Associate director of finance and operations jobs

Sadler's Wells is a world-leading creative organisation dedicated to dance in all its forms. Our mission is to make and share dance that inspires us all.

Sadler’s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other organisation in the world, with programmes and productions in the UK, global tours with performances in venues in 53 countries to date and our pioneering Digital Stage. Operating across three distinct venues and four theatres in London, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the Lilian Baylis Studio, the Peacock and the newly opened Sadler’s Wells East, our aim is to reflect and respond to the world through dance. We enable artists of all backgrounds to create dance that moves us and opens our minds; sharing those experiences with the widest possible audiences to enrich their lives and deepen their understanding of what it means to be human.

About the Role

The Director of Finance, Data and Systems leads the delivery of high‑quality financial stewardship and strategy, providing expert oversight of finance, data and systems across all Sadler’s Wells venues to support organisational performance and decision‑making.

Working as part of Sadler’s Wells’ senior leadership team, you will act as a trusted advisor to the Co-Chief Executives and the Board, ensuring robust organisational financial planning, risk management, and ensuring resources are effectively aligned to deliver impact for audiences and wider stakeholders.

Key duties will include:

• Act as a strategic advisor to the Co-Chief Executives, trustees and other key stakeholders on all financial matters.
• Prepare and present financial updates to SLT, the Boards of trustees and relevant sub-committees.
• Lead the Finance and Data & Systems teams (3 direct reports and a wider team of 18)
• Advise the Board with clear, insightful financial reporting and recommendations.
• Lead the finance and accounting strategy to optimise the organisation’s financial performance
• Strategic oversight of Data and Systems department, ensuring the operational infrastructure is fit for purpose, and seeking to optimise the use of data to support improvements across the organisation.
• Lead the financial management plan, including setting and management of budgets, and provision of robust and relevant financial and management information to senior management, trustees and committees, and all budget holders within the organisation.
• Provide financial vision and forward financial planning and identify risk and maintain oversight of relevant mitigation measures.
• Ensure accurate and timely year-end accounts and audit processes, in line with Charity Commission requirements and applicable accounting standards (e.g. SORP).
• Responsible for the governance of the three corporate charities, subsidiary company and board subcommittees through maintenance and development of a risk management framework, financial systems and internal controls.

About You

You will be a CCAB qualified (or equivalent) accountant, with experience operating at Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer level or within an equivalent senior finance leadership role. Applicants seeking a step up are encouraged to apply but must strongly demonstrate relevant prior experience of leading finance teams operationally and strategically.

You will have experience of reporting into Boards and sub-committees with the ability to translate and present complex financial data to non-finance audiences.

Candidates from all sectors are encouraged to apply but must demonstrate an interest in the work Sadler’s Wells undertakes as a world-leading performing arts venue.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. 

What We Offer

• Salary of £120,000 per annum
• Hybrid working – 3 days per week in-office. As this position requires close collaboration across teams a strong in-person presence is encouraged across all four venue sites.
• Annual Leave of 25 days annual leave per year
• Life assurance policy of twice annual salary
• Discretionary access to tickets for performances and staff discounts at the Garden Court Café and Park Kitchen and Bar

More Information

           Application Deadline: Sunday 22nd February
           First Stage Interviews: Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th March 2026
           Second Stage Interviews: Monday 16th March 2026

Sadler’s Wells is partnering with Ivy Rock Partners in the recruitment of this role. For further information please contact Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners for further details.

All direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to Ivy Rock Partners.

Recruitment Statement from Sadler’s Wells

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who feel they align with our mission, vision and values. We are international and multicultural on our stages, and we want to reflect that in our organisation. By celebrating difference and incorporating diverse points of view and experiences, we can become closer to our artists, audiences and the communities we serve. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer meaning we have been certified by the government as actively taking steps to attract, recruit and retain disabled workers.

Sadler’s Wells is a PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Partner, striving towards creating a more family friendly working environment.

Pembroke College Oxford is seeking a highly organised and analytical Development Operations Manager to play a central role in supporting the College’s Development and fundraising activities.

Founded in 1624, Pembroke is an inclusive and dynamic College based on a central site in Oxford that combines historic quadrangles with award-winning new developments. The College has ambitious plans for the future and an active programme of alumni engagement, stewardship and fundraising to support its academic mission and long-term sustainability.

The Development Operations Manager is a pivotal role within the Development team. Working closely with the Development Director, the post-holder will be responsible for the operational foundations that underpin the College’s fundraising activity, including alumni database management, gift processing, prospect research, reporting, and insight generation. The role is essential to ensuring that the Development team works efficiently, accurately, and strategically, supported by high-quality data and robust processes.

The post-holder will manage the College’s alumni database (DARS), acting as a knowledgeable and trusted first point of contact for database queries, and will lead projects to improve data quality and compliance. They will also play a key role in analysing giving patterns and engagement trends, preparing reports for colleagues and committees, and supporting the identification and tracking of potential donors. In addition, the role includes dotted-line management responsibility for the Development Coordinator, with a particular focus on overseeing operational activity.

This post would suit someone who is confident working with complex data, highly numerate, and able to spot patterns and trends. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, able to work collaboratively within a small, interdependent team, while also exercising discretion and sound judgement when handling confidential information.

Benefits include membership of the University staff pension scheme, free lunches during working hours when the College kitchens are open, and a generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days, in addition to public holidays. Opportunities for training and professional development are also available.

Key responsibilities

The main duties to be carried out by the post-holder include:

Data and Database Management

• Manage the alumni database (‘DARS’) and ensure that data held on alumni is GDPR compliant, comprehensive, and up to date.
•  Oversee projects to maintain and improve the quality of the College’s alumni data and ensure engagement activities are accurately and effectively recorded.
•  Produce data exports for third-parties such as consultancies and mailing houses and ensure any data received is processed and imported accurately.
• Produce accurate data content for publications such as lists of stewardship group members and deceased alumni.
• Become a competent ‘super-user’ of the DARS database and act as first point of contact for the Pembroke Development team for any queries about the database, ensuring that the team is both confident in using it and consistently recording data in line with GDPR.
•  Actively engage with the central University team delivering the successor to DARS, ‘Halo’, to ensure it meets the College’s requirements, and lead on the migration to Halo at the appropriate time.

Prospect Research and Tracking

• Undertake prospect research to identify potential major donors among the College’s alumni and supporter base.
• Oversee research into alumni in particular regions in advance of College trips.  
• Manage Pembroke’s prospect management processes, working with fundraisers and others to identify and assign new prospects within the team.
• Work with the Development Coordinator to prepare donor and prospect profiles ahead of events, trips, and meetings.

Insights, Trends and Segmentation

• Working closely with the Development Officer (Regular Giving and Legacies), proactively and creatively analyse patterns of giving to enable the team to target and segment Regular Giving appeals more effectively.
• Conduct research into wider sector giving trends, and provide recommendations for better engagement.
• Prepare regular reports on donor and engagement activities for the team and wider College, including the Development Committee and Campaign Board.

Gift Processing

• Ensure all changes to Direct Debits including cancellations and amendments are actioned in the agreed timescales. Communicate with donors in respect to these changes.
•  Liaise regularly with the PCFNA (Pembroke’s 501(c)(3)) to ensure donations made through it are accurate.
• Record all donations including cheques/PCFNA/one-off bank payments as pledges on DARS.
• Identify missed pledge payments or recurring gifts.  
• Support the Finance Business Partner in all Gift Aid administration including Gift Aid compliance, securing outstanding Gift Aid declarations and updating old Gift Aid declarations and review of non-eligible declarations.
•  Liaise closely with the finance team to ensure donations are accurately classified and reported
•  Ensure that gift agreements and associated commitments (e.g. Gift Aid, pledges, payment schedules) are recorded accurately and actioned.
•  Research into historic donor funds, where necessary.

Gift Acceptance

•  Manage the gift acceptance process, ensuring that the College accepts gifts appropriately and in line with its Gift Acceptance Policy and Fundraising Policy.
•  Undertake all necessary research and due diligence on prospective donors, and liaise with the central University and third-party providers of due diligence services where required.
•  Oversee the gift acknowledgement process.

Management

•  Supervise (with a dotted line reporting relationship) the Development Coordinator, with particular responsibility for overseeing their work in the Operations functional area.
• Be available for regular 1:1 meetings and as a point of contact for any queries, and support their line manager in making sure they receive all necessary training, induction and information to succeed in their role.

Other

• In common with all posts, ensure compliance with the College’s policies and procedures, statutory obligations, and best practice. 
• Be the principal liaison with the Gift Registry and DARS teams, and keep upto-date with changes/improvements to the system and how to utilise them.
• To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required by the Development Director, which may include travel and occasional event attendance outside standard working hours.

For person specification, please see the Job Description attached.

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and a covering letter, together with details of two referees.

This is an opportunity for someone who thrives being part of a small team and making a big impact.

As Executive Operations Administrator at St Luke's for Clergy Wellbeing every day will be busy and different. The role will be ideal for someone who can use their initiative, has a good eye for detail, and likes a varied workload. 

The responsibilities of this role include:

• finance administration such as processing invoices and preparing monthly management information
• fundraising administration including thank yous for supporters and monitoring legacy income
• facilitating the effective operating of the office at Church House
• supporting the CEO with GDPR, Health and Safety and other organisational compliance areas

This is a key role within the life of St Luke's for Clergy Wellbeing, if this role is working effectively the rest of the organisation will flourish, so that together we can reach our vision for flourishing clergy, healthy church, transformed communities. 

We are looking for someone who uses their initiative, models our values and has an eye for detail. The role carries a high level of responsibility and autonomy and so suits someone who is confident taking ownership and supporting others. 

We welcome applicants who are in sympathy with what we do, and comfortable working within a Christian charity. 

RM Recruit are working in partnership with a global Christian charity in the recruitment of a newly defined Head of Finance position for their team. This long‑standing and well‑established organisation delivers specialised support through strategically positioned global hubs, enabling operations across multiple countries and locations in order to deliver its message and services.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Governance, the Head of Finance will be responsible for key tasks such as the annual budgeting process, forecasting, finance business partnering and ensuring robust financial controls and systems are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• External Financial Reporting - Responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and timely statutory and tax reporting across the organisation, including leading the group audit process and contributing as a member of the Audit & Risk Committee. Ensuring that reporting capabilities remain robust, fit for purpose, and aligned with best practices.
• Budgeting & Financial Planning - Accountable for managing the annual budgeting process and delivering forecasting to support strategic decision‑making. This includes effective stakeholder engagement, clear timetabling, strong controls, and optimal use of systems.
• Investment Strategy & Management - Serving as a key member of the Investment Committee, with responsibility for executing and overseeing the organisation’s liquidity management and treasury activities.
• Financial Control - Ensuring that Finance function activities comply with prescribed requirements and standards, including reviewing control design to confirm suitability for the associated risks.
• ERP Tool & Projects  - Act as the NetSuite and Project Lead for ERP development, collaborating closely with the ICT team and key stakeholders.

Essential Criteria

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant, have experience in a large charity settings or a global businesses and be confident in managing a finance function. This includes overall responsibility for operational finance, management accounts, budgeting, statutory reporting and treasury. Demonstrated expertise in ERP platform, preferably NetSuite, and supporting operations across a global organisation will also be key.

Please note, the organisation has a requirement for all team members to be a practising Christian and actively involved in a local church.  There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for this role to be filled by a practising Christian as per the organisations Statement of Faith and day to day prayer based activity involved.

The benefits package includes Double matched pension contribution, Private medical insurance, life insurance, gym access and free parking.

Talking Money is looking for someone with a deep understanding of charity finance who can provide robust financial management for the charity. You will manage all Talking Money finances, from banking, invoicing, and payments to end-of-year reporting and funding management. You will also have a strategic overview of our organisational finances, and work closely with our Chief Executive and Board of Trustees on Talking Money’s financial planning.

Importantly, you will be passionate about and be able to work at a strategic level, providing support and guidance to the Leadership Team whilst also working flexibly within a small organisation taking care of all day-to-day finance tasks.

About Talking Money 

Talking Money is an independent charity providing free, expert money advice across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Our purpose, from a client’s perspective, is: 

“Help me with my money worries in a way that suits me so I can get on with my life.” 

Demand for our services continues to rise. 

Our approach is: 

• Holistic: addressing debt, benefits, energy/fuel poverty, income and wellbeing together. 

• Person-centred: psychologically informed, strengths-based and empowering. 

• Practical and impactful: securing income gains, writing off unmanageable debts, preventing eviction, reducing stress and anxiety and improving knowledge and confidence. 

We are looking for someone with:

· Strong experience in financial management in a not-for-profit context.

· Passion for managing all aspects of finance from the data input to the strategic oversight.

· Experience of working closely with Senior Leadership and being responsive to organisational needs.

· Commitment to working for a charity fighting inequality for individuals and communities.

Hours: 15 hours a week (0.4 FTE). The postholder may be required to work additional hours at certain key points in the accounting year cycle to complete end-of-year statutory accounts preparation and occasionally attend meetings out of office hours.

Contract term: Permanent

Location: Hybrid working negotiable but some time in office is required to keep in touch with the team - team sessions are currently Thursdays.

Salary: Grade 6 SCP 25-28 (approx. £36,000 - £39,000 for FY26-27)

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Holiday entitlement: 25 days FTE pro rata (rising to 30 days after 5 years) + bank holidays. 

Before You Apply  

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

At Talking Money, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles and lived experience goes a long way. Still not sure? Talk to someone at Talking Money about the role to see if it sounds like something you would be great at doing: Kat Caldwell telephone 0117 954 3998. Please note that Kat’s working days are Monday & Thursday. 

Access

Do get in touch if you would like any of this information in another format, or if you would like to apply in another format. 

If you are shortlisted, Talking Money will work with candidates to ensure their access needs are met during the interview process and will ensure access requirements are not a factor in decision making. 

Application Process

To apply please upload 

• Your CV; and

• Cover letter (max of 2 sides of A4)

Application Timeline 

Applications close: 11.30pm on Sunday 22 February 

Shortlisting: Monday 23 February 

Interviews: Monday 2 March in person at Talking Money, 1 Hide Market, West Street, BS2 0BH 

Start Date: ASAP to be discussed. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: HR & Admin Manager

Reports to: Head of Finance and Operations

Salary: £41,000 - £48,000 depending on experience.

Hours: 37.5 per week (part time, flexible working available)

Benefits: 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contribution

About Black Thrive

Black Thrive Global (BTG) evolved from the work of the Black Thrive Lambeth Partnership, which was established in 2016. We exist to address the inequalities that negatively impact the mental health and wellbeing of Black people so that the thriving of Black communities is the norm.

Our guiding principle is that Black communities should be at the forefront of reimagining, redefining and co-creating a society where systemic racism and other oppressive systems have been dismantled so that they have fulfilling lives. We have two priorities – building a Black Thrive Research Institute and embedding race equity in systems change.

Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to support our Head of Finance and Operations with our HR, operations and admin functions including managing systems to efficiently run the business and achieve strategic objectives agreed by Black Thrive Board of Directors. This includes being the first point of contact for HR and office queries, leading the recruitment process, managing onboarding and offboarding, preparing employment contracts (Full-time and/or part-time, zero hours and/or fixed terms contracts), supporting the Finance Officer with payroll, checking and following right-to-work in the UK, administrating DBS checks and creating new company policies together with management. The ideal candidate will be a sound HR generalist who has a good understanding of UK employment laws, organisational governance and  is comfortable working independently, have refined problem-solving skills, and thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.

Duties and responsibilities

1. The HR Manager assumes the primary responsibility for ensuring the organisations employment policies are fit for purpose and in line with any changes in employment legislation and for communicating the changes to the Directors and SLT where required.

2. Support the Head of Finance & Operations to manage HR and admin functions, including working with managers to prepare job descriptions, employment contracts, onboarding and offboarding.

3. Lead the recruitment process for new staff to source appropriate candidates for the organisation. This includes job advertising, shortlisting, interviewing, pre-employment checks and other pre-employment activities that are necessary.

4. Ensure the renewal of DBS checks for all staff is carried out on a periodic basis.

5. Process new joiners and leavers on the HR platforms and liaising with IT Support to ensure staff are set up or removed as needed.

6. Plan and coordinate induction for new employees.

7. Manage the employee performance reviews, and performance improvement plans in line with the organisations policies and any legislative requirements.

8. Work with the Head of Finance and Operations to implement and review the organisations reward principles and salary benchmarking exercise.

9. Support the Head of Finance and Operations to embed Black Thrive’s mission and values across the organisation, leading and driving the required culture change.

10. Review the existing policies and update or create new HR related policies in line with the current employment laws or governance requirements.

11. Develop, implement and review the employee development and training plan / strategy with the Head of Finance and Operations.

12. Develop and manage the annual training budget.

13. Ensure the provision of effective day-to-day office administration and support across the organisation.

14. Develop and implement sound strategies and initiatives to enhance the people management skills and capabilities across their teams.

15. Assist the Head of Finance and Operations in ensuring adherence to GDPR legislation liaising with external DPO service provider as required.

16. Responsible for ensuring staff issues around performance, disciplinary issues, needs for aids and adaptations and other wellbeing issues are dealt with in line with the organisations policies and procedures. Liaising with external HR providers where necessary.

17. Manage employee relations and resolving conflicts and disciplinary issues / grievances

18. Manage the relationship with BTG’s outsourced HR partners.

19. Ensure employee health and safety compliance and all associated documentation is maintained.

20. Ensure all employee information in Bright HR is updated daily and accurately to ensure that the payroll can be processed on the due date.

21. Enhance the development and use of Bright HR across the organisation.

22. Produce and deliver presentations, reports and other material relevant to the role.

23. Supporting staff wellbeing, including promoting the Employee Assistance Program, conducting check-ins as needed, facilitating return-to-work meetings, and tracking staff absences such as sickness, time off in lieu (TOIL), and holidays.

Please note: The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your evolving role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Company Benefits

• Flexible working – we give you control over your work schedule

• Up to 34 days annual leave inclusive of 8 days bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance programme

PERSON SPECIFICATION

HR & Admin Manager

Qualifications and Experience

Equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration or related field.

Practical knowledge of HR best practice policies and procedures in the UK.

Knowledge of business compliance in relation to HR, health and safety and data protection.

Experience in developing and implementing new systems and processes in start-up environments.

Previous experience of working in an HR/People generalist role.

Experience setting up and maintaining administrative systems that are compliant with data protection and privacy laws.

Ability, skills, knowledge

Good knowledge and understanding of Payroll/HR policies

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

Proven experience in delivering a payroll operational or contractual administration service

Confident dealing with issues like succession planning, workforce planning and talent development.

Commitment to equality for all people as well as good knowledge and understanding of the experiences of Black people of African and Caribbean descent and a strong drive to address the factors which negatively impact upon their health and wellbeing.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including conveying complex information adaptable to people from different professional backgrounds and levels of seniority.

Excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, ability to multitask and to manage a heavy workload and competing priorities.

Ability to work at speed through ambiguity and uncertainty and remain calm under pressure.

Ability to remain enthusiastic, optimistic and solutions-focused in the face of adversity and to deliver tangible results with minimal supervision.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required but we will treat applicants who have a criminal record fairly and will not unreasonably discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed.

Salary: £66,351 FTE (pending April 2026 pay award)
Hours: 37 hours per week (part time hours maybe considered for the right candidate, if applying for part-time working, please add this to your supporting statement)
Contract: Fixed–term maternity cover (anticipated 9 months, with possible extension)
Location: Hybrid – Based anywhere in the South West, with travel to local hospice sites as required. This is a hybrid role, with the flexibility to work from home and attend your nearest hospice—Charlton Farm (Bristol), Little Bridge House (Barnstaple), or Little Harbour (St Austell)—as needed.

Make a real difference every day

At Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), we provide vital, compassionate care for babies and children with life limiting conditions and their families. Our work is only possible thanks to our dedicated teams who share our passion, values and commitment to excellence.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Finance to lead our finance function during a period of maternity leave. This is a key leadership position within CHSW, ensuring that our financial reporting, control environment and strategic planning continue to support outstanding care delivery.

If you are a senior finance professional who enjoys leading people, improving systems and delivering high quality financial information that informs organisational decision making, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a charity that truly changes lives.

About the Role

As Head of Finance, you will:

• Lead, motivate and develop the Finance team to deliver a professional, supportive and efficient service
• Oversee monthly and quarterly management accounts, KPIs and performance reporting
• Lead on budgeting, reforecasting, cashflow and short– to medium term cash management
• Produce annual statutory accounts for CHSW and its subsidiary, and work closely with external auditors
• Oversee payroll processing and statutory compliance (pensions, HMRC, P11Ds etc.)
• Ensure accurate VAT and tax accounting, working closely with specialist advisers
• Maintain effective financial controls, policies and system governance
• Act as the finance lead on cross functional projects and internal committees
• Work closely with senior leaders and operational colleagues, promoting strong financial stewardship across the organisation
• Support the Director of Finance & Retail, providing cover for SMT, committee and Board work where required

About You

To be successful, you will need the following:

• ACA qualified (or equivalent) and a member of a recognised accounting professional body (e.g., ICAEW)
• Significant finance leadership experience in a similar sized organisation
• Strong experience in:
o annual financial reporting and charity accounts
o budget preparation and financial modelling
o management accounts and KPI reporting
o financial processing functions
o internal controls and finance procedures
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters to non finance colleagues
• Experience leading and developing teams
• A proactive, solutions focused approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A full UK driving licence

Ideally you will also have:

• Charity taxation experience, including VAT and partial exemption
• Experience with Xledger
• Experience working within a hospice, charity or large retail linked organisation
• Knowledge of statutory grant or charitable trust reporting

What we offer:

We value our staff and offer an excellent working environment with an enthusiastic and committed team, you will also benefit from:

• 33 days (plus bank holidays) holiday entitlement, which increases with service
• enhanced sick pay scheme rising up to 6 months full and 6 months half pay*
• personal pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
• family friendly policies, with enhanced maternity/adoption pay
• occupational health, wellbeing and counselling services and employee assistance programme
• group life insurance scheme
• training and development opportunities
• environmental and green agenda
• a supportive and inclusive environment
• a chance to make a real difference

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how your experience meets the role requirements. If you are looking to relocate prior to taking on this post or are interested in part time hours, please specify this in your supporting statement.

Closing date: 15/02/2026
Interview date: Anticipated initial telephone screening 19/02/2026 and face to face meetings at our Charlton Farm Hospice near Bristol on 26/02/2026

If you have any questions, please visit our website to find our more, or use our email to contact us and speak to one of our HR team today 

Please note: We may close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received; therefore we recommend you apply early

CHSW Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Charity Registration Number 1003314

You may have experience of the following: Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Finance Lead, Head of Financial Operations, Financial Controller, Group Financial Controller, Financial Reporting Manager, Director of Finance (Deputy/Associate), Finance Business Partner (Senior/Lead).

REF-226 436

Location: Reading, Hybrid (at least twice a month to Reading Office)
Hours: Full time, however will consider 0.8 FTE
Salary: £75,000 per annum 
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 12th February 2026
First Stage Interviews: 19th & 20th February 2026
Second Stage Interviews: 25th & 26th February 2026 - there will be an informal meet with our CEO.

On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible

At Make‑A‑Wish UK, every role plays a part in creating life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are seeking a Head of Finance who will lead the operational delivery of our finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. In this vital role, you will support the Finance Director in delivering our strategic financial objectives and act as a key liaison between finance and the wider organisation. 

Core Purpose
To lead the operational delivery of the charity’s finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls, and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The Head of Finance supports the Finance Director in delivering strategic financial objectives and acts as a key liaison between finance and other departments. As a member of the Extended Leadership Team (ExLT), the role contributes financial insight to organisation‑wide decision‑making and plays an active part in delivering cross‑charity priorities and operational goals.

To be successful in this role you will need:
Essential Criteria

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with minimum 3 years PQE
• Experience in a similar role.
• Excellent excel and financial modelling skills
• Proven experience in finance business partnering & management reporting.
• Proven ability to manage and develop a finance team.
• Experience of preparing consolidated financial statements from general ledger
• Solid understanding of VAT
• Analytical mindset with ability to problem solve, interpret data and to see the bigger picture, identifying inter relationships between different departments
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of process improvements and automation
• Uses initiative, with ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative with ability to work cross functionally
• Confident in using Microsoft Office tools and accounting software (e.g., Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)
• Integrity and discretion.

Desirable Criteria

• Similar experience with medium to large charity highly desirable
• Similar experience of business partnering with areas of fundraising highly desirable
• Strong technical knowledge of charity accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience of operating under partial exemption for VAT
• Experience with restricted/unrestricted funds and grant reporting.
• Experience with digital transformation or finance system upgrades.
• Experience of working with Xero and Salesforce

Key Responsibilities:
Finance operations       

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
• Ensure timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations in line with agreed timelines – balance sheet account ownership as agreed
• Process month end journals as required
• Review monthly balance sheet reconciliations in line with agreed timelines
• Ensure processes & procedures are documented and kept up to date, and recommend improvements to drive continuous improvement
• Maintain and improve financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Review finance policies on an annual basis and update in line with current legislation and best practice
• Support the organisation with any finance related queries

 Management Accounting 

• Prepare consolidated management accounts, including variance analysis, risks and opportunities, and advise budget holders as required.
• Design financial reports, processes and training guides to drive budget holder self service
• Recommend solutions to streamline month end reporting and other financial processes

 Budgeting & Forecasting 

• Coordinate the annual budgeting & forecast process across departments.
• Produce the consolidated annual budget and quarterly reforecasts for review by FD, in line with agreed timeframes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and funding requirements (currently excel based).
• Review budget & forecast submissions, and challenge appropriately. Perform variance analysis (actuals vs budget/forecast) and explain key drivers.
• Monitor performance against budget/forecast and provide appropriate reports including variance analysis dependent on stakeholder.        
• Ensure finance system and all associated systems are updated with budget / forecast information accordingly
• Recommend solutions to streamline budgeting and reforecasting process

Business Partnering

• Work closely and build strong relationships with operational teams to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
• Influence strategic decisions through clear communication of financial insights.
• Undertake financial evaluation of new projects, business cases, funding bids, and contracts, as required.
• Produce written reports on performance, highlighting key financial risks and opportunities.
• Upskill budget holders in financial awareness and management
• Own the finance business partner relationship and role with some of the more complex profit centres

 Treasury & Cash Management

• Lead cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning across the organisation.
• Manage relationships with banks and investment managers, ensuring compliance with treasury policies.
• Oversee restricted and unrestricted fund reporting and ensure appropriate allocation and usage.
• Support the development and implementation of treasury strategies, including reserve management and ethical investment policies.

 Financial Planning & Analysis

• Support the Finance Director & budget holders in preparing financial models, as required.
• Partner with budget holders to provide financial models and insightful financial analysis and to support decision-making.
• Monitor and report on financial performance against budgets & reforecasts, identifying risks and opportunities
• Deliver high-quality analysis to support new initiatives.

 Finance Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead on the implementation and optimisation of finance systems (eg. Xero).
• Monitor and manage any payment and other system interfaces
• Drive automation and efficiency in financial processes & reporting.
• Support the integration of finance with wider organisational systems - finance representative on technology SCRUMS and SPRINTS

 mCompliance & Reporting 

• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP), Companies House, HMRC, and Charity Commission requirements.
• Responsible for accurate and timely submission of HMRC returns, including quarterly VAT returns, annual employee benefits and Corporation Tax.
• Prepare statutory accounts and lead on the external audit process.
• Quarterly reporting to Make-A-Wish International - APD reporting
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations and best practices.

 Team leadership & Support

• Manage and develop the finance team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
• Provide training and support to non-finance staff on budgeting and financial procedures
• to improve financial literacy across the organization.
• Create Finance resources to encourage self-service for common queries

 General and ad-hoc Support

• Deputise for Finance Director in their absence
• Provide cover for finance team members during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of service and workload management.
• Take on additional duties as appropriate to the level of the role and contribute to team objectives.
• Support fundraising events from a finance perspective

Role Purpose

The Finance Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the charity, ensuring accurate bookkeeping, robust financial controls, and timely financial reporting. The postholder will work closely with the CEO to support budgeting, grant and tender applications, procurement, and financial reporting to the Board of Trustees.

This is a key role in ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability, compliance, and effective use of resources.

Key Responsibilities

Bookkeeping and Financial Operations

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using appropriate accounting software.
• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, including income, expenditure, bank reconciliations, and petty cash.
• Process purchase orders, invoices, and payments in line with financial procedures.
• Monitor cash flow and flag any concerns to the CEO.
• Payroll and expenses responsibility

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Support the CEO in developing and monitoring the annual organisational budget.
• Assist with the preparation of budgets and finanical reporting for grant and tender applications as requested.
• Track expenditure against budgets and provide regular updates.

Financial Reporting and Governance

• Prepare quarterly financial reports for the Board of Trustees.
• Contribute to the annual budget report for trustee approval.
• Support year-end financial processes, including preparation for independent examination or audit.
• Ensure financial records meet charity and regulatory requirements.

Procurement and Ordering

• Source suppliers and obtain quotes for subscriptions, resources, services and any other relevant needs.
• Place orders for materials and equipment (e.g. laptops, office equipment) in line with budget approvals.
• Maintain records of assets and equipment.

Support to the CEO and Organisation

• Work closely with the CEO on financial planning, reporting, and decision-making.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support organisational planning.
• Undertake any other finance-related duties appropriate to the role.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified and experienced bookkeeper (e.g. AAT or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience of bookkeeping and financial administration, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit setting.
• Experience of preparing budgets and financial reports.
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Experience with bookkeeping software such as “Zero”
• Good IT skills, including accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

Desirable

• Experience of charity finance and funder reporting.
• Experience of supporting grant or tender applications.
• Knowledge of charity governance and trustee reporting.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role, with a mix of office-based and home working subject to performance, needs of the charity and agreement. Working days are flexible, with a preference for Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday, subject to agreement.

Equality and Diversity

The charity is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Hours: 14 hours per week (worked over 2–3 days - to be agreed)

Preferred working days: Monday / Wednesday / Friday (to be agreed)

Salary: £15–£20 per hour(£10,920–£14,560 per annum for 14 hours/week, equivalent to £29,260 upwards FTE) depending on experience 

Benefits:

25 days annual leave excluding bank holidays (pro rata)

Extra leave: +1 day after 3 years’ service, +1 more day after 5 years

Birthday Leave

Sick pay package

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Giving back Scheme - Volunteer day leave

Cycle to work scheme

Specsavers Partnership

Life is a national charity committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate and person‑centred support to people facing crisis. Guided by our values of Humanity, Solidarity, Community, Charity and the Common Good, we work across multiple sites to provide safe, effective and life‑changing services.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance to join our Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time of organisational development.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior, influential role with strategic responsibility for quality, safeguarding, compliance, estates and continuous improvement across our national portfolio of services.

You will provide visible, values‑led leadership, ensuring that everything we do is safe, effective, person‑centred, financially sustainable and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. This role has a real opportunity to shape the future of Life – and to positively impact the lives of hundreds of people we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on quality improvement, compliance and continuous improvement across supported housing, estates and services
• Hold senior accountability for safeguarding governance, complaints and assurance frameworks
• Lead audit, inspection and review activity, ensuring consistently high standards and strong regulatory outcomes
• Embed a culture of quality, learning and improvement across multi‑site services
• Oversee property compliance, health & safety and estates management, ensuring safe and welcoming environments
• Use data, insight and digital systems to drive performance, manage risk and support innovation
• Act as the organisation’s senior lead with regulators, inspectors and professional bodies
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors to deliver a joined‑up, high‑quality client journey
• Develop, coach and inspire senior leaders, fostering a high‑performing, values‑driven culture

About You

You will be a credible, values‑led leader with a strong background in regulated services and a passion for quality and safeguarding.

Essential experience and qualifications include:

• Senior leadership experience within supported housing, homelessness or a closely related regulated sector
• Proven success leading multi‑site services and senior operational leaders
• Strong track record in quality improvement, safeguarding, compliance and inspection readiness
• Sound financial and commercial awareness, including managing significant budgets and resources
• Lean Six Sigma qualification
• Level 5 Safeguarding qualification
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent)

You will also bring:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery
• A collaborative, visible and approachable leadership style
• Integrity, humility and purpose in how you lead
• A commitment to co‑production, continuous learning and innovation
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description on our website. 

Salary: £50,285 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home Based with travel across sites in the UK

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service    
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality:   

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Head of Corporate Partnerships

Location: North London (3 days per week in the office)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum
Reporting to: Director of Fundraising
Term: Permanent

Aquilas is delighted to be partnering witth a much loved children's charity to recruit a Head of Corporate Partnerships to join their successful fundraising team.

About the role:

In this role, you will work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications to develop and enhance their Corporate and Special Events Programme. This is very much a hands-on role of team leadership and direct account management. This includes six figure partners. 

The post-holder has a key role in the management of their Philanthropy & Corporate Board, which bring together industry leader to help move both these programmes forward. There is great freedom to innovate and a healthy pool of local business with an affinity to our cause. The post-holder takes a key leadership role across fundraising and marketing, working with their peers  and Director to take strategic decisions for wider benefit of the department. 

Line managing a small team of two you will play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective partners of the charity. You will ensure our partners have the best possible experience, making them feel engaged and motivated, valued and informed about the impact of their involvement and help them achieve their organisation’s objectives.

About you:

You will be an inspiring Corporate Fundraising Head, excellentcommunicator and a natural relationship builder. You will have demonstrative experience in people management within Partnerships and ideally a strong, broad background in corporate fundraising or commerical sales.  Excellent donor stewardship skills in terms of account management of existing supports

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas 

The CEO will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Clwyd Special Riding Centre. This is a wide-ranging role combining strategic leadership with hands-on people management.

The postholder will oversee the daily running of the Centre while also working closely with Trustees to deliver long-term development plans. The role demands strong financial and organisational management, excellent people skills, and the ability to balance compassion with pragmatism.

The CEO will act as a key ambassador for the Centre, building relationships with supporters, stakeholders, and the wider community to secure funding and grow the charity’s impact.  The CEO will create the strategic plans for the next 5 years and work with the Trustees, Stakeholders and Staff to implement the plan.

This is an exciting opportunity to transition the organisation into a sustainable, self-funded and agile organisation able to meet the needs of their traditional participant and those members of the community who could benefit from equine activities.

Overview   

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support, and promoting young people’s rights and power.  

Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, had traumatic journeys and who are often here alone, to find community and connection, have a space to be a young person and access support in addressing a whole range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people.  

About the Role  

The Human Resources Manager owns the planning and delivery of a progressive and proactive HR operations function. You will act as a key advisor to the CEO and leadership group in the management of HR related matters.

You will use sound judgement to balance reactive employee relations work with longer-term strategic priorities. You will manage a busy ER caseload, advising on performance, absence and sickness management and recruitment, as well as ensuring good HR administration throughout the employment life cycle. You will provide coaching to managers on all aspects of employee relations and meet regularly with them to develop a thorough understanding of their needs.

You will also be responsible for more strategic matters such as development of employment policies and our learning and development offer, at the same time as ensuring operational tasks such as maintenance of our HRIS, volunteer management and payroll administration are well-managed and compliant. 

You will work alongside an external payroll company, an Internal Operations Officer supporting with administration and an HR Strategic Projects Lead. 

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Employment support services | Disability charity Scope UK 

Find out which of our employment support services is right for you. 

Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification. If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which support people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience. 

Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously. 

Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users. 

All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes vetting checks such as enhanced criminal records and barring, scrutiny of employment history, references and other checks. 

We have big ambition, and our organisation strategy reflects this. As Senior Trust Fundraising Manager, your role will focus on securing five- and six-figure gifts from grant-giving trusts and foundations. You will provide exceptional stewardship to those trusts with whom we have existing relationships, whilst researching and cultivating new prospects to maximise income, value, and influence for The Children’s Trust. This role will be key in enabling us to strengthen long term financial sustainability, through multi-year funding relationships and to drive restricted and unrestricted income to realise the strategy for 2030.

WHEN APPLYING PLEASE INCLUDE A COVERING LETTER

This role is not open for sponsorship.

Skills and Responsibilities

To develop relationships to secure gifts and grants from Corporate Foundations, Trusts and statutory grant makers to achieve income targets. Responsibilities include:

Prospect Research:

• Identify and develop a pipeline of opportunities from grant-giving trusts and foundations.
• Use internal database, online resources, desk research, and contact mapping to identify new funder opportunities.
• Review trusts’ and foundations’ funding criteria to grow the prospect pipeline.
• Develop a thorough understanding of our work and future developments to identify new funding opportunities.

Submitting grant applications:

• Create compelling and persuasive funding appeals.
• Complete grant application forms and follow application processes as required.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Directorate and the wider charity to articulate our work and build strong funding propositions.

Leadership & Relationship Management:

• Lead and manage the Trusts and Philanthropy Executive by developing skills, conducting appraisals and overseeing ongoing development.
• Lead & steward a portfolio of existing charitable trusts and foundations, and cultivate new potential donors, ensuring their support is recognised and celebrated.
• Ensure funders are thanked promptly and that grant terms and conditions are applied.
• Provide progress reports and manage all formal reporting requirements on time.
• Build relationships in person, by phone, email, or virtual meetings to secure long-term commitment.
• Identify opportunities for funders to meet key staff and attend events and site visits that strengthen their relationship with the charity.
• Implement the High Value Donor Stewardship Plan.
• Take a proactive role in developing assets such as appeals and cultivation events.
• Work with colleagues across the charity to monitor and evaluate funded projects, producing reports that demonstrate impact.

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage trust prospects and donors on the CRM database, ensuring records are accurate and compliant with fundraising regulations.
• Budget management, cost control forecasting and taking corrective action to achieve budgets.
• Use the CRM database to manage task “actions”, prioritise and evaluate opportunities, and record funder interactions.
• Manage and develop a portfolio of high value relationships.
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure grant applications are coordinated across the organisation.

Education & Qualifications:

• Educated to GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Experience:

• Significant experience and track record in trust fundraising.
• Experience of writing compelling proposals and appeals.
• Proven experience of working as part of a team to deliver ambitious income targets.
• Experience in undertaking prospect research and creating a pipeline of prospects through to cultivation, ask and stewardship.
• Experience of securing and managing statutory funding desirable.
• Demonstrable experience of using fundraising or relationship management databases.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional skills with excellent attention to detail and proof-reading ability
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills whether on the phone, virtually, in person or in writing
• Excellent relationship building skills.
• Professional, positive, and committed
• Results focussed with strong analytical skill.
• Adaptable and flexible, tenacious, and persuasive
• Financially astute, with the ability to understand project budgets and read the accounts of grant giving trusts.