Finance and Operations Manager - Maternity cover

During the maternity leave of our director of finance and operations, we are seeking a finance and operations manager to work closely with the assistant director to support and manage our small, collaborative team across our three offices in London, Brussels, and Berlin. We are a team of 12 and are looking for someone who enjoys working in a close-knit environment and is motivated to help steer and support the organisation during this period.

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day financial operations. This includes processing payments, managing invoices, liaising with the CER’s corporate members and project funders, reconciling accounts, and supporting financial oversight. You will also play a key role in co-ordinating HR processes across all three offices (with support from external consultants. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a small but well-regarded European think-tank, contributing to a dynamic and wide-ranging programme of work.

The successful candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organised, with the ability to take initiative and manage competing priorities. As part of a hybrid working environment, you should be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively. You will be an adaptable and intuitive team player, with strong communication skills and a clear, approachable style.

We are looking for someone with solid financial experience. While experience in think-tanks or other NGOs is beneficial, it is not essential; we welcome applications from candidates in other sectors who can demonstrate the skills and mindset needed to succeed in this role.

Key responsibilities :

• Manage daily and monthly finance tasks and workflows
• Maintain the in-house payroll function in the UK, Belgium and Germany
• Process GBP and foreign payments, resolving any queries or compliance issues
• Process purchase invoices from suppliers in a timely manner
• Produce customer invoices in accordance with the payment schedule
• Process staff expenses claims
• Complete month-end and other ad hoc finance tasks investigating discrepancies
• Respond to internal and external queries via email and phone
• Prepare and update budgets
• Support researchers with grant applications and reporting
• Maintain sponsor records on the CRM database (Salesforce)
• HR first point of contact for all employees. Lead the HR administration, including contracts, policies, and employee documentation, with support from external consultants.
• Communicate with the CER advisory board. Organise two board meetings per year in London.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Proof read publications when needed

Skills required:

• At least 1 years’ experience in an accounting or finance environment
• Experience of using Sage Accounting online, One Drive and the Microsoft package, essential
• Experience of using Salesforce desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; French language a bonus
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Able to manage workload independently and as part of a team
• Flexible and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Trustworthy, discreet, and able to handle confidential information

Hours: 2.5 days per week for 11 months, starting in late August/September 2026
Salary: £20,000 per annum (Pro-rata: £18,333 for 11 months)
Annual leave: 24 days, plus bank holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year.
Pension: 8% contribution
Location: Hybrid or remote

Those interested should upload a CV and cover letter addressed to Sophie Valiant by 12.00 (London time) on Monday 01 June 2026.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 09 July via Zoom. The successful candidate would need to take up the role by early September 2026.