Job Description

Financial Accountant

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As Financial Accountant, you'll be a key member of the Finance team, reporting to the Financial Controller. You'll manage a small team of two direct reports and take ownership of critical financial processes that underpin Kew's operations.



Your responsibilities will include:

Managing the Financial Accounting function

- leading your team to maintain accurate financial records, approving journals, overseeing balance sheet reconciliations, managing Kew's Fixed Asset Register, and ensuring month-end deadlines are consistently met

Year-end accounts and audit

- preparing Kew's Annual Report and Accounts (including SORP-compliant financial statements), managing the Enterprises subsidiary accounts, and acting as a key liaison with the National Audit Office

Taxation and compliance

- managing preparation and submission of VAT, direct tax and Gift Aid returns, providing expert advice to colleagues across Kew on complex tax issues, and liaising with HMRC and external advisors

Treasury and cash management

- supporting the Financial Controller with cash flow forecasting, banking relationships, and treasury operations

Kew Foundation

- managing financial accounting services for this separate charity, including balance sheet reconciliations, investment accounting, and preparation of annual accounts and audit support

Systems management

- providing first-level support for our Unit 4 Agresso system, managing user access and permissions, and driving system improvements Hours of work
Full time
Contract Type
Permanent
Contract start date
5 January 2026
Salary
47,000 - 53,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E]
Directorate
Resources
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond, Hybrid
Closing Date
26/10/2025
Documents
16396 Employee benefits-RBG Kew 2024 v6[90].pdf
(PDF, 279.26kb)
Job Profile.pdf
(PDF, 172.4kb)
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More details

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You'll be a professionally qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience in financial accounting within a complex organisation, ideally from the commercial or not-for-profit sector.



You'll bring:


Strong knowledge of charity financial reporting and statutory accounts preparation Experience managing taxation requirements including VAT, Gift Aid and employment status determinations Excellent attention to detail with strong organisational and time management skills The ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-finance stakeholders Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial systems (Agresso experience highly desirable) A collaborative approach and the resilience to manage competing priorities and deadlines

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 10th November.


This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.





The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.



We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.



Join us on our journey as protectors of the world's plants and fungi.



The salary for this position is 47,000 - 53,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band E]



Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.



If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking "Apply for this job".



We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.



No agencies please.