About us!
The Climate Governance Initiative empowers board directors on every continent to take climate action by enhancing their knowledge and skills in climate governance. Our rapidly-growing network of Chapters in over 70 countries worldwide reaches more than 100,000 board directors.
The Climate Governance Initiative team is based in Cambridge, UK and forms part of the Chapter Zero Alliance, a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting sustainable corporate governance.
ROLE OVERVIEW
As our Management Accountant you will work with the Associate Director, Operations to manage our income and expenditure effectively. This will be achieved through timely provision of financial information including management accounts and funders reports as well the preparation of budgets, forecasts, funding proposals, and the ongoing review of our financial performance.
* Salary: £40,000 - 45,000 per annum pro rata
* Pension: Government Workplace NEST Pension Scheme
* Hours per week: Part-time (22.5 hours per week)
* Location: hybrid with one day per week at offices in CB2
* Reports to: Associate Director, Operations
* Contract: Permanent
KEY DUTIES
Financial Modelling and Forecasting
* Build and manage a financial model capable of organising and forecasting the financial structures that result from income from multiple sources of funds.
* Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making, including scenario planning and risk assessment.
Internal Reporting
* Work with our virtual finance office (external bookkeeping team) to ensure monthly management accounts are produced with the appropriate narrative.
* Prepare quarterly financial accounts, variance analysis, and management information.
* Monitor and report on restricted and unrestricted income, ensuring accurate allocation and reporting.
Budgeting
* Undertake the preparation of CZA’s annual budget and quarterly reforecasting.
* Support non-finance staff by providing guidance on budget management and financial processes as needed.
Grant-Based Financial Activity
* Develop funder budgets and financial plans to be included in grant submissions.
* Produce financial reports for multiple funders on a regular basis using their templates and following their specific funder guidelines in a timely manner.
* Support sub-grant activity to ensure payments are accurate, timely and properly accounted for.
Compliance and Governance
* Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, including Charity Commission reporting.
* Act as the primary interface for CZA with external auditors.
* Develop and review/update CZA financial processes, policies, and procedures, in line with the charity's Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), building on these as the operation develops.
Financial Systems and Automation
* Manage and improve financial systems to ensure they effectively capture and report financial data.
* Build in automation as needed to reduce manual processing.
Reserves and Investment Management
* Develop and monitor reserves policy to ensure financial stability.
* Develop cashflow forecasts and models to inform investment decisions and ensure the organisation maintains adequate reserves.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
* Educated to first degree level or equivalent experience
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) or working towards such a qualification and close to qualification
* Significant relevant experience, ideally gained in the charity sector (working with grant income, familiar with Charities SORP (FRS 102) etc.)
* Knowledge of the preparation of grant applications, monitoring of grant expenditure, grant reporting and close-out
* Ability to interpret financial information and present to both financial and non-financial stakeholders
* In depth knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, in particular Excel
* Experienced in the use of Xero or similar financial systems
* Ability to build processes and procedures and apply them with consistency
* Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Finance/ accounting involving a critical understanding of relevant theory and/or principles
* Ability to work well as part of a team and balance need, risk and pragmatism when developing solutions
* Meticulous attention to detail with high standards of accuracy
* Highly confidential and discrete
Deadline to apply: We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Pre-employment checks: Two satisfactory references, and right to work in the UK