Chief financial officer jobs

Kingston Carers’ Network is seeking a part-time Finance Officer to support the smooth running of our charity’s finance function.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the CEO, Treasurer and budget holders, you will help maintain accurate financial records, process income and expenditure, reconcile bank accounts, support payroll information and contribute to financial reporting, budgeting and year-end processes.

Who we're looking for

We are looking for someone organised, accurate and values-driven, with experience of managing day-to-day finance processes in a small or medium-sized organisation. Experience of Sage or a similar accounting package is essential, and charity finance experience would be an advantage.

For full details about the role and how to apply, please download the supporting documents below or visit our website by clicking the Apply button.

Closing date: Monday 17th August 2026.

Interviews: Commencing 31st August 2026.

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with our client, a Brixton-based creative hub and Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation. The organisation is a music, media and technology centre supporting young people and adults to explore creativity, develop skills and improve wellbeing.

We are looking for an experienced finance professional to join the Senior Management Team and provide confident financial and organisational leadership. Working closely with the CEO, Treasurer and wider Board, you will lead budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, financial controls, funded-programme finance, risk and the year-end process. You will also provide proportionate leadership across people systems, governance, contracts and organisational operations.

This is a senior role, but it is also genuinely hands-on. 

Alongside this, we are looking for someone who will thrive on helping to lead the operations of a busy, vibrant cultural centre, ensuring that the systems, people, contracts and resources underpinning our programmes, studios, building and events work smoothly, safely and effectively. 

You will provide oversight of health and safety, compliance, organisational risk and business continuity, working closely with the colleagues and external specialists responsible for day-to-day delivery. This is a senior role, but it is also genuinely hands-on.

The right person for this role:

• Has strong financial leadership and practical management-accounting experience in a small or medium-sized organisation
• Can explain financial information clearly to colleagues and trustees, helping them understand the organisation’s position, risks and options
• Moves comfortably between strategic thinking and detailed delivery
• Brings sound judgement, integrity, curiosity and a collaborative approach
• Cares about Raw’s purpose and the communities we serve; and 
• Enjoys being part of a close-knit team and is happy to roll up their sleeves and get involved in Raw’s gigs, events and wider organisational life.

Direct charity-finance experience would be useful, but it is not essential. We welcome applicants from other sectors who can demonstrate transferable experience of multiple income streams, projects, contracts or cost centres. We are not looking for a particular accountancy qualification; relevant experience, practical expertise and the ability to fulfil the role are what matter.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and especially encourage applications from those who reflect the lived experiences of the South London communities we serve.

At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process, then please contact Shannon Sanderson at Prospectus.
 

An opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in a highly respected local charity that makes a real difference to people affected by cancer across West Berkshire.

As Director of Operations at Newbury Cancer Care, you will be at the heart of the charity, leading its day-to-day operations and working closely with the Board of Trustees, employees, volunteers, healthcare partners and the wider local community.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys making things happen. You will provide direction and support to the team, ensure the charity operates effectively and responsibly, build strong relationships across our network and help ensure our services continue to meet the needs of local cancer patients and their families.

We are looking for a confident, compassionate and highly organised individual who can work independently, motivate others and comfortably move between strategic conversations and the practical realities of running a small charity. Experience within the charity sector would be particularly valuable, as would knowledge of charity governance, the NHS or fundraising, but equally important is an understanding of what it takes to lead a purpose-driven organisation where people and community are at the centre of everything we do.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to take on a genuinely varied and rewarding role with considerable autonomy and the chance to make a visible difference within the local community.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the operational management of Newbury Cancer Care
• Build strong relationships with trustees, volunteers, NHS teams and community partners
• Support the development of new services and future strategy
• Ensure the charity meets governance and Charity Commission requirements
• Manage budgets and financial reporting using Sage
• Lead and support volunteers, including recruitment and development
• Oversee office administration, communications and publicity
• Help identify fundraising opportunities and support community engagement
• Represent the charity at meetings, events and presentations
• Drive continuous improvement to ensure we deliver the very best support for local people affected by cancer.

About you

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable thinking strategically and rolling up their sleeves to get things done.

You'll be:

• A self-starter who enjoys working independently
• An experienced operational or charity leader
• Comfortable working with a Board of Trustees
• A confident people manager with excellent relationship-building skills
• Organised, pragmatic and able to manage multiple priorities
• Financially confident, with experience using accounting software such as Sage
• A strong communicator with excellent networking skills
• Emotionally resilient and compassionate, with the ability to support people facing difficult circumstances
• Confident using Microsoft Office and digital tools, including social media.

We'd also love to hear from you if you have experience of:

• Working within the charity sector
• NHS or healthcare environments
• Charity governance
• Fundraising and community engagement.

Why join us?

This is more than an operations role.

It's an opportunity to lead a respected local charity that genuinely changes lives every day. You'll work alongside passionate trustees, dedicated volunteers and healthcare professionals, helping ensure people affected by cancer receive the support they need, when they need it most.

Job role: Head of Finance
Salary: circa £60,000 per annum
Location: Central London / Hybrid (two days per weekonsite)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week

Lead a finance function ready for its next chapter

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance leader to join a well-established charity at a pivotal stage in its development. Reporting to the Finance Director and sitting on the Senior Leadership Group, you will lead the finance function, providing the financial leadership, insight and accountability needed to support organisational performance and future growth. The organisation has identified the need for stronger financial leadership, improved communication, more consistent reporting and greater accountability across finance, creating an opportunity for someone to make a lasting impact.


As the Head of Finance, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day finance function, ensuring efficient and effective financial operations.
• Manage month-end processes and produce accurate, insightful management accounts.
• Partner with budget holders and senior stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Monitor cash flow, financial performance and organisational resources.
• Oversee grant reporting and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Support budgeting, financial planning, governance and audit activities.
• Lead, support and develop the Finance Manager and wider finance team.
• Improve communication, accountability and service delivery across the finance function.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Significant experience of line management working within charity finance.
• Professional accountancy qualification e.g. CIMA or ACCA
• Experience producing management accounts and leading month-end close processes.
• Experience of grant management and other statutory funding agreements
• Strong financial management and finance operations expertise.
• Experience partnering with stakeholders across an organisation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead and improve a broad and varied finance function.
• Influence organisational performance and future direction.
• Manage and develop an established finance team.
• Join a charity with a positive, values-led culture.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Accountant (PART-TIME)
Bracknell | 15 - 21 Hours per Week | Flexible Working Across 3–4 Days
Salary: 37K per annum

Create Hope is a growing charity supporting families to thrive. We are seeking an experienced
Accountant to lead our day-to-day financial operations and provide high-quality financial
information to support our CEO and Board of Trustees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Managing finance and payroll records
• Processing invoices, supplier payments and staff expenses
• Monitoring grants and producing funder reports
• Preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts
• Reconciling donations and income received by the charity
• Supporting year-end accounts and external audit requirements
• Ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards, regulations and internal procedures

ABOUT YOU
• Accounting qualification or qualified by experience (QBE)
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in charity finance
• Experience of budgeting, grant reporting and payroll
• Strong Excel skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Committed to professional standards and continuous improvement

WHY JOIN US?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and ambitious charity where your expertise will
directly support our growth and help us increase our impact for families in the local community.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your suitability for the role bu cli9cking on 'apply now'

CLOSING DATE: 31 July 2026

#Accountant #Finance Accountant #Financial Accountant #Finance #Accounting #Financial Accounting #Accounts Payable #Accounts

Help Change Lives. Inspire Communities. Make a Lasting Impact.

Are you passionate about building relationships, inspiring supporters, and making a genuine difference to people's lives? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

At NICE, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults living with movement disorders and neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Through Conductive Education, we empower people to develop skills, confidence, and independence, helping them lead active and fulfilling lives beyond diagnosis.

This is an exciting time to join our charity. As we embark on an ambitious period of growth, we're looking to expand our community supporters and increase our regional presence.

About the Role

As our Community Fundraiser, you'll play a vital role in growing income and supporter engagement across a range of fundraising activities and events. Working alongside a passionate and successful fundraising team, you'll help develop meaningful relationships with families, community groups, individuals, and supporters who share our vision

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys connecting with people, bringing ideas to life, and creating fundraising experiences that inspire lasting support.

You'll work closely with the CEO, Fundraising Manager, Fundraising team, colleagues across the organisation, and, most importantly, the incredible children, adults, and families we support.

What You'll Be Doing

• Generating income through a variety of community fundraising activities and events to achieve an agreed target
• Monitor and report on income, volunteer recruitment and event registrations
• Building strong relationships with supporters and providing excellent stewardship to maximise long term engagement
• Developing and nurturing relationships with our families, community groups, volunteers, and individual supporters
• Developing a new challenge events programme

About You

We're looking for a resourceful, creative and ambitious fundraiser who can inspire others and communicate the impact of our work with confidence and passion.

You will have:

• Previous experience in fundraising and income generation
• A proven track record of supporter stewardship and relationship management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently while thriving as part of a collaborative team
• Creativity, initiative, and a proactive approach to achieving fundraising goals
• A genuine commitment to supporting disadvantaged children and adults

Why Join NICE?

At NICE, you'll be part of a dedicated team that believes in pushing the boundaries of human potential. Every day, you'll see the impact of your work on the lives of the people we support.

We are proud to offer:

• Flexible working arrangements
• A hybrid working model, combining office and home working
• The option of either 30 or 37.5 hours per week, depending on your circumstances
• 23 dyas holiday, plus 10 closed days and Bank Holidays 
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
• The opportunity to make a real difference within a growing and ambitious charity

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups and are committed to building a team with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. As a disability charity, we particularly welcome applications from disabled candidates and people living with long-term health conditions.

Ready to Make an Impact?

To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and what makes you a great fit for our team.

Join us and help create opportunities, independence, and brighter futures for people living with movement disorders.

About us

Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) is Wales’ leading charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers. Founded in 1993, we have spent more than three decades championing the welfare of sighthounds and working towards our vision: a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care.

In April 2026, after 25 years of determined campaigning to improve welfare and regulation within the racing industry, legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales was finally passed. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for GRW as we expand our reach and capacity across the UK to ensure every greyhound leaving the racing industry has a rescue space, medical support and rehabilitation on the journey towards their forever home.

To help us grow sustainably and strengthen our long‑term impact, we are now seeking to develop our fundraising team with the creation of a Head of Fundraising role. You will lead and work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Officer, Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer and Community & Events Fundraiser to deliver an annual income target of £400K+.

Role

The Head of Fundraising is a senior leadership role with overall accountability for the strategic development, operational effectiveness and performance of all fundraising activity at Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW).

The role will drive, lead and grow our fundraising strategy and has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

The role holds end‑to‑end accountability for income delivery across trusts and foundations, community and event fundraising, and sponsorship and individual giving.

The Head of Fundraising provides clear leadership to the fundraising team and has line management responsibility for:

• Trusts and Foundations Officer
• Community and Events Fundraising Officer
• Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer

Please see attached the full job description and person specification

About Ataxia UK 

Ataxia’ is an umbrella term for a group of progressive, neurological conditions which involve problems with co-ordination, balance and speech caused by disruption of the messages sent from our brains to our muscles. 

Ataxia UK funds research into cures and treatments for ataxia, including stem cell and gene therapy. By collaborating with ataxia researchers across the globe, and pharmaceutical and research organisations, we’re confident that cures can one day be found. Until then, we work towards getting better treatments for people with ataxia and providing information and  support to everyone affected. Improving their quality of life and helping to slow the progression of the disease.   

About the Role   

As our Financial Controller, you'll lead the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and efficient processes that support our mission. You'll oversee month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis, providing clear insights to inform decision-making across the organisation. Working closely with colleagues throughout the charity, you'll manage grant and restricted fund reporting, support annual planning, drive continuous improvement in financial systems and processes, and lead a small finance team. You'll also play a key role in ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards, governance requirements and best practice.

About you 

We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA ,CIPFA or similar) with at least five years' post-qualification experience and a proven track record in senior finance or audit roles. You'll be confident leading finance operations, managing staff, and turning complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.

You'll bring experience of charity finance, including grant management, restricted and unrestricted funds, and Charity SORP, alongside strong skills in Xero and Excel. Experience with Fathom and Raiser's Edge (or similar CRM/database systems) would be an advantage.

Just as importantly, you'll be passionate about making a difference for people affected by ataxia. You'll understand the barriers faced by disabled people, approach our members with empathy and respect, and share our commitment to equality, inclusion and ethical medical research.

This is an opportunity for a skilled finance professional to use their expertise to help drive our mission and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits of working for us. 

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service)
• Extra holiday day for your birthday
• Access to a free Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline
• Flexible hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer

Please see full Job Description for further details including Person Specifications. Your covering letter will be used to assess you against the person specification for this role.

Women’s Inclusive Team (WIT)

Finance and Fundraising Manager

Salary: £35,000–£45,500 FTE, pro rata
Hours: 14–21 hours per week
Location: Bethnal Green / hybrid
Contract: Permanent, subject to funding and probation
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About WIT

Women’s Inclusive Team is a community-led charity in Tower Hamlets. We work with women, children, young people and families, particularly those from Black, Asian and minoritised communities, to improve wellbeing, widen opportunities and strengthen local voices.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Finance and Fundraising Manager to join our Senior Management Team.

This is a senior, hands-on role combining charity finance with fundraising and income development. You will lead the finance function, strengthen controls and provide clear information to the CEO, trustees and senior managers.

You will also help grow and diversify income by managing WIT’s funding pipeline, identifying opportunities and contributing to strong applications, tenders, budgets and financial narratives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the finance function using QuickBooks and Excel.
• Produce management accounts, cash-flow forecasts, budgets and reforecasts.
• Strengthen reconciliations, journals, salary allocations, debtor monitoring and year-end processes.
• Maintain a central funding pipeline covering needs, opportunities, deadlines and gaps.
• Lead or contribute to funding applications, tenders, contracts and partnership bids.
• Prepare budgets, financial narratives and full-cost recovery calculations.
• Build relationships with funders, commissioners and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant and contract finances, reporting deadlines and audit trails.
• Advise the CEO, trustees, managers and budget holders.
• Line manage the Finance Assistant and improve systems and workflows.

About you

You will have:

• Strong charity finance experience, including management accounts, cash-flow forecasting, budgeting, restricted funds and financial controls.
• Experience of month-end processes, reconciliations and debtor management.
• A successful fundraising track record across grants, tenders, commissioned contracts or partnership bids.
• Experience managing a funding pipeline.
• Confidence using QuickBooks and Excel.
• Knowledge of grant management, funder reporting and audit requirements.
• The ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Strong organisational, collaborative and line-management skills.

You do not need to have held an identical combined role, but you must show strong charity finance expertise alongside credible fundraising and income-development experience.

What we offer

Flexible part-time hours, hybrid working, a place on WIT’s Senior Management Team and the opportunity to help shape the future of a values-led community charity.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and brief responses to these questions. A covering letter is not required.

1. Why would you like to work for WIT, and what attracts you to this role? Maximum 250 words.
2. Give one example of a successful funding application, tender, contract or partnership bid you contributed to. Include your role, the amount sought or secured and the outcome. Maximum 350 words.
3. Give one example of how you used management accounts, budgets or cash-flow information to support a decision, address a risk or improve financial controls. Maximum 350 words.

Closing date: 27th August 2026. We may close early if we receive enough suitable applications, so early applications are encouraged.
Interview dates: To be confirmed.

Further competency questions will be explored at interview; no lengthy written task is planned.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, right-to-work evidence and pre-employment checks. A DBS check may be required.

WIT welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 

Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity. 

We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission. 

APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.

We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.

As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes. 

The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer. 

If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT. 

• Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance. 

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives. 

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance. 

• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making. 

• Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation. 

• Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims. 

• Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives. 

• Line management of the Administration Officer. 

• Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money. 

• Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports). 

• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy. 

• Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them. 

• Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer. 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT. 

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions.

Candidate Profile

Essential 

• A financial control and reporting background with an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, CIMA) or qualified by experience. 

• Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations. 

• Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized charitable or not for profit organisation. 

• Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission. 

• Experience of cash flow forecasting. 

• Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar). 

• A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff. 

• Aptitude in problem-solving. 

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary. 

• Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines. 

• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills. 

• Excellent presentation and communication skills. 

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills. 

• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems). 

• A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance. 

• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved. 

Desirable 

• Experience in financial planning for funding applications. 

• Understanding of small-scale charitable trading. 

• Experience of commercial contract management. 

• Experience of managing an IT service provider.

• Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.

• Experience in Human Resources

General Notes

• Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks. 
• This positive will from time to time requires work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.

• We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers. 

Term and Conditions

The following terms and conditions are typically offered to Mersey Rivers Trust staff and are set out as a guide only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances, and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment

Annual leave: 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays that fall on working days and a 3 day shutdown between Christmas and New Year.

Location: Home Based

About us

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. The Finance Manager is responsible for the management of the financial accounting functions of the organisation, for the preparation of statutory accounts, regular management reports, the preparation of all tax returns, supporting budget holders and assisting them fulfil their responsibilities, and for compliance with statutory requirements including compliance with tax laws and regulations.
 

About the role

The Finance Manager will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including the nation offices, supporting and advising, building excellence in standards within the finance office and injecting innovative solutions to the organisation’s financial strategy.
 

About you

We are looking for a proactive and visible finance professional who is able to engage and build relationships across the organisation as a pivotal member within a values led high performing organisation. You will be a qualified accountant with proven track record of financial management awareness and a solid understanding of charity audits and statutory accounts preparation. You will have the ability to work with staff across the organisation in supporting good financial governance and oversight of financial operational matters. You will have the ability to analyse financial information and present this in a suitable format for the audience. You will have good ability to meet deadlines, be IT literate with an emphasis on financial systems, spreadsheets, Quickbooks and Excel. You will be highly organised with excellent attention to detail and be able to work with minimum supervision.

The role will involve the management of the day-to-day financial activities, VAT, gift aid, payroll and the monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations and statutory accounts preparation. The job holder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Officer and volunteers within the team. There will be a requirement to work closely with the income generating staff, budget holders, auditors, banks and credit card providers on a regular basis. The Finance Manager will be responsible for managing the Finance Officer and Finance volunteer. 
 

Diversity and inclusion

Carers UK is committed to becoming a diverse and truly inclusive organisation. We strive to create a workplace where our colleagues and volunteers can truly be themselves and feel like they belong and constantly seek to ensure all voices are heard.

To embrace this culture of diversity, our employee and volunteer recruitment should reflect our stakeholders and the society that we serve and support, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, disabilities or religious practices. We value individual diversity and are actively building diverse teams here at Carers UK and value our colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds.

As a membership charity for carers, we particularly seek employees and volunteers with a real understanding of the issues faced by carers. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the process and role dependent on the needs of the applicant.

At Carers UK, we want our application process to be as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to apply please email the recruitment team to discuss.

The closing date for applications is Friday 24 July 2026, 5pm.

Carers UK anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Carers UK are actively interviewing as we receive applications. 

Carers UK reserves the right to appoint at any stage, should an outstanding candidate emerge.

Carers UK may carry out online and social media checks before a formal offer is made.

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

 

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.

We are looking for a Finance Manager to be responsible for the smooth running of all aspects of the financial management of a small but ambitious charity.

The purpose of this post is to:

· Provide sound financial advice to the Chief Executiveof Cir cles South East, Board of Trustees and Managers

· Provide a high quality and effective financial management service to the charity

· Prepare, develop and analyse management accounting information

· Ensure compliance with all relevant financial statutory and regulatory matters

Head of Finance (12-Month FTC)

A well-established Housing Charity is seeking a Head of Finance on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this role offers a unique opportunity to operate as the number two in finance, playing a key role in both strategic leadership and operational delivery while supporting a period of transformation across the finance function and wider organisation.

The organisation is recognised for its commitment to delivering high-quality services and creating positive outcomes for the communities it supports.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced finance professional looking to step into a high-impact leadership position, driving improvements across people, processes and financial insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, providing stability and strong leadership during a period of organisational change.
• Drive the Finance Business Partnering function, improving budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial planning.
• Take ownership of the year-end audit, statutory accounts, month-end reporting, and strengthen financial controls and reconciliations.
• Lead finance transformation by improving processes, reducing manual ways of working and preparing the function for a future finance systems implementation.
• Produce high-quality management reporting and dashboards to support decision-making across the organisation.

 

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant with experience in social housing, charity, or care and support.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage, motivate and develop finance teams.
• Experience operating at both a strategic and operational level, with a strong focus on business partnering.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, systems and communication skills.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact within the finance function while supporting a wider organisational transformation. There is a genuine opportunity for the role to become permanent, making it an ideal position for someone seeking both an immediate challenge and long-term stability.

The organisation is looking to appoint quickly, so candidates available at short notice / immediately available are encouraged to apply.