Charity finance business partner jobs

QCCA has served Camden’s communities for more than 40 years.

Today we support more than 3,000 local residents every year through:

• Youth Services
• Older People’s Services
• Advice & Advocacy
• Family Support
• Two successful children’s nurseries
• Community facilities
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Employment and skills initiatives

With an annual income approaching £2 million, multiple community sites and exciting plans for further growth, we’re investing in a modern finance function that supports excellent decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Why This Role Is Different

This isn’t a traditional Finance Manager role.

Yes, you’ll oversee management accounts, budgets and audit preparation.

But you’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Transform our finance systems.
• Lead our migration from QuickBooks to Xero.
• Introduce smarter digital processes.
• Improve financial reporting.
• Build dashboards that help managers make better decisions.
• Work directly with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees.
• Influence organisational strategy.
• Help shape the future of one of Camden’s leading community charities.

You’ll have the freedom to improve how we work—not simply maintain existing processes.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll provide strategic financial leadership while leading the modernisation of QCCA’s finance systems.

Working closely with our Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, you’ll:

• Lead the migration from QuickBooks to Xero (or an agreed cloud accounting platform).
• Produce insightful monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Develop budgets, forecasts and financial models.
• Present financial information to Trustees and senior managers.
• Improve financial systems, controls and reporting.
• Introduce automation and digital workflows.
• Support commercial income generation and grant-funded projects.
• Lead the annual audit process.
• Line manage and develop our Finance Assistants.
• Help build a finance function fit for the future.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who enjoys making organisations better.

You’ll probably have experience of:

• Charity finance.
• Management accounting.
• Budgeting and forecasting.
• Audit preparation.
• Financial controls.
• Cloud accounting systems (Xero experience is highly desirable).
• Leading change and improving systems.
• Supporting non-finance managers.
• Working collaboratively with senior leaders and Trustees.

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys solving problems, embracing technology and helping organisations grow.

At SSE, finance isn't a back-office function — it's central to everything we do. Every pound we manage connects directly to our mission: supporting social entrepreneurs to change their communities for the better.

Our finance team is small, close-knit, and genuinely hands-on. We manage income from a wide range of funders — from major institutions through to smaller, place based partners — alongside distributing millions of pounds in grants directly to the social entrepreneurs we exist to serve.

The work is varied, meaningful, and never dull. Because we manage everything in-house, you genuinely own your work end to end — from coding invoices and uploading forecasts into Business Central, to presenting financial insight to our Senior Management Team and steering us through external audit.

We're a team that performs well but we never stand still and welcome people spotting a better way of doing something. If you want to embed smarter technology, automate a clunky process, we always welcome fresh thinking

Lead a respected counselling charity and help shape the future of mental health support in our community.

If you're an inspiring leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As our new Head of Centre, you'll lead an established, BACP-accredited charity with an excellent reputation for delivering affordable, high-quality counselling and professional training across West Kent and East Sussex.

For almost 40 years, The Counselling Centre has been committed to ensuring that everyone can access professional counselling, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to build on this legacy, strengthening our financial sustainability, developing new partnerships and expanding our impact to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. You'll work closely with our dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding counselling, training and community services while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the charity, lead financial planning and income generation, develop relationships with funders, commissioners, businesses and community partners, and act as an ambassador for The Counselling Centre across the local area. You'll also champion our values, nurture a positive organisational culture and ensure we continue to meet the highest standards of governance and professional practice.

We're looking for someone who brings senior leadership experience, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to improving mental health. You'll be an excellent relationship builder with experience of developing partnerships, generating income and leading organisational change. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our organisation.

Why join us?

• Lead a respected charity with an outstanding reputation built over almost 40 years.

• Make a genuine difference to the lives of people in your local community.

• Work alongside a committed Board of Trustees, experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.

• Help shape the future direction and growth of an ambitious organisation.

• Enjoy a flexible part-time role (21 hours per week) with hybrid working.

• Competitive salary of circa £50,000–£55,000 per annum pro rata, contributory pension, 25 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, and Christmas closure.

If you're looking for a leadership role where your strategic vision, commercial skills and passion for community impact can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Our Finance team is growing and we are looking to hire a Finance Officer in our London office.

This is an opportunity for an ambitious finance professional who is actively studying towards or completed an ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification, with study support provided alongside hands-on experience. The role sits within our Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team, where you will support the production of monthly management accounts, partner with budget holders, and provide valuable financial insight across our Business Services and External Affairs departments.

Important dates to note: Applications close on 6 August 2026. If your profile passes initial screening, you will be requested to submit additional information in the form of three additional questions. The deadline to have your responses to these questions submitted is 10 August 2026 for your application to be fully considered. Please also remember to check our recruitment process section at the bottom of the advert to get acquainted with our recruitment process for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Running monthly management accounts in our financial planning software– Workday Adaptive, on a timely basis under guidance of Finance Business Partner Manager
• Ensure accurate coding of transactions, respond to queries and provide guidance to budget holders in line with our financial policies and procedures. 
• Support, as appropriate, with annual budget setting, entity budgets and monthly forecasting. 

See the job description for a full list of duties for this role.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Experience of working with Access Dimensions or other similar accounting packages
• Actively studying for ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification. Study support provided
• Experience of managing deadlines through a financial month end process
• Knowledge of Microsoft packages including MS Excel

See the job description for a full list of requirements for this role.

Job Benefits

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based. See our benefits page for more: Benefits | ClientEarth Careers as well as our flexible working FAQ.
 

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at ClientEarth | ClientEarth journey page for more.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in the UK.
 

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.

The Charity Financial Controller will be a new role for The Christie Charity (Charity) and a fantastic opportunity for an individual looking to work for a fast moving, growing organisation. 

We are looking for a collaborative self-starter to take the operational lead of The Christie Charity’s finance function and oversee the financial management of The Christie Charity (Charity) group’s finances (this includes The Christie Charity, The Christie Trading Company Limited, and Northern Pathology Developments Limited), including but not limited to financial reporting, management accounting, and day-to-day financial operations. You will play a key role in building a robust financial control framework across the Charity group, and you will be expected to be hands on with respect to overseeing the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting and supporting the Charity’s aim of maintaining strong governance across both charitable and commercial operations. 

This post would suit an individual who enjoys working in a dynamic, evolving environment, where responsibilities may shift in response to organisational priorities. The postholder must be comfortable navigating ambiguity, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Additional information

Previously managed under a service level agreement with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, financial management has now been fully transitioned in-house, and day-to-day operations are in the process of being transitioned into the organisation with a view to strengthen independent control and governance. This provides an excellent opportunity for the postholder to be involved in transformational projects geared towards improving the finance department’s technological infrastructure and resources to adapt to the fast-growing needs of the Charity.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in London, homeworking options in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy

About the role

Crisis is committed to Housing led solutions to homelessness and as part of our ambitious 10-year strategy has committed to providing secure, settled, affordable homes for our members for the first time in our history.

The Finance Business Partner will play a critical role in delivering regular financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting for our new Housing Directorate, therefore, to be considered for the role you will need to be an experienced housing finance professional.

This role will provide insight and analysis and includes the preparation of monthly management accounts, annual budgeting, and reforecasting to provide support in decision making whilst adhering to processes, controls, and ways of working that effectively support our Finance function and support stakeholders’ needs. It will also require some collaboration with our Transformation Leads who are leading on the implementation of a new finance system (xLedger).

About you

• A fully qualified accountant (ACCA/ CIMA or equivalent CCAB recognised accounting qualification) with post-qualification experience in housing.
• Proven finance business partnering in housing with a strong understanding of operational drivers gained within the charity sector, local government or commercial or social housing sector.
• Support the development, appraisal and monitoring of capital programmes, maintenance schemes and investment business cases.
• Ability to analyse data, identify issues, and provide meaningful insights.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong understanding of core financial processes and operations.
• Knowledge of financial controls and compliance frameworks.
• Experience of contributing to finance transformation or systems-related change.
• Commitment to Crisis’ purpose and values
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly and more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Monday 13 July 2026 at 23:59

Interviews will take place online w/c Monday 20 July

Interview process: Competency-based interview.

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contract our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

For more information about our work please visit our website

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094

Our partner is an innovative international non-profit organisation working to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in low-income countries.

They are seeking a Finance Manager to join their close-knit finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role will work closely with both, the UK finance team and colleagues in international offices, supporting effective financial management, reporting, budgeting, forecasting and process improvement across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and consolidate organisational, project and HQ budgets, cashflow forecasts, management accounts and other financial reports to support planning and decision-making.
• Develop, maintain and improve Excel-based financial models, reports and tools for budgeting, forecasting, analysis and organisational reporting.
• Work closely with UK and international colleagues to review monthly financial performance, support budget management and strengthen planning across country portfolios.
• Support donor financial reporting, ensuring expenditure is reported accurately and in line with donor requirements and organisational policies.
• Support payroll, VAT, year-end audit, statutory reporting and wider compliance requirements.
• Work with the finance team to improve finance processes, strengthen controls, streamline workflows and support the transition of accounting software
• Coach and support finance and non-finance colleagues in the UK and overseas to understand financial models, finance processes and financial management requirements.

Requirements

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant, with the ability to operate confidently at Finance Manager level.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and financial analysis.
• Strong business partnering skills, ideally with experience supporting overseas offices or international teams.
• Experience working with project or grant-funded budgets; donor reporting experience would be helpful.
• Excellent Excel skills, including the ability to create, maintain and improve financial models.
• Strong technical finance skills, including understanding of controls, reconciliations, payroll, VAT, audit and statutory reporting requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to support, coach and work constructively with finance and non-finance colleagues.
• Interest in working in the charity, NGO or international development sector.

The organisation operates a hybrid working model, with staff expected to attend the London office 2 days/week. 
This role is only open to candidates with right to work in the UK. 

Candidates are being considered on a rolling basis, and early applications are strongly encouraged. 

Finance Director

Hours of work 30 hrs / 4 days per week, permanent contract

Based Newhaven, with some hybrid working available after completing induction

Starting Salary £60K per annum pro rata

Are you an experienced senior level finance decision maker with broad cross sector knowledge, who demonstrates excellent communication skills, and wants to use your skills to support a community facing organisation? If so, we would welcome your interest and application!

You will be a qualified accountant, with an understanding of the complexities of working within the 3rd sector funding framework.  With responsibility for providing expert strategic financial advice and professional input right across the organisation, you will ensure the finances of the Charity run smoothly and efficiently.  You will consider the wider internal and external factors presented to you by our internal knowledge experts alongside the financial position in order to support the delivery of the services and enterprises, which fulfil the organisation’s mission and values.

You will also provide effective leadership and direction of the well-regarded finance team with a person-centred approach.

Providing sound financial, contract & risk management advice and ensuring compliance with legal, statutory and audit requirements, you will contribute to the strategic leadership of the charity as an active member of our Senior Management Team.

We are looking for people to join our team who have the qualities and skills we feel would most benefit our internal and external clients; professionalism, empathy, kindness and understanding. In return, we understand people want to work in a supportive environment with friendly colleagues. We offer a flexible, hybrid approach to delivery wherever possible, annual leave of 25 days per year pro rata plus bank holidays and sick pay from the start (increasing with service), additional sick pay per year for planned operations and recovery, a pension scheme, bereavement leave, and managers who are available to you… plus a day off for your birthday!

Interviews will be held in Newhaven.

Closing date: 5pm on Sunday 19th July 2026

1st stage interviews:  Wednesday 29th  July 2026 / 2nd stage interviews: w/c Monday 3rd August 2026

 For the job description and to apply, please visit the website

Completed application forms can be sent to HR

 You may think that you’re not a 100% match to what we’re looking for, but we recognise that some skills and experience may be transferable rather than an exact match. If you’re unsure about whether to apply, please do contact the HR team, and we would be happy to arrange an informal discussion with the CEO or current FD.

SCDA includes: Employability; Community Advice and Wellbeing; Community Development & Health

Registered Charity Number: 1094905

Company Limited by Guarantee: 3387617

A well-established UK charity is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join its finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

The organisation operates a significant retail and e-commerce function which generates vital income to support its charitable activities. This role will provide strategic financial support to these commercially focused areas, helping to drive performance, improve decision-making and maximise income generation.

Reporting to the Senior Finance Business Partner, this role will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across Retail and E-commerce, providing insightful financial analysis, commercial challenge and financial modelling to support business planning and growth initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded Finance Business Partner who enjoys working closely with operational stakeholders, translating financial data into meaningful insight and influencing business decisions within a purpose-driven organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• Partner with senior stakeholders across Retail and E-commerce, providing financial support and challenge to drive performance and achieve strategic objectives.

• Develop a detailed understanding of the operational and commercial drivers behind retail and online income streams.

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and reforecasts, ensuring financial plans align with organisational priorities.

• Produce monthly management accounts, delivering meaningful commentary and insight into financial performance.

• Develop and maintain financial models to support business cases, investment decisions, growth initiatives and scenario planning.

• Analyse sales performance, income trends, cost drivers and operational KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Support income generation strategies through commercial analysis and performance reporting.

• Build strong relationships with budget holders, providing ongoing financial guidance and support.

• Present financial information and analysis to non-finance stakeholders in a clear and engaging manner.

• Support month-end and year-end reporting activities, including accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Assist with the annual accounts process and act as a point of contact for external auditors where required.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing financial processes, systems and reporting capabilities across the organisation.

You will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with post-qualification experience.

• Have strong Finance Business Partnering experience, ideally supporting retail, e-commerce, commercial or income-generating functions.

• Possess excellent financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting skills.

• Have the ability to analyse and interpret complex financial and operational data and translate this into actionable insight.

• Demonstrate strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the key drivers of retail and online performance.

• Be confident building relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial information to non-finance audiences.

• Have experience producing management accounts and performance reporting.

• Have knowledge of charity accounting and SORP, or a strong interest in developing expertise within the sector.

• Be proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.

What's on offer:

• Salary of £56,919 per annum.
• 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Hybrid working arrangements, with a London office and flexibility around home working, alongside an expectation of approximately two days per week in the office.

Are you looking to add great value to an already successful finance team? Do you have a strong understanding of commercial FBP? Are you immediately available or on a short notice period?

I am working exclusively with a Global Charity seeking an interim Finance Business Partner on a 6-month temporary-permanent basis.

The main responsibilities of the interim Commercial Finance Business Partner are:

• Collaborate with a network of affiliated organisations to support their long-term financial resilience and sustainability.
• Partner with senior non-financial stakeholders to analyze financials/KPIs and convert insights into decisions that maximize profit.
• Establish and embed commercial KPIs and strengthen operational and financial data systems, implementing improvements that stick.
• Support in the creation and testing of forecast and budget templates.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced, Finance Business Partner to come in and hit the ground running with an already successful organisation with an opportunity for flexible working and a great opportunity to go permanent.

My client is looking for:

• Strong interpersonal skills and staying power to manage data collection and analysis elements.
• A clear communicator who can influence and build credibility with stakeholders.
• An experienced finance professional who works well with changes on a regular basis.
• Commercial and Charity experience is highly desirable.

My client can offer flexible working with 1-2 days a week in the office based in central London and the rest working remotely.

Applications for this role are now under review and the deadline could well be brought forward if the suitable candidate is found. Therefore, do not delay in submitting your application!

"Lead finance. Shape strategy. Change lives."

Aspire Oxfordshire is an ambitious charity working to tackle inequality and create lasting opportunities for people and communities facing disadvantage. Every year, we support people experiencing homelessness, poverty, poor mental health, digital exclusion, unemployment and other barriers to reaching their potential.

Through supported housing, homelessness prevention, education, training and employment programmes and digital inclusion projects, we help people take positive steps towards greater independence, wellbeing and opportunity.

We are now seeking a values-led and commercially minded Head of Finance and Resources to join our Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping Aspire's future.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional who wants to combine strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery in an organisation that makes a tangible difference every day.

As Head of Finance and Resources, you will lead Aspire's finance and resource functions, ensuring strong financial stewardship, effective governance, organisational resilience and sustainable growth. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior colleagues, you will help shape organisational strategy, support business development and fundraising activity, and ensure the charity remains financially strong and well positioned for the future.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical finance expertise with excellent leadership and relationship-building skills. You will be equally comfortable presenting financial information to Trustees, supporting managers to improve financial performance, and helping to identify opportunities that strengthen our impact and sustainability.

You will bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and/or significant senior financial management experience.

• Experience of leading finance and operational functions within a charity, public sector, social enterprise or similarly complex organisation.

• Strong strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills.

• Experience of producing meaningful management information and using data to support organisational decision-making.

• Advanced Power BI and financial reporting skills, with the ability to develop insightful dashboards and reporting solutions.

• Knowledge of grant funding, commissioned services and restricted fund management.

• Experience of developing and improving systems, processes and organisational effectiveness.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support and develop others.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with Trustees, funders, partners and colleagues.

• A practical, solutions-focused approach and willingness to work collaboratively across the organisation.

• A commitment to Aspire's values and a genuine passion for creating opportunities for people facing disadvantage.

Why Join Aspire?

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at an exciting point in its development. You will play a key role in helping Aspire deliver its Strategy 2025–2030, supporting innovative services that help people secure safe housing, improve their wellbeing, gain qualifications, access employment and build brighter futures.

In return we offer:

• Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension contribution

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Hybrid working arrangements

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of people across Oxfordshire

Aspire Oxfordshire celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in the charity sector.

The vacancy

Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Agile working arrangements in place

Closing date: 13th July 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 13th July 2026
 

Our organisation is all about people – the people who live in our homes, the communities we serve, and those we work with.  So, it’s no surprise that we recruit for attitude and behaviour which are central to us building relationships and delivering great experiences for these people. We employ colleagues who are passionate about making a difference who will take responsibility to get things done. 

As a not-for-profit housing association, providing affordable homes and services to more than 20,000 people across Greater Manchester. We have a strong social purpose and make it our mission to enable people to live well in their home and community.   

This role will help us to do this by supporting the Financial Controller in providing proactive financial support and advice to budget holders based on a sound understanding of the relevant business area.

In this role, you will be responsible for

•  Supporting budget holders in the monitoring and reforecasting of their budgets
• Maintain and create Reports held in the Finance solution for self-serve access by budget holders
• Responsible for the preparation of annual budgets, including profiling and phasing, challenging new requests or increases against efficiency plans proposed by budget holders
• Prepare quarterly and annual regulatory returns in accordance with set processes, procedures and templates for review by the Financial Reporting Manager

We need people who are/have

• Accounting qualification, such as CIMA/ACCA
• Experience providing advice, support and challenge to colleagues and being able to communicate complex financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Knowledge of the current operating environment for social housing providers
• Relevant accounting standards, recommended practice and guidance knowledge

Everyone’s welcome here. Our culture is inclusive, and we are committed to increasing diversity. We enable everyone to be themselves at work, so that they feel at home with us. And we trust and support people to do their best, in a role that is fulfilling and rewarding because we know that this helps us to deliver better outcomes for our customers and our colleagues.

If you want to be part of our team and help us make a difference, we’d love to hear from you

#financebusinessparter #finance #managementaccountant #housingjobs #recruiting #Manchesterjobs

The company

A housing association providing affordable homes and services to over 16,000 people across Greater Manchester and employing over 280 colleagues.

We are a charitable, registered provider of social housing and offer homes mainly for social rent, with a small number for affordable rent, market rent and shared ownership. We also provide homes with support for people with dementia, mental health issues, learning and physical disabilities, those who have been made homeless and people affected by domestic abuse.

As well as providing homes, we deliver services and support to customers and work in partnership with specialist organisations to help them sustain their tenancies and get on in life. And we engage with customers to shape services and review our effectiveness.

Purpose of the post

The Associate Director of Finance is a senior leadership role, responsible for ensuring the charity’s financial health through sound management of its day-to-day financial operations, strong internal controls, and regulatory compliance. This post exists to provide leadership to the team, oversee treasury management, payment processing, payroll, and audit functions, and continuously improve financial processes and systems to support the charity’s long-term sustainability and mission.

With overall responsibility for the Finance and Funding Team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role ensures that the organisation’s financial framework is robust, supporting effective decision-making and delivering transparent, accurate financial reporting. The post-holder will also play a key role in revitalising the internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains high standards of accountability, and is prepared for future growth.

Main responsibilities

Financial Operations and Treasury Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring effective controls and timely processing of transactions.

• Manage the charity’s treasury function, including cash flow forecasting and management of HDR UK’s bank accounts.

• Oversee maintenance of the accounting system, ensuring it supports effective financial reporting and compliance.

• Review and approve weekly payment runs and monthly payroll.

• As the organisation’s Finance lead, provide advice and guidance to the Senior Leadership Team regarding HDR UK’s financial position, controls and processes, and strategic direction.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Lead the preparation of the charity’s annual accounts, ensuring they meet statutory reporting requirements and deadlines.

• Manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate the audit process.

• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements to regulators and other authorities (including HMRC, Charity Commission, The Pension Regulator, ONS)

Quarterly Forecasting and Budgeting:

• Work closely with the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager on quarterly forecasting and the annual budgeting process.

• Ensure alignment between financial operations and the charity’s broader strategic goals.

• Support the production of monthly management accounts.

• Work with the Associate Director of People to carry out the annual salary review, making recommendations founded on economic analysis and impacts on budget to SLT and the Remuneration Committee.

Process Improvement and Systems Management:

• Drive continuous improvement of internal financial processes, ensuring they are fit for purpose and scalable.

• Oversee and refresh HDR UK’s internal audit framework, ensuring the charity maintains strong internal controls.

• Implement and monitor key financial controls to safeguard the charity's assets, including management of the fixed asset register and ownership of HDR UK’s insurance policies.

Team Leadership:

• Directly manage the Finance Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Business Partner, providing mentorship and development opportunities.

• Lead and develop HDR UK’s Finance & Funding team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.

Governance and risk management:

• Support the development and implementation of financial policies, risk management strategies, and internal controls to maintain robust financial governance.

• Management of the delegated authority framework to increase efficiency in the approvals process while maintaining accountability.

• Attend and actively contribute to meetings of Senior Leadership Team, Board and relevant sub-committees such as Audit & Risk.

Stakeholder management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with operational and finance teams within HDR UK’s wider community and network of university partners, ensuring transparent and effective communication and collaboration.

Experience

Required:

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within the UK charity sector with a robust understanding of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.

• Proven track record of managing and leading financial operations, including treasury management, audit oversight, and financial reporting.

• Experience in developing and improving internal financial controls.

• Previous experience managing and developing high-performing finance teams.

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including senior leadership, external auditors, and operational teams.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing and approving payroll, payment runs, and managing complex financial transactions.

• Experience in developing and improving internal audit frameworks.

• Experience working on quarterly forecasting, annual budgeting processes, and the production of management accounts.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer 

Contract: Full-time 
Location: Remote, with at least one all staff in-person meet up annually in the UK 
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum 
Benefits: 40 days holiday + 2 activism days + 1 duvet day 

Why this role matters 

At HOST, we believe that anyone, anywhere, should be able to drive transformative climate and social action - without being held back by operational barriers, financial risk or hostile environments. We host the world’s changemakers so they can focus on delivering the impact only they can create. 

The Finance Director plays a critical role in ensuring HOST’s financial management is robust, compliant, transparent and scalable across both our internal operations and our project hosting services. This role brings financial leadership to the organisation, supporting strong decision-making, reliable reporting, effective controls and continuous improvement across our finance function. 

The role sits within HOST’s senior leadership and works closely with colleagues across the Delivery, Partnerships, Legal and Engagement circles, as well as the Board, to ensure we can deliver high-quality support to partners while managing risk and using resources well. 

The role in a nutshell 

The Finance Director leads the Finance Team and is responsible for HOST’s financial management, ensuring strong compliance with policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.

The Finance Director is part of the HOST Leadership Team and would have line management responsibility for three Finance Managers within the Finance team. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee HOST’s financial management, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and relevant regulatory requirements. 

• Develop and monitor budgets for both HOST operations and hosted projects. 

• Provide regular financial reporting to the Leadership Team and Board. 

• Lead efforts to improve financial systems, controls and workflows. 

• Ensure robust financial oversight of hosted projects and HOST’s internal systems. 

• Contribute as an integral member of the Leadership Team, bringing financial insight to strategic and operational decision-making. 

• Manage cashflow strategy, including multi-currency considerations. 

• Oversee delivery of monthly management accounts. 

• Develop and report on profitability across HOST’s range of services and offerings. 

• Support HOST’s strategic direction by working with the Leadership Team on KPIs and organisational dashboards. 

• Ensure effective, timely and efficient delivery of the following by the finance function: 

• Records of income and expenditure, including grants, donations, receivables, consultancy receipts and invoices. 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in finance systems and other interconnected databases. 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements and payment service providers for HOST. 

• Month-end reporting, including management reports and accounts such as income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and KPIs. 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance requirements. 

• Payroll services for HOST and hosted projects. 

• Accounting reports for new services. 

• VAT preparation and submission. 

• Records of income and expenditure are maintained: grants, donations, receivables, and consultancy receipts, invoices 

• Transparent and accurate financial data in Xero and other interconnected databases 

• Regular weekly reconciliation of transactions in Xero, including oversight of bills to pay, bank statements, and payment service providers for HOST 

• Month-end reporting process by preparing management reports and accounts, such as income/expenditure statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and KPIs 

• Restricted donor financial reports, ensuring alignment with accounting records and donor compliance 

• Payroll service for HOST and hosted projects 

• Accounting reports for new services 

• Managing VAT preparation and submission 

Knowledge and Experience 

• Proven experience as an SME finance leader 

• Qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA or CIMA. 

• Experience implementing financial controls and processes. 

• Multi-currency cashflow and treasury management experience. 

• Experience setting budgets and forecasts. 

• Internal audit experience. 

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver projects to tight deadlines. 

• Minimum 5 years’ people management experience. 

• Excellent knowledge of cloud-based working. 

• Knowledge and experience using Sage or other similar accounting systems 

• Knowledge and experience of other relevant software applications, such as Excel, Teams, ClickUp etc. 

• ESG or sustainable finance experience. 

• Software implementation experience. 

Key Competencies 

• Strategic thinking 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Attention to detail 

• Planning and organising 

• Time management 

• Interpersonal skills 

• Initiative 

• Confidentiality

• Reliability 

• Leadership of staff

Essential Abilities 

• Ability to confidently discuss financial narratives with senior leaders and Board members. 

• Ability to prioritise and organise own workload and time to meet priorities and deadlines. 

• Ability to identify problems and develop practical solutions to work-related issues. 

• Able to communicate confidently and effectively with a wide range of people, including handling queries in a tactful and confidential manner. 

• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to business partner effectively with non-finance colleagues. 

• Good organisation and administrative skills. 

• Able to work effectively as part of a team. 

• Ability to undertake a range of financial functions. 

What success in this role looks like 

• Finance systems, reporting and controls are robust, reliable and audit ready. 

• Leadership Team and Board decisions are informed by clear, timely and useful financial insight. 

• Hosted partners receive accurate, consistent and responsive financial support. 

• The finance function continues to improve workflows, systems and reporting as HOST grows. 

At HOST, we believe change starts with people who care. 

If you’re passionate about building strong financial systems that help changemakers thrive - and want to play a key leadership role in supporting climate and social change around the world - we’d love to hear from you.