank reconciliations and ensure effective Treasury management
- Provide VAT training to staff and manage VAT risk through robust controls

About You

To be considered as a Financial Accountant, you will need:

- To be qualified with a recognised professional body such as CIMA, ACCA or ACA or equivalent experience
- Experience in financial accounting within a non-profit, NGO, or international organisation
- Experience preparing financial statements under UK GAAP, Charities SORP, or IFRS
- Experience of statutory accounts preparation and managing year-end process
- Experience of balance sheet management, account reconciliations, and financial controls
- Experience supporting external audits
- Experience with VAT management
- Experience in cash flow management, treasury functions, and multi-currency accounting
- In-depth knowledge of financial accounting principles
- Knowledge of CC8 (Charity Commission’s Internal Financial Controls for Charities) and its application in nonprofit financial management
- Familiarity with financial systems and data management

You are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

This role is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with our safeguarding and safer recruitment commitments. A criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment; any disclosed information will be considered fairly and confidentially, in accordance with our recruitment procedures and the nature of the role.

The closing date for this role is 17th August 2025.

Other organisations may call this role Accountant, Finance Manager, or Head of Financial Accounting.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you’re ready to showcase your expertise in a rewarding role as a Financial Accountant, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

International Institute for Environment and Development, 44 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AP