Location
London and Thames Basin

Hours
Part-time, 22.5 hours per week

Salary
£30,000 – £35,000 pro-rata, dependent on experience

About the Role
Join the Thames Rivers Trust team as a Finance & Administration Officer supporting the Programme Management Office (PMO) during the Development Phase of the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP). This role is essential for coordinating internal financial systems to track, reconcile, and submit partner expenditure claims to The National Lottery Heritage Fund. You will assist with risk monitoring, procurement procedures, milestone verification, and collaborate across programmes with consultants and delivery partners. The role demands strong organisational skills, financial precision, and effective communication. You will work closely with the Programme Manager, Fundraising Consultant, and external partners to ensure audit-ready documentation, timely claims, and compliance with Heritage Fund and internal financial policies. This is a 1-year fixed-term contract with potential extension subject to funding availability, including a 3-month probationary period.

Project Summary
The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a multi-partner initiative focused on restoring European eel populations by reconnecting habitats and communities across the catchment. Building on a successful pilot (2020–2022), the Development Phase in 2026 will focus on feasibility studies, partnership co-design, capital delivery planning, and preparing for the Delivery Phase (2027–2030). The programme is underpinned by strong governance, rigorous financial management, and a commitment to inclusion and resilience.

Experience
- Proven experience in finance, grants administration, or budget coordination within not-for-profit or multi-partner project environments
- Strong organisational and data management skills
- Proficiency with Excel and document control systems
- Proficiency with Xero accountancy software
- Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines
- Clear communication skills with the ability to explain financial processes to non-specialist audiences

About you
- Commitment to equity, transparency, and collaboration
- Willingness to travel occasionally to meetings or site visits in the Thames Basin
- Ability to work flexibly to meet month-end reporting cycles or claims deadlines

Qualifications
- Familiarity with The Heritage Fund or similar funder claims systems (desirable)
- Experience supporting audit or assurance processes (desirable)
- Understanding of procurement rules, financial risk tracking, or charitable accounting (desirable)
- Interest in environmental, heritage, or catchment-based projects (desirable)