Head of Financial Accounts

Allen Lane; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An internationally renowned research institute is seeking an Interim Head of Financial Accounts to lead its finance team during a pivotal transformation. This role combines strategic oversight with operational delivery, guiding treasury management, statutory reporting, and payroll in a mission-driven environment. You'll have the unique chance to contribute to a cause that changes lives, working alongside top minds in research and innovation. Join a values-driven organization that prioritizes collaboration and integrity, and make a significant impact in the world of cancer research.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Access to USS or NHS Pension Scheme

Family-friendly policies

Flexible working options

Interest-free loans for travel

On-site gym access

Mental health support

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial operations, ideally in charity or education sectors.
• Ability to communicate financial matters to non-finance stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Accounts Team and oversee treasury operations.
• Ensure compliance with VAT and Corporation Tax while managing payroll.

Skills

Treasury Management

Tax Reporting

Payroll Oversight

Financial Close Processes

Audit Liaison

Education

Qualified Accountant (CCAB)

Tools

Agresso

Oracle Cloud Financials

Job description

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

This range is provided by Allen Lane. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Allen Lane

Business Manager - Connecting Senior Finance professionals in Not-for-profit sector

London-based | Fixed Term – 18 months | Full Time

An internationally renowned research institute, dedicated to making the discoveries that defeat cancer, is seeking an Interim Head of Financial Accounts to play a pivotal leadership role in its Finance Department during a transformational period.

This organisation has been at the forefront of global cancer research for over a century and is ranked among the top centres for cancer research and treatment worldwide. It combines cutting-edge science with a deep, people-first culture—where excellence, collaboration, and integrity are not just values, but lived every day.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a finance professional to contribute directly to a cause that changes lives. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger—supporting the financial heartbeat of a world-class institution that blends research, academia, and operational impact.

The Opportunity

The Interim Head of Financial Accounts will lead a dedicated team within Financial Operations and Control, ensuring the organisation’s financial activities run efficiently, compliantly, and strategically. The successful candidate will guide treasury management, statutory reporting, tax compliance, and payroll, while also playing a key role in the rollout of a brand-new ERP system.

This is a hands-on, leadership role that combines strategic oversight with operational delivery, offering the rare balance of autonomy and collaboration.

• Lead, develop, and inspire the Financial Accounts Team.
• Oversee treasury operations, investment reporting, and cashflow forecasting.
• Ensure timely, accurate processing of all accounts payable/receivable activities.
• Manage payroll operations in partnership with HR.
• Maintain VAT and Corporation Tax compliance, acting as the key liaison with HMRC and external advisors.
• Drive forward audit preparation and the delivery of statutory accounts.
• Support finance process transformation during the implementation of a new ERP system.

You're a qualified accountant (CCAB) with substantial experience across all areas of financial operations, ideally in the charity, not-for-profit, or higher education sectors. You're a natural leader with an analytical mindset and the ability to communicate financial matters clearly to non-finance stakeholders. Your attention to detail is second to none, and you thrive in a values-driven organisation that is truly mission-led.

Essential experience includes:

• Treasury and cashflow management
• Tax reporting (VAT and Corporation Tax)
• Payroll oversight
• Month-end and year-end financial close processes
• Statutory accounts preparation and audit liaison

Experience with Agresso or Oracle Cloud Financials would be a welcome bonus.

This is more than just a finance role. It’s a career-defining opportunity to be part of something meaningful. You’ll work alongside some of the brightest minds in research and innovation, within a culture that genuinely cares about its people.

Benefits include:

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) or continuation of NHS Pension Scheme
• Family-friendly policies and flexible working options
• Interest-free loans for travel and cycle schemes
• Access to on-site gym and restaurants
• Mental health and wellbeing support

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Education

• Industries

  Higher Education, Non-profit Organizations, and Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Allen Lane by 2x

Get notified about new Head of Finance jobs in London, England, United Kingdom.

London, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Head Finance FBP PJHQ and Head Finance MAB (two roles)

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago

City Of London, England, United Kingdom £1,750.00-£2,250.00 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 6 hours ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 8 hours ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Uxbridge, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago

Uxbridge, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

City Of London, England, United Kingdom £90,000.00-£100,000.00 3 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.