Financial Director Jobs in Charing Cross, Greater London

Chief Executive – full-time, permanent, London (flexible/hybrid)

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) is seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation through the next phase of its growth and development. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for a highly experienced and energetic senior player to lead a small executive team, along with many highly dedicated and capable Institute members, as we embark on a number of key development projects which will continue to grow our charitable activities and influence in the food sector. The role is a key point of contact and ambassador for the Institute with many senior and influential stakeholders within the food sector and governments.

We are looking for a strong strategic and conceptual thinker, experienced in business and financial management, who can communicate with and influence people at all levels. The role leads a small team and will have significant hands-on involvement in day to day operational matters.

The individual will have attained a BSc or equivalent level, and have demonstrable experience in leadership and people management. They will have a broad understanding of the food (or associated) sector (and preferably experience working in the sector). Ideally, the individual will already have experience managing or running a charity, and so will have a practical understanding of charity governance best practice. 

With multiple activities from publishing through to professional recognition and from scientific and technical events and communication through to supporting the next generation of talent, the Institute is looking for a leader who can work creatively and yet in a focussed way to ensure all these activities are progressed.

Ideally, they will have previously worked for a professional membership body and are likely to have experience in the food sector.

About the role:

• Full-time, permanent. London-based (Hammersmith) with flexible working – the individual will be required to attend regular physical meetings, often in London, but with some other meetings in the UK. This role may also include some international travel. Salary: On application. No agencies.

About the Institute

IFST is the leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology.

As a charity and independent professional body, IFST is in a prime position to provide impartial, science-based information. In addition to publishing peer-reviewed papers, guides, periodicals and reports, we host events, webinars, lectures and conferences throughout the year.

We also aim to be a source of professionalism in our field that reflects the dynamic and innovative nature of food science and technology. We provide independent professional recognition of knowledge and skills. Our professional registers and accreditation schemes are widely recognised and valued throughout the sector as the benchmark for skills and expertise for food technical professionals.

IFST is guided in its decision-making and activities by its five values and through a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Values:

• Evidence-based - All that we do and deliver is based on evidence. This fundamental principle lies at the very core of IFST’s consciousness. We provide scientific evidence that the public, policymakers and our members can trust and use.
• Professional - We aim to be a repository of professionalism in our field of food science and technology and to ensure our profession serves the public. We demand and expect professionalism from our members whether drawn from academia, industry or the public sector.
• Innovative - Food science and technology is, by nature dynamic and innovative. Whilst a serious subject and with serious implications, it is exciting and fun. We will seek to reflect this dynamism in the way we work and communicate with others. We will therefore be responsive to the constantly changing environment in which we work and to the needs of our members and stakeholders. 
• Independent - Our independent position and voice is critical and is what we are valued and respected for. We will ensure our governance, agendas and outputs are based on the best and most complete evidence available and, in gathering this evidence, we will not be unduly influenced by any single views or commercial pressures. We will build trust by being open about all our decision-making processes.
• Food Science Community - We value our members as a community of food scientists and technologists. We respect and value the diversity of our membership and all that this diversity brings. We seek to learn from each other and always encourage a friendly, approachable, inclusive and supportive spirit from all who work for and with us.

IFST’s EDI Statement:

The Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) recognises that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for innovation and excellence in scientific endeavours. We recognise the importance and benefits of equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion and eliminating discrimination in every aspect of our work. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, IFST aims to drive positive change and advance the field of food science for the benefit of society.

We aim to ensure that no individual or group is treated more or less favourably than others on grounds of sex, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity/paternity or religion.

We work to comply with all the legislation related to equal opportunities to ensure that the culture, philosophy and processes within IFST are free from bias of any kind.

We actively encourage applications from individuals who may be underrepresented in our workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women.

To apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience/skills and what attracts you to this role .Please note that any CVs received without an accompanying cover letter will not be considered.

All applications must be submitted via Charity Job no later than 5:00pm on 14th June 2024.

The British Asian Trust is one of the most exciting and innovative charities working in South Asia. They were founded in 2007 by His Majesty King Charles III and a group of British Asian business leaders to tackle widespread poverty, inequality and injustice in South Asia. In recent years they have experienced substantial growth, with income increasing from £1m to £22m.

An estimated 172 million children in India are considered ‘at-risk’ from various forms of harm and exploitation. Children are made vulnerable by a complex network of interconnecting factors such as high levels of poverty, gender inequality, unsafe migration, cultural norms and poor implementation of schemes and laws. The Child Opportunity Fund’s goal is to create more safe spaces to ensure that millions of children can live their lives to the fullest potential. To achieve this, they are aiming to raise $25m which will be matched by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, totalling a $50m fund.

We are looking for an exceptional philanthropic fundraising leader, with experience of leading an appeal and first-hand programme management skills, to undertake a one year maternity cover as the Interim Head of Child Opportunity Appeal. The postholder will be responsible for overseeing the appeal, working collaboratively with the team to reach their significant fundraising targets across HNWIs, trusts, institutional funders and corporate partners.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a dynamic team that is creating a lasting impact that will enable future generations to not only survive, but also thrive.

About the role

As Interim Head of Child Opportunity Appeal, you will:

• accelerate and coordinate fundraising for the Child Opportunity Appeal across a diversified range of high value income streams in the UK, India, Dubai and globally;
• drive and implement the fundraising strategy, ensuring KPIs are monitored and met;
• coordinate internal working groups as well as external senior volunteers to ensure a consistent and aligned approach to fundraising and new donor engagement;
• produce effective prospect research and robust donor pipelines to secure major donations at the 6 and 7-figure level from HNWIs, corporates, trusts, foundations and institutional funders;
• ensure all donors and partners receive first-class stewardship and relationship management, working closely with in-country, programmes and communications colleagues to produce compelling proposals, reports and updates;
• support the CEO to manage the partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation;
• develop and deliver strong engagement opportunities and leverage cultivation event and project visit opportunities;
• contribute to financial planning and reporting, and develop processes and systems for effective fundraising and stewardship.

About you

Ideal skills and experience:

• Demonstrable experience of operating in a senior philanthropic leadership role with a strategic mindset and high levels of ambition
• Exceptional project/programme management skills
• Experience of running a significant philanthropic appeal/campaign, or playing a senior role in the delivery of a large project in a complex organisation
• Experience of implementing a fundraising strategy and successfully meeting KPIs and targets
• Strong track record in securing high value gifts from warm and cold donors and partners, including demonstrable ability to independently manage the fundraising process from research/identification to closing the ask
• Exceptional communication and networking skills with the confidence to engage stakeholders of all levels (SMT, Trustees, senior volunteers, donors, partners and colleagues)
• Strong team leadership skills with a supportive and motivating approach to rally colleagues across the organisation to deliver on the Appeal
• Ability to be both strategic and operational
• Ambitious, a natural-analyser, trustworthy, calm and proactive

Employee benefits

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Years
• 5% employer contribution pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to a well being platform

Are you a strategic, passionate, and experienced leader with a big heart for the older generations? If so, you could be the person we are looking for to lead Embracing Age.

Introduction

We live in a world that is ageing, and with that come opportunities and challenges.  At Embracing Age we want to harness those opportunities and respond to the challenges. We’re motivated by the heart of God towards the older generations, particularly those no longer able to live independently, and needing to draw on care and support. 

If you’re motivated by a similar heart and that message resonates, then perhaps you are the person to take Embracing Age forward in this next season. It’s an exciting time, we’re a growing charity with an amazing staff team and trustee board.
 

About Us

Embracing Age is a Christian charity working towards a world where older people are valued, connected and full of hope. We do this by befriending care home residents, supporting informal carers and equipping churches in their work amongst older people. Care home residents are twice as likely to feel severely lonely than older people living at home and we want to embrace them with God's love.

About the Role

The CEO will provide leadership to Embracing Age and to be responsible for the management and administration of the charity, in partnership with and reporting to the trustees. You'll lead, inspire and motivate staff and volunteers, whilst upholding and developing the Christian ethos, vision, mission and values of Embracing Age, along with the strategic objectives and priorities.

About You

You’ll be a strategic, passionate person with a big heart for the older generations and a desire to mobilise churches and communities in coming alongside them. You’ll be a friendly, confident individual with good communication and organisational skills who is looking for a part time flexible role. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please read through the recruitment pack and send your CV and a covering letter of no more than two sides, outlining your interest in and suitability for the role.

Your application should include a brief description of your faith journey and Church involvement and the details of two referees, one being a Church leader and the second a professional referee.

If you would like an informal chat about the role please get in touch

Closing date 8th June 2024

Elders Voice is a local charity serving older people in Brent. We are recruiting a CEO to lead our talented and experienced staff team through a period of change to ensure our financial security.

Elders Voice is an established and trusted charity in the heart of Kensal Green. We believe ageing should be a wonderful and worthwhile journey, but for that to happen older people need to feel safe and happy in their homes and have access to affordable activities in an environment that embraces their differences. 

The pillars of our work are a well-respected handyperson service and a day centre offering a range of activities focusing on health and well-being, socialising, art, gardening and intergenerational work with and for older people.

The CEO will need to embrace our aims and lead the EV team to provide services based on holistic, long-term, high-quality relationships and to ensure that older people shape development of our services. In this difficult economic environment, we need to explore new funding opportunities and transition away from a reliance on local authority funding.

You will report directly to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and be supported by the board and a small, dedicated staff team.

Your role:

• To lead the staff team to deliver excellent services for older people in Brent.
• To ensure the financial stability of Elders Voice.
• To work with the board of trustees to develop and deliver the strategic plan.
• To act as an ambassador for Elders Voice and the older people we represent.

To apply, email your CV and a covering letter (limited to two pages). The covering letter should explain how your experience and skills will help Elders Voice diversify our funding streams while continuing to provide excellent services and amplify the voices of older people in Brent.

Hybrid working available on discussion.  

Closing date: 23rd May 2024 (5pm)

Face to face interviews: Week beginning 28th May 2024

This is an exciting opportunity for a Director of Corporate Services to join Lumos. Lumos is an NGO which fights for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world. Their vision is a world where all children have a safe and loving family.

The Director of Corporate Services opportunity is a pivotal position overseeing Finance and Procurement as well as outsourced HR & IT. You will be joining the charity at a time of transformation, supporting in the delivery of a new strategy focussing on the delivery of core programmes for Lumos globally. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the CEO, Trustees and wider global team to ensure the running of corporate services to enable Lumos’ work supporting children globally.

Duties will include though may not be limited to the following:

• Lead and develop the Finance department
• Maintain appropriate financial systems and sound controls, ensuring Lumos complies with all financial regulatory requirements
• Ensure comprehensive and reliable financial information is available to support financial decision-making processes
• Lead budgeting and forecasting with a strong focus on cash flow
• Provide financial information to the CEO, Board and its committees, including management accounts and regular cashflow forecasts
• As well as in-house finance and procurement, you will oversee outsourced contracts with HR & IT, identifying areas for improvement where necessary
• Identify and implement improvements to Lumos finance systems, procurement, and accounting practices

About You

You will be a qualified accountant with senior finance experience having operated at senior management level.

Experience in the charities and not-for-profit sector may be beneficial though candidates from all sector backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What’s on offer

• Salary of £80,000 - £90,000 per annum
• 30 days annual leave per year + Bank holidays
• 5.82% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced parental leave and adoption leave policies
• Life insurance and enhanced sick pay options
• Offices are located near to Blackfriars station, and accessible from most central London terminals

For further details on this opportunity, please get in contact with Holly at Ivy Rock Partners.

Role outline: Managing the deployment and maintenance of Repowering’s low-carbon infrastructure, leading the Community Retrofit team 

Contract: Full-time role with probation period of 3 months.

Salary: £49-55k

Location: Primarily Repowering London’s office in Brixton, with option of partial working from home. Minimum of 3 days per week must be spent in the Repowering London office. Support will be provided for remote/home working if you need it. 

Application process: CV, cover letter and interview. 

Closing date:  24/5/24 

About the role:

We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated person with experience of low carbon retrofit, asset management, and business development to join Repowering London’s growing team. You will be a core part of our mission to tackle climate change and move towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

This will be a high-profile role within the executive team of a nationally significant social enterprise that is at the leading edge of urban community energy, with significant ambitions for scale and impact. You will work alongside the Executive Team with shared responsibility for setting and realising the organisation’s goals, strategic priorities, and business plan. 

Community Retrofit is a place-based approach to decarbonisation and community development, that creates low-carbon infrastructure, which is technically integrated at a local level, and provides direct benefits to local communities, for example through community ownership, affordable energy supply, or high-quality jobs.

You will be responsible for leading the Community Retrofit team. The team currently encompasses seven staff working across domestic and non-domestic:

• Rooftop solar installations

• Communal heat networks 

• Retrofit assessment and coordination 

• Data collection and analysis 

• Asset management 

Rooftop solar is the most established asset type deployed by Repowering, with installations dating to 2013. Retrofit assessment and coordination services started in 2023, and communal heat network investments are expected in 2025.

You will be responsible for ensuring high quality installations of low carbon assets that perform as forecast.

You will lead the development of improvements to our processes for evaluating potential sites and deploying and maintaining low carbon assets and retrofit measures. 

The role will require ongoing refinement of Repowering’s community retrofit offer to community groups, building owners and public bodies such as Local Authorities, and support the growth of long-term partnerships with our stakeholders, including supply chain partners.

In particular, working with the Repowering executive team you will support the incubation of a suite of a finance offers that allow a wider range of households, businesses and communities to participate in community retrofit. 

You will also support Repowering’s work to increase employment opportunities for young people in the low carbon sector, through how we structure our procurement for installations and by the training programmes we run in-house and with partners.

The Community Retrofit Team is one of Repowering’s four key teams, which include Communities, Energy Supply, and Core Operations. Each of these teams supports the work of the others and ongoing coordination and communication will be an important part of the role to maximise the opportunities for learning and innovation across the organisation.

About Repowering London 

Repowering London is an award-winning social enterprise developing clean energy for urban communities. A community development organisation, we enable local communities to plan, fund, build and benefit from clean energy and energy efficiency projects across buildings. We help people see how they can make a real difference.  

We are UK's most experienced urban community energy innovator with a successful track record of working in partnership with major London councils and national funders for the last ten years.

Our clean energy local ownership model is scalable and strengthens communities by delivering clean energy hand in hand with a range of long-term local services and benefits – from skills training to lower energy bills and generating funds for local investment.   

Our vision is for every town and city in the UK to benefit from locally owned clean energy solutions. We believe that urban buildings can be transformed into intelligent, efficient, clean power hubs, providing substantial economic, social and environmental benefits. Energy security can become the norm, inequality and fuel poverty a thing of the past. 

As a place to work, Repowering London has a strong culture of personal respect and integrity. We have a talented and diverse team, and we have all made the choice to be part of positive solutions to the collective challenges we face. We aim to create a supportive and empowering working environment, with high levels of collaboration, team support, and personal and professional development. 

Person specification 

The right candidate will have a high level of technical due diligence, project management and business development experience, with a track record in leading successful teams. This is particularly important as Repowering London is in a growth phase and is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. You will be comfortable working collaboratively and managing a number of staff and external contractors, as well as building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders. 

As this role is at the most senior level of the organisation, it provides an opportunity to shape business development and long-term strategy. Experience of commercial service delivery will be key to creating a sustainable platform for Community Retrofit. 

For this role, we will be looking for and assessing candidates on the following:

• Exceptional leadership skills to lead a growing team and manage a portfolio of projects 

• Experience of asset deployment and maintenance in the construction, retrofit or renewable energy sectors

• Track record of developing and growing a commercial service or product 

• Formal training in engineering, architecture or quantity surveying

• Experience of managing multi-partner projects, that may include academia, technical experts, contractors and local government 

• Analytical skills to interpret data and financial models

• Excellent written and oral communications skills and confidence in presenting to a wide range of audiences 

• Interest in community retrofit as a concept and strategy 

• Capacity to self-reflect on performance, proactively problem-solve and welcome feedback on performance 

The following are not essential for the role but would be good to have: 

• Experience of publicly funded grant schemes or loan finance 

• Experience of energy services and supply contracts 

• Experience of customer journey development, using digital platforms 

• Understanding of PAS2035 requirements

• Experience of building energy modelling, such as SAP or PHPP 

• Accreditation as a retrofit coordinator or assessor 

• Familiarity with Notion, MS Project or other collaborative project management tools 

Repowering London’s Employee Value Proposition 

 At Repowering London we want everyone to feel valued and have the opportunity to develop your skills and experience.  We offer support and work-based training to support you in your role.

Skills development is not just limited to your role at Repowering London and as an organisation we want to support employees to pursue opportunities outside of work which will broaden skills and networks.

Our team is diverse, and we recognise that everyone has responsibilities and interests outside of work, whether it is caring for family, studying, volunteering or taking time out. Repowering London want to support employees and give them the time to spend time on the things that are important to them.  Our Flexi Time Policy and Volunteering Policy provide scope for ad hoc, short-term arrangements, and our Unpaid Leave Policy provides an option for those who need to take time away from work for an extended period.

Repowering London is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of their background. We value diversity whilst recognising that accessing employment has different challenges for different people. We encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; people who identify as having a disability; people from the LGBT+ community; and people who identify as working class (or have done in the past). If you would like to have an informal chat before applying, please get in touch – we would be very happy to talk to you. 

Established in 1997, Jigsaw4u provide a range of services for children, young people and families experiencing complex social and emotional difficulties in South West London.  Jigsaw4u has experienced considerable growth and development over the past several years, and this new role has been identified by the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer to support Jigsaw4u’s position and aspirations for the future.

As a member of our Senior Management Team (SMT), you will help to deliver and shape Jigsaw4u's vision and strategy. It will be your responsibility to ensure that Jigsaw4u’s services achieve their goals, meet their strategic objectives and achieve our growth targets while being delivered to Jigsaw4u’s exceptionally high standards.

Under the direction of the CEO, the postholder’s areas of responsibility will be to: 

• Line Manage the Service Managers, ensuring that their teams are high performing, reporting and data collection is of a high standard and relationships with funders and other stakeholders are outstanding.
• Ensure that the structure of all Jigsaw4u services are optimised to allow for growth and support staff and volunteers (including trainee counsellors/therapists) to develop key skills.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of best practice within the charitable sector (and other sectors where relevant), to inform and update Jigsaw4u so that we take advantage of the latest approaches to change, innovation and development which can have a positive impact on children, young people and families affected by complex social and emotional difficulties.
• Work proactively and collaboratively to identify innovation and business improvement within the Service Management Team to define and agree Target Operating Models and oversee implementation and ongoing review.  Use insight, evaluation and analysis to continually inform and refine practice.
• Play a full part in the development of the SMT and deputise for the CEO as required.  Work closely with the Service Management Team to develop and deliver an outstanding approach to people management, building a learning culture that delivers high quality, extensive support enabling people to achieve their best as a team.
• Represent Jigsaw4u at formal meetings with funders and other stakeholders and through submission of reports and data requests.  Establish new, and strengthen existing, external relationships to promote Jigsaw4u’s profile, influence and reputation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, and adherence to relevant professional codes and standards of good practice.
• Support the CEO in funding and tender applications
• Support the CEO and fundraising team in generating income

As a member of the SMT you will be expected, with training and support, to take an active part in supporting the whole organisation.  Experience and aptitude to provide calm leadership and a supportive problem-solving approach to practical problems and judgements involving risk is necessary.

Phoenix Futures have an exciting Remote opportunity for someone to join the Business Development team and help shape the future of specialist treatment for people recovering from addiction.

We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity

The Role

This is a work from home post and can be based remotely anywhere within the UK. There will be the need to travel to meetings in London occasionally and travel to our services across England and Scotland on an ad hoc basis.

As the newly appointed Business Development Finance Partner, you will work closely with the Head of Business Development and Director in identifying and evaluating new opportunities as well as working across the Organisation to support ongoing contract management and financial business management activities.

You will support our operational leadership across the UK to evaluate, monitor and review the financial aspects of new business opportunities, leading on financial elements of tenders and grants as well as contract management and risk appraisal processes.

The position provides an ideal opportunity for individuals with a strong finance background (qualified or part-qualified accountants) to develop and enhance their careers through transitioning into a business management role.

You will be part of a passionate and skilled Business Development team, supporting the vital work delivered by Phoenix Futures across the UK.

About You

To join us as Business Development Finance Partner, you will need: 

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel
• Excellent literacy and report writing skills
• Experience of budgeting for tendering / contracting for services
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interpret and explain budgets and pricing to operational staff
• Qualified in or working towards a professional accounting qualification
• Empathy with the mission and values of Phoenix Futures

Please note, we will be assessing applications as they are submitted and may close this role should we find sufficient applicants with which to make our shortlist. As such, we would advise applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Business Development Finance Partner, please get in touch or apply today.

Your Rewards

• Salary of £34,400 pro-rata (FTE £43,500) working 30hrs across the week with flexibility that allows you to balance home and work
• Up to 8½% performance related pay annually
• 25 days’ annual leave pro-rata, plus Bank Holidays (increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days)
• Benefits including season ticket loan, pension scheme and life assurance
• Support through occupational sick pay, eye-care vouchers and regular wellbeing talks and activities
• Continuous training and career development via PXL our dedicated learning management system 
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme including telephone and online access
• A rewarding role with the opportunity to help us support people on their journey to recovery and change their lives for the better.
• We’ll ensure you get all the support you need to thrive and succeed in your role and find your place amongst our incredible and collaborative team.

The Team

The Business Development team are responsible for leading on new and emerging opportunities to support people with substance misuse issues – securing opportunities to deliver residential rehabilitation, community, housing and prisons services.

About Phoenix Futures

Phoenix Futures Group is a charity with over 50 years’ experience and a leading provider of drug and alcohol treatment. Our values are what define us and ensure we work to the highest standards. We believe in being the best, we are passionate about recovery, we value our history and use it to inform our future. Find out more on our website.
Interview Process

We want you to feel comfortable to be your best during the interview process, so that you can get to know Phoenix and we can get to know you. If shortlisted, you will be contacted for a short digital interview via Microsoft Teams in June.

Successful candidates will be selected for a face-to-face interview, for which there will be a psychometric assessment and aptitude test to complete, in the form of a systems task. All details will be provided in advance so that you can feel adequately prepared and we can support you with reasonable adjustments as required.

London’s Air Ambulance Charity continues to develop a supportive and enabling environment that gets the best out of our people. We promote a culture of progression and professional advancement offering a range of learning and development opportunities. In addition we offer flexible working options, wellbeing packages and family friendly employment policies.

It’s an exciting time at the Charity – we have over 125,000 supporters who support our work through regular giving and lottery, and we actively recruit around 40,000 new Lottery players and Regular Givers each year.  

This role supports the development, management and optimisation of our Lottery and Regular Giving programmes through Face to Face fundraising. You’ll be working with our fantastic face to face fundraisers cultivating our relationships with our external agency partners as well as supporting training, day-to-day management and monitoring of third-party fundraisers.

If you’re passionate about inspiring and motivating others, have experience of managing projects, training programmes or campaigns and enjoy working with a broad range of stakeholders and agency partners, then this is the role for you!

Apply today or contact us for more information.

We pride ourselves on our dedication to being an employer that values diversity, we firmly believe that each team member can provide a unique perspective and valuable contribution to the lives of the people we serve, applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Task Ahead: Finance Manager

As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.

As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

Areas of Responsibility

The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:

• Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.

• Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.

• Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.

• Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.

• Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.

• Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.

• Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.

• Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.

• Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.

• Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.

• Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences: 

• Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.

• Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.

• Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.

• Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself. 

Why Work for The Difference?

Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children. 

Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.

Our Organisation 

The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning.  By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.

The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.

Our Values

• High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves.  We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis. 

• Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.

• Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/

• Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them.  We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.

• Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions. 

• Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.

• Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.

• Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times. 

How To Apply 

To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.

First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.

If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green. 

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. 

As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.

Recommended Reading 

If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:

• The research which underpins our organisation.

• Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023

The package also includes:

· 8% employer pension contribution

· 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional leave during the Christmas week pro rata

· Season Ticket Loan

About Us

USPG is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Director of Global Mission, this focal coordinating role within our Global Mission Team (GMT) will ensure the effective functioning of the GMT by offering:

• Administrative support to the Director

• Team-wide Coordination

• Programme Support for cross-regional initiatives

Due to the coordinating nature of this role, the post holder will need to work in close collaboration with other members of the Global Mission Team as well as effectively liaise with members of the Communications, Engagement and Fundraising (CEF) team as well as the Finance and Operations (FO) team.

About You

You are a highly organised administrator with excellent team coordination skills. You are confident and creative and can offer the necessary operational, administrative and programme support that can see things through from conception to full implementation.

As a focal part of the team, you will have significant awareness and appreciation of team dynamics. You will demonstrate considerable cross-cultural awareness and are able to demonstrate both an aptitude for collaborative teamwork as well as the ability to work independently on your own initiative. It is expected that the postholder will have considerable experience of working in the church/charity sector and a fair understanding of contemporary global challenges.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a track record of strengthening team efficiency through meticulous attention to detail, aptitude for operational oversight and demonstrated project coordination experience to exercise their gifts within the context of a global Anglican mission agency. This role involves preparing reports for management and trustees including relevant paperwork.

How to apply

Please visit the Current Vacancies section on our website and complete the application form and equal opportunities form. Please send both completed forms to Renata Rust.

Closing Date: 24th May 2024 at 12 noon

Interview Dates: Week beginning 3rd June 2024

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.  

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is a charity with a £200m endowment and a mission that matters. We exist to prevent children becoming involved in violence. We do this by funding great initiatives, leading cutting-edge research and working for change - scaling up and spreading the practices that make a difference. 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) has a critical role in ensuring we succeed in this work. You have a key leadership role in overseeing the overall health of the Fund in partnership with the Executive Director. The role oversees our finances, people management and – for the right candidate –much of our grant-making and project management. 

Key responsibilities 

You’ll lead on key organisational governance processes and ensure the Fund makes wise decisions, by:  

• Being a leading member of our Directors’ team, overseeing all elements of the Fund’s work.

• Ensuring that the Fund operates as efficiently and effectively as possible by prioritising the right activities and matching resources to deliver on our mission.

• Ensuring we have the right long, medium and short-term financial plans in place and that we maintain close control over our financial decisions and spend. 

• Informing our Board and our Risk and Audit Committee on our financial performance and risk.

• Ensuring the Fund’s investments are well managed through supporting the Endowment Investment Committee (this does not require investment experience). 

• Managing our Grants and Evaluation Committee (this decides which evaluations we should fund) and ensuring it operates effectively. 

• Ensuring that any ambiguities in the organisation are identified and removed. 

You make sure that the Fund has the people, tools and resources in place to excel. This will require us to:  

• Hire, develop and inspire the very best people: Managing our Head of People, you will ensure that we hire the best possible staff, compensate them appropriately, provide necessary and effective training, maintain a strong focus on staff well-being, manage and develop staff effectively and address poor performance when required. 

• Provide staff with the tools they need to perform: Managing our Head of Grant Operations, you will ensure that we have the tools we need to deliver, including management information, databases, systems and processes and office facilities. 

• Track performance: Track performance against our goals efficiently and effectively, championing a system of accountability and action to review, identify and empower the right people to act on delivering according to the plan. 

Working with colleagues, you’ll ensure we award grants, manage grantees and oversee evaluations efficiently and effectively. This will require us to: 

• Make excellent decisions about our grants: Working with – and potentially managing1 - the Assistant Director for Programmes, Impact and Partnerships, you will help to ensure that our processes for assessing funding applications achieve our organisational priorities for evidence generation. This requires you to understand what partners are trying to do, whether it’s likely to work, whether it will help us build an accessible and trusted body of knowledge, and whether we can build on it to make long-term change happen. 

• Evaluate our programmes: Working with - and potentially managing - the Assistant Director of Evaluation, you will help to ensure that we select and partner with high-quality evaluators to understand how well different activities work.

• Ensuring the team maintains effective monitoring processes: Working with your team, you will develop the necessary skills, processes and decision-making processes to identify when things aren’t going to plan and respond accordingly.

• Build strong relationships with your external partners: You and your team will build strong, trusting relationships with the projects the YEF funds and the evaluators that we work with. Your team will be known for being attentive yet assertive and measured and efficient in the reporting information we expect. You will become well connected in the sectors that we are working in.

• Identify opportunities to scale up projects: You will be proactive in identifying projects that would benefit from capacity development support or that may be ready to scale up their work, collaborating with Impetus to deliver on this. 

In support of these goals you will also 

• Lead and build a team that is so much more than the sum of its parts: Working with your direct reports you will build a culture that brings the very best of the different skill sets and approaches in your team. You will lead this team, providing exceptional direction, culture and clarity. 

• Make it easy to be effective when working in your team: You will bring clarity, lean processes, clear accountabilities, timely decision-making and effective systems so that people working in your team comment on how easy it is to get things done. 

• See your primary team as the Directors team: As a core member of the Directors team, you will be part of making the most important decisions about the short-term and long-term strategy of the Fund. You will build and model the culture and values that we need to make a real difference. You will leave ego at home and look to make the rest of this team a great success. 

Person specification 

• You are excellent at leading on finance in an organisation: You find it easy and straightforward to develop and oversee, large organisational budgets and ensure timely preparation of management accounts. You’re excellent at financial forecasting and understand how to make judgements and recommendations based on future scenario planning. You have experience reporting to Boards on financial performance and health, and leading on organisational external audits.

• You are strategic about finance: You’ve got real skill in distilling complex financial information into simple, easy to understand reports and presentations that enable good decision-making. You see your knowledge of finance as a way to serve Director-level colleagues with overall decision-making. You also understand how to navigate competing priorities and how to calculate and articulate risk and reward, knowing few decisions are straightforward.

• You get teams to use data well: You understand that accurate data and excellent management information tools enable good decision-making. You understand how management information databases (like Salesforce) work and would be able to maintain and build a culture of recording data and maintaining data quality within big teams. Ideally, you have experience working directly with Salesforce.

• You get things done and are brilliant at improving things: In previous jobs, you have held significant responsibility for ensuring challenging projects are delivered on time. You like finding ways to make things operate better for everyone. You are excellent at designing and putting in place effective systems and processes.

• You are a low ego and effective leader: You have a track record of building and leading effective teams. You are thoughtful about how to get a team working well and people tend to warm to you and respect you. You are not afraid of managing someone brighter and better than you or of addressing poor performance. You leave ego at home. You work very well in a team. You like taking responsibility for things. You can balance the task, the individual and the team. 

• You are interested and experienced in both staff development and financial planning: You are equally at home thinking about the processes and approach we need to recruit and develop great staff as you are thinking about how we control our expenditure and report our finances.

• You learn fast but remain humble: You are quick at getting your head around things. It wouldn't faze you to have responsibility for organising things that are new to you as long as you have an expert to ask advice from. You like learning and developing. You know how much you don't know as well as what you do.

• You are interested and thoughtful about grant-making and evaluation: You may not be an expert in grant-making, but you have experience of how charities think and approach applications for money. You have enough cynicism to know how these things can go wrong, but not so much that you can’t make them go right. You may not be an expert in evaluation, but you care about finding out what works.

• You are an excellent strategic thinker: People say that you are good at seeing the big picture as well as the detail. You have experience of wrestling into place a strategy for a project or organisation. You would be able to describe the strategy of the work you are leading at the moment. You are able to see things from different points of view. 

While it’s not a criteria, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence. 

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.

All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well. 

Additional benefits include 

£1,000 professional development budget annually, 28 days plus Bank Holidays, four half days for volunteering activities. 

If you’re interested  

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form click on "Apply for this job" button by 5pm, Friday 31st May 2024. 

We will plan to host the first round of interviews the week commencing the 3rd June 2024. 

You’ll be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage.  

Your data 

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area. 
 
The people we are looking for do not discriminate and we believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background. 

Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. Our multiple award-winning Income Generation department raises around 60% of the Charity’s total income, allowing us to continue to grow to make sure we can be here for every cat and dog, now and in the future.

Our Direct Marketing Team is part of this department, and recruits and develops supporters. We are seeking a Direct Marketing Officer to join this team to manage and deliver a series of high standard direct marketing campaigns across our Regular Giving programme. This individual will be recruiting, retaining and upgrading regular donors to generate income through a variety of direct marketing methods such as direct dialogue, DRTV, digital, and direct mail. They will be encouraging regular monthly gifts or support via one of our main products such as general Regular Giving and Sponsorship, our Lottery, Value Exchange programme and other methods of committed giving as they arise.

This will be a very rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in giving the dogs and cats in our care a better life.

More about Battersea:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love and expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them.

All the knowledge we gather in our centres helps us to improve the lives of the animals we’ll never meet, through our work with other rescue organisations and charities. We also help people make informed choices when getting a pet, we provide training and welfare advice, and we campaign for changes in the law when we see that dogs and cats or their owners deserve better.

Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

What we can offer you:

We offer our employees a wide range of benefits to reward them for the value that they bring to Battersea, to support them in their work, to help improve their health and wellbeing, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These include:

- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
- Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
- Life insurance
- Support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, a wide range of tools and resources, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working policy:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to maintain the benefits of home working, while allowing for collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause. In addition to this, our offices are in a great location within London, have modern facilities, offer great employee socialising spaces and a discounted café. Best of all, coming on site offers you the opportunity to meet our lovely rescues with lunchtime cat socialising and the occasional office dog!

Equality, diversity and inclusion at Battersea:

At Battersea, we are committed to providing equality of opportunity, and developing and supporting a diverse workforce and inclusive culture in all aspects of our organisation. We aim to ensure that this pledge, reinforced by our values, is embedded in our day-to-day working practices and our work together.

By hearing from and valuing different experiences, perspectives and contributions, we know we can provide the best expert care for every dog and cat who needs us. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and from members of minority ethnic communities, who we know are currently under-represented at Battersea.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we're happy to discuss any support or personalisation you may need during your application and/or interview process as part of our workplace adjustments.

Closing date: 13th May 2024
Interview date(s): w/c 20th May 2024

If you think you’re a good fit for the role, and you’re passionate about dogs, cats and our work, then we’d like to hear from you.

For full details, please download our recruitment pack.

To apply for the role, please click the button below. All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised; we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, management & control of the finance function, including the completion of all finance tasks including financial & management accounting. Reports directly to the Executive Director.

The post holder will have ambition and enthusiasm to drive change in the department to meet the needs of an evolving organisation.They will need experience of working closely with budget holders and ensuring financial processes are embedded.

The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day operation, accuracy and integrity of the financial accounting systems within the organisation. They are responsible for producing monthly accounts, undertaking variance analysis and implementing financial controls

Responsibilities

Annual Audit
• Overseeing the preparation of the annual audit pack and the statutory audit process.
• Management of the annual audit, liaising with BFT’s auditors.
Financial Planning
• Work as necessary with the Executive Director in drawing up annual company budgets, production budgets, annual operating plans and cash-flows, and long-term financial planning.

Monthly Management Accounts
• Report against annual budget on a monthly basis.
• Accuracy and completeness of data input
• Maintaining Purchase ledger and supplier information.
• Supplier payments.
• Petty cash payments, control, reconciliation and filing.
• Assisting on the export and creation of financial reporting.

Reporting and Accounts
• All financial accounting duties.
• Production of draft Monthly Management accounts for the Belarus Free Theatre.
Person Specification
They will be a good communicator, with the ability to work with a range of staff across all departments, have excellent analytical and spreadsheet skills, hands on experience as well as a formal accounting qualification (or part qualification) such as AAT or ACCA/CIMA.
Essential
• Full or part qualified ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent)
• Experience of Sage Line 50 and Sage payroll
• Excellent and proven IT skills including excel (vlookup, pivot tables etc)
• Accounts preparation to TB and Management Accounts
• A proven track record of managing finance in a small to medium sized organisation
• An understanding of Charity VAT, TTR and PAYE
• Experience of Charity Accounts and SORP
• A good communicator and advocate for the department
• Enthusiastic team player and internal communicator
• Efficient and methodical
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Responsible and reliable
• Ability to work across tight deadlines and manage a diverse workload
Desirable
• Experience of dealing with transactions in other countries
• Experience of production and or project accounting
• Experience of charity and/or arts environment
• Experience of preparation of quarterly VAT return including partial exemption calculations
• 3 years managerial

Request our candidate pack for further details about Belarus Free Theatre and the responsibilities of the role. The Candidate pack is available in audio and BSL formats.