Job Description
The SHM Foundation is a forward-looking philanthropic organisation working globally to drive positive social change in the areas of mental health and wellbeing, education and livelihoods, and the arts.
Our mission is to support people, communities and organisations in developing solutions to the challenges they face, in the ways that work for them. We work with them to improve their mental health and wellbeing; gain new skills, knowledge and employment opportunities; and access excellent artistic experiences that enrich their lives.
We design and implement our own initiatives, conduct participatory research and provide grants to other organisations and projects through our Ember Fund. Ember finds, mentors and funds excellent community-based initiatives in low-resource settings. Our mission is to partner with and support a diverse, inclusive ecosystem of mental health care to grow and thrive worldwide, so that everyone can access the help they need, where they are, in ways that work for them.
Based in the UK but with a fantastic global team, we have offices in London and Nairobi, and work with partners in over 20 countries. We have a long history of work in Africa, and in 2025 we set up SHM Foundation Africa whose work helps communities access tertiary education and mental health support, unlock creativity through an arts-based economic model and enriching artistic experiences and gain new skills, knowledge and employment opportunities. We believe firmly that ripple effects are felt in communities when people feel supported, cared for and able to exercise agency in their own lives.
We are looking for an Assistant Accountant for the SHM Foundation. The Foundation has grown considerably over the past few years, and we are now at a stage that we need someone dedicated to the role of Accounts to develop and support the finances of the Foundation as the Foundation continues to grow. This is an exciting and dynamic role; the Foundation has a pioneering approach to philanthropy, and we are looking to continue to be innovative in our approach and the way we support communities across the globe.
Overview of Role
Job Title
Assistant Accountant
Contract detail
Full-Time Permanent, 6-month probation
Line Manager
Head of Finance
Role Summary
A role with the opportunity to develop and grow. The role is integral to the success of Finance at SHM.
Core Responsibilities
Accounts Payable and receivable functions
Assist with the production of monthly management accounts,
Posting accruals and prepayments
Bank Reconciliations
Managing the suppliers payments
Assist with internal and external audit
Assist with annua budgets and regular reforecasts.
Restricted funding administration
Ensure costs are recorded accurately against projects
Accounts Reconciliations
Assist in the month end process.
Assist with preparation of weekly, monthly and year end reports
Liaising on accounting transactions with SHM Foundation Africa Treasurer
Assist in developing budgets for fundraising projects and grants
Additional Activities
General finance administrative tasks
Direct Reports
N/A
Relevant Skills
The successful candidate will:
Have an eye for quality and real attention to detail, applying high levels of rigour and attention to detail to their work and being willing to look at their own work critically
Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
A problem-solving attitude and a proactive mindset.
Feel comfortable working and developing expertise in a fast-paced environment
Have technical competence in the Microsoft Office suite including advanced competency in Microsoft Excel
Knowledge of Sage would be required
Always acting discreetly, you value integrity and accountability in your interactions with stakeholders, team members and customers
Hard working with can-do-attitude, organised, able to meet deadlines, eager to learn
Qualifications & Experience
ACCA/CIMA part qualified who is proactively working on completing their qualification.
Intermediate to advance excel
Knowledge of SORP (desirable)
Understanding of fund accounting and Restricted grants reporting
At least 24 months experience working in a finance department.
