What Jobs are available for Finance Professionals in Watford?

Director of Finance and Operations
The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK
Salary: £60,000-£70,000 per annum
Remote (UK-based) with expensed travel to London
Full-time, permanent

Akshaya Patra is one of the world’s largest school meals charities – nourishing 2.35 million children in India every day and now expanding our impact across the UK.

Our UK after-school programme, Empower Hour , provides hot, nutritious meals and targeted tuition to children growing up in poverty – extending the school day by 60 minutes to give them the fuel, support and enrichment they need to thrive.

What began in one school in 2024 is already serving ten, and – alongside driving continued expansion in India – we are now ready to scale our delivery to reach thousands more children across the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

To help lead this exciting phase of growth, we are seeking a Director of Finance and Operations  – a senior leader who combines strong financial stewardship with operational leadership and is motivated by purpose as much as performance.

You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO, and oversee two core portfolios:

• Programmes  – overseeing Watford kitchen operations, Empower Hour delivery and holiday hunger initiatives.
• Finance and Resources  – leading financial planning and reporting, systems, compliance, HR development and organisational infrastructure.

This role will suit someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and practical implementation – someone who finds energy in building strong foundations and helping a values-led organisation grow well.

You may have built your career in charity, education, food provision, public services, the private sector or elsewhere – but you will bring:

• Senior-level experience across finance, operations or programme delivery.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of charity governance and compliance.
• A collaborative leadership style – supporting, challenging and uplifting those you lead.
• Deep alignment with our mission to fight child hunger and educational inequality.

What we offer:

• Flexible and remote working.
• 34 days’ leave (25 days annual leave + Diwali + English bank holidays).
• Employer pension contribution.
• Investment in professional and vocational development.
• A meaningful leadership role in a growing global movement – empowering children in both the UK and India.

How to apply:

• Click on the 'Apply on website' button and you will be redirected to the Akshaya Patra UK website.
• Please send your CV and a cover letter to the email address included in the applicant pack outlining both your suitability for the role and what attracts you to Akshaya Patra and our mission.
• Closing date: Monday 3 November 2025.

If you believe no child should be held back by hunger – and you have the leadership skills and desire to help grow an organisation that makes that possible – we would love to hear from you.

Join our journey to create a new experience for The National Lottery and help us to power change for the greater good.

We are Allwyn UK, part of the Allwyn Entertainment Group – a multi-national lottery operator with a market-leading presence across Europe which includes: Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Cyprus & Italy.

While the main contribution of The National Lottery to society is through the funds to good causes, at Allwyn we put our purpose and values at the heart of everything we do. Join us as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, largescale transformation journey by creating a National Lottery that delivers more money to good causes.

We’ll talk a bit more about us further down the page, but for now – let’s talk about the role and who we’re looking for…

A bit about the role…

Allwyn operates a Three Lines of defence model.

• First line: Functional Management & Staff,
• Second line: Functional and Central Compliance and Risk & Assurance,
• Third Line: Internal Audit.

You will be part of the second-line Finance and Trust Functional Assurance and Compliance team working closely with Senior Finance Function management and staff.  The Finance Function includes:

• Financial Control
• Finance Systems & Change
• Planning & Trading
• Procurement
• Strategy & Operations
• Tax
• Trust
• Treasury

Reporting into the Trust and Finance Assurance Manager, you will also work with Central Assurance team and Internal Audit teams to enable an aligned and integrated assurance approach.

The primary responsibilities of the Trust and Finance Senior Assurance Analyst is to operate effectively, with minimal supervision, the assurance activities for Finance and Trust. This includes assisting in evolving and further strengthening the Assurance framework for Finance and Trust, and reporting on, the effective monitoring controls and procedures in place.

The evolution of the Assurance framework is pertinent as Allwyn is currently a significant way through a transformation programme. Therefore, the ability to build strong relationships, propose robust plans and gain stakeholder buy-in at all levels is key to ensuring that the Assurance framework is current and always fit for purpose which underpins the way we operate in Finance, Trust and Allwyn. We strive to be best in class.

This is an important role within the organisation as you will be heavily supporting the Trust & Finance Assurance Manager with projects and facing off into senior internal and external stakeholders.  As such you will be required to be able to communicate articulately and succinctly (written and verbally) to stakeholders at all levels on the effectiveness of the assurance activities across Finance through preparation of monthly reports, regular progress reports (including remediations) and KPI dashboards.

What you’ll be doing…

• Support the Trust & Finance Assurance Manager to embed the Assurance, Compliance and Risk frameworks and objectives across Finance and Trust with particular focus on enhancing risk management, Controls activity, real time compliance, governance, outcomes and monitoring activities.
• Perform extensive second line activity over the Trust arrangement – which manages player funds as an independent team from the Treasury and Trust teams.
• Support the Trust & Finance Assurance Manager to run a key governance forum, the Funds Protection Forum to ensure it meets regulatory and governance requirements.
• Support the Finance Director, the Senior Assurance Manager: Finance and Trust, Trust & Finance Assurance Manager and wider Finance teams to ensure the effective implementation, execution and monitoring of the wider National Lottery licence conditions, Matters to be protected, Trust Deed and Fund Protection policies.
• Support the Trust & Finance Assurance Manager by preparing regular reporting, assurance updates, KPI’s and dashboards to a variety of senior stakeholders on the effectiveness of Allwyn’s control environment with respect to all areas of responsibility of the Finance function.
• Maintain up to date risk and control registers in the system.
• Evolve, enhance and monitor Finance’s self-assessment control framework and risk register and identify areas for continuous improvement.  
• Ensure that the strategies, policies and procedures for Finance are fit for purpose, regularly reviewed and challenged and subject to appropriate governance especially in the period of change.

What experience we’re looking for…

• Operating with integrity and staying independent
• Assurance activities are supported by adequate documentation, peer reviews and quality checks.
• Finance team risk register is up to date and has appropriate sign off as scheduled
• Finance team self-assessment activity is up to date and completed as scheduled
• Finance team compliance with the Fourth National Lottery Licence is up to date and completed as scheduled, with appropriate evidence to demonstrate compliance
• Delivery of activity to support Outcomes Based Decision Making (OBDM) and wider business assurance requirements
• No surprises – all assurance activities, plans and projects are communicated clearly and in a timely manner with effective progress tracking and risk monitoring.
• Controls, compliance and assurance culture is embedded in the psyche of finance colleagues

Key Measures of Success:

• Financial background that provides strong understanding of finance and compliance – (A qualified ACA or ACCA accountant with an audit and / or compliance, regulatory and assurance background would be preferred but not essential
• Strong experience maintaining risk and control frameworks.
• Bright, highly analytical and intellectually agile, able to learn and manage complexity quickly.
• High level of integrity and independence whilst also able to successfully partner with the business in meaningful ways through building trusting relationships and connections.
• A strong collaborator, influencer, listener, to build consensus and a constructive working relationship across the organisation.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and executive presence, and ability to influence a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Good commercial acumen and strategic mind-set.
• Demonstrate some experience of leadership and operating with senior stakeholders within Risk, Compliance and or Internal Audit.
• High level of personal integrity and ability to maintain independence whilst also building strong and impactful relationships across Finance, Central Assurance, Risk Compliance and Internal audit teams and various Governance Committees.

About us:

We’ve developed ground-breaking technologies, built player protection frameworks, and have a proven track record of making lotteries better. 

• Innovation - We pride ourselves on it! We’re constantly looking for new ways to excite our customers, bringing new products to enjoy which is all underpinned by our responsible play values and making them accessible to all.
• Giving back – Did you know that playing the lottery generates around £30m a week for charities and good causes in the UK? Our aim is to have doubled this number by the end of the first 10 year licence
• Sustainability – Our aim to be net zero by 2030 which would make us the first lottery provider globally to achieve this
• Inclusion and accessibility – We are making all parts of The National Lottery inclusive – whether you play a game in a store or online. 

If you need any assistance or adjustments to this job description or in the application process, please contact a member of the talent team at and we’ll be happy to help. 

**Being the custodians of the National Lottery license is a big responsibility, so all of our roles are subject to extensive background checks**

An inclusive reward offering with wellbeing at the centre…

At Allwyn, we’ve put together a range of inclusive benefits and policies to support our colleagues at every stage of their lives and careers.

Here’s a list of some of the fantastic benefits we offer…

• Company bonus scheme
• Matched pension contributions up to 8.5%
• 26 days annual leave + 2 Life Days (and bank holidays)
• Complimentary Private Medical
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
• £500 wellness allowance
• Access to nutritional advisor and personal trainer
• Discounted Health Assessments
• Complimentary Financial coaching

Our benefits and policies reflect our commitment to wellbeing and inclusivity and are enhanced with features that benefit our colleagues (and their families). By offering a variety of benefits that support our colleagues, we continue to create a place of work where people feel rewarded and can succeed.

A place of belonging…

We want to create one of the UK’s most inclusive organisations – where people can bring the best of themselves, to do their best work, every day, for the benefit of good causes.

Allwyn is an Equal Opportunity Employer which prides itself in being diverse and inclusive. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or victimisation in the workplace.  All employment decisions at Allwyn are based on the business needs, the job requirements, and the individual qualifications.  Allwyn encourages applications from individuals regardless of age, disability (visible or hidden), sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

We are a Disability Confident Leader which means we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure our workplace is accessible and inclusive for disabled colleagues and candidates. As part of this we offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential requirements of the job.

This is a position within Keller Executive Search and not with one of its clients.

This senior position will lead Finance for Keller Executive Search in London, United Kingdom, shaping strategy, building scalable processes, and partnering across the firm to deliver measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities:
- Define the Finance vision, roadmap, and annual operating plan aligned to business goals.
- Build and lead a high‑performing Finance team; set clear objectives and coach managers.
- Own Finance KPIs and reporting; drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Establish scalable policies, processes, and tooling for Finance across regions.
- Partner with executive leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders to deliver outcomes.
- Manage budgets, vendors, and risk within the Finance portfolio.

Requirements

- 7+ years of progressive experience in Finance with 4+ years leading managers.
- Proven track record building programs at regional or global scale.
- Strong analytical skills; ability to translate data into decisions.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred.
- Experience in professional services or recruitment industry is an advantage.

Benefits

- Salary range: £105,000–£130,000 GBP
- Opportunities for professional growth.
- Company culture: Flat management structure with direct access to decision-makers. Open communication environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Keller Executive Search provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

Commitment to Diversity:
An inclusive and equitable workplace is actively fostered. Hiring, development, and advancement practices are designed to broaden representation and ensure fair access to opportunity.

Data Protection and Privacy:
Personal data is processed solely for recruitment and employment purposes, in accordance with applicable data‑protection laws (including GDPR where relevant). Information may be retained for compliance and legitimate interests, subject to data minimization and security controls.

Pay Equity:
Compensation practices are reviewed to support pay equity for substantially similar work, accounting for bona fide factors such as experience, education, and performance.

Health and Safety:
Workplace health and safety obligations are observed in line with applicable national and local requirements. Employees are expected to follow all safety policies and promptly report hazards.

Compliance with Law:
All recruitment, selection, and employment practices are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdiction of employment.

Note:  This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location. 

Who we are 

Our mission is to transform how healthcare organisations work together with their workforce. Our Connected Scheduling™ platform connects healthcare organisations and their staff giving them more autonomy and control on how and when they work. Over 50% of UK GP practices use Lantum, and over 30% of UK hospitals rely on Lantum workforce products. We have developed a completely new approach to scheduling staff using AI to balance the vast amounts of complexities in workforce scheduling and we have seen game-changing results. We have not only saved millions for the NHS, but we have countless stories of how we have improved the lives of clinicians who, for the first time, are able to plan their work lives around their personal lives. 

What sets us apart is not only our leading edge technology and approach to innovation, it’s our culture and our strength of mission. Our incredible team is the driving force behind our success and this propels our competitive edge. We are diverse (10+ nationalities and 53% female workforce), we are authentic and true to ourselves, we are creative and focused and we work hard together to change our industry. Our team is supported to deliver their best work with clear career progression and a strong feedback culture. 

We have a bright and modern office which you can work from throughout the week and 3 core office days per week (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) where the whole team comes together.

About the role 

The Finance Manager plays a central role in delivering accurate, timely, and insightful financial information to support decision-making across the business. Acting as the bridge between transactional finance and senior leadership, this role owns core elements of the management accounts cycle, supports cashflow management, and ensures financial controls are followed.

It’s a hands-on role with significant responsibility for producing reliable management reporting, improving processes, and mentoring junior team members, while leaving scope to grow into broader leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow reporting.
• Post and review month-end journals, ensuring all reconciliations are complete and accurate.
• Maintain rolling cashflow forecasts, monitoring daily cash movements and highlighting risks.
• Oversee AP and AR ledgers, supporting better controls, reducing aged debt, and improving collections.
• Support financial controls, VAT/tax compliance, audits, and statutory reporting.
• Manage payroll and pensions to ensure accurate and timely employee payments.
• Administer the company’s share register, including employee EMI option agreements, ensuring compliance with tax and reporting requirements.
• Support NHS framework reporting and assist with financial information for tenders in partnership with the commercial team.
• Drive process improvements and support system upgrades to increase efficiency and automation.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to members within the team and collaborate across teams to align financial and business priorities.
• Take ownership of ad hoc analysis and projects, such as reporting enhancements, new tools, or process rollouts.
• Maintain banking relationships as well as the administration of banking protocols and controls.
• Lead and manage the company’s annual statutory audit and R&D tax credit process, including coordination with external auditors/advisors, preparation of supporting schedules, and ensuring timely, accurate submissions in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Requirements

About you - We’ll be looking for

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
• Experience in management accounts preparation, including month-end close, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Strong understanding of core finance processes (AP, AR, payroll, revenue recognition).
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets; confident handling large datasets.
• Comfortable with hands-on transactional work while also producing higher-level analysis.
• Strong attention to detail, proactive problem solver, and eager to grow into broader responsibilities.

Interview process

• Talent Screen: We’ll book you in for a quick introductory chat, and to answer any initial questions you might have.
• Meet your manager: We’ll book you in for a first interview with your potential future manager, so you can learn more about the role and we get a deeper understanding of your experience.
• Challenge Interview: This is the “practical” interview stage in the process. We will provide you with a scenario or problem to solve, which enables you to bring your skills to life. This will take place with a group of stakeholders. 
• Values Interview: You’ll meet more members of the team to talk about the Lantum Values. This will be an opportunity for them to ask competency questions and also the chance for you to ask questions about life at Lantum.

Benefits

Perks & Benefits

Kerry Robert Associates is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a leading hotel group in Southeast London, seeking an experienced Senior Finance Assistant to join their established finance team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a strong hotel finance background looking to step into a key support role within a fast-paced and professional environment.

The Role:

Reporting to the Financial Controller, you'll support the day-to-day finance function based onsite in the hotel. You’ll be responsible for ensuring timely, accurate financial processes and providing essential support in reporting and analysis.

If this sounds like the role for you, apply ASAP!