• Lead the implementation and embedding of the Overhead Cost Recovery (OCR) methodology, including the completion of set-up in finance system, establishing financial controls to ensure accurate cost allocation and reporting, and development of training materials.
• For a selected set of test projects, manage overhead recovery monitoring and financial reporting, including processing project recharge transactions, maintaining management reporting templates, tracking recovery performance, and providing analysis of funding gaps against target recovery rates.
• Maintain the OCR costing tool and develop practical guidance, templates and an annual timetable for OCR budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, and year-end review.
• Deliver training and support for Finance Business Partners, Project Managers, Fundraisers and budget holders, ensuring a consistent understanding of the methodology and funding implications.
• Design and document the sustainable BAU operating model, including process ownership, controls, reporting responsibilities, escalation arrangements, and requirements for future finance systems development.

This role offers the opportunity to influence financial strategy and improve operational efficiency across a complex and diverse organisation.

Essential Criteria

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent qualification, experience, or demonstrable expertise).
• Experience of financial analysis and modelling, including management accounting activities where applicable.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and influence stakeholders at different levels, including both finance and non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and appropriately to a range of audiences.
• Proficiency in Excel or equivalent data analysis and spreadsheet tools.
• Experience of financial management, such as project costing, restricted income management, charity finance, or other relevant financial environments.
• Experience of delivering or supporting change initiatives, implementing financial controls, and developing reporting or management information processes.
• Experience of supporting change adoption through activities such as communication, training, engagement, or implementation support would be beneficial.
• Experience of delivering finance or business change projects that have improved financial control, efficiency, effectiveness, or organisational sustainability.

You do not need to know the RSPB already: we will provide a project briefing and support.

Additional information

• This role is remote, but occasional travel to RSPB HQ and other UK locations may be required.
• This is a 12-months fixed term full-time role for 30 hours per week.
• The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Closing date: 23:59, Monday 5th October 2026

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in week commencing 12th October, 2026

N.B. we will be actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this vacancy should sufficient applications be received.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

As part of this application, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to tell us how you meet the criteria set above.

No agencies please.