Financial accountant jobs

Smart Works is looking to appoint an experienced Finance Officer to join our finance team of six at a time of significant growth for the charity.

The successful candidate primarily will be responsible for the day-to-day transactional processing on Xero, coordinating payment runs and managing all the finance related administrative tasks for Smart Works Charity and all our regional centres.

The Finance Officer will work closely with our two Finance Managers and the Director of Finance to ensure there is appropriate financial management across the charity.

Apply via our online portal by Wednesday 17th December.

The Finance Officer will work within the Finance Department to provide essential day today financial processing, support and advice. The post-holder will be a key member of the team in keeping accurate and up to date records of the organisations financial activities on both the accounting system & associated files.

You’ll be based at the Wildlife Trust’s Head Office at Centre of the Earth, 42 Norman Street, Birmingham, B18 7EP, with some work at our EcoPark site in Small Heath and occasional travel across the region and nationally. 

Key Responsibilities

• Creation and maintenance of processes and systems to ensure the smooth running of the finance function including adding new suppliers and customers to the system
• To be responsible for keeping up to date and accurate records of financial transactions on Excel and the accounting system
• To raise and issue sales invoices, follow up outstanding invoices and resolve any issues.
• To liaise with suppliers and creditors to maintain relationships as part of cash flow management.
• To check and reconcile purchase invoices ready for payment, to investigate and resolve any issues.
• To be responsible for the petty cash system in line with the organisations Financial Procedures.
• To manage the purchase order process ensuring compliance in line with policy.
• To complete regular bank, Petty cash and credit card reconciliations.
• To oversee the credit card processing, ensuring security at all times.
• To ensure all contracts/agreements are central filed and updated on the database.
• To report to statutory bodies such as Entrust
• To support the Director of Finance with the production of finance reports to senior managers on a monthly basis relating to income & expenditure
• To support with the processing of direct debits for membership donations
• To support with ad hoc tasks as the trust requires
• To support the preparation for the annual audit, e.g. stock take reconciliation, fixed asset records, Charity Commission and Companies House checks.
• To run the payroll reports and send to the Director of Finance for review and approval
• Undertake other duties as requested by line manager that contribute to Trust strategies.

About You

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail 
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment 
• Confident using Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Outlook 
• Strong communication skills and able to work independently 
• Experience in the charity sector is desirable 

What We Offer

• A chance to make a real impact in local communities and the natural environment 
• A supportive and inclusive team culture 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Opportunities for professional development 

How to Apply

We are interviewing suitable candidates on a rolling basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible. For more information or to apply, visit our website or contact us directly.  

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to ensuring transparent and non-discriminatory recruitment and employment. As a progressive charitable organisation, we champion equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristic. 

Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and looking for flexible freelance work in the charity sector? The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is seeking a self-employed Finance Administrator to support our busy finance function. This remote role is approximately two days (14 hours) per week, ideal for someone with strong administrative skills and a proactive approach. No formal accounting training is required - this opportunity may suit someone at the outset of their finance studies or with relevant administrative experience.

NYO is the UK’s leading organisation empowering teenagers through orchestral music. Each year, we welcome over 10,000 young people from all backgrounds into our national community, providing opportunities to develop confidence, skills, and leadership. As a fundraising charity, NYO processes thousands of individual donations annually, funding ambitious projects and nationwide events. Our finance team manages significant financial administration, including large volumes of invoices from freelancers and suppliers, making this role central to the smooth running of our programmes.

As a Freelance Finance Administrator, you will:

• Manage the finance inbox: log invoices, respond to queries, check receipts, liaise with staff, and enter invoices into Xero accounting software.
• Administer credit card and prepaid card transactions.
• Update fundraising income logs from payment portals.
• Work closely with the Finance Co-ordinator on regular finance processes.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with NYO’s data protection and safeguarding policies.

Hourly rate: £20, invoiced monthly. Flexible remote working. Enhanced DBS check required.

Join NYO and play your part in supporting the next generation of musicians.

Want to work in a vibrant, dynamic and youth driven organisation that is protecting children’s health by transforming the food system?

Be part of the creative, agile and growing team empowering Bite Back’s exceptional teenage activists. As our Director of Finance and Operations you will make a real difference to our mission to help make the food system healthier and fairer.

As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Finance & Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across finance, people, digital, operations and governance. They ensure the charity is financially sustainable, well-run, compliant and values-driven, so that our resources, systems and culture are aligned with our mission.

They will be accountable for the following areas:

Strategic leadership & organisational development

• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and Leadership Team, shaping organisational strategy and translating it into robust financial, people and operational plans.

• Lead the annual organisational planning cycle, ensuring objectives, budgets and KPIs are aligned to the strategy and are realistic, affordable and measurable.

• Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, learning and collaboration across the charity, role-modelling our values in leadership and decision making.

• Provide clear, insight-driven analysis and recommendations to support major strategic decisions (e.g. growth, new programmes, partnerships, investments, cost management).

• Lead and develop the Finance & Operations team (Finance, Fundraising, HR, IT/systems, operations) building a high-performing, service-oriented function that supports colleagues to deliver impact.

Financial strategy, planning & stewardship

• Develop and keep under review the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability, appropriate reserves and effective use of resources.

• Lead and coordinate the annual budget and medium-term financial planning process, working closely with budget holders to create robust, activity-based budgets.

• With the support of the Senior Finance Manager, provide timely, accurate and insightful financial reporting to the CEO, Leadership Team and Board, including management accounts, restricted funds reporting, cashflow and forecasts.

• Maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards and Charity Commission / Companies House requirements.

• Lead the relationship with external auditors and oversee the annual audit process, ensuring high-quality statutory accounts and a culture of continuous improvement in financial controls.

• Oversee financial aspects of funding bids, contracts and grant reporting, including costing models, financial due diligence and project / restricted fund monitoring.

People, culture & HR

• Champion Bite Back’s values - Fresh, Resilient, Respectful, Energetic, and Real - in all your work.

• Provide strategic oversight of HR, working closely with the HR & People Manager on people strategy, workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations and HR operations.

• Champion a positive, inclusive and psychologically safe workplace culture. Lead on embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the organisation, shaping recruitment, policies, culture and practices so that staff from all backgrounds feel welcomed, represented, supported and able to flourish.

• Lead the organisation-wide objective-setting and performance management framework, ensuring clear expectations, regular feedback and fair, constructive review processes.

• Oversee learning and development approaches so that staff and managers have the skills, tools and support to perform at their best and develop their careers.

• Ensure all people-related policies and procedures (including safeguarding where appropriate), are up-to-date, legally compliant, values-aligned and consistently implemented.

• Oversee pensions, insurance, payroll and benefits ensuring these are well-managed, compliant and provide value for money.

Digital, data, IT & systems

• Work alongside the Digicomms team to support the organisation’s digital and technology strategy, ensuring systems and tools are fit for purpose and future-focused.

• Ensure the charity’s CRM (Salesforce) is effectively governed, embedded and used across the organisation, with clear ownership, training and data standards.

• Oversee data protection and information security, ensuring GDPR compliance, robust data governance and adherence to frameworks such as Cyber Essentials where relevant.

• Manage relationships with IT and systems suppliers, ensuring contracts are well-specified, performance is monitored and services deliver value for money.

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of cross-organisational systems and processes to reduce duplication, improve user experience and increase efficiency.

Operations, facilities & supplier management

• Oversee the effective management of the charity’s co-working space in Fivefields and any hybrid / remote working arrangements, ensuring they are safe, inclusive and support collaborative working.

• Plan for future workspace needs in line with organisational growth, culture and budget.

• Lead procurement and supplier management, together with the Operations & Contracts Manager, for key operational services, ensuring contracts are well-managed and aligned with our ethical, environmental and sustainability commitments.

• Ensure robust health and safety arrangements are in place and implemented across all activities, including appropriate policies, risk assessments and training.

• Oversee business continuity planning and disaster recovery arrangements so that critical operations can continue in the event of disruption.

Governance, risk & compliance

• Act as Company Secretary and secretary to the Board, ensuring effective governance processes and high-quality information flows between the executive and trustees.

• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and any other regulatory or funder requirements, including statutory filings and returns.

• Lead the development, maintenance and regular review of the organisational risk register, ensuring an appropriate appetite for risk and clear mitigation actions.

• Provide assurance to the Board and its committees on the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance frameworks across finance, HR, data protection, health & safety and other key areas.

• Coordinate the review, approval, communication and implementation of organisational policies, ensuring staff are inducted, trained and clear on their responsibilities.

• Support the Chair and CEO in planning Board and committee agendas, ensuring trustees are well-supported to discharge their duties and have appropriate information to make decisions.

Job Title: Finance Operations Officer
Location: A short walk from Victoria station
Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week minimum – Hybrid
Contract: Fixed term to 31 July 2026
Responsible to: Senior Financial Accountant
Salary: £30,850 £1,000 London allowance

About Organisation
This mission-driven organisation is dedicated to improving education and training for learners aged 14 and over. They work in partnership with others to deliver professional learning and development for teachers, trainers, and leaders, balancing sector needs with wider priorities to achieve our charitable purpose.

Role purpose
The Finance Operations Officer is responsible for supporting the finance team in transactional processing, financial administration, and providing excellent service to internal and external stakeholders. This role ensures accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, reconciliations, and reporting to support the organisation’s operational and strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities
• Oversee the collection of direct debit payments for subscriptions and status fees, monitoring automated processes for accuracy.
• Raise sales invoices and maintain the sales ledger on the CRM and accounting system.
• Post and reconcile non-automated payments such as BACS, credit card, and expense statements.
• Process purchase invoices and prepare month-end journals.
• Respond to financial queries and arrange refunds where appropriate.
• Carry out reconciliations and analysis, including using generative AI tools for basic checks.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and responding to queries.
• Provide cover for colleagues during absences, including payment runs.
• Maintain effective credit control and support budget holders with transaction processing.
• Any other duties reasonably required to support the role.
Internal / External Contacts
• Membership subscribers and customers
• Auditors (internal and external)
• Bankers and suppliers
• Budget holders

About you
Experience:
• Significant experience in a busy finance department and managing customer/financial queries
• Credit control, raising sales invoices, cash allocation, and reconciliations
• Supporting internal and external audits
• Processing purchase invoices
• Experience with CRM systems and accounting software
• Prioritising workload and meeting tight deadlines

Knowledge & skills:
• Higher or further education qualification
• Strong financial literacy: accounts payable/receivable, journals, reconciliations
• GDPR and data protection knowledge
• IT proficient: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong written and verbal communication
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Solution-focused, adaptable, resilient
This is a hybrid role based in Victoria, London, offering a great opportunity to join a values-driven organisation where every hire contributes to the mission of supporting education and training excellence.

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

Our partner, a respected and established international charity supporting programmes across Africa; seeks a qualified and experienced senior finance professional to provide strategic financial leadership, maintain robust systems, controls, and donor compliance across the organisation. The Director of Finance is responsible for organisational financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, external audits, risk management, and supporting programme delivery through high-quality financial oversight.This hands-on role requires the Director of Finance to execute daily tasks as well as overseeing, and mentoring, others within the team to undertake what is required.

Key responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Financial Planning 

• Lead the organisation’s financial strategy ensuring sustainability and alignment with mission and organisational priorities. 

• Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk, and scenario planning. 

• Develop long-term financial models and cashflow forecasts. 

• Provide financial insight to strategic decisions, business cases, growth opportunities, and operational planning. 

Financial Management & Control 

• Oversee and execute specific tasks relating to financial operations including accounting, treasury, cash management, payroll, and banking. 

• Ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes are accurate and timely. 

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls across central team and country/project operations. 

• Implement efficient systems and processes to support a lean but compliant financial environment. 

Budgeting & Organisational Performance 

• Lead the annual budgeting process 

• Monitor budget performance, variances, and financial KPIs, providing clear analysis for senior leadership. 

Donor Finance & Grant Compliance 

• Oversee donor grant finance, ensuring compliance with institutional donor restrictions and requirements. 

Audit & Assurance 

• Lead the annual organisational audit: prepare schedules, financial statements, and required disclosures. 

• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP) 

• Oversee financial donor audits, ensuring timely, accurate responses and evidence. 

Risk Management 

• Contribute to the organisational risk register by recording and presenting on financial risks to the Board and Finance and Audit Committee. 

• Implement financial due diligence for donors, suppliers, and country operations as required to meet organisation and donor policies. 

Oversight of International Operations 

• Ensure strong financial management of new country programmes creating and reviewing and renewing policies as required. 

• Support the development or review of financial systems, capacity, and reporting in relation to new country expansion work. 

• Oversee financial arrangements for countries where the INGO has no legal entity, including fiscal hosts, secondee payments, and contract structures. 

Leadership, Management & Culture 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to achieve operational excellence. 

Person Specification 

• Worked as a Finance Director or as a Head of Finance (with autonomy of decision making and board reporting duties) 

• Strong understanding of charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements. 

• Senior-level finance experience in an INGO, charity, or multi-country organisation (preferably with operations in the Global South) 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA or equivalent). 

• Demonstrable experience with institutional donor compliance. 

• Experience leading annual audits and preparing financial statements. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, including developing staff. 

• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills. 

• Experience managing multi-currency environments and international financial operations. 

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance staff, senior leaders, and Boards. 

Join Young Brent Foundation, a dynamic charity dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people across Brent. As Finance Manager, you’ll play a key role in managing day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, payroll, and grant tracking. Working closely with the CEO, you’ll ensure compliance, accuracy, and timely reporting to support our mission of creating a vibrant, safe, and prosperous environment for young people.

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum 2 years’ finance experience in the charity/not-for-profit sector.
• Accountancy qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Strong skills in QuickBooks and financial reporting.

What we offer:
28 days’ annual leave (pro rata), generous pension, flexible hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact in the community.

Interviews: Round 1 Interviews - Monday 12th January (online)

                    Round 2 Interviews - Monday 19th January (in person)

Do you want to make a real difference using your finance and administrative skills in a global mission context?

OMF International (UK) is seeking a detail-focused Payroll Officer to play a vital role in processing payroll and pensions for our UK-based staff, members, and retirees. Your work will support the smooth running of financial processes that enable us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with East Asia’s peoples.

You will bring experience in payroll systems (preferably Sage), a high level of accuracy, and a heart for global mission. Working closely with the Finance team, this role includes processing donations, reconciling credit cards, and supporting our Creation Care reporting.

Occupational Requirement

This role is subject to an Occupational Requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. The post holder must be a practising Christian, an active member of a local church, and be able to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to OMF’s mission, values and ethos as outlined in our Ethos Statement.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has Sage or Xero similar payroll experience
• Has a keen eye for detail and excellent administrative skills
• Is confident using finance systems and Microsoft Office
• Enjoys working to high standards and can meet tight deadlines
• Is supportive of OMF’s mission to share Christ across cultures
• Can commute daily to the OMF National Office in Oxford Street, Manchester

Experience of working in a Christian or mission-based charity is desirable but not essential.

OMF International (UK) is a Christian mission agency passionate about seeing local communities of believers worshipping God and reaching out in mission across East Asia and the UK. Founded over 150 years ago, we now support over 2,000 workers from 40 nations, partnering with churches to share Jesus in culturally relevant ways.

The Finance Manager will play a crucial role for the organisation, with responsibility for the charity’s finance function including day-to-day management and book-keeping as well as providing strategic support for the CEO. You will produce quarterly management reports in line with YCAT’s reporting framework, create project budgets and reports for funders, prepare the annual statutory financial statements and lead the relationship with the charity’s external auditors.

This role requires practical, hands-on experience of delivering the wide range of finance and accounting services required by a small business or charity; an excellent understanding of Accounting Principles; a knowledge of charity SORP and charity statutory accounting are highly desirable; solid experience of the audit and preparation of annual financial accounts are essential; you must already hold a full qualification in either AAT, ACCA, ACA or CIMA; practical experience of preparing management and statutory reports is required; and experience of advising senior leadership on finance matters to inform strategic planning.

You will be highly motivated by the charity’s work; have a sound working knowledge of Xero and Google Sheets/Excel; strong attention to detail, producing work with a high level of accuracy; excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to use information effectively and apply sound judgment in order to make decisions. You will be adaptable and organised in prioritising workloads; work effectively to deadlines and demonstrate integrity, understanding the care needed with sensitive information.

The Finance Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the financial health of the organisation. As the sole end-to-end finance position within Strength & Stem, the Finance Manager will be responsible for all financial activities, including bookkeeping, budgeting, financial reporting, and providing strategic financial guidance to support the charity's mission.

Your skills and expertise in successful financial management will enable Strength & Stem to continue building a stable financial foundation, allowing our impactful and meaningful work with modern slavery survivors to flourish and grow. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Finance Manager to shape and influence the effectiveness and sustainability of a small, ambitious charity.

Role Overview

Are you organised, enthusiastic, and eager to develop your skills?  This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with numbers, systems, and people. You’ll play a key role in supporting and delivering the charity’s financial strategy and enabling the Trustees to fulfil their legal and fiduciary obligations by delivering NWLC operations.

Purpose of the Role

The Finance & Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring the financial health and effective administration of the charity, which is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by respiratory conditions. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and Finance committee, the postholder will provide financial oversight, manage risk, and undertake the administrative functions required to support the smooth running of the charity.

Unseen is working towards a world without slavery. We provide safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. We also run the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline and work with individuals, communities, businesses, governments, other charities, and statutory agencies to stamp out slavery for good. 

Location: Unseen’s head office in Bristol (Hybrid approach with some working from home days. A degree of flexibility will be required)

Salary: £39,000 - £45,000 per annum (£65,000 - £75,000 FTE)

Contract Type: Permanent, Part-time (3 days /0.6 FTE)

Purpose of the role:

Reporting to the CEO as part of the Senior Leadership Team, the role of Director of Finance exists to maximise the effective deployment of Unseen’s resources in pursuit of the charity’s mission. The Director’s primary objective is to drive improvements in efficiency and value for money, optimising how the organisation’s human and financial resources, and physical and virtual infrastructures are utilised to achieve the greatest impact for survivors and stakeholders.

In essence, the Director of Finance will act as Unseen’s chief financial strategist – ensuring financial sustainability and growth, compliance and accountability, while continuously enhancing internal processes and resource allocation. By delivering excellent financial oversight, proactive risk management, and effective operational support, this role enables Unseen’s front-line teams and programs to flourish. The post-holder will balance professionalism and rigour with empathy and a genuine commitment to Unseen UK’s vision of a world without slavery.

To apply: 

• Please complete the application form attached. This includes a personal statement of 500 words outlining your suitability for the role, and;
• Please send a copy of your CV to jobs @ unseenuk. org with reference to the job title.

The deadline for applications is midnight on 4 January 2026.

Interviews will likely be held during the week of 12 January 2026.

Kindly note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy if we reach the requisite number of applications. If you’re interested in the role, we would encourage you to apply early.

As an organisation focused on equality and diversity, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and all backgrounds, including those with a lived experience of modern slavery, those from ethnic minority groups, those with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community. 

Any questions, please contact jobs @ unseenuk. org. 

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is looking for a suitably skilled & highly capable Senior Finance Officer. This is a pivotal position within a small, dedicated finance team, where you will support the effectiveness of day-to-day financial support and ensure that accurate, timely information is available to management. You’ll be responsible for recording financial data across a range of systems and processes, helping to provide a robust financial foundation for Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

A major focus of the role will be the accurate and efficient processing of all financial transactions. This includes the purchase and sales ledgers, carrying out bank reconciliations, managing credit control and supporting the approval of payment runs.

Your attention to detail and strong numeracy skills will be essential in maintaining the integrity of the Trust’s financial records and ensuring that everything ties up smoothly each month and at year end.

Alongside core finance work, you will support the Trust’s trading operations by managing the online shop, overseeing stock for both online and retail outlets and working with EPOS and ECWID systems. You’ll also provide finance support to the Consultancy Team and Café operations, helping these income-generating activities run smoothly and contribute to the Trust’s wider objectives.

Working closely with the Financial Controller, you will support key financial cycles including year-end and the annual audit for both the Trust and SWT Trading, as well as month-end processes, balance sheet reconciliations and management accounts. You’ll also assist with VAT returns, legacies, project reconciliations, restricted fund allocations, budgeting and ad hoc reporting, giving you a broad and varied workload.

The ideal candidate will have strong numeracy and Excel skills, previous experience in a similar finance role and either AAT qualified or qualified by equivalent experience. You’ll be organised, efficient, proactive and comfortable multi-tasking in a small team, with a willingness to learn and take a hands-on approach. Above all, you’ll be motivated by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s mission and keen to use your finance skills to support nature’s recovery in Suffolk.

This is a permanent position working 30 hours per week over four days based at our main office Brooke House in Ashbocking. We operate flexible homeworking arrangements where colleagues spend more time working together than homeworking. The starting salary will be between £24,800 (FTE £31,000) and £26,400 (FTE £33,000) per annum depending on skills, knowledge and experience. Full time hours (37.5 over five days) would be considered for the right candidate.

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Monday 05 January 2026. The application process will include uploading a CV and optional cover letter. The interviews are planned for Thursday 15 January 2026 at Brooke House in Ashbocking. Please indicate on the application your availability for interview (between 9:30am and 4:00pm).

Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.

Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £49, 282 - £54,495 per annum

Location: Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford, Manchester (Some remote working will be considered)

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

About Gorse Hill Studios

Gorse Hill Studios is a dynamic and ambitious youth and community arts charity. At the heart of our organisation is a belief that all young people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. We work with young people to build confidence, creativity and community connections, ensuring they have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.

We believe that creativity can transform lives, and we are committed to placing young people at the centre of everything we do. Their voices, ideas and experiences help shape our programmes, partnerships and strategic direction.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and development. Our team currently includes 20 core staff and a wider network of volunteers and creative practitioners, delivering a diverse portfolio of youth arts sessions, community engagement projects, creative wellbeing initiatives and partnership-led activity with local schools and organisations. The CEO will play a pivotal role in leading this portfolio, strengthening our impact, championing youth voice and ensuring young people continue to shape our future direction as we move into the next chapter of our development.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic, compassionate and visionary leadership, ensuring Gorse Hill Studios delivers its mission to empower and inspire young people. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will hold overall responsibility for the organisation’s performance, culture, operations and long-term sustainability. This role calls for someone who demonstrates strong strategic insight with the ability to influence and inspire others, using emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership to build positive internal and external relationships.

A fundamental part of this role is your commitment to embedding young people’s voice in decision making. You will champion their perspectives, ensuring programme development, strategy and organisational culture reflect the needs and aspirations of the young people we serve.

You will also be an ambassador for the charity, building trusted relationships with young people, partners, funders and the wider community. This role requires a leader who is values led, resilient and passionate about supporting young people through the arts and creative engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Lead on the development and delivery of the charity’s long-term strategy, with young people meaningfully involved
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and governance requirements, including Charity Commission expectations and safeguarding duties
• Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board
• Support the Board to operate effectively

Financial Management and Income Generation

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and responsible management of all funds
• Lead a diverse income generation strategy
• Identify sustainable opportunities for organisational growth

Operational Management and Programme Delivery

• Oversee day to day operations and ensure systems are effective
• Ensure programmes are high quality, inclusive and reflective of young people’s needs and feedback
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, or ensure robust safeguarding practices across the organisation

People Leadership and Culture

• Inspire, support and lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team
• Champion a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Oversee recruitment, wellbeing and performance management

External Relations and Advocacy

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Gorse Hill Studios
• Build strong relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
• Advocate for and with young people locally and nationally
• Represent the charity confidently at events and in the media

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, youth, arts or wider non-profit sector
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven success in fundraising or income generation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in youth settings
• Experience leading teams and developing positive organisational cultures
• Strategic leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience in the youth arts or creative community sector
• Understanding of the Trafford community landscape

Values and Commitment

We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals who share these values and are passionate about empowering young people.

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Application Details

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter.

Closing date: 19 January

Interview date: 23 January at Gorse Hill Studios

Interviews will include a stakeholder panel and a formal interview.

REF-225 658