Senior Finance & Grants Officer

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a faith-based humanitarian and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable people. Established in 1984 and operating in over 45 countries, we respond to emergencies, tackle poverty, empower communities, and advocate for lasting change. 

We are seeking a Senior Finance & Grants Officer to join our Finance & Corporate Services Division based in Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional with strong grants management, donor compliance, and financial control experience who is passionate about supporting humanitarian programmes across a global organisation. 

The Finance & Corporate Services Division plays a critical role in supporting Islamic Relief's global operations by delivering high-quality services across Finance, Treasury, ERP & Digital Transformation, ICT, Supply Chain, and Facilities. 

About the Role 

The Senior Finance & Grants Officer is responsible for the financial administration, monitoring, compliance, and reporting of assigned grants, projects, and service level agreements (SLAs). 

This is a key finance control role that sits at the centre of Islamic Relief Worldwide's grants and project finance function. You will act as the bridge between operational programme delivery and strong financial governance, ensuring that donor funding is managed effectively, financial obligations are met, and project information is accurately recorded and monitored throughout the grant lifecycle. 

Working closely with Regional Finance teams, Country Offices, Treasury, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and project stakeholders, you will oversee project setup, grant compliance, donor billing, fund transfers, financial reporting, budget monitoring, and project closure activities. 

You will also play an important role in supporting Islamic Relief's ongoing digital finance transformation by making effective use of ERP systems, reporting tools, automation, and process improvement initiatives to strengthen financial control and operational efficiency. 

The Successful Candidate Will Have: 

• A degree in Accounting & Finance or equivalent qualification. 

• Experience working within grant finance, project finance, or donor-funded programmes. 

• A strong understanding of financial accounting principles and practices. 

• Experience managing project and grant financial lifecycles. 

• Knowledge of budgeting, financial monitoring, reconciliations, and financial controls. 

• Experience preparing and reviewing financial reports for internal and external stakeholders. 

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail. 

• Experience working with financial systems and advanced Excel capabilities. 

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. 

• The ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively. 

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving. 

• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. 

• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Islamic Relief Worldwide. 

Desirable 

• Part-qualified or actively studying towards a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent). 

• Experience working within the charity, NGO, humanitarian, or international development sector. 

• Knowledge of donor compliance requirements and grant agreements. 

• Understanding of Charity SORP and restricted fund accounting. 

• Experience working with ERP systems and digital finance tools. 

• Experience supporting process improvement, automation, or finance transformation initiatives. 

Why Join Islamic Relief? 

This role offers an opportunity to play a vital role in supporting donor-funded humanitarian and development programmes across the globe. You will work closely with colleagues across multiple regions and countries, helping to ensure the highest standards of financial accountability, donor compliance, and stewardship of funds. 

You will be joining a collaborative and forward-thinking finance function that is committed to continuous improvement, digital innovation, and professional development. The role provides exposure to a diverse portfolio of projects and grants while giving you the opportunity to contribute directly to programmes that improve the lives of vulnerable communities worldwide. 

If you are a finance professional with experience in grants, project finance, donor compliance, and financial controls, and you are looking to make a meaningful impact through your work, we would love to hear from you. 

If you are a qualified finance professional who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, driving efficiencies, and using financial insight to support meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you. 

If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient, and highly motivated, with a strong commitment to Islamic Relief's mission and values of Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice, and Custodianship, please submit your application via our online recruitment portal. 

The full job description is available to download from the vacancy listing. Applications are made online, and we’d encourage you to apply early — we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised date if we receive a strong response. 

The vacancy closes at 23:59 on the closing date. We’re only able to accept applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK, and we’re not able to progress applications that would require sponsorship. 

Pre-Employment Checks 

Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to: 

• Proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK. 

• Satisfactory references. 

• Appropriate screening and safeguarding checks. 

Please note that we are only able to consider applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position. 

Our Values and Commitment to Safeguarding 

Islamic Relief Worldwide is committed to preventing any form of unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and any lack of integrity or financial misconduct. We’re equally committed to promoting the welfare of the children, young people, adults and beneficiaries we work with, and we expect every member of staff and every volunteer to share that commitment through our code of conduct. We recruit for values as much as for skills. 

Successful candidates will complete safeguarding training appropriate to the role, and are responsible for understanding and working within our safeguarding policies. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and screening, which can include criminal records checks. 

Islamic Relief Worldwide takes part in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with the scheme, we request information from previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or sexual harassment, including incidents still under investigation when an applicant left their previous role. By applying, candidates confirm they understand this process.