Finance team leader jobs

The Sentencing Academy, established in 2019, has made significant strides in advocating for effective sentencing practices and enhancing the understanding of sentencing among professionals and the public. We are now looking for a visionary leader to join us as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role will oversee the strategic direction of the charity, strengthening future sustainability and marking a new chapter in its mission to promote evidenced-based approaches to sentencing to help reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims and improve public confidence.

About the Role

This key position offers the chance to shape and develop the future of the Sentencing Academy and its commitment to enhancing sentencing practices and research in England and Wales. It is a leadership opportunity that involves executing a strategic plan that supports the charity's longevity. It is a role that not only focuses on organisational growth and influence but also emphasises the importance of operational compliance, financial health, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. The budget for 2026/27 is fully funded but there is a need to significantly widen the organisation’s funding base to ensure its sustainability beyond the current financial year.

About You

We are seeking a passionate, and experienced leader with a proven track record in the non-profit sector to join our team as CEO. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an interest in sentencing and the wider criminal justice system. Your background will include strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with a strong ability to secure funding through grants and partnerships.

You will inspire and lead a diverse team, with expertise to build and maintain strong relationships, and represent our organisation in public forums and the media. As a forward-thinking leader you will demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

What We Offer

The post is offered on a 0.5 to 0.8 FTE basis (18.75 to 30 hours per week) on a permanent basis. An attractive package is offered alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements. The Sentencing Academy is currently a remote organisation although attendance at regular meetings in London will be essential. The salary for this post is £70,000 pro rata.

Our client is a leading healthcare charity working in close partnership with a major NHS Trust to support outstanding patient care across hospitals, clinics and community services serving more than 1.5 million people.

The organisation funds projects that go beyond statutory NHS funding, investing in world-class facilities, healthcare innovation and research, staff wellbeing, and a distinctive arts and design programme that transforms healthcare spaces.

The charity is also delivering an ambitious multi-year fundraising initiative, aiming to significantly grow its impact and long-term sustainability.

Director of Finance
Salary: £80,000–£85,000
Location: London (hybrid working available 2–3 days per week)

Our client is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to safeguard financial integrity and resilience, and to provide the strategic insight needed to maximise impact in a complex and evolving healthcare environment.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees as a senior member of the SMT, you will lead financial strategy, planning and governance, ensuring the highest standards of stewardship, transparency and accountability.

You will oversee all aspects of financial leadership, support the administration and management of investment and property portfolios, and partner across the organisation to support innovation, fundraising and programme delivery through rigorous appraisal, modelling and decision support.

This is a hands-on, high-trust role at the heart of the organisation’s leadership, strengthening controls and insight, enabling disciplined resource allocation and supporting sustainable growth.

We are looking for a senior finance leader who brings:

• A professional accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
• Senior post-qualification experience at Head/Director level within the charity sector
• Experience of investment and property management, and managing restricted and unrestricted funds
• Confidence operating at Board/committee level, with strong stakeholder skills and the ability to challenge constructively
• A pragmatic, analytical and collaborative approach, with a commitment to the organisation’s purpose and values

How to Apply
Further information and details on how to apply are available via Prospectus.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 7 June 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 11-17 June 2026
Interviews with client: w/c 22 June 2026

The organisation

I am recruiting for a mission-led organisation with an income of c.£8m, operating across the UK as part of a wider international network. The organisation works within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and is entering an exciting period of transformation. With an ambitious 10-year strategy in place, there is a clear focus on strengthening financial sustainability, evolving funding models and enhancing digital capability. The organisation also operates with a wholly owned commercial subsidiary, supporting a diversified income base and enabling growth through a range of revenue-generating activities.

The Job

This is a senior leadership role, sitting on the Senior Management Team and playing a key part in delivering long-term strategic objectives. You will lead both the Finance and IT functions (total team of 6 with 2 direct reports), ensuring the organisation is financially robust, operationally effective and supported by modern, secure technology.

• Leading the development and delivery of the long-term financial strategy
• Ensuring strong financial control, governance and risk management
• Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audit processes
• Managing the relationship with the organisation's wholly owned trading subsidiary
• Supporting the development of new and sustainable funding models
• Leading the IT and digital strategy to improve systems, insight and operational efficiency
• Strengthening cyber security and organisational resilience
• Providing clear and insightful financial reporting to senior leadership and the Board
• Building effective relationships across an international network of stakeholders

The person

We are seeking a commercially minded and values-led finance leader who is comfortable operating in a complex and evolving environment.

• A recognised accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Significant experience operating at a senior level within a finance function
• A track record of developing and delivering financial strategy
• Strong technical knowledge across financial control, reporting and compliance
• Experience of working within organisations with diverse income streams
• Understanding of trading subsidiaries and group structures
• Exposure to overseeing IT or digital functions at a strategic level
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Board level
• A collaborative leadership style and clear communication skills

What's in it for you

• Salary of £80,000 with some flexibility for the right candidate
• Matched pension contribution up to 4%, increasing to 5% after 2 years and 7% after 4 years
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 35 hour working week with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working - minimum 1 day per week in the office
• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping strategy and driving change
• A collaborative and purpose driven working environment

Please apply ASAP if you would like to be considered! Interviews are currently being organised.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

• Hours: 37.5 per week 

• Salary: £57,000 per annum 

• Contract: Permanent 

• Location: Our office, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB 

• Deadline for applications: Monday 15th June, 12 Noon 

• Job Interview Date: Monday 29th June 

The Director of Finance, Corporate Services & Income is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring Advonet is financially sustainable, well-run and resilient. The role provides strategic financial leadership, oversight of corporate services, and a significant focus on income generation and diversification.  

This role plays a critical part in strengthening Advonet’s long-term viability by improving financial decision‑making, embedding a culture of income awareness and diversification, and enabling managers and teams to contribute confidently to business development activity.  

Assistant Finance Director (12–18 month FTC to begin)
A leading Housing Association in the area

A well-established and forward-thinking Housing Association is seeking an Assistant Finance Director to join on a 12–18 month contract initially. Reporting directly to the CFO, this position offers a unique opportunity to operate as the number two in finance, playing a key role in both strategic leadership and operational delivery.

The organisation provides a broad range of general and supported housing and is recognised for its commitment to delivering high-quality services and positive outcomes for its communities.

This role is ideally suited to a senior finance professional with Housing sector experience who is looking to step into a high-impact leadership role, driving improvements across people, processes, and financial insight.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, acting as deputy to the CFO
• Oversee financial and management accounting, ensuring robust reporting and controls
• Support financial planning, treasury activities, and development finance
• Drive a high-quality business partnering function across the organisation
• Lead on improving financial processes, systems, and internal controls
• Support the Executive team on business planning, including scenario modelling and stress testing

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Proven experience within a Housing Association or Registered Provider
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing teams
• Ability to operate at a strategic level and influence senior stakeholders
• Excellent technical finance skills combined with a commercial, business-partnering mindset
• Strong analytical and systems capability, with confident communication skills

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance leader looking to step into a director level role within a purpose-driven organisation.

Caroline Chisholm School is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to appoint a Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal leadership role within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, lead transformation, and support the school’s evolution

Caroline Chisholm School is a high-achieving, values-led all-through school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, staff engagement, and community impact. Already operating at a scale and complexity comparable to a multi-academy trust, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth, with plans to expand into primary provision and formally develop as a MAT.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking leadership team and play a central role in driving financial sustainability, operational transformation, and long-term strategic growth.

The role

• Partner with the Principal, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a long-term financial strategy, supporting the school’s growth ambitions.  
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across a complex and evolving organisation, ensuring strong financial control and sustainability.
• Take ownership of a significant transformation agenda, including digital system implementation (Bromcom), contract optimisation, and operational redesign.
• Support with the operational re-design of financial systems providing strategic oversight of major projects such as introduction of Bromcom for financial processes, ensuring robust due diligence, and stakeholder  management.
• Act as a key advisor to Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders including the DfE and Local Authority.
• Drive value for money through effective procurement, contract negotiation and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Lead and develop the finance function, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and forward-thinking team culture.
• Support wider organisational leadership, overseeing linked operational areas including IT and educational visits.
• Identify opportunities for income generation, funding and financial innovation to support future growth.

The organisation

Caroline Chisholm School is a school with a strong ethos centred on kindness, curiosity and integrity. With a highly engaged workforce and a 96% positive staff survey rating, the school offers a collaborative and ambitious working environment.

The organisation has successfully navigated recent financial pressures, delivering significant savings while maintaining educational excellence. With a clear financial sustainability plan in place and strong governance support, the school is now well positioned for its next phase of growth.

Alongside this, a major digital and operational transformation programme is underway, modernising systems and infrastructure to support long-term efficiency and scalability.

Essential criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role within a complex organisation
• Strong track record of leading financial strategy, planning and reporting
• Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and driving financial sustainability
• Demonstrable experience leading transformation projects (systems, operations or organisational change)
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and executive level
• Commercial mindset, with the ability to identify efficiencies and funding opportunities
• A collaborative and adaptable leadership style, aligned to a values-driven environment

Apply now

If you are a strategic and forward-thinking finance leader looking to make a tangible impact within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, we would love to hear from you. This role requires primarily on-site working during term time, with some flexibility available.

Applications close on the 24th May but will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

At Solent Academies Trust, we know that when strong relationships are nurtured, people thrive, and when people thrive, so do the children and young people we serve.

We are a values‑driven organisation, proud to support pupils with Special Educational Needs in environments where connection, respect and belonging sit at the heart of every decision we make. At an exciting and pivotal point in our journey, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join our senior leadership team.

More than a finance role

This is not a traditional Director of Finance post.

Yes, you will bring strong financial acumen, strategic insight and professional rigour, but what matters most to us is how you lead. We are looking for a thoughtful, relational leader who builds trust with ease, communicates with clarity and warmth, and understands that behind every financial decision are real lives, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Finance and Operating Officer, you will play a central role in shaping the Trust’s future. You will lead and develop our finance function with integrity and credibility, guiding a sustainable financial strategy across our academies while navigating the complexities of high‑needs provision. Your work will directly support our ability to deliver outstanding care, education and inclusion for our pupils.

About you

We are particularly keen to hear from people who:

• Are motivated by purpose and driven to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives
• Bring a collaborative, relational leadership style and build high‑trust, high‑performing teams
• Combine strategic financial expertise with the ability to see the bigger picture
• Lead with professional rigour, empathy and a sense of humour
• Are as comfortable working with people as they are with numbers

You may already be working in education, or you may be looking to bring your expertise from another sector. What matters most is your alignment with our values and your commitment to creating lasting impact.

Why join Solent Academies Trust?

Because here, your work genuinely matters.

You will be part of a compassionate, ambitious community that values difference, prioritises wellbeing and invests in its people. This is a place where your voice is heard, your contribution is recognised and your professional growth is actively supported.

We offer:

• A strong organisational culture rooted in relational practice, belonging and wellbeing
• High‑quality professional development and leadership support
• Local Government Pension Scheme (including a 17.9% employer contribution and 50/50 option)
• Life assurance and confidential wellbeing support services
• A dedicated wellbeing inset day
• Generous annual leave, increasing with service
• A range of additional employee benefits and recognition schemes

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role where your financial expertise will shape not only an organisation, but the futures of the children and young people we serve.

To find out more about the role, we encourage informal and confidential conversations with our recruitment partners, Propelo. Please click the apply link to arrange a discussion via our dedicated recruitment website.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, all applicants are required to complete the application form, which is also available on the same website.

Closing date: Wednesday 3rd June, noon
Interviews: Tuesday 23rd June

Solent Academies Trust has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including references and enhanced DBS clearance.

Help shape financial decision-making at one of the UK’s leading universities

King’s is a large, complex and internationally engaged university with ambitious plans for the years ahead. We are looking for an experienced finance leader to join us as Deputy Director of Finance Business Partnering (Operations), playing a key role in strengthening financial performance, decision-making and long-term sustainability across our Professional Services directorates.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to make a real impact. You will be part of our Financial Strategy, Planning and Performance function, helping King’s maintain the sustainable financial foundation needed to support our education, research and wider contribution to society.

The role

Reporting to the Director of Finance Business Partnering (Operations), you will lead high-quality finance business partnering services across a range of Professional Services areas, including Student Services, IT, Philanthropy and Alumni, Executive portfolios and other directorates.

You will directly line manage a team of Finance Business Partners and their Management Accountant teams, with overall responsibility for a team of around eight people, including three direct reports. You will also play a substantial leadership role across the wider Operations Finance Business Partnering team, supporting a team of around 19 colleagues.

This is a hands-on senior leadership role. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, providing expert advice, constructive challenge, analysis and timely decision support. You will help ensure financial plans are robust, risks and opportunities are understood, and resources are aligned with King’s strategic priorities.

What you will be doing

You will model excellent finance business partnering, using high-quality data and insight to support leaders across King’s Professional Services and Operations directorates. You will help stakeholders understand financial performance, make evidence-based decisions and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, value for money and long-term financial resilience.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the delivery of finance business partnering across multiple Professional Services areas.
• Providing strategic financial advice, scenario modelling and long-term forecasting to support decision-making.
• Leading and supporting annual planning, monthly reporting, quarterly updates and forecasting processes.
• Developing clear, robust reporting and commentary for senior stakeholders, including Executive-level audiences.
• Supporting business cases, complex financial issues and cross-cutting initiatives.
• Ensuring income and expenditure are recorded correctly and that management accounts provide meaningful insight.
• Promoting compliance with financial policies, controls, data protection and secure use of financial information.
• Championing improvements to reporting, tools, dashboards, templates and processes.
• Supporting the Director in leading the Operations Finance Business Partnering team, including culture, priorities, development and ways of working.
• Deputising for the Director when required.

About you

We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant experience of leading financial advice, planning, forecasting and reporting services in a large, complex organisation.

You will bring strong leadership skills, a service-focused approach and the ability to develop high-performing teams. You will be comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, managing competing priorities and influencing senior leaders with clarity, confidence and credibility.

You will be someone who can combine technical financial expertise with sound judgement, strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.

You will need to bring

• A professional accountancy qualification.
• Experience of leading financial support, advice or business partnering services relevant to this role.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to manage and develop professional staff.
• Experience of leading short- and long-term planning, forecasting and reporting processes.
• The ability to deliver change and financial improvement across a finance function and wider organisation.
• Resilience and the ability to manage multiple objectives across teams and complex stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clearly to senior stakeholders and committees.
• Strong numeracy and IT skills, including Excel and experience using corporate finance and reporting systems.

A degree-level qualification and experience of working in or with the university sector would be advantageous, but are not essential.

Why join King’s?

This role offers the chance to help shape a step change in finance business partnering at King’s. You will be joining at a time when the team is embedding a refreshed business partnering offer, improving reporting and forecasting tools, strengthening stakeholder support and building financial capability across the organisation.

You will have the opportunity to work on high-profile priorities, influence senior decision-making and contribute to financial sustainability across a university with a powerful mission in education, research and service to society.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV by 25th May 2026. 

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Phil Southern at Ivy Rock Partners. 

We’re looking for a senior leader to join our Senior Management Team and take overall responsibility for the organisation’s operational core.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a high-impact organisation as a key member of the Senior Management Team, working in close partnership with the Chief Executive to drive organisational excellence, sustainability, and transformation.

As Executive Director, Operations, you will sit at the heart of the organisation leading critical  services and ensuring everything we do is underpinned by strong governance, robust finances, effective systems and an engaged, high-performing workforce. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, enabling delivery, and ensuring we remain fit for the future.

This role requires a strategic leader who thrives on complexity, brings clarity to challenge, and is motivated by delivering meaningful impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead core corporate functions including Finance, HR, IT, Governance and Facilities 
• Contribute to organisational strategy and decision-making as a member of the SMT 
• Ensure strong financial oversight, planning and risk management 
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and services 
• Support and develop high-performing teams and a positive organisational culture 

What you’ll need

• Significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation
• Expertise in one or more corporate service areas, with the ability to lead across a broad portfolio 
• Strong financial understanding and confidence overseeing organisational performance 
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to influence at senior level 
• Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities 

You’ll join a collaborative and purpose-led leadership team, with the opportunity to shape how the organisation operates and grows. This is a role with real influence, where your leadership will directly enable delivery, improvement and long-term success. Please find out more from the candidate pack. 

Why join us

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and medical specialties
• Hybrid working – up to 60% remote
• Modern working environment with home‑working equipment provided
• Generous annual leave, plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave (maternity, paternity and adoption) for those with 2+ years continuous service 
• Excellent pension scheme
• Sabbaticals (5+ years’ service) and secondment opportunities
• Interest‑free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Long service recognition awards

We are seeking a dedicated, experienced and compassionate CYP Team Leader to work 30 hours per week across Lancashire, providing effective leadership, guidance and support to a team delivering services to children and young people affected by crime.

If you are passionate, resilient, and motivated to make a difference every day, we would love to hear from you.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the role

As a CYP Team Leader you will play a key role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed and child-centred services. This includes supporting staff to manage complex cases, maintain high safeguarding standards, and ensuring that service delivery meets contractual requirements and organisational expectations. The role combines people management, operational leadership and partnership working, with a strong focus on achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and support to CYP staff, including regular supervision, case discussions and performance management.
• Oversee the delivery of safe, effective and trauma-informed support for children and young people affected by crime, ensuring their voices remain central to all interventions.
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are upheld at all times, including effective risk management, oversight of complex cases and adherence to relevant policies and procedures.
• Support staff wellbeing, resilience and professional development, contributing to a positive and supportive team culture.
• Monitor service quality and performance, contributing to reporting, audits and quality assurance processes as required.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, including schools, statutory services and voluntary sector organisations, to strengthen referral pathways and joined-up working.
• Contribute to service development, innovation and continuous improvement, helping to shape and respond to emerging needs across Lancashire.

About You

You will be an experienced and confident leader with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people affected by crime. You will bring a compassionate, inclusive and reflective leadership style, alongside the ability to manage competing demands in a busy operational environment.

You will have:

• Experience of working with children and young people in a safeguarding or support context, ideally within criminal justice, victim support or related services.
• Proven experience of supervising or managing staff, with the ability to motivate, support and develop others.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding frameworks, trauma-informed practice and child-centred approaches.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with staff, partners and stakeholders.
• A proactive and organised approach, with the ability to contribute to service development and quality improvement.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring services are accessible and responsive to the needs of all children and young people

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Victim Support is seeking a committed and detail-focused Team Leader to help coordinate and maintain excellent support for witnesses within the busy Court environment at Medway Magistrates Court. You will play a vital role in supporting the Team Leader, volunteers, and wider service ensuring witnesses receive timely, compassionate, and effective support throughout their justice journey.

This role to provide maternity cover for up to 9 months working 30 hours per week and is based at Medway Magistrates Court .

Are you an organised, proactive individual with a passion for supporting victims and witnesses as they navigate the justice system? Do you enjoy working collaboratively, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and supporting others to perform at their best?

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, have strong communication and data-handling skills, and are motivated by service excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Head of Financial Reporting & Processing
Location: Hybrid / Flexible
Organisation: Teach First
Contract: Fixed-Term Contract, 12-18 months
Salary: £75k-£80k

Prospectus are delighted to be supporting our client in their search for a Head of Financial Reporting and Processing. The organisation works with schools, teachers and leaders across the country to ensure every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive. This newly created role will play a critical role in strengthening their finance function at a pivotal moment for the organisation. Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance & Performance, you’ll lead their Financial Reporting & Processing team and be responsible for the end‑to‑end financial processing and reporting framework across the charity.

You’ll be a qualified accountant, and have extensive experience leading high performing teams, ideally through periods of significant change, as well as a solid understanding of what excellent financial management looks like. This role offers the chance for you to shape operating models, embed best practice, and lead meaningful change. Most importantly, you’ll be motivated by purpose and excited to use your expertise to support a charity working to end educational disadvantage. You’ll be working closely with senior finance leaders, the Chair of the Finance Risk & Audit Committee, and external auditors, and will directly line manage a team of four.

What you’ll be doing
As Head of Financial Reporting & Processing, you will:

• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team of four, building capability, resilience and accountability
• Take ownership of accurate, timely and compliant financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Design and continuously improve financial controls, accounting policies and reporting processes in line with best practice, FRS102 and the Charity SORP
• Provide senior oversight of the external audit process and act as the escalation point for complex technical issues
• Oversee cash management, treasury and investment activity in line with the Charity’s Investment Policy
• Ensure tax compliance, managing filings and working with external advisors where required
• Drive efficient and effective accounts payable and receivable processes across the organisation

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.

All appointments at the organisation are subject to an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment practices.

We are seeking a creative and conscientious communications leader with exceptional attention to detail and demonstrable expertise in developing and delivering high-impact strategic communications outputs in the international development or third sector. We are a relatively small team and are therefore looking for someone who is both highly strategic and able to see the ‘big picture’, while also being happy getting stuck in at an operational level to ensure timely, on-budget delivery of outputs. Experience of working with or within networks or membership organisations would be a particular asset in this role. It is also important that you are comfortable working across all areas – from digital, to design, to publishing, to events – as well as being an exceptional project manager, confident liaising with a range of partners and stakeholders at different levels, and an experienced line manager.

The Global Distributors Collective (GDC) is in an excellent position, with a strong track record of delivery and impact, a solid funding pipeline, and a clear 2026-30 strategy. High-impact communication crosscuts the entire GDC programme and is essential to ensuring that beneficial products can be made affordable and available to all. As Communications Manager (maternity cover), you will therefore need to both hit the ground running to deliver our ambitious schedule of upcoming communications activities – from in-person and online events, to high-profile research, publications, and digital outputs – as well as to work proactively with the Head of GDC, Bopinc team, GDC strategic advisors, and fellow communications colleagues to shape and embed communication activities across a range of new projects that are kicking off in 2026-27.

About Practical Action and the GDC

Practical Action is an international development organisation putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world. For the past eight years, Practical Action has been hosting and building the Global Distributors Collective (GDC): a collective of 300 last mile distribution companies that cumulatively reach millions of the poorest consumers in the world with beneficial products like solar lanterns, water filters and improved cookstoves. GDC activities are delivered in collaboration with strategic and implementing partner Bopinc.

The GDC provides a collective voice for distributors to ensure their priorities are heard; drives research and innovation across the sector; facilitates the exchange of information, insight, and expertise; and provides critical services that leverage economies of scale.

Moving into our 2026-30 strategy phase, we are proactively shifting from creating and setting up advisory services and tools that support last mile distributors to embedding and scaling these initiatives. Specifically, we will focus on four key strategic pillars:

· Unlocking finance: Prepare more last mile distributors (LMDs) for investment and help to unlock country-level financing mechanisms and create LMD-focussed debt facilities. 

· Strengthening business performance: Deliver training, shared services, and data tools that reduce business costs and improve efficiency, in scalable formats.

· Scaling innovation: Identify, test, and replicate high-value business innovations and remove eco-system barriers.

· Shaping systems and local leadership: Build local chapters and influence global and national agendas so LMDs are visible, valued and represented. 

About you

We are looking for a go-getting, ambitious and proactive communications specialist who is ready to lead the GDC communications team to deliver a range of high-impact, top-quality, communications activities over the next 12 months. To succeed in this role, you must be a communications all-rounder, an experienced line manager, and an excellent written and verbal communicator with exceptional attention to detail, robust project management and interpersonal skills. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to multitask, work independently and adapt in a fast-paced environment, while also being willing to “muck in” in our relatively small team. Depending on where you are based, demonstrable experience of managing remote staff will be important; as will the ability to thoughtfully support and coach team members to achieve their full potential.

Why join us?

This is the opportunity to lead a globally recognised initiative driving innovation and impact in last mile distribution. At Practical Action, you will be part of a values-driven organisation committed to reducing poverty and inequality through sustainable, practical solutions. You will work alongside passionate colleagues and partners, contributing to meaningful change for communities around the world. We offer a collaborative and inclusive working environment that supports learning, innovation, and personal growth.

We treat all applications for employment on their merits and do not take into consideration any factors that are not relevant to the job such as disability, race, age, religion, gender, gender reassignment or sexual orientation. Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.

Additional information

We are seeking candidates based in ether Kenya or the UK. The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the country in which they will be based. Please note this is being recruited as a 12-month fixed term contract. Hybrid working pattern; if UK-based, the role could be predominantly home based

To apply please submit a copy of your CV and supporting that includes the answers to the following questions:

1. Why do you consider yourself a strong candidate for the role of GDC Communications Manager at Practical Action?

2. What most excites you about working on the Global Distributors Collective programme?

3. What do you think would be your biggest strength and steepest learning curve in this role?

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Team Lead your responsibilities would include:

• Provide day-to-day leadership, motivating and empowering the team to thrive.
• Recruit, develop, and support staff in line with Carers First policies.
• Foster a positive culture of continuous learning, role-modelling best practice.
• Ensure quality through record checks, accurate database input, KPI monitoring, and effective workflow allocation.
• Work in co-production with carers to identify needs, develop solutions, and shape services.
• Identify service gaps, create new initiatives, and seek additional funding where possible.
• Manage a small caseload of complex cases, providing personalised advice and support.
• Contribute to budget monitoring and updates.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need:

• Experience of leading and managing remote teams, empowering and developing individuals.
• Strong track record of building partnerships across health and social care.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.
• Experience of person-centred assessments, co-produced support plans, and safeguarding.
• Ability to work in co-production, developing innovative approaches to meet carers’ needs.
• Skilled in building positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Confident in using Microsoft Office, mobile technology, and social media platforms.
• Experience of using databases to record interventions and manage workflows.
• Personal integrity, emotional resilience, and alignment with the charity’s values.
• Self-motivated, flexible, collaborative, and able to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Carers First Can Offer You

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package. 

Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, please download our Candidate Pack and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.

Applications can only be assessed if they clearly state how you meet each of the requirements in the Personal Specification.

Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

Interview Process

Following shortlisting, successful candidates will be contacted directly and invited to interview - Date to be confirmed.

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer   

Positive      Collaborative      Ambitious