We are seeking a capable and proactive Finance and Operations Assistant to help support the continued growth of Innovation Unit.
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The deadline for receipt of applications is 09:00 Monday 18th August 2025.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a varied and fast-paced environment, brings strong attention to detail, and demonstrates initiative and ownership in their work. You will play a central role in supporting the smooth day-to-day functioning of our financial and operational systems, reporting to the Head of Finance and Operations and working closely with colleagues across the organisation.

You will be responsible for a broad range of core activities including managing expenses and payments, supporting procurement processes, maintaining accurate and timely financial records, and helping ensure our internal systems are well maintained and continuously improved. You will also support the use of our new project management system (CMAP) and contribute to more streamlined and effective ways of working across teams.

This role requires practical experience in finance administration or bookkeeping, ideally gained within a consultancy, not for profit, or other project based organisation. You will be confident using systems such as Xero, DEXT, and Google Workspace, and demonstrate the ability to learn and use new platforms effectively. You will be expected to manage tasks independently, apply good judgement, and complete work to a high professional standard.

You will need to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, associates, and suppliers, and work effectively across a range of internal functions. This will require excellent communication skills, sound decision making, and the ability to prioritise and adapt when circumstances change. A high level of discretion and care will be essential, particularly when handling sensitive information or supporting compliance processes.

Finance Administration and Bookkeeping

  • Process and reconcile staff and associate expenses, credit card payments, and other financial transactions
    using DEXT and Xero
  • Manage the shared finance inbox, triaging and responding to incoming queries
  • Own the reconciliation of the company credit card, ensuring all receipts are submitted, accurately coded,
    and matched against statements
  • Perform regular bank reconciliations in Xero, investigating and resolving discrepancies independently
  • Raise and track purchase orders, ensuring procurement processes and internal controls are followed
  • Review and process associate PO requests, record them in Xero, and collate timesheets in CMAP to
    complete the self-billing process
  • Maintain invoicing schedules and actively track cash flow projections
  • Raise client invoices in line with agreed milestones, ensuring accuracy and correct project coding
  • Monitor accounts receivable, track outstanding balances, and follow up with clients to ensure timely
    collection
  • Lead on credit control, escalating overdue invoices as needed
  • Prepare monthly payroll data, including collecting timesheets and managing staff changes for submission
  • Support VAT returns, and manage month-end and year-end financial close in collaboration with the
    Head of Finance and external accountants
  • Maintain accurate and audit-ready financial records, ensuring compliance with reporting standards and
    organisational policies.

Delivery and Project System Support

  • Set up and maintain project data in CMAP, including budgets, billing schedules, opportunities, and
    resource allocations
  • Track and record project-related expenses in CMAP, keeping delivery leads informed of budget status
    and spend to date
  • Manage project closure processes, ensuring project data is updated and reconciled at month-end and
    year-end
  • Onboard new associates and suppliers, setting them up in CMAP and Xero, and maintaining accurate
    contract, PO, and contact records
  • Act as the first point of contact for delivery teams and associates using CMAP, providing guidance on
    time/expense entry and troubleshooting access or usage issues
  • Maintain internal systems and records, including CMAP, Xero, DEXT, procurement logs, and shared
    digital platforms (e.g. Google Drive, SharePoint)

Reporting and Management Information

  • Assist in preparing reports and updates, such as project risk logs, operational summaries, and internal
    trackers
  • Contribute to regular internal reporting cycles by pulling data from CMAP, Google Sheets or finance
    systems

Contract details

Location

We have colleagues in London, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and places in between, with access to offices in central London and Manchester.

We only accept applications from people with the right to work in the UK and are UK based.

Hybrid working

Our team splits their time between home, on client sites and office, with moments to come to the office for project work, away days and socials. Schedules vary depending on the requirements of your role.

Salary

£ 28k - £ 32k p.a. depending on experience.

Type 

Full time permanent

Hours

37.5 per week

Holiday

27 days holiday plus bank holidays. In addition, we close the office for three days between Christmas and New Year.

Who will I report to?

Head of Finance and Operations.

Benefits

4% pension contribution

Pension salary exchange scheme

Life cover

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Support

To apply for this job please email your CV to contact@innovationunit.org

Apply now