Financial director jobs in Central london, greater london

Summer Program Director 

Reports to: Operations Manager 

Hours: 8.00 am - 4.00 pm M-F (times may vary during the 10 weeks of summer)

Contract: November 2026 - September 2027

Salary: Grade 7 on the support staff scales, £45,934 - 48,732 depending on experience

Overall purpose 

To have overall responsibility for the successful planning and delivery of the ASL Summer Program. The selected candidate will be accountable for designing, budgeting, recruiting, promoting and supervising the day-to-day operations of the program, providing a safe, enjoyable, and age-appropriate experience for campers that is culturally aligned and similar to the day program at ASL. This leadership position is charged with the long-term objective of evolving and changing the program to improve offerings, and experiences and ensure sustainable financial performance. 

Responsibilities 

Program oversight

• Work with school administration to set strategy and goals for the summer program, in alignment with the overall goals of the school

• Develop and monitor budgets and KPIs 

• Design and create the program of offerings (before the portal opens in March)

• Actively enhance and grow all aspects of the summer program  

• Create or enhance program policies and procedures

• Conduct a post-summer debrief, incorporating surveys, performance data analysis and a report to management

People

• Ensure appropriate staffing for all programs, including the recruitment and ongoing management of staff

• Hire and schedule teachers, coaches, assistants, and counsellors with the assistance of the Canons Park Manager (s) and other team members. 

• Ensure counsellors are interviewed, trained and supported to work in the program.

• Hire supporting staff when needed.

• Support HR to ensure all summer program hires are correctly DBS checked and complete necessary training materials before starting work. 

Planning / Operations

• Conduct advance planning for all aspects of the program during the school year 

• Coordinate between various departments to ensure the summer program and facilities are adequately prepared 

• Work with the Transport Manager to ensure appropriate busing is arranged for offerings. Also, manage buses during the summer weeks..

• Supervise the morning drop-off and collections during the summer weeks. 

• Support the Canons Park Manager and other program leads with any challenging parent communications or interactions during the summer weeks. 

• Support the coordinator(s) with any issues related to parent registrations or refunds. 

• Respond to messages from the summer email inbox from December.

• Supervise the careful release of campers by counsellors, coaches and teachers to their parents at Waverley Park.

• Manage any possible parent complaints, including but not limited to refunds, camp swapping etc

• Manage and support any child safeguarding concerns that may arise during the summer.

• Work with the Facilities Manager to organize room locations and spaces

Other

• Update and test the employment pages and forms, the summer web pages, and the Veracross portal listings. 

• Manage and confirm the weekly payroll and submit it for processing. 

• Work with the Accounts department on payroll, purchasing (Soldo cards), budgeting and abiding by the ASL financial procedures. 

• Work with the Advancement department (ASL communications/website team) to set up / update the webpage and advertise the programs internally and externally through school announcements, emails and local magazines

Selection criteria

Essential qualifications/experience:

• Experience working with children of the ages 5 to 14 years old

• A positive and flexible attitude towards working in and leading a team

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• A demonstrable awareness of and commitment to diversity and inclusion and to safeguarding in education

• Comfort with using a variety of technology platforms 

• Previous experience managing/leading teams 

• A professional approach and experience with customer service 

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Previous teaching or assistant teaching experience with children 

• Previous experience with hiring extracurricular teachers and assistants

• Previous experience with designing and managing activities for children

• Experience with managing budgets and meeting financial or performance targets

This position description is current at the date shown but following consultation may be changed to reflect or anticipate changes in the role that are commensurate with the job title and salary.

The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All new appointments will be subject to appropriate checks: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, at least 2 references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). For positions into Senior Management a Prohibition from Management Check (s128 Directive) will also be undertaken.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

ASL is dedicated to fostering courageous global citizenship in a diverse and inclusive school environment. In our international community, we aspire for the cultures and backgrounds of our employees to mirror those of our families and student body, and we enthusiastically welcome applications from candidates who bring diverse life experiences, perspectives and skills. Educators with knowledge of global education and prospective applicants for any position who are committed to diversity and inclusion are particularly welcome to apply. The American School in London will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity or parental status, or any other legally recognised protected basis under local law. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement here.

Interim Finance Director | Immediate Start | 7-Month FTC

• *£80,000–£90,000 + benefits | 7-month FTC | Hybrid London | Immediate Start**

A pivotal finance leadership role with purpose!

We’re partnering with a highly respected UK charity to appoint an **Interim Finance Director on a 7-month FTC**, this is a full-time, London based hybrid role, starting immediately, during an important period of organisational transition.

This is a hands-on leadership role where **financial resilience, governance and positive change** genuinely matter. The organisation provides supported housing and support to vulnerable and disabled veterans, helping those who have served their country to live with independence, dignity and wellbeing.

The opportunity

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Executive Team, Board and Finance, HR, Audit & Risk Committee, you’ll lead a broad finance transformation and improvement agenda.

Key priorities include:

• Leading and strengthening the finance function
• Completing and embedding outstanding external audit actions
• Developing a robust **five-year financial strategy** and leading the **2027/28 budget**
• Creating a credible pathway from current deficit positions towards sustainable operating surplus
• Refreshing the Finance Manual and financial policies, controls and procedures
• Leading internal audit and assurance
• Improving management accounts, forecasting, KPIs and Board reporting
• Providing executive oversight of finance and IT systems, including **Pyramid implementation**
• Advising the CEO, Board and Committee with clear, decision-focused financial insight
• Building a confident, collaborative and high-performing finance team

What we’re looking for

You’ll be a **fully qualified accountant** with significant senior financial leadership experience, including working with Boards and Audit/Risk Committees.

You’ll bring strong experience across **financial strategy, budgeting, controls, audit, governance, forecasting and organisational change**, with the ability to turn complex financial information into clear, actionable advice.

Why this role?

This is a genuine **delivery-focused interim assignment**. In seven months, you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen the finance function, improve governance and reporting, shape the five-year financial strategy and establish a credible route towards sustainable financial performance.

If you’re a strategic, hands-on finance leader available immediately and ready to make an impact, please apply online today I would love to hear from you!

National Zakat Foundation is the UK’s leading Zakat institution, turning Zakat into real, local impact for Muslim communities across the country. NZF provides community-led solutions to poverty, inequality and isolation, with an aim to impact the well-being of all communities in the UK. As our Director of Finance and Governance, you’ll sit at the heart of our Executive Committee, steering Finance, Governance and Risk Management with the rigour of a seasoned CFO and the heart of someone who believes in the mission. You will specialise in financial analysis, strategic planning and business partnering.

This is more than a finance role. You’ll shape strategy, safeguard trust, and give our stakeholders the insight they need to grow our reach and deepen our impact – all while ensuring every pound of Zakat is managed with integrity, transparency and care.

We’re looking for a qualified finance leader (FCCA, ACA or CIMA) with ten-plus years at Director or CFO level, a sharp eye for governance and risk, and a genuine passion for serving the UK Muslim community.

Together, we can make every Zakat count.

About us:

Are you passionate about financial capability? Join us to develop knowledge, resources and tools that are accessible to all!

At The London Foundation for Banking & Finance (LFBF), our story began in 1879 when a group of visionary bank workers set out to elevate professional standards and leadership in the industry. Over the years, we became a recognised leader in financial services education, offering industry-leading qualifications and setting the gold standard for professional competency.

In 2023 we entered an exciting new chapter as an independent charity, revitalising and refocusing our mission to improve financial capability and empower professionals in the sector. In 2025 we published a new external strategy with our social impact metrics which will lead to our 150 year anniversary in 2029.  We are now seeking a passionate leader in the Financial Capability field to join our senior management team and work alongside our Chief Executive to continue to drive our transformation forward.

Our charitable objective is the advancement of knowledge and education in financial services, and to carry out research and publish useful results for the benefit of the public. In doing so, we seek to improve levels of financial literacy and skills, as well as support those working within or considering a career in the financial services industry.

Our objective is just as relevant, perhaps even more so, today as it has been in our long history. If you're inspired to make a real impact and contribute to the advancement of financial knowledge for the benefit of society, we want to hear from you.

About the role:

In this role, you will be instrumental in implementing our strategic financial capability objectives, which align with our charitable objects and goals. Your responsibilities will include developing partnerships, identifying new markets, expanding our reach, measuring social and commercial impact, and strengthening the organisation’s brand and stakeholder relationships. The role also supports policy, communications, risk management, project delivery and long-term strategic planning in financial capability.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior professional who is looking to apply their expertise in a strategic leadership role while enjoying both the flexibility of hybrid working and flexible part-time hours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement strategies to promote and broaden the use of the content from existing financial capability educational material to build income streams.
• Develop a business model for the financial capability content which balances the achievement of our charitable object with income streams.
• Identify and develop opportunities to secure widen the reach of our financial capability content.
• Identify new markets, audiences and partnership opportunities and make evidence-based recommendations on where to focus our effort.
• Develop a suite of metrics for Financial Capability to measure success, to include both social and commercial impact
• Lead and support presentations to win commercial commitment from organisations and stakeholders.
• Play a key role in supporting UK policy development and implementation with regard to financial inclusion and capability - acting upon and responding to initiatives proposed by UK and international policy makers, legislative bodies, and regulatory authorities.
• Leverage strong project management skills to drive and sustain financial capability projects.
• Identify and keep under review the risks associated with the financial capability proposition, reporting on any that have emerged and identifying any potential news ones, putting forward strategies to mitigate the impact.

You will have:

• Worked in a senior executive role in financial capability, preferably at Head of or Director level.
• Knowledge of financial capability issues within the UK
• Excellent business development skills including commercial awareness, negotiation and written and verbal communication skills.
• Project management skills to oversee financial capability plans, and expertise in identifying and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders
• Be collaborative and team orientated

What we offer:

• An opportunity to make a significant impact on the success of the strategy of the charity.
• A collaborative, adaptable and supportive work environment where integrity and innovation are valued.
• Competitive compensation based on your experience and the charity sector.
• Hybrid working – work from home and work from our London office based in the City: we need you to be in the office on at least two fixed days a month but otherwise we’re flexible.
• Flexible working days and times: we’re flexible on how this role is worked — it could be three full days, five shorter days, or another arrangement that works for everyone.
• We recognise that physical, mental and financial wellbeing is important:
  • so enjoy our generous annual leave (30 days plus bank holidays for full time hours, pro rata for part time hours).
  • join our Private Medical insurance scheme.
  • provision of generous life insurance cover, to provide financial security to your loved ones should the worst happen.

Location: London (hybrid, 3 days/week in the office)

Contract: permanent, full-time

Are you an accomplished finance leader looking to shape the future of a global organisation?

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) represents nearly 20 million transport workers through more than 700 affiliated trade unions in over 150 countries. Working across every transport sector, we campaign for better rights, safer workplaces and fairer conditions for transport workers worldwide.

We are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to provide strategic financial leadership for one of the world's leading international trade union federations.

Working closely with the General Secretary, Executive Board and elected officials, and reporting to the Director of Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the ITF remains financially sustainable, resilient and well-governed.

This is an opportunity to shape the financial strategy of a complex international organisation, lead an experienced finance function and provide trusted advice that influences decisions across the organisation.

The Role

As Finance Director, you will lead the ITF's global finance function and oversee the financial stewardship of the ITF Group and its parent organisation, subsidiaries and branches.

Working across a complex international organisation, you will ensure the organisation's financial sustainability while providing strategic leadership across financial planning, governance, investments, compliance and organisational performance.

You will help translate organisational priorities into long term sustainable financial strategies, providing high-quality financial insight that supports effective decision-making by the General Secretary, Executive Board, Congress and senior leadership.

Alongside leading an experienced finance team, you will drive continuous improvement across financial systems, reporting and controls, ensuring the organisation remains agile, compliant and well positioned to support its membership.

What you'll do

As Finance Director, you will:

• Lead the strategic financial direction of the ITF, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
• Develop financial strategies that support organisational priorities, future growth and organisational resilience.
• Provide trusted financial advice and strategic reports to the General Secretary, Executive Board, Congress, elected officials and senior leadership.
• Lead treasury management, including oversight of the ITF's investment portfolio, reserves and fixed assets.
• Ensure robust financial governance through effective internal controls, financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee statutory financial reporting, tax compliance and relationships with external auditors, ITF lay auditors and other independent auditors.
• Coordinate the development of global financial policies, standards and financial management guidance across the organisation.
• Strengthen financial accountability and governance across the ITF's eleven regional offices.
• Lead the continuous development of modern financial systems that support organisational performance, decision-making and future growth.
• Provide strategic financial analysis to support major organisational initiatives, investment decisions and long-term planning.
• Lead and develop a high-performing international finance function, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to identify opportunities to improve financial effectiveness, efficiency and value for money.

About You

You will be a strategic and hands on finance leader who combines professional credibility with sound judgement, collaborative leadership and the ability to influence at the highest levels of an international organisation.

You will bring substantial experience of leading financial matters  within a complex organisation and will be equally comfortable discussing long-term strategy with senior leaders as you are ensuring strong financial governance and compliance.

You will have:

• A professional accounting qualification and membership of a UK or internationally recognised accounting body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or international equivalent).
• Significant post-qualification experience in senior finance leadership roles.
• Extensive experience of board governance, audit, treasury management, investment oversight and risk management.
• Strong experience of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial control.
• Experience of ensuring compliance with UK financial, tax and regulatory requirements within a UK-regulated organisation.
• Experience leading finance within a complex organisation, ideally with international operations and multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience of developing financial strategy that supports organisational growth and long-term sustainability.
• A successful track record of leading organisational change and continuous improvement.
• Experience of building, motivating and developing high-performing professional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills, with the ability to explain complex financial issues to a wide range of audiences.
• Strong digital skills and experience of modern financial systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• A willingness to travel internationally and work flexibly when required.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international not-for-profit, membership or trade union environment.
• Experience working with donors and donor compliance requirements.

Why join the ITF?

This is more than a Finance Director role.

You'll help shape the financial future of an organisation that works every day to improve the lives of transport workers across the globe.

You'll join a collaborative senior leadership team, influence strategic decision-making at the highest level and lead a finance function that enables the ITF to deliver its mission with confidence, integrity and impact.

In return, you'll have the opportunity to work internationally, contribute to meaningful organisational change and play a central role in ensuring the long-term success of one of the world's leading global trade union federations.

Our Commitment

The ITF is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

ChildAid to Eastern Europe is a long-established Christian charity working with local partners across Eastern Europe to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families.

We are seeking an exceptional Director to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and income generation to ensure the charity’s long-term sustainability.

This is a hands-on role, combining high-level strategy with day-to-day delivery. You will act as the public face of the charity, strengthen partner and donor relationships, and lead across fundraising, communications, operations and team development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the charity’s strategic vision.
• Develop and grow sustainable income streams.
• Oversee financial management, governance and compliance.
• Strengthen marketing, communications and organisational profile.
• Support programme delivery and partner relationships in Eastern Europe.
• Lead and develop a small team of staff and volunteers.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally in the charity sector.
• A strong track record in fundraising or income generation.
• Proven financial and operational management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building ability.
• Strategic thinking, combined with a practical, hands-on approach.
• A genuine commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

Additional information

This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Why join us?
Lead a respected charity with over 50 years of impact, shape future strategy and help transform the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Harris Hill is recruiting for a 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: Financial Controller
• Reporting to: Director of Finance:
• Management: 2 Finance Staff: Finance Manager & Finance Assistant
• Salary: £55.000pa
• 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 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.

Are you an accomplished finance executive looking to combine strategic financial leadership with meaningful climate impact?

We're seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to join the executive team of a mission-driven international organisation working to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a complex, multi-entity organisation as it evolves towards a more diversified and sustainable funding model.

As the organisation's senior finance leader, you will provide strategic oversight of finance while leading key enabling functions including funding operations and facilities. Working closely with the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team, you'll help drive organisational resilience, support informed decision-making and ensure robust governance across an international, remote-first environment.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Develop and deliver long-term financial strategy aligned to organisational growth, resilience and impact.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning and financial performance across multiple entities.
• Strengthen financial resilience through effective governance, controls, risk management and commercial insight.
• Partner with executive leaders to support strategic investment decisions and organisational transformation.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Enable high-quality financial reporting, data-driven decision making and operational excellence.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience as a CFO, Finance Director or equivalent within a complex, multi-entity organisation.
• A recognised professional accounting qualification.
• A track record of leading organisations through change, transformation or evolving funding and business models.
• Experience across multiple funding environments, ideally spanning institutional, commercial and/or philanthropic sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen combined with exceptional governance, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to thrive in ambiguity while maintaining financial discipline and enabling innovation.

This role is ideal for a purpose-led finance leader who wants to apply their expertise to one of the defining challenges of our time. You'll join an ambitious, international organisation where financial leadership is central to enabling climate innovation, organisational resilience and long-term systems change.

Interested?

If you're an inspiring finance leader ready to shape the next chapter of a high-impact international organisation driving positive climate action, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. We will be interviewing on a rolling basis, as such an early application is highly recommended.

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

A leading international charity is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join its finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, this is a broad leadership role responsible for financial control, statutory reporting and the day-to-day management of the financial accounting function. Alongside ensuring robust financial governance, you'll also play a key role in driving finance transformation projects, improving systems, processes and ways of working across the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong finance professional who enjoys combining hands-on financial control with leading change and developing high-performing teams.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Lead the production of statutory accounts and oversee month-end and year-end reporting.
• Act as the key contact for the external audit process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Maintain a strong financial control environment across balance sheet reconciliations, treasury, tax and fund accounting.
• Lead, develop and support the financial accounting team.
• Drive finance transformation initiatives, including improvements to systems, processes and reporting.
• Partner with senior stakeholders, providing financial insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Strengthen financial processes, controls and governance across the finance function.

You will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Have significant experience leading financial control and statutory reporting within a complex international organisation.
• Have strong knowledge of UK GAAP and ideally Charity SORP.
• Have experience managing external audits and leading month-end and year-end processes.
• Have a proven track record of leading finance transformation, systems or process improvement projects.
• Be an experienced people manager with the ability to lead and develop finance teams.
• Possess excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

What's on offer:

• 12-month fixed-term contract.
• Hybrid working with approximately one day per week in the London office.
• The opportunity to lead an established finance function while driving meaningful transformation and continuous improvement.

Head of Finance

Salary£80,000.00 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Head of Finance

Location: London/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Salary: £80,000.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1228366

About Us

Founded in 1844, YMCA is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity.  In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. The turnover of YMCA in 2025-26 was £386m. YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting a Federation of 80 local YMCAs to deliver vital services which positively impact young lives across the country. As we grow our income and impact, we are seeking an established and inspirational Head of Finance to take on one of the most pivotal roles in our organisation.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership appointment, reporting to the Director of Resources and leading a Finance team of around nine, including the payroll function. You will act as our lead on all matters of finance, liaising with our Federation members where necessary, providing expert support to our Income Generation Directorate (Fundraising and Retail) and other internal Directorates, embedding financial insight into revenue-generation strategy and working in close collaborative partnership with senior colleagues both within those teams but also across the Federation. Beyond this, you will oversee statutory reporting, investments, VAT and taxation compliance, and provide expert counsel to our Board of Trustees and Finance and Audit Committee.

Why You

Perhaps you have already established an excellent track record within a charity with significant fundraising and retail operations and are ready for the scale and influence this role commands. Or perhaps this is your first move into a charity; you are a seasoned accountant whose clients have included charitable organisations, and you now plan to apply that expertise where it matters most. Either way, this is a genuine opportunity to shape the financial future of a movement with over 180 years of heritage as we continue to embed strong financial practices whilst delivering our strategic ambition

What We're Looking For

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with senior management experience leading finance in an organisation of comparable scale, ideally with charity reporting and SORP knowledge. Strong business partnering skills, gravitas with trustees and committees, and genuine collaborative leadership are essential to succeed in this crucial role.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Finance Director with a social enterprise on a full-time, permanent basis. As Finance Director, you will lead the Finance function, providing high-quality financial planning, reporting, control, technical accounting and decision support that enables the COO, CEO, Leadership Team and Board to manage financial sustainability, risk and performance across the organisation.

The role has a particular focus on property finance, including the financial stewardship of the organisation’s mixed-use estate property portfolio, service charge arrangements, long-term asset planning and accounting for land and buildings, alongside senior oversight of charity / and social enterprise accounting and long-term financial sustainability. Please note, the COO retains senior executive ownership of financial strategy, capital allocation and organisation-wide financial sustainability.

Please note, there is hybrid working in place with this organisation with 3 days per week required in their London office.

As Finance Director, you will:

- Lead on organisation-wide budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes, balancing operational requirements with long-term financial resilience and sustainability

- Maintain an effective framework of financial governance, delegated authorities and internal controls that protects organisational assets and supports sound decision making

- Lead on the performance, capability and continuous development of the Finance function, ensuring effective delivery of finance services across the organisation with a business partnering ethos

- Provide strategic financial advice, challenge and recommendations to the COO, Leadership Team and Board on organisational performance, investment decisions and financial risks

- Contribute to organisational strategy, performance management and transformation initiatives

by ensuring financial considerations are embedded within major decisions and change programmes

- Lead a team of 3

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the not-for-profit sector, in a similar role (evidence of continuing professional development in charity / social enterprise finance, property finance, VAT, audit, treasury or systems improvement)

- Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA etc)

- Have more than 3 years’ experience leading a finance function or senior finance team in a complex organisation

- Be able to work confidently across multiple entities with property ownership within the group (knowledge of, or experience working with asset-owning, organisations and that own, manage or account for mixed-use property subsidiaries assets, including commercial, community or residential elements)

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.

About us

We are a long-established UK research institution with charitable status and accounting operations in both the UK and East Africa. With an annual turnover of over £1 million, our finances span two entities and a range of restricted and unrestricted funds, consolidated for reporting. We are looking for a qualified accountant to join us as a contractor in a part-time, ongoing capacity to strengthen the running of our finance function.

The role

Our accountant in the East Africa office handles the day-to-day transactions — raising invoices, recording expenses and paying supplier bills. You will work alongside them, providing the qualified oversight, payment control and monthly discipline that keep the finance function running well, and supporting their development along the way.

It is a varied role that combines hands-on accuracy with oversight and coaching. In practice, you will:

• Support, guide and coach our accountant so that accounting entries are made correctly and consistently, building their skills over time.

• Run payment preparation and approval process in the UK entity, approving payment runs for release by local signatories.

• Financial management of project funds: accounting, expense management, funds transfers and accurate financial reporting.

• Review monthly results and report, examining the Statement of Financial Activities and underlying entries, and tracking performance against budget.

• Own the budgeting process, maintaining and updating the existing annual budget and monitoring it each month, and reporting quarterly to funders.

• Run a reliable monthly close and provide cover for our accountant during leave or absence to keep the accounting running.

• Lead on risk, taking an active interest in risk assessment, management and internal financial controls, working with compliance officer for local regulatory compliance.

• Attend and co-ordinate the finance and development meeting, support Companies House and Charity Commissions returns and updates.

• Administrative support for grant applications and management of these.

Key requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPFA), or a finalist with strong relevant experience.

• Right to work in the UK.

• Proficient in Xero, and either proficient in Joiin or a similar consolidation system such as Hyperion and able to learn it quickly. Familiarity with payment platforms (desirable).

• Sound understanding of payment controls, dual authorisation and segregation of duties.

• Experience of maintaining a budget and reviewing monthly performance against it.

• Detail-focused and hands-on, with the judgement to review, oversee and coach a colleague.

• Charity or non-profit experience is useful but not essential, including experience of managing project funds, expenses and reporting to funders.

What does success look like

In this role, success means:

• Accounting is accurate and correctly recorded across both entities.

• Monthly review and reporting is completed reliably and on time.

• The budget process is mastered and embedded in monthly reporting, with performance tracked against budget categories.

• Dual authorisation of key processes is operating successfully.

• Key processes in both entities are learnt, so you can cover for the East Africa accountant in the event of absence.

• The payment process is smooth, reviewed, and presented to the Director for second approval.

• Risk assessment is formalised and internal financial controls are maintained.

Who it suits

This role would suit an accountant who wants to broaden their range of experience, or an experienced accountant from the commercial or non-profit sector who now wishes to work part-time and contribute to the smooth running of a respected institution.

Our systems

We use Xero for our accounting and Joiin for consolidated reporting. Both are already implemented and stable. Proficiency in Joiin is ideal; otherwise, experience of a similar system and a readiness to learn this software quickly is an advantage.

How to apply

Please send your CV with a short covering note explaining your interest and how your experience fits the key requirements above. We will review applications on a rolling basis and may close early if we find the right candidate.

Salary: Starting at £66,920, raising to £77,555
Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Family Action Head Office, London N1 7GR.
Our office space is wheelchair accessible. We typically work two days a week in the office, but offer the flexibility of home-working anywhere within the UK.

FAMILY ACTION AND THE ROLE'S IMPACT:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It is what we have done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This is an important senior role in Family Action. As Deputy Director of People, you will lead on all People matters at Family Action, encompassing HR, EDI, volunteers and Learning & Development. You will report to the General Counsel & Director of Systems.
• Your role will be varied, exciting and incredibly worthwhile. At its heart is a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference within our organisation, benefiting staff, volunteers and those who use our services. You will be working with managers at all levels to influence, inform and plan work across the entire organisation.
• We are looking for someone who is motivated and who can draw learning from a range of sources and analyse evidence within its wider organisational context. You will bring substantial Human Resources experience and a strong track record of developing and delivering People strategies. You will be skilled at leading through complexity, navigating change, understanding organisational challenges, and developing effective plans that support continuous improvement.

For the main requirements of the role, please see the job description and person specification.

BENEFITS:

• an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays (FTE)
• up to 6% matched-pension contributions
• flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
• enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
• eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
• cycle to work scheme
• investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

TO APPLY:

• Click the ‘Apply’ link below and fill out our digital application form
• Closing Date: 16 August 2026 at 23.59

All appointments with Family Action are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates. We are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action because we know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and we strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse reasonable travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.