73 Director of finance operations jobs in Central London, Greater London

A little bit about the role

Contract: Full time, fixed term
Salary: £87,632.09 (incl London Office Allowance) plus competitive pension
Location: Hybrid- 2 days per week in London Office

The Culture and Operations Director (COD) ensures Frontline is a high-performing, well-governed charity with a strong culture of freedom and responsibility - a place people can do their best work to achieve Frontline’s mission.

They have strategic responsibility for charity-wide planning to ensure Frontline’s operational functions, effectively support teams to navigate challenges whilst maximising new opportunities. The successful candidate will join Frontline at a pivotal moment and play a key role in driving the next exciting step of our growth.

The COD will ensure high-quality operational support is available to all teams. Working closely with Frontline’s Leadership Group (Heads and Directors), to make sure that the appropriate and timely information, tools and guidance (e.g. HR, IT and finance) are available to managers and teams as needed. This includes working alongside other members of SLT, to:

• Confidently support Frontline through a period of growth and structural change
• Embody the culture of freedom and responsibility, leading by example, and implementing strategies which improve efficiency and quality
• Maintain Executive oversight of Frontline’s finances, working  with Head of Finance and Finance Audit and Risk Committee (FARC) Chair to ensure budgeting and financial decision-making is robust and strategic, to support the ongoing stability of the charity
• Maintain clear communication across teams, ensuring a connected and informed workforce who collaborate effectively. Oversee the success of key events such as annual all-staff away days, monthly gatherings and leadership stocktakes
• Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders including Frontline trustees, partner organisations and the Department for Education (DfE)
• Effectively lead teams to maintain Frontline's strong track-record of meeting legal/regulatory requirements, to minimise risk to the charity

Key Responsibilities

The COD will lead teams delivering on operational priorities in line with freedom and responsibility, to ensure we remain high performing:

Change management:

• Lead the coordination and project-management of an organisation-wide restructure, ensuing the charity is well-positioned to deliver on contractual obligations whilst diversifying to further amplify our impact and that teams are kept well-informed and feed into structural changes
• Support Frontline teams to work  collaboratively and deliver plans to broaden the scope of Frontline's work, extending activity beyond current areas of focus whilst maintaining a strong, shard commitment to Freedom and Responsibility.
• Develop and adhere to tracking and monitoring systems ensuring annual priorities remain on track to achieve Frontline's mission and long-term strategy.

People and Culture:

• Manage the Head of People to identify new and creative ways to further strengthen and embed our culture and grow personal accountability
• Support the Head of People to ensure excellent HR administration, support and use of data (e.g. staff turnover, sickness levels and performance reporting) to inform future planning and decision-making
• Ensure the team design and deliver high-quality staff induction and training which support staff to thrive (e.g. personal leadership, managing effectively and radical candour)
• Maintain awareness of trends and developing technologies to support efficiencies, e.g approaches to recruitment and support to managers.

Finance and Governance:

• Manage Head of Finance and Compliance to ensure sound budget management (£25m annually), financial controls and clear reporting mechanisms are in place
• Work with the Finance team to ensure FARC and the board have the necessary information and confidence in the financial leadership of Frontline.

Charity Quality and Efficiency:

• Manage and support IT and System leads across Frontline, ensuring they have the resources and compliance mechanisms to ensure robust systems are in place.
• Support Contract Governance teams to negotiate and implement significant government contracts, ensuring outcomes are achievable and effective governance and commercially sound contracts are in place.

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

In this role you are responsible for day-to-day operational activity across both finance and HR functions, working closely with the Finance Officer and reporting to the Head of Finance (with ‘dotted line’ reporting to Director of Finance and Operations in respect of HR activity). 
The role requires effective use of systems to enable efficient processes, with responsibility for data held on the HR system and management of routine employee related processes including recruitment and onboarding. The role also shares responsibility for processing invoices and payments on the finance system, responding to queries from colleagues and 3rd party partners. You will provide support for Head of Finance and Director Finance and Operations where required, including data analysis, reporting and preparation of returns across both finance and HR remits.

How to apply
To apply for this role please send your CV and cover letter (maximum two pages) including responses to the three questions below:
1. Tell us about a time when you identified a process that could be improved or made more efficient. How did you approach making the change, and what did you do to ensure the process was accurate, consistent and effective?
2. Describe a situation where you had to handle sensitive financial or employee information while also resolving a difficult or confidential issue. What approach did you take?
3. Give an example of when you have had to manage competing priorities. How did you decide what to do first, and how did you ensure important deadlines were met?

HR and Recruitment
• Maintain accurate data on our HR system including starters, leavers, holiday and other absences
• Report on key employee metrics including sickness absence, holiday, TOIL, diversity
• Support line managers with recruitment activity including making effective use of the Applicant Tracking System to ensure a good candidate experience and to report recruitment metrics to enable continuous improvement
• Manage onboarding for new starters including reference requests, pre-employment checks, induction processes
• Coordinate arrangements for training sessions for staff
• Support Head of Finance with monthly payroll processes
• Support Director of Finance and Operations in maintaining and publicising HR policies, keeping the Employee Handbook current
• Maintain up to date employee guides and templates for key HR processes including appraisals, mid year reviews, recruitment, induction, flexible leave

Finance Administration
• Maintain appropriate employee access to Finance Systems, including being able to claim staff expenses and raise sales invoice requests, and support employees in using these systems. 
• Respond to queries in the central accounts mailbox, liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support Head of Finance and Finance Officer with Purchase Ledger, including posting and payment of supplier invoices in a timely manner, ensuring accurate coding and authorisation in line with limits, maintenance of supplier accounts, reconciliations and remittances.
• Support Head of Finance and Finance Officer with management of company credit cards and virtual cards, including reconciling statements and accurate posting to the ledger. 
• Assist in raising sales invoices and accurately recording income. 
• Assist with Credit Control, chasing overdue debts and reporting to the Head of Finance.
• Support Head of Finance with analysis of financial data from the finance system (Xero) for reporting and other ad-hoc purposes
• Assist in maintaining up to date procedures. 

There is an opportunity to attend theatre press nights where appropriate and to take advantage of trade tickets when offered

This role sits within the Finance and Operations team whose focus is to ensure the organisations operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Our team operates across Finance, HR, Technology, Facilities and Compliance, to ensure that systems and processes are set up which promote smooth delivery and support the work of the organisations. This includes adherence to regulatory requirements and best practice standards

The Accounts Receivable Controller plays a key role in the financial management of the School, ensuring the accurate and timely billing, reconciliation, and collection of all tuition, transport, financial aid, after-school, and extracurricular fees. The role manages billing and collection processes for over 900 families and partner organisations, ensuring data accuracy, financial compliance, and an exceptional level of customer service.

This position supports approximately £50 million in annual tuition and related income and requires a detail-oriented, technology-savvy, and proactive professional capable of operating efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Billing and Data Management

• Manage end-to-end billing for tuition, transportation, financial aid, after-school programs, and all ancillary charges for the School and its subsidiary.

• Maintain accurate family and student billing records in the school’s finance and student information systems (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central).

• Collaborate with Admissions, and departmental administrators and other internal stakeholders to ensure timely updates to student and fee data.

• Generate, review, and distribute invoices within strict deadlines; ensure compliance with Accounting and VAT regulations as well as school policies and contractual obligations.

• Monitor and reconcile data between finance, admissions, and student databases to ensure billing integrity.

• Prepare and maintain accurate audit trails for all transactions.

Collections and Customer Relations

• Manage the collection of fees and ensure that payments are received in line with the School’s terms and conditions.

• Communicate effectively and empathetically with parents, companies, and sponsors regarding outstanding balances.

• Negotiate payment plans where appropriate, maintaining professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive personal circumstances.

• Work collaboratively with the Finance Manager and Director of Finance & Operations to review overdue accounts and agree on next steps.

Reconciliation and Reporting

• Perform regular reconciliations between the fees ledger, bank accounts, and other sub-ledgers.

• Analyse billing and cash flow trends; prepare reports for management, auditors, and the Board as required.

• Produce insightful analytical reports on billing to assist in long-term financial planning.

• Support external audits and provide all necessary documentation related to fees and revenue.

Systems, Innovation, and Process Improvement

• Utilise financial systems effectively; identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting accuracy, and user experience.

• Contribute to digital transformation initiatives such as online payment platforms, automated invoicing, and data analytics tools.

• Ensure compliance with relevant UK financial, consumer, and data protection legislation, including GDPR, Consumer Credit Act, and HMRC guidelines.

• Maintain awareness of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and apply appropriate due diligence when processing and verifying payments from individuals and organisations.

• Identify and escalate potential compliance or irregular payment concerns to the Director of Finance & Operations.

• Develop and document best practices and standard operating procedures to ensure efficiency and consistency.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues across Finance, Admissions, Operations, and Academic departments.

• Provide support and training to other team members on billing processes and systems.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer service.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A professional qualification in the accounting and finance field or equivalent.

• Substantive experience in an accounting, billing, or accounts receivable role.

• Proficiency with financial management systems (e.g. Business Central, iSAMS, Sage, or similar).

• Advanced Excel and data reconciliation skills.

• Strong understanding of financial controls and internal audit practices.

• Awareness of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) principles and responsibilities.

• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience in the education sector, particularly within an international or independent school.

• Familiarity with financial aid administration, bursaries, or corporate billing.

• Experience managing large account portfolios (500+ customers).

• Knowledge of UK accounting standards and charity finance compliance.

Key Competencies and Attributes

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Ensures precision and reliability across all financial processes.

• Technological Proficiency: Experienced with finance software, databases, and advanced Excel functions.

• Analytical Thinking: Able to interpret and reconcile complex financial data.

• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication, with diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.

• Deadline Management: Works efficiently under pressure, meeting strict billing and reporting deadlines.

• Compliance Awareness: Understands financial, AML, and data protection responsibilities.

• Team Player: Collaborative, supportive, and approachable.

• Initiative and Innovation: Continuously looks for ways to improve processes and customer experience.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive our mission to respect, protect and fulfil economic, social and cultural rights across the UK.

As Director, you will lead our talented team in delivering the organisation’s strategy, strengthening our influence and increasing our impact as the UK’s leading voice on human rights, poverty and inequality.

We are looking for someone with senior leadership experience, a strong track record in fundraising and influencing change, excellent relationship-building skills, and a deep commitment to human rights and social justice.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected national organisation at the forefront of advancing rights across the UK.

Our client is a leading independent think tank and advocacy organisation. For over 50 years, we have worked to challenge inequalities and create a more just and equitable society through high-quality research, evidence-based policy development, and public engagement. Our work seeks not only to understand inequality but to challenge the structures and systems that sustain it. We are a values-led organisation – uncompromising on quality, rooted in care, thoughtfully courageous, and committed to solidarity and social justice.

We are seeking a resilient, confident, and strategically minded Director of Finance and Operations to lead our core operational and enabling functions. Working closely with the CEO as a trusted partner, you will ensure the organisation has the financial resilience, operational infrastructure, and governance frameworks needed to deliver its mission.

Key priorities for the role include bringing structure, stability, and clarity to a deeply passionate, activist-driven team of 15 people. You will build agile systems that enable a dual focus: balancing long-term strategic projects with fast-paced, responsive work, championing this reactive work as a natural and vital part of our impact.

Director of Finance and Operations
Our Client
Salary: £68,985 to £77,643 (FTE, pro-rata for part-time)
Location: Hybrid – two days a week in the office in London
Hours: 28 to 35 hours per week (0.8 to 1 FTE)

About you

We are seeking a highly collaborative and objective leader, with:

• A demonstrable background in a senior finance and/or operations leadership role within the charity, not-for-profit, public, or values-led sector.
• A recognised accountancy qualification or demonstrable equivalent senior-level financial management expertise gained through practice.
• A proven track record of building, structuring, and developing an operations team from the ground up.
• Experience working within a mission-driven or activist charity environment, possessing a strong understanding of how to support and manage the unique dynamics of a deeply passionate workforce.
• Resilience, confidence, and grit, with the ability to bring structure and clarity during times of organisational change or transition.
• Agility and adaptability, with the ability to shift gears quickly to manage a dual environment of long-term projects and fast-paced, responsive work.
• Diplomatic leadership capabilities to balance and bridge the rights and responsibilities of a mission-driven team.
• An objective, clear, and firm approach when establishing and embedding operational systems, processes, and expectations.
• Strong financial and analytical proficiency to interpret, present, and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences including Boards and senior leadership teams.

Crucially, you will share a demonstrable commitment to social justice, equity-centred leadership, and fostering inclusive organisational cultures.

How to Apply

For further information, to access the microsite and to apply to this role, please click 'redirect to recruiter'

If you have any queries, please contact our retained advisor via email with a copy of your CV.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date for applications is 27th September.

The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We support outstanding research and researchers, bring new ideas into public debate and help ensure that evidence and expertise inform some of the biggest questions facing society.

We are looking for a new Director of Finance & Resources to help us build on that work and plan confidently for the future.

This is an important appointment at an exciting point in the Academy’s development. We will celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2027, following a period in which we have grown our policy work, transformed our building to create more opportunities for public engagement and developed a national network for early career researchers.

As Director of Finance & Resources, you will make sure we have the resources, systems and organisational capacity to deliver our ambitions. You will lead our finance function and have overall responsibility for HR, IT & AV, Estates & Facilities, and Venue Sales & Marketing, working with experienced Heads of Department across each area.

Finance will be central to the role. You will lead our financial strategy and planning, oversee our financial controls and reporting, and provide clear advice to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team, Council and its committees. You will also help us think longer term about our financial sustainability, including our plans to diversify income through philanthropy and commercial activity.

But we are looking for more than a strong Finance Director. You will be part of a close-knit Senior Management Team which works collectively to lead the Academy. We want someone who is interested in the organisation as a whole, who enjoys working across boundaries and who can help colleagues make good decisions about where we put our people, money and attention.

You will also have responsibility for some important assets. These include our historic home at 10–11 Carlton House Terrace, our technology and infrastructure, and our trading subsidiary. Ultimately, your job will be to make sure these resources are working as hard as possible in support of the Academy’s purpose.

About you

You will be a CCAB-qualified accountant with substantial and senior finance experience, gained in a complex organisation. You will have led finance teams and significant budgets and be comfortable advising senior leaders, Boards or Trustees.

You will also bring broader leadership experience. You may already have responsibility beyond finance, or have worked closely with areas such as people, operations, estates or technology.

We are looking for someone who can combine sound financial judgement with a practical, collaborative approach. You will be able to deal with complexity without making things unnecessarily complicated, communicate clearly with people who are not finance specialists, and provide constructive challenge when it is needed.

You should also be someone who enjoys leading through others. There are strong Heads of Department across the Resources portfolio, so this isn't about being the expert in every area. It is about setting direction, asking good questions, supporting people to succeed and bringing the different parts of the portfolio together.

Why join us?

The British Academy has a distinctive role in national life. In 2025/26 we awarded around £63 million in research funding. Alongside funding research, we convene academics, policymakers, businesses and civil society, engage the public with new ideas and use research to inform policy.

The Director of Finance & Resources helps make all of that possible.

For someone who wants to use their financial and leadership experience in an organisation with a clear public purpose, this is an opportunity to make a real contribution to the Academy’s next chapter.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: Sunday 27th September, midnight

Shortlisting:Thursday 8th October

Fireside chats with CEO: week of 12th October

Panel Interviews:20th / 23rd October

To apply, please send your CV, along with a supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) via the link by Sunday 27th September.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.

The Associate Director (Investments) role will design and lead a new mission-aligned strategy that puts racial justice and community power at its centre - redefining how our capital can be put to work to restore dignity and collective care within communities.

This is not a conventional investment role. It will take all of us, including our grant partners to imagine, design and build. Your role is to hold this with bravery and humility, and a willingness to shift as we continue to learn and deepen our strategic ambitions.

We are looking for someone who is as comfortable engaging with communities on the ground as they are with fund managers and wealth advisers - someone who understands that the way capital moves is itself an act of power, and who brings the vision, relationships and technical grounding to help Tudor use its assets in genuine service of our mission.

You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, serve as Tudor's primary investment adviser to the Board and Finance
& Investment Committee, and lead a working group of trustees and partners as we chart this new course. 

Noah's Ark Children's Hospice is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to recruit a Director of Finance on a permanent basis. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded children's hospice at a pivotal stage of its development, taking a leading role in strengthening financial performance, improving organisational effectiveness and helping shape the charity's next phase of growth.

This is more than a traditional Finance Director role. Noah's Ark has undergone significant transformation in recent years, moving from a predominantly community-based service to operating a 24/7 hospice facility at The Ark. The successful candidate will join at a critical point in this journey, with the opportunity to strengthen the finance function whilst working closely with the wider Senior Leadership Team to ensure the charity is making the best possible use of its resources and delivering maximum value for children and families.

For an ambitious, commercially minded finance leader, this is an opportunity to combine strong financial leadership with genuine organisational impact, helping to shape a more effective operating model and contributing directly to the future direction of the charity.

The role

• Partner with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to shape the charity's financial and strategic direction during a period of organisational change.
• Stabilise and strengthen the finance function, ensuring high-quality financial management, robust controls and accurate, insightful reporting.
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting and financial planning process, including modelling different care delivery approaches, investment decisions and longer-term strategic scenarios.
• Support the charity to improve its financial position, identifying opportunities to increase efficiency and ensure resources are being deployed to maximum effect.
• Oversee statutory accounts, external reporting, audit and regulatory requirements, ensuring the charity maintains strong financial governance and compliance.
• Ensure effective management of reserves, investments, cash flow, liquidity, insurance and restricted funds.
• Contribute to the development of the charity's next multi-year strategic plan, bringing commercial discipline, financial insight and a practical focus on delivery.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiency and productivity improvements across the organisation, working collaboratively with colleagues to turn insight into action.
• Support the design and implementation of new IT and financial systems, ensuring they provide the information and controls required to support an effective organisation.
• Lead and develop a small finance team, setting clear expectations, building capability and creating a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Play an active role in wider organisational leadership, bringing constructive challenge and financial insight to decisions beyond the traditional finance remit.

The organisation

Noah's Ark Children's Hospice provides specialist care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, alongside their families. Its purpose-built hospice, The Ark, opened in 2019 and provides a unique environment where children can receive specialist care, therapy, bereavement support and family services in a safe and welcoming setting.

Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, Noah's Ark supports families across North and Central London and Hertsmere, delivering care wherever it is needed - in the family home, within the community or at The Ark.

This is an organisation with a warm, supportive culture and a strong commitment to its values of Kindness, Excellence and Courage. It is now looking for a finance leader who can combine that collaborative approach with the confidence to challenge constructively, make difficult decisions and drive meaningful improvement.

Essential criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong experience leading a finance function.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, governance, audit and statutory reporting.
• Demonstrable experience producing and interpreting high-quality financial information that supports effective decision-making.
• Experience leading and developing teams, with the confidence to set expectations, address underperformance and hold colleagues accountable.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and non-finance colleagues.
• A proactive, hands-on and self-starting appr

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Senior Finance Manager/Financial Controller to work for this well-established charity based in Northwest London (Hybrid) 

THIS IS AN URGENT PERMANENT POSITION WITH INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

• Position: Permanent
• Title: Senior Finance Manager/Financial Controller
• Reporting to: Director of Finance:
• Management: 2 Finance Staff: Finance Manager & Finance Assistant
• Salary: £55.000pa - £58.000pa
• Hybrid working: 3 days a week is required in their offices in Northwest London
• Qualification: A Fully Qualified Accountant is required.

The Role 

As the Senior Finance Manager/Financial Controller, you will run the day-to-day financial operations, taking ownership of transactional accounting and month-end reconciliations. You’ll maintain the general ledger, ensure data integrity across systems, and manage accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit control functions.

The role involves coordinating payroll, preparing management accounts and VAT returns, supporting budget preparation and assisting with year-end accounts and internal and external audits. You’ll also manage the Finance Manager and play a key role in the organisation’s financial stability and operational success.

Requirements 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification).
• Proven experience managing the month-end close and preparing management accounts.
• High-level Excel proficiency and ability to work with financial data confidently.
• Experience with accounting software (Xero experience is advantageous). Proactive self-starter with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Experience in the charity sector, including technical expertise in Charity SORP.

Senior Management Accountant

Uxbridge High School | Permanent | Full Time | £49,054 – £53,171 per annum

Goodman Masson are delighted to be supporting Uxbridge High School with the appointment of a Senior Management Accountant.

We are looking for a technically strong, fully qualified accountant to join the Finance Team at this exciting and ambitious school, playing a key role in strengthening financial management and supporting effective decision-making across the organisation.

About Uxbridge High School

Uxbridge High School is a highly successful, oversubscribed co-educational academy for students aged 11–18, with more than 1,300 students, including 220 students in the sixth form.

The school has a strong local reputation and is proud of its diverse and ambitious student body, dedicated staff and commitment to providing a gold standard education.

The Finance Team plays a vital role in supporting the school's strategic priorities, ensuring strong financial management, accountability and value for money.

About the role

As Senior Management Accountant, you will report to the Director of Finance & Operations and take ownership of a broad range of management accounting and financial management responsibilities.

You will lead on the preparation of management accounts, budget monitoring, forecasting, reconciliations, cashflow reporting, payroll review and financial controls.

A key part of the role will be providing clear financial insight and commentary to the Director of Finance & Operations, senior leaders, trustees and budget holders, helping ensure financial information translates into effective organisational decision-making.

You will also have supervisory responsibilities, providing technical guidance to colleagues, reviewing finance work and helping to ensure the team consistently delivers accurate work to agreed deadlines.

Key responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading on monthly management accounts, forecasts and budget monitoring
• Providing insightful variance analysis and financial commentary
• Supporting senior leaders and budget holders with financial advice
• Leading month-end and year-end processes
• Maintaining and reviewing key balance sheet and control account reconciliations
• Managing cashflow reporting and wider financial planning
• Reviewing and reconciling monthly payroll
• Supporting internal and external audit processes
• Supporting the five-year budget plan and integrated financial planning

About you

We are seeking a fully qualified accountant with a recognised professional qualification such as ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS or equivalent.

You will have a strong management accounting background and experience across areas such as management accounts, forecasting, budget monitoring, reconciliations, month-end and year-end processes.

We are particularly keen to speak with candidates who have experience of:

• Producing management accounts and financial reports
• Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Financial controls and reconciliations
• Audit preparation and supporting audit queries
• Improving financial systems and processes
• Working accurately to tight deadlines
• Advanced Excel and financial data analysis

Experience within a school, academy trust, charity, public sector or similarly regulated environment would be advantageous. Knowledge of academy finance requirements, ESFA returns and school MIS platforms would also be desirable.

You will be a confident communicator who can explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders, challenge appropriately and build strong relationships across an organisation.

What's on offer?

Alongside a salary of £49,054 – £53,171 per annum, inclusive of Outer London weighting, the successful candidate will receive:

• 34 days' annual leave, rising to 37 days after 10 years' continuous service
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Early finish on Fridays
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Staff wellbeing initiatives

Application deadline is Wednesday 26^th August. CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis, please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered.

NWLLC is a community-based legal practice and a registered charity. We comprise the Brent Community Law Centre and Camden Community Law Centre.

NWLLC now works across northwest London supporting residents to understand and enforce their legal rights.  In doing so, we address the root causes of social injustice – poverty, family breakdown, unemployment and exploitation.

NWLLC provides full legal casework, representation and advice in the following areas of social welfare law – Housing, Immigration & Asylum and Welfare Rights. In 2024-25 we assisted over 3500 people. We represent clients in all courts and tribunals.

We provide outreach advice services in Brent and Camden including Camden Safety Net.

We also provide the housing duty solicitor schemes at Central London Country Court giving emergency representation in possession hearings for rent and owned homes and at the warrant stage for evictions.

To oversee and manage all financial and accounts record keeping and maintain all operations and compliance to ensure the smooth running of a legal practice.

Key Tasks

 Finance

1. Maintain our Quickbooks accounts system/ Clio Case Management System

2. Process payment requests, staff and volunteers expenses and invoices

3. Identify and follow up debtors

4. Monthly reconciliation and bookkeeping of all cards and accounts 

5. Assist with preparation of monthly management, year-end accounts and audit process

6. Work with the Director for the takeover of the calculation and reporting of the taxes owed by the law centre

7. Work with the Director to take over the administration of the NWLLC payroll and pension

8. Responsible for liaison with external accountants and auditors

Legal Practice and Billing

1. Preparing information and submitting for all monthly reports to the Legal Aid Agency, including CWA (Legal Help) and Court Duty submissions

2. Work with the Director to take over the preparation of work in progress reports

3. Work with the Director to prepare and disseminate monthly billing reports

4. Work with the Supervising solicitor and the SMT to identify cases to push through the billing process.

Your role

We are seeking a Finance & Operations Leader to lead Design for Good’s finance, operations and organisational effectiveness, combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director (MD), you will lead the organisation’s core finance, operational and enabling functions, ensuring we have the financial and operational infrastructure, people systems and governance frameworks needed to deliver our mission.

This is a hands-on senior leadership role, suited to someone who is both strategically minded and operationally confident — a collaborative leader who can lead suppliers, strengthen systems and financial processes, and take ownership of day-to-day operational delivery in a growing global charity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial leadership, planning and sustainability

● Support the MD in developing the annual organisational budget and take overall responsibility for financial performance, controls and processes.

● Work closely with the external accountants to ensure timely and accurate management accounts, annual accounts, financial reports, forecasts reporting for the MD, Board and Finance Committee.

● Take ownership of cash-flow forecasting, reserves management, financial planning and financial controls to support the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.

● Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, Companies House requirements (for any trading subsidiary) and charity SORP accounting standards.

● Lead the annual independent examination process and manage relationships with external auditors/examiners and other financial advisers.

● Oversee payroll, pensions, VAT returns and day-to-day financial administration, working closely with the external accounts team.

● Oversee restricted fund accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of grant expenditure, compliance with funder requirements and timely financial reporting.

Operations, systems and organisational effectiveness

● Lead and strengthen the organisation’s operational infrastructure, ensuring systems, processes and ways of working are effective, efficient and fit for purpose.

● Maintain an overall organisational plan, coordinating priorities, timelines and dependencies across the organisation.

● Identify and implement opportunities to improve organisational systems, operational processes and internal coordination to strengthen effectiveness and support sustainable growth.

● Oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation, including office management, IT systems, supplier contracts and operational compliance.

● Ensure the organisation’s IT and digital systems effectively support current and future organisational needs, including identifying and implementing opportunities for AI to improve efficiency and support organisational goals.

● Lead procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money, appropriate controls and effective supplier relationships.

● Lead financial and operational planning for key organisational activities, including the logistics and delivery of major events.

● Oversee joiner and leaver processes, ensuring a consistent, compliant and effective experience and that all required processes are correctly followed.

Governance, risk & compliance

● Lead the management, monitoring and reporting of the organisational risk register, ensuring key risks are actively managed and appropriately reported to the Board and relevant sub-committees.

● Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including employment law, GDPR, health and safety and charity law.

● Act as the organisational lead for data protection, ensuring effective and compliant data protection practices across the organisation.

● Provide the Company Secretary function, including preparing Board papers and minutes, supporting the administration of the Finance and Risk Committees, and maintaining statutory registers and records.

● Work closely with the Chairs of the Finance and Risk Committees to support effective Board oversight of financial, operational and organisational risks.

● Ensure organisational policies are kept up to date, appropriately reviewed and approved by the Trustees.

Key Requirements

● Demonstrable experience in a senior finance and operations leadership role within a charity, not-for-profit, public or values-led organisation.

● Strong experience leading organisational operations and enabling functions, including finance, governance, compliance, IT and organisational infrastructure.

● Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounting, financial controls, audit processes and financial planning.

● Experience contributing to organisational strategy, operational planning and decision-making as part of a senior leadership team.

● Good understanding of governance, organisational risk management and regulatory compliance within a charity or not-for-profit environment.

● Experience working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities, complexity and operational risk while maintaining a high standard of delivery.

Preferred Skills and qualifications

● At least 5 years’ experience in a managerial finance and/or operations role.

● Ability to operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels, balancing long-term organisational planning with hands-on delivery and problem-solving.

● Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret, present and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences, including Boards and senior leadership teams.

● Ability to influence, advise and support decision-making at senior leadership and Board level.

● Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to strengthen systems, improve operational processes and enhance organisational effectiveness.

● Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders.

● Strong IT and digital systems skills, including experience with finance systems, CRM platforms and organisational technology tools.

● Ability to navigate complexity, manage organisational risk, exercise sound judgement and make sound decisions in a values-led environment.

● Excellent time-management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing demands and deliver to deadlines.

Knowledge & Understanding

● Good understanding of charity finance, governance and regulatory compliance, including charity SORP and restricted and unrestricted fund management.

● Good understanding of people administration, employment legislation, organisational risk and operational compliance, including safeguarding responsibilities.

● Understanding of how financial management, operational infrastructure and people practices contribute to organisational effectiveness and the delivery of mission and impact.

Senior Management Accountant

Uxbridge High School | Permanent | Full Time | £49,054 – £53,171 per annum

Goodman Masson are delighted to be supporting Uxbridge High School with the appointment of a Senior Management Accountant.

We are looking for a technically strong, fully qualified accountant to join the Finance Team at this exciting and ambitious school, playing a key role in strengthening financial management and supporting effective decision-making across the organisation.

About Uxbridge High School

Uxbridge High School is a highly successful, oversubscribed co-educational academy for students aged 11–18, with more than 1,300 students, including 220 students in the sixth form.

The school has a strong local reputation and is proud of its diverse and ambitious student body, dedicated staff and commitment to providing a gold standard education.

The Finance Team plays a vital role in supporting the school's strategic priorities, ensuring strong financial management, accountability and value for money.

About the role

As Senior Management Accountant, you will report to the Director of Finance & Operations and take ownership of a broad range of management accounting and financial management responsibilities.

You will lead on the preparation of management accounts, budget monitoring, forecasting, reconciliations, cashflow reporting, payroll review and financial controls.

A key part of the role will be providing clear financial insight and commentary to the Director of Finance & Operations, senior leaders, trustees and budget holders, helping ensure financial information translates into effective organisational decision-making.

You will also have supervisory responsibilities, providing technical guidance to colleagues, reviewing finance work and helping to ensure the team consistently delivers accurate work to agreed deadlines.

Key responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading on monthly management accounts, forecasts and budget monitoring
• Providing insightful variance analysis and financial commentary
• Supporting senior leaders and budget holders with financial advice
• Leading month-end and year-end processes
• Maintaining and reviewing key balance sheet and control account reconciliations
• Managing cashflow reporting and wider financial planning
• Reviewing and reconciling monthly payroll
• Supporting internal and external audit processes
• Supporting the five-year budget plan and integrated financial planning

About you

We are seeking a fully qualified accountant with a recognised professional qualification such as ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS or equivalent.

You will have a strong management accounting background and experience across areas such as management accounts, forecasting, budget monitoring, reconciliations, month-end and year-end processes.

We are particularly keen to speak with candidates who have experience of:

• Producing management accounts and financial reports
• Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Financial controls and reconciliations
• Audit preparation and supporting audit queries
• Improving financial systems and processes
• Working accurately to tight deadlines
• Advanced Excel and financial data analysis

Experience within a school, academy trust, charity, public sector or similarly regulated environment would be advantageous. Knowledge of academy finance requirements, ESFA returns and school MIS platforms would also be desirable.

You will be a confident communicator who can explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders, challenge appropriately and build strong relationships across an organisation.

What's on offer?

Alongside a salary of £49,054 – £53,171 per annum, inclusive of Outer London weighting, the successful candidate will receive:

• 34 days' annual leave, rising to 37 days after 10 years' continuous service
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Early finish on Fridays
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Staff wellbeing initiatives

Application deadline is Wednesday 26^th August. CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis, please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered.