Interim group financial accountant

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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