£44,156 - £57,256 per annum, depending on experience, plus benefits

Permanent contract, full-time

London-based, with hybrid working

We are looking for a capable, rigorous and ambitious finance professional to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of IPPR’s finance operations – and to grow with us.

This is a hands-on role combining financial management, reporting and analysis with opportunities to contribute to wider organisational planning and decision-making. We want someone who thinks independently, enjoys solving problems and is curious about how better systems, technology and fresh ideas can make our finance function more effective.

About the role

You will oversee financial transactions, reconciliations, reporting and controls, while supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across IPPR.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues to help them understand their budgets, provide practical financial advice and ensure our financial processes run smoothly. You will also have the opportunity to improve our systems, challenge existing approaches and identify more efficient ways of working.

About you

You may not yet have held a Finance Manager title or encountered every situation this role will involve. What matters most is that you have strong financial foundations, are ambitious to develop and have the confidence to think independently, exercise sound judgement and take ownership of your work, while knowing when to seek advice or involve others.

You will be intellectually curious, quick to learn and take pride in accuracy and getting things right. You will also be someone who builds positive working relationships and enjoys collaborating with colleagues across the organisation.

Working closely with our Director of Finance and Operations, you will have opportunities to broaden your experience of financial management, planning and organisational decision-making, helping you develop towards a more senior finance role.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who has:

• a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent), either fully completed or in its final stages; or a relevant degree in finance or accounting (minimum 2:1 classification);

• practical finance experience, a sound understanding of financial processes and controls, and excellent Excel skills;

• the ability to think independently, solve problems and use initiative, common sense and sound judgement;

• an analytical and thorough approach, with the ability to learn quickly and see the bigger financial picture without losing sight of the detail;

• strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly, collaborate with colleagues and find practical solutions; and

• ambition, adaptability and a willingness to learn new systems, develop professionally and take on greater responsibility.

Our recruitment process will assess how you think and solve problems, as well as your experience. Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical finance and Excel exercise designed to assess analytical thinking, accuracy and judgement.

Why join us?

At IPPR, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive organisation working to develop progressive ideas that make a difference.

We offer generous annual leave, a pension scheme and an annual cost-of-living salary review.

Our standard contractual working week is 37.5 hours, but we are currently trialling a 35-hour week until March 2027, with no reduction in pay or annual leave and an earlier finish on Fridays.

The role is based in our London office in Westminster. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask colleagues to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office. We also recognise that different working patterns suit different people and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like an opportunity you would enjoy, we'd love to hear from you.

We are more interested in your capability, curiosity and potential than the length of your CV. We welcome applications from people with different career paths and experiences.

For further information about the role, our benefits and details of how to apply, please download the information pack here

We also ask applicants to complete our confidential EDI monitoring form, which helps us understand and improve the inclusivity of our recruitment processes.

Closing date for applications: 23:30, 8 November 2026

Pre-interview assessments: 13 November 2026, remotely

Interviews: 18 or 19 November 2026 at our London office.