Programme Finance Manager

Programme Finance Manager, International Development Charity, Central London, £52k
A respected global development organisation is seeking a Programme Finance Manager to oversee the financial management of its flagship education initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced charity finance professional to lead on all aspects of programme finance for a complex, multi-country, donor-funded portfolio focused on improving learning outcomes in marginalised communities around the world.

The role will involve close collaboration with programme colleagues, partner organisations, and global teams to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting and management across multiple grants. The Programme Finance Manager will play a key role in donor stewardship, internal financial planning, and strategic grant management, while also directly line managing a Finance Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce timely and accurate financial reports for the programme, including internal monthly updates, quarterly reports for global partners, and external donor reports.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the project, coordinating across teams and ensuring alignment with donor requirements.
• Monitor programme expenditure by country, grant, and donor – flagging risks or discrepancies and supporting resolution.
• Ensure robust financial controls, regular reconciliations, and full compliance with internal policies and donor regulations.
• Maintain and update internal tracking tools for cost recovery, grant performance, co-financing, and secured/pipeline funding.
• Oversee the review and approval of budgets, cash requests, and sub-grant agreements for partners and donors.
• Ensure financial information is well organised, accessible, and regularly reviewed, including use of systems such as SharePoint and AIMS.
• Support audits, financial reviews, and due diligence processes across partners and funders.
• Line manage and support a Finance Officer, providing day-to-day guidance, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaborate with global and UK-based colleagues across finance, programmes and partnerships to ensure financial processes underpin successful programme delivery.

Qualifications:

• Ideally CCAB qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial accounting, reporting, and budgeting – ideally within a grant-funded or international development setting.
• Strong experience of designing and managing effective financial systems, policies, and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage donor compliance, cost recovery, and multi-partner sub-granting arrangements.
• Excellent Excel and data analysis skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-finance audiences.
• Clear, confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across cultures and departments.
• Knowledge of charity accounting and experience working with institutional donors (e.g. FCDO, EU, Trusts and Foundations) highly desirable.
• Experience in line management or team supervision preferred.

This is a brilliant opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile, globally connected education programme within a values-driven, mission-led organisation. If you're passionate about international development and ready to step into a strategic finance leadership role – we’d love to hear from you.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are strongly encouraged!
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