We are pleased to be partnering with The Mercers' Company in the recruitment of an Interim Charities Accountant.

The Mercers' Company is one of the City of London's historic livery companies, with a long tradition of philanthropy and charitable giving. Through its charitable trusts, the organisation supports a wide range of causes, including education, housing, older people and community initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and financially secure organisation, taking responsibility for the financial management and reporting of its seven charities. The role offers a broad mix of financial accounting, management reporting, budgeting, business partnering and process improvement, working closely with colleagues across the organisation. The role will be office-based (Bank) four days a week, with an optional working from home day.

About the role

Working within the finance team, the Interim Charities Accountant will be responsible for:

• Preparing management accounts, statutory accounts and financial reports for the Company's seven charities.

• Leading budgeting, forecasting and cash flow reporting, providing clear analysis and commentary.

• Ensuring accurate accounting and reporting for restricted and unrestricted charitable funds.

• Coordinating year-end processes and working closely with external auditors.

• Preparing financial information and reports for committees and senior stakeholders.

• Business partnering with colleagues across Housing Operations, Philanthropy and other departments, helping non-finance colleagues understand their financial performance.

• Reviewing and improving financial systems, controls and processes, including exploring opportunities to use automation and AI to improve efficiency.

• Supporting wider finance projects and helping ensure the continued delivery of a high-quality finance service.

About you

We are looking for a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting plus business-partnering skills and experience working within the charity sector.

You will ideally bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

• Strong experience in charity accounting, including restricted fund accounting and knowledge of the Charity SORP.

• Experience preparing statutory accounts, management accounts, budgets and forecasts.

• A good understanding of financial controls, audit processes and cash flow management.

• The ability to work collaboratively with non-finance colleagues and communicate financial information clearly.

• An interest in improving financial systems and processes, including using new technology and automation.

• A proactive, organised and flexible approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Package and benefits

The Mercers' Company offers an attractive benefits package, including:

• Salary of £70,000-£75,000.

• 30 days' annual leave, plus additional closure over Christmas.

• Private medical insurance through Vitality.

• Free lunch provided in the office.

• Flexible, family-friendly working hours.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment in the City of London.

The initial contract is for nine months, although there could be potential for the position to become permanent.

Recruitment process

Interview dates have been provisionally identified for 29-30 October and 2, 4 and 13 November 2026.

The organisation is keen to appoint someone who can start in November or December.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Altum Consulting.