A growing £1million turnover charity dedicated to the health and wellbeing of children and adults through the healing power of music have newly created a Head of Finance and Operations role. This role will drive organisational impact with a values driven approach towards financial strategy, resource optimisation, and operational excellence.
As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Head of Finance and Operations provides a pivotal role in the strategic and operational leadership across the core support functions of the charity. Through sound management of resources, risk, people, systems and data, this role ensures robust governance, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and organisational effectiveness enabling the charity to achieve its mission.
The core support functions of the charity include Finance, HR, technology and data, health and safety, and governance.
Salary: £60,000 per annum (this will be pro-rata'd for 30hours per week)
Benefits Excellent benefits package including 35 days per year (inclusive of bank holidays), Employer Pension contribution of 6%, Death in Service benefits, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and the opportunity for flexible working.
Contract: Part time 30 hours per week, Permanent
Location: Remote based role with an occasional travel to London, we encourage applicants from across the UK.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- As a member of the SLT, actively contribute to the development and delivery of the charity's strategic plan, leading on the organisational planning and performance for operational areas.
- Work with the CEO to ensure the Board fulfils its legal, regulatory, and financial responsibilities with effective controls through various Board meetings and sub-committees.
- Lead on the risk management for the charity, working with the Board and SLT to identify, record and mitigate risk.
- Act as the Data Protection Officer for the charity
- Lead, manage and develop the Finance Manager to oversee day to day financial operations and controls.
- Lead, manage and develop the Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day management of the charity's core support functions.
- Develop, lead and implement the financial strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability. whilst managing cashflow, reserves and investments in line with the relevant policies.
- Lead on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting providing analysis to the CEO, SLT, Board and budget holders to support decision-making.
- Prepare and complete annual accounts and statutory returns ensuring compliance with charity finance regulations, managing relationships with auditors and financial institutions.
- Working with external providers, and advisors, lead on people strategy, including recruitment, retention, performance and people development.
- Ensure legal compliance with employment law and best practice HR policies.
- Promote an inclusive and supportive organisational culture, collaborating with other SLT colleagues to embed the actions on the charity's Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), leadership development and culture change strategic plans.
- Working with external provider and advisors, oversee IT infrastructure, cyber security and responsibility for the organisation's data protection compliance (including GDPR).
- Oversee organisational health and safety strategy, compliance and training.
- Deputise for the Chief Executive in their absence as required
- Act with integrity and maintain the highest professional standards at all times.
- Carry out other duties as necessary to meet the needs of the organisation.
Candidates applying for this role must have the following skills and experience:
- CCAB recognised qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
- Proven senior leadership experience in the charity or not for profit sector.
- Demonstrable experience of working with Boards and Trustees, experience in HR, governance, and compliance at a strategic level.
- Strong financial acumen and experience of preparing annual accounts, budgets, management accounts and financial reports.
- Proven track record of identification and management of risk.
- Knowledge of charity finance and reporting
- Knowledge of charity law, risk management and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong understanding of digital tools, systems and data governance.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial and performance information into accessible management information
- Demonstrable understanding of strategies for embedding change into ways of working.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to focus, align, and deliver, on operational duties.
This role will be closing on 3rd November, 2025 and candidates shortlisted will be required to answer three questions which will form as part of shortlisting by the client.
First interview on 11th or 12th November, 2025
Second stage interview on 17th November, 2025
Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background-e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Trust and Foundations Manager £38,250 Full time remote
Are you passionate about securing funding that transforms girls' lives? We're looking for a strategic and organised Trusts and Foundations Manager to maintain and expand our trusts and foundations portfolio at GFS. You'll lead the full fundraising lifecycle from prospect research and compelling application writing to grant management, reporting and stewardship, while embedding our fundraising strategy and building values-aligned partnerships.
About Girls Friendly Society
Established in 1875, GFS is one of the oldest UK registered charities working to support girls and young women. We believe in challenging gender inequality by empowering girls and young women. We achieve this by providing groups and opportunities for girls and young women to build friendships, gain confidence, and learn that they are unstoppable. We deliver a programme of activities designed to develop socio-emotional skills such as confidence, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, and recruit and train women volunteers to run those activities in a space designed for girls and young women. We prioritise working in areas of disadvantage.
Why Join Us?
At GFS, we believe in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where our team can thrive. As part of our organisation, you'll enjoy:
- Remote working with annual in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues
- 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays
- Long service leave after two years
- GFS Pension Scheme with 7.5% employer contribution
- We embrace flexible working and support our employees to work in ways that suit their individual circumstances and responsibilities.
- 24-hour access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual EDI Learning Days
- Study time and personal training budget to support your professional development
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
GFS is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from marginalised communities including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those from underrepresented groups.
As part of our commitment to equitable recruitment, we guarantee interviews for candidates from marginalised communities who meet the essential criteria for the role. We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure an accessible and inclusive process.
Key Dates
- Closing date: Noon, Tuesday 4th November 2025
- First Stage Interviews: Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th November 2025
- Second Stage Interviews: Wednesday 26th November 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.