Finance and Organisational Support Officer

Institute of Race Relations

About the Organisation

Institute of Race Relations is the oldest anti-racist think tank in England, committed to speaking up for those most affected by racial injustice. Our mission is rooted in the pursuit of deep systemic change on matters of racial justice, migrant and refugee rights. We provide rigorous data and analysis on structural racism, support others to engage with ideas and frameworks of state racism and fascism, and offer practical approaches to anti-racism and resistance that work at the grassroots and within communities.  

We do this by nurturing new and existing groups across the UK and Europe, monitoring and recording emerging trends in race and racism, and acting as a bridge between past and present struggles. Our work ensures that new causes and campaigns are informed by the traditions of the anti-racist movement and by the connections forged between communities over decades. Our focus lies in research and analysis, recording and monitoring, and building the power of activists and communities through political education. 

About the role

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR), a small educational charity, is seeking a Finance and Organisational Support Officer. This is a permanent, part-time vacancy. The role is located at the IRR office in London. This post requires two days per week in the office, but with flexibility to work remotely for the remaining day, and upon other requests. The organisation offers full-time staff 25 annual leave days, plus bank holidays and office closure during the winter break. The IRR has a pension fund that staff can enrol on to. 

Responsibilities

Finance Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the organisation, including managing payments, receipts, and petty cash
• Process monthly payroll, liaise with the pension provider and HMRC to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements
• Maintain accurate financial records, input monthly reconciliations, and monitor expenditure against budgets
• Prepare monthly income and expenditure reports for review by senior management and the finance committee
• Collate documents for annual audit and liaise with accountants
• Support the development of annual budgets and financial forecasts in collaboration with senior management and the finance committee
• Complete and submit quarterly VAT returns
• Notify senior staff when grants, donations or other income are received (or delayed), ensuring accurate tracking and reporting
• Coordinate quarterly finance committee meetings, including scheduling, circulating papers and taking minutes when required
• Provide advice and guidance, and help develop in line with the senior management and finance committee's financial policies and procedures. As well as the migration and introduction of new financial management software
• Negotiate with external contractors on clarifications and errors on invoices, as well as dealing with any financial queries
• Under the finance committee, taking responsibility for moving funds between accounts or reserves as needed, liaising with banks and investment funds

Project, Administration and Office Support:

• Manage office supplies and oversee general office upkeep, including ordering stationery, printer toners and IT equipment
• Process publication orders and manage a membership database of regular customers and subscribers
• Liaise with external stakeholders, such as building management, on matters relating to building maintenance and shared office spaces
• Support the wider team with administrative and systems tasks, such as keeping the annual leave register updated, and project tasks, including logistics for events, workshops and meetings.
• Book travel and accommodation for staff, council members and external stakeholders as required
• Support the deputy director with logistics and diary management

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Skill, Knowledge & Experience:

• Possess knowledge of accounting practices and experience in managing multiple annual accounts
• Possess knowledge of VAT implications for a charity providing a variety of services
• Ability to produce financial reports for the senior management and the finance committee
• Ability to prepare and monitor budgets throughout the year on multiple grant incomes
• Fully competent in using payroll software packages, databases and Microsoft Office
• Ability to prepare and develop complex spreadsheets
• Accurate data input skills with good attention to detail
• Ability to learn new applications as and when required
• Sound knowledge and application of large databases
• Application and knowledge of electronic budgeting and financial
• Systems and the ability to interpret financial data
• To make effective and efficient use of all forms of communications

 Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to assess workload and priorities within their area of work
• Good teamwork skills
• Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and verbally to staff, council of management, and external contractors
• Proactively responding to queries and resolving any office and administrative issues
• Ability to advise budget holders regarding policies/procedures

Other:

• Alignment and empathy with the general values and ethos of the IRR
• Commitment to promoting equal opportunities and anti-racism in the workplace

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Please complete the application form 
• Please send your application to: [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 11:59 pm Tuesday, 23rd June 2026.
• If you would like an informal conversation about the role, have any questions about the IRR, or require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Riz Hussain at [email protected] – we will be happy to discuss your needs in confidence. A commitment to advancing anti-racism and equal opportunities in the workplace is an important requirement to consider before applying.  

Interviews

• The interviews will be held during the week commencing Tuesday, 7th July 2026, at our London office. 

Policies

The IRR is committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible, and aligned with our commitment to equality and diversity. Please ensure that you complete the anonymous equality monitoring form as part of your application. 

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