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Interim group financial accountant

Posted: 28/04/26
Recruiter:Hays
Reference:3102808027
Type:Contract
Salary:Competitive Market rate
Location:Bristol
Description: 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

  • Lead and support post-year-end accounting activities
  • Prepare and review statutory accounts in line with Charities SORP and FRS
  • Take ownership of VAT compliance, including:
  • Preparation and review of VAT returns
  • Understanding VAT liability of income and activities
  • Attribution and apportionment of VAT costs
  • Business / non-business and partial exemption calculations
  • Capital Goods Scheme considerations
  • Support audit planning and delivery for the July audit, including liaison with auditors
  • Maintain and review general and nominal ledgers (Oracle Netsuite preferred)
  • Review and enhance chart of accounts / coding structures
  • Oversee fixed asset register integrity and compliance
  • Ensure compliance across VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, Gift Aid claims
  • Work effectively with internal stakeholders and national charitable and regulatory bodies

  • Essential Requirements
  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / FCA / FCCA)
  • Proven charity sector experience - applicants without this cannot be considered
  • Strong technical expertise in:
  • Charity VAT & partial exemption
  • Statutory accounts preparation
  • Charities SORP & relevant FRS
  • Significant experience preparing VAT returns within a charity environment
  • Solid understanding of:
  • General & nominal ledgers (Oracle Netsuite desirable)
  • Fixed asset registers
  • Financial systems, reporting standards and data analysis tools
  • Confident operating in a hands-on interim role, able to add value quickly
  • The Ideal Candidate
  • Immediately or quickly available
  • Comfortable working in a complex, regulated charity environment
  • Detail-driven with strong technical judgement
  • 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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