Interim Group Financial Accountant
Start: May | UK Charity
£60,000 - 6-Month FTC
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 quicklyThe 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.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)