Head of Finance & Operations
We are looking for a Head of Finance & Operations to join our growing team in this flexible, remote working role (4 days per week).
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within an organisation that is transforming environmental philanthropy across the UK.
Position: Head of Finance & Operations
Location: Remote (occasional travel to London and other UK locations)
Salary: £60,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: 4 days a week (flexible working considered for the right candidate)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 23rd November 2025
The Role
As Head of Finance & Operations, you will play a pivotal role in leading EFN’s financial, operational, and HR functions, ensuring the organisation continues to thrive and deliver on its ambitious strategy.
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), you will join the Leadership Team and work closely with the ED and Board of Trustees to ensure sound financial management, operational excellence, and a supportive, effective working culture.
You will:
- Lead on day-to-day financial management, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes
- Oversee governance, compliance, and risk management across all areas of operations
- Manage HR, IT, and systems to support our remote-working team
- Drive continuous improvement in policies, processes, and internal systems (including Salesforce and Xero)
- Provide strategic insight and deputise for the ED when required
- Support staff development and wellbeing, ensuring a positive and inclusive organisational culture
This is a new role reflecting EFN’s recent growth and commitment to strengthening its operational foundations for long-term impact.
About You
We are seeking an experienced and strategic finance and operations leader who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
You will have:
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or AAT)
- At least 7 years’ experience in financial and operational management within the charity sector
- Strong understanding of HR, IT, risk management, and governance in small teams
- Proven experience managing budgets, audits, and charity accounts (Xero experience ideal)
- Excellent project management and strategic planning skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and mentor others
- A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach
Desirable:
- Knowledge of UK charity governance and reporting requirements
- Experience working with philanthropists, funders, or in the environmental sector
- Interest in climate and biodiversity issues
Benefits Include:
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata
- 7% employer pension contribution
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development opportunities
- Home working allowance, laptop, and IT support
About the Organisation
The Environmental Funders Network (EFN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming environmental philanthropy. We work to increase the scale and effectiveness of environmental giving by supporting funders, sharing insight and research, and fostering collaboration across the sector.
EFN is a remote-working organisation with a UK-wide network of over 1,000 funders and 1,800 fundraisers, all committed to creating a thriving planet for future generations.
If you are passionate about supporting environmental impact through strategic finance and operational leadership, we would love to hear from you.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to finance? Do you want to use your skills to make a real difference in people’s lives?
The Organisation
Canopy is an award-winning, pioneering self-help housing organisation based in inner-city Leeds. We bring empty homes back into use, support homeless families, train volunteers in construction skills, and help diverse neighbourhoods thrive. We are a Charitable Community Benefit Society with a strong social mission and a collaborative, values-driven culture.
The Role
We are looking for a Finance Manager to lead our financial planning, reporting, and compliance, whilst supporting operational excellence. This is a key leadership role, working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to ensure the smooth running of our internal infrastructure.
Please visit our website for our full Job Description and Person Spec.
Key Responsibilities include:
Finance
- Lead all financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and reporting activities.
- Oversee cash flow, accounting, and audit functions.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal controls, including bank and credit card reconciliations.
- Produce monthly expenditure reports to assist the Senior Management Team.
- Produce quarterly management accounts for Board and Lenders.
- Prepare the annual financial statements and oversee the audit process.
- Ensure financial and regulatory returns are submitted in a timely manner.
- Provide strategic financial insights to the Board, Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team, driving sound decision-making, procurement decisions, business planning, fundraising and value for money.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of Canopy’s tenants’ rent accounts, preparing and issuing statements as required by the regulator.
- Establish and maintain working practices that would comply with the Regulator of Social Housing’s Economic Standards
- Ensure contractors, suppliers, petty cash accounts, and volunteer expenses are paid in a timely manner.
Administration & Operations
- Supervise the bookkeeper.
- Manage the IT Support Contractor, ensuring they maintain data integrity, security, and availability across the organization.
The Person
Essential Criteria
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Experience of managing audits and preparing statutory accounts.
- Experience of working in a senior administrative or operational role.
- Experience of managing or supervising staff and/or contractors.
What we offer:
- Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working
- Generous holiday entitlement, with the option to buy or sell leave
- A supportive, inclusive, and purpose-driven team
- The opportunity to be part of a unique and impactful organisation
- Casual dress in the office
We empower people who are homeless to transform empty houses in Leeds into homes and become part of a community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.