Financial director jobs in city of london, england

The Head of Finance is a key member of Tara Theatre’s senior management team, overseeing the company’s financial processes and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. They will report to Alys Beider, Tara’s new Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive and support with strategic long-term financial and business planning as well as annual and quarterly budgeting.

They are responsible for maintaining the company accounts, preparing quarterly management accounts, cashflow forecasts and financial reports and analysis for the executive team and the board of trustees.

Tara Theatre is a company limited by guarantee and a charity. It has two trading subsidiaries, Tara Productions and Tara Enterprises. We currently have an annual turnover of circa £1 million. We manage our finances and payroll in-house, currently using Xero.

As our Head of Finance, you may have a background in the arts and culture sector, however we are open to a range of skillsets gained from working in business or charity environments and encourage applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

We are open to the potential for the role to be part-time working four days per week (salary on a pro rata basis).

We welcome applications from candidates who wish to work in a flexible working pattern (for example around caring responsibilities or access requirements relating to a disability).

As Director of Finance you will lead on all financial aspects of the transtion as the Movement for Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism merge to form a single unified organsation, Progressive Judaism.  This post will provide crucuial oversight during this period of change, laying foundations for strong financial governance and operational excellence in the new entity.

Working closely with CEOs, senior staff and trustees across both organisations, you will oversee the creation and implementation of robust financial systems, controls and reporting lines whilst ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.  Managing and supporting a finance team, you will ensure continuity of outsourced finance services to existing partner organisaitons during the transition as well as ensure continuity of high-quality financial services across both MRJ and LJ.

As a qualified accountant you will have strong exerpeince in charity finance, including SORP and audit preparation.  A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to manage competing priorities is essential.  With proven experience in mangaging organisational change or mergers, you will be an excellent people leader with oustanding communicaiton skills.

So why join us?  You will be part of a progressive, values-driven movement at a historic moment of transformation!  You will work with passionate colleagues and board members, helping to build infrastructure that supports vibrant, inclusive Jewish communities across the UK.

Raven Housing Trust are partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Financial Controller. Raven is here to make a difference, working as a team to build homes and change lives. Raven is also ambitious: a sector-leader in carbon reduction, with commercial ventures and a focus on the future.

The overall purpose of this Financial Controller role is to prepare the statutory accounts for the Raven Group, alongside maintaining the general ledger, purchasing systems and interfaces to other operational systems, as well as leading the team responsible for managing Raven’s finance transactions, treasury, cash management and fixed assets.

The Role:

• Leading and co-ordinating delivery of the financial statements for the group including leading on the annual external audit
• Managing and developing the Financial Control Team consisting of five direct reports and a wider team of ten in total
• Management of the general ledger, including all financial transactions and fixed asset accounting
• Responsible for the financial control framework and for day to day treasury management
• Oversight of all VAT, corporation tax and the general tax strategy for the group
• Responsible for managing the annual rent setting process
• Reporting into the Assistant Director of Finance you will work with other Managers in the Finance and Procurement Teams to ensure best practice is maintained throughout the finance team.

The Organisation:

Raven Housing Trust is a social housing provider based in Redhill, Surrey. They own or manage around 7,000 homes and are committed to investing in homes and neighbourhoods to develop local communities where people want to live. The majority of their customers rent their homes from them, although they also support customers who either own the lease to their homes or have purchased their homes on a part-rent/part-buy basis. You’ll be joining a highly committed team known for its collaborative culture, supported by a driven and supportive Line Manager.

Person Specification – Essential:

• Professional qualification (CCAB or equivalent)
• Proven track record of leading financial management in charitable, public sector, or similarly regulated environments, with a strong focus on compliance, transparency, and accountability.
• Good working knowledge of financial control frameworks, accounting and purchasing systems
• Skilled communicator, with the ability to influence and engage with a wide range of audience
• Proven experience leading on developing or implementing accounting and purchasing systems

This role will be based at Raven's head office in Redhill, Surrey and will require a minimum of two days per week in the office, The closing date is 3^rd August with interviews taking place the week commencing 11^th August (virtual first stage) and final face to face interviews scheduled for 20^th and 21^st August.

Applications will be reviewed continuously before the closing date. Please apply via our exclusive search partner Robertson Bell.

A Finance Officer is required within our vital and growing community organisation to; manage financial systems, create and report on finance to the trustee board and stakeholders of the Loughborough Community Centre.

What you would do:

Oversight and day to day management of the organisational financial systems, including:

• Using Quick Books, spreadsheets to track expenses and company spending.
• Company payroll, tax and financial auditing.
• Keeping well-organised files and records of business financial activity.
• Archive of reports, receipts, and other financial evidence.
• Keeping financial databases up to date.
• Interacting with customers either on the phone or in person.
• Following up on business financial communications, billing, and ordering.
• Communicating with funders, suppliers and vendors.
• Company Invoicing.
• Using Quick Books, spreadsheets to track expenses and company spending.
• Collecting and inputting company data within the financial systems.
• Learning about the company's mission and available products/services.
• Assist with financial technical support.
• Acting as a personal assistant to the Director and/or board of LCC for financial matters.
• Giving feedback on finance efficiency and suggesting possible improvements.

Financial Controller

About you

As Financial Controller you will oversee our finance function ensuring that our management reporting, payroll, VAT, forecasting, sales and purchase ledger processes run as efficiently as possible and safeguard the assets of the charity.

We run payroll for around 400 staff and one large part of the role will be improving the processes around this, with support from the Finance Director and Head of HR.

You will line manage and support the development of two Finance Officers. You will report to the Director of Finance & ICT.

This is a new role and is a great opportunity to make your mark in a fascinating and challenging organisation.

What we offer:

The role is hybrid and you will work two days a week either in our office in Wandsworth (SW18 3HR) or East Acton (W12 0AE)

Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, 3% contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.

Why Join Pact?

• Be part of a values-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Develop your leadership skills in a strategic finance role.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility and autonomy.

How to apply:

If you feel that you meet the requirements of this exciting role please complete an application form by submitting your CV and Cover Letter.

Organisation:

Pact is a highly respected independent charity, working across England and Wales to develop and deliver a range of innovative services. We provide practical and emotional support to prisoner’s children and families, to prisoners and those who have resettled back into the community. Our work is founded on core values, the first of which is a belief in the innate dignity of every human being, and our work focuses on human relationships, family and community. We are committed to achieving high standards of quality in all that we do.

Other information:

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including from people with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).

This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgements may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison. We will also require a certificate of good conduct from the Police Force of the country of residence if you have resided overseas for a period of over 12 months (in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over).

Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a pioneering national charity that provides caring and life changing services to men and women in prison, to people with convictions on release and in the community, and to their children and families.

Pact’s vision is of a society in which justice is understood as a process of restoration and healing, in which prisons are used sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and in which the innate dignity and worth of every human being is valued. We work for the common good of Society, taking a public health-based approach. We work at the intersection of criminal justice, child and family welfare, mental health, wellbeing provision and health & social care.

Our volunteers and staff can be found in courts, prisons, probation services, and in communities across England & Wales. We are a diverse, inclusive, modern, and collaborative charity. We build effective partnerships and sustainable solutions based on our well-established understanding of the systems in which we work, and on our historic values and ethos developed through our 120 years of service delivery.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome requests for job adverts and descriptions in accessible formats (for e.g. larger text) for candidates with disabilities, including those with neurodiversity.

Location: Two days a week either in our office in Wandsworth (SW18 3HR) or East Acton (W12 0AE)
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £57,000
Benefits: Generous Holiday allowance Season Ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Charity worker discounts Enhanced maternity package Wellness, inclusion, and diversity groups EAP scheme Life assurance

You may also have experience in the following: Head of Finance, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, Finance Director, CIMA, ACCA, Finance Manager, etc.

REF-222 747

Anna Freud Centre
Salary: £110,000 FTE + 6% pension
Location: London (Hybrid working: 2 days/week in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours/week)

Anna Freud is a world-leading children’s mental health charity with over 70 years of pioneering research, innovation and practice. Its mission is to close the gap between mental illness and mental wellness for children, young people and their families—and to create a more compassionate society for all.

The organisation is entering a transformative new chapter and is seeking a visionary, values-driven Executive Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. This is more than a finance role; it is a strategic leadership opportunity with deep social purpose.

The Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact

The Executive Director of Finance will work closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to shape Anna Freud’s long-term financial and operational strategy.

They will oversee a talented team of professionals across Finance, IT, Facilities, Procurement, Risk and Information Governance—ensuring the systems, infrastructure and financial stewardship are in place to support ambitious goals and life-changing services.

This role will play a central part in finalising and delivering the organisation’s new corporate strategy—helping Anna Freud reach more children, young people and families with the support they deserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic financial leadership: Translating vision into robust financial strategies, rolling 3-year business plans and sound capital management.
• Champion a culture of excellence and collaboration: Leading a multidisciplinary team of 21 with five direct reports, embedding proactive business partnering across the organisation.
• Ensure operational resilience and innovation: Overseeing IT and estates strategies to enhance systems, infrastructure and space planning.
• Lead information governance and risk management: Acting as Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO) to maintain the highest standards of data protection and compliance.
• Enable ethical and impactful growth: Managing procurement and investment strategies that deliver best value while aligning with Anna Freud’s values and mission.
• Be a trusted advisor: Providing insight, challenge and confidence to the Executive Team, Board and stakeholders in pursuit of a more compassionate, mentally healthy society.

Candidate Profile

Anna Freud seeks a strategic, values-led finance leader who brings:

• Proven executive-level leadership in finance and operations within a complex, mission-driven organisation.
• Strong expertise in financial planning, governance and business partnering, with the ability to translate data into strategic decisions.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams (finance, IT, estates, risk, procurement).
• A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style, leading with empathy, clarity and purpose.
• A deep commitment to inclusion, ethical practice and the wellbeing of children and young people.

Why Join Anna Freud?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of mental health for generations to come. Anna Freud offers:

• A values-led culture with meaningful work
• Flexible, supportive hybrid working (2 days in-office)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive salary and generous benefits
• Access to professional development opportunities

Ready to lead with purpose?
Those inspired by the opportunity to lead finance and operations in an organisation rewriting the future of children’s mental health are encouraged to apply and help build a world where every child and young person can thrive.

To apply please express your interest by applying. Rosemary Pini from Allen Lane is parnternity with Anna Freud on this appointment and happy to ask any questions regarind the role. 

We are on a mission to champion change and celebrate diversity in classical music – do you have the skills and expertise to help us?

After ten successful years of growth, underpinned by a strong mission and successful fundraising, the Chineke! Foundation is looking for a Projects Director who will help ensure that the production and organisation of projects match their artistic ambition.

You will play an important role in the continued growth and evolution of the organisation. You will work closely with the Projects Team and lead on planning, selling and delivery. You will communicate the development of any new projects whilst overseeing the pre-existing engagements and work closely with our touring agents at Askonas Holt. Reporting to the Managing Director and working as part of our dynamic team of management staff you will play a vital role in the organisation.

Job description

Reporting to the Managing Director and in coordination with the Artistic Director and Deputy Artistic Director, you will handle the orchestra’s diary, lead on the production of projects and line manage the Orchestra & Tour Manager and our Production freelancers.

Your responsibilities will be:

· Attending all Chineke! rehearsals, projects and tours

· Working closely with the artistic team to assist on curation of programmes, keeping track of conductor/soloist invites and handling contracting once bookings have been confirmed

· Meeting with venues to generate interest in our future programmes and secure concert dates to build out regional tours around core Southbank Centre dates

· Keeping the Development Director and Marketing and Communications Manager up to date on projects and future plans

· Keeping track of our National Portfolio Organisation requirements with Arts Council and planning projects to meet our targets on the number of concerts in each category that we have committed to in each financial year

· Working closely with our important partners i.e. Askonas Holt, Southbank Centre, Woolwich Works, Royal Albert Hall

· Working closely with the Artistic Team and Managing Director to ensure that our performance plans align with our mission and 5 Year Development Plan

· Producing and negotiating contracts to engagements (conductors, soloists, with venues/festivals, tours, commercial engagements etc.)

· Contributing to a supportive and collegiate culture within the Chineke! Foundation

My client is an environmental charity that works to protect the green spaces of the UK. Working with local partners and landowners, they ensure that these vital areas remain accessible for today and long into the future, benefiting the local community and the natural environment.

At present they are looking to appoint an interim Finance Director who can deliver both on the hands on and strategic duties that this role requires.

Reporting into the Chief Executive, key responsibilities will include:

• Provide senior oversight as required on day-to-day financial transactions handled by finance junior.
• Support SLT with further development of the 5-year business plan as the charity transitions to a mixed income model.
• Analyse current financial data and help to evolve new fit for purpose set of management accounts.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant and have previous experience of working at a senior level within the charity sector. You will have a track record of taking organisations through strategic change, but also be willing to roll your sleeves up in a small accounting function.

My client offers flexible hybrid working practices, with 2 days a week in their London office. As a small organisation, this role qualifies for the Small Company Exemption from IR35.

Spectra is looking for a skilled and proactive Finance Manager to join our team. This is a key role supporting the financial health and sustainability of our organisation, which delivers vital services across London’s diverse communities.

The postholder will lead on day-to-day financial operations, reporting, and compliance, and work closely with the CEO and senior team to support strategic planning and decision-making.

Main Responsibilities:

• Manage financial transactions, reporting, and budgeting
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and statutory requirements
• Support the CEO with financial planning and forecasting
• Liaise with external accountants and auditors
• Contribute to organisational development and efficiency

If you’re an experienced finance professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.

The role offers a mix of remote and office-based working from our South London office.

• Closing date: 9am, 26th August 2025
• Interviews for this post will be held in person at our offices in Vauxhall South London, on Thursday, 4th September 2025.

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in their place of education. We are currently reaching over 2.6 million children every school day, across 16 countries.

We are recruiting for a dynamic, visionary leader to join us as Director of Strategic Initiatives – a vital role in helping us grow our global movement. Reporting to our Chief Growth Officer, you’ll lead a talented team responsible for designing and delivering bold new strategies to increase revenue and build long-term, sustainable income growth and grow the strength of our National Affiliate network.

You will:

• Drive a programme of high-impact, global initiatives, from new fundraising products and digital solutions to youth and faith engagement strategies.
• Provide expert support and coaching to Executive Directors leading National Affiliates across the world.
• Guide strategic planning and change programmes with measurable outcomes, clear delivery plans and a deep focus on stewardship.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of specialists focused on audience insights, product development and market expansion.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across our global family to ensure alignment, shared learning and sustainable growth.
• Support the development of effective governance, technology and safeguarding practices across affiliates.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the MMI Executive Leadership Team and contribute regularly at the highest levels of decision-making.

About you:

You will bring significant senior-level experience in strategy, programme leadership, and/or business development – ideally in a global or multi-entity context within the charity sector.

• A strong track record of driving income growth and leading successful change initiatives.
• Experience working across cultures, with the ability to influence, inspire and build trust in diverse settings.
• A sharp focus on what works in fundraising, product innovation and audience engagement – particularly in the context of international development.
• Experience collaborating closely with technology teams to deliver digital and tech-enabled solutions.
• Proven leadership and coaching experience, with the ability to build high-performing teams and work with autonomy, agility and purpose.

Most of all, you’ll be motivated by our mission and ready to play a key role in helping us reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

About us:

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please reach out for more information on salary & benefits if you are based outside the UK. 

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please click below to send your CV and a short covering note (no more than 1 page) telling us why you are a great fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

Are you looking for a varied and rewarding finance role? Join us as Director of Finance and support the transformational work in the social inclusion, education, scientific research, arts, and heritage sectors.

Location: The Peak, 5 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1AP (2-3 days per week in the office)

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 8th September. 

The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts (SFCT) is an umbrella organisation that facilitates the work 16 grant-making trusts, along with its associated charitable companies, established by three generations of the Sainsbury family. 

Each Trust is an independent legal entity with a separate focus and Board of Trustees, and in many cases, led by the family member who established it. The Trust works in many fields, including climate and environment, arts and heritage, disability rights, social inclusion, healthcare, science, education, neuroscience, and international development. 

About the role

The Director of Finance will lead the finance team to ensure the effective support for SFCT’s complex requirements across all aspects of finance, investment management, governance, compliance and risk.

The role will report directly to the CEO, providing financial and operational oversight, as well as high-level strategic engagement with senior stakeholders. This will require you to establish effective working relationships across the office and with family members and Trustees.

The role is part of the Head of Central Services group, working closely with the Head of Finance (Gatsby) to play a key role in decision making and delivering shared ways of working across the group, strengthening cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement to ensure that support for our Trusts and charitable organisations remains fit for the future.

This is a varied and complex role that covers three main areas of work.

1. Leading a team that is responding to changing needs from internal customers to ensure high performance.
2. Leading projects with a focus on continuous improvement.
3. Proactively supporting family members and trustees in managing investments.

The role’s challenge and variety come from a mix of central and tailored support for the entities that SFCT supports.

Who we are looking for

This role is a fully functional finance role with multiple entities that require support. You will be an experienced Finance Director (and/or perhaps a CFO of an endowment-funded foundation) with the people skills to lead and develop a large finance team, as well as the skills to manage a complex mix of stakeholders.

As a qualified accountant, you will be someone with knowledge and experience in charity finance, who also has a commercial focus and likely has had a stint in industry. Experience in managing a complex finance function and being proactive when it comes to change is essential, as well as the ability to inspire and develop a team to deliver high performance and continuous improvement.

You will enjoy working with people and come with a broad set of experiences. Experience in investments would be an advantage, as would any other additional areas of expertise. This role is a platform for value-added support.

Please click 'Apply on website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 8th September. 

Are you a powerhouse in partnership-led fundraising or business development? We’re recruiting an enthusiastic leader to drive six‑figure, multi‑year deals across major donors, trusts, foundations, and corporates, with an ambitious goal to grow income from £1.6M to £4.5M by FY30, in line with our strategic roadmap.

Job Purpose

As Director of Partnerships, you will:

•  Lead on partnerships fundraising, including major donors, trusts & foundations, and corporates with a focus on securing six-figure multi-year agreements to significantly grow funds raised in this area from £1.6 million to £4.5 million by FY30, in line with Operation Smile UK’s multi-year strategy.
• Foster and facilitate collaboration across different departments within OSUK.
• Ensure business as usual is achieved in line with operational plans, while also exploring and implementing innovative initiatives and campaigns to ensure the future success of partnerships' fundraising.
• Represent OSUK at a leadership level, building relationships with industry peers and peers within the Operation Smile global team to ensure best practice across all areas.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy Leadership

• Leads strategy, planning and operation of the major gift, trusts & foundations and corporate giving channels.
• Develops annual business plans and budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director (ED) and Executive Team.  
• Strategically identifies and qualifies potential new donors to grow the prospect pipeline.
• Prepares development communications: solicitation and acknowledgement letters; case statements and proposals; stewardship reports; briefing notes; gift agreements.
• Identifies, cultivates, and solicits major gift commitments from high-net-worth individuals
• Monitors activity of the team, ensuring that benchmarks are achieved, including submission of solicitations, donor contacts and meetings, confirmations of donations, and other performance indicators as related to the team checking their portfolio.
• Provides the organisation with the interpretation of market trends and emerging issues that could impact the organisation’s partnerships fundraising stream.
• Ensures the effective collection of donor information and tracking of points of contact in accordance with best practices; provides and presents statistical analysis to senior leaders.
• Leads on data mining, prospect research, and ensuring the quality of data as it relates to the donors they work with.
• Develops and manages relationships within their own portfolio, personally conducting cultivation visits, solicitation calls and stewardship activities as required.
• Effectively manages fundraising resources and practices ethical fundraising.

HR Management

• Leads, mentors, and manages a team; regular meetings to provide direction, coaching and delegation to the partnerships team.

Financial Management

• Manages and implements approved business plans, ensuring that the annual revenue objectives and budget are met or exceeded, and oversight of the partnership’s departmental budgets.
• Provides leadership in the delivery of statistical analysis, projections, and detailed reports on partnerships fundraising goals and performance that may be used to contribute to the development of internal budgets.

Partnership Sustainability

• Develops donor relationships by researching, sourcing, cultivating, and stewarding existing and potential partners.
• Works to broaden sources of revenue, including working with corporate partners in various industries.
• Develops and implements a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors and corporate partners.
• Contributes innovative ideas to the development of new strategic partnerships and alternative revenue streams.

Other

• Other duties as assigned by the ED.
• Meetings with OSI and partner countries.
• Board reports/board meetings as required.

Recruitment

We are actively interviewing for this role on a rolling basis as suitable applicants apply. If you're interested in this role, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

We're looking for a confident and compassionate Co-Director to lead our mental health charity using gardens, creativity & community for recovery.

**We offer mentoring support for applicants who might benefit from additional guidance - please see the full Job Description for further details**

About Sydenham Garden

Based in Lewisham in South-East London, Sydenham Garden is a unique wellbeing centre utilising its gardens, nature reserve and activity rooms to help people living with and recovering from mental and physical ill-health. We provide nature and arts based creative, social and therapeutic activities for co-workers (the name we give to our primary beneficiaries).

About the role 

Our Director has been in post since November 2021 and on returning from maternity leave in January 2026 she will be working 3 days a week.  We are seeking a Co-Director to jointly lead the organisation going forwards as we have made a positive decision to move towards a co-director model.  This is an exciting opportunity which can have benefits of increasing capacity, efficiency, and transparency and allow for a broader range of identities both to better reflect the diverse populations they serve and as a way to include more diverse leaders. It is a model that can also reduce burnout, build equity, and support flexible working.

As Co-Director you will be jointly responsible for leading and manage the day-to-day running of Sydenham Garden for the benefit of our co-workers.  This will involve overseeing implementation and regular review of Sydenham Garden’s strategic plan and to ensure all governance arrangements are in place to monitor the work of the organisation and to report to the Board of Trustees and to funders.

You will ensure fundraising and financial plans and processes are in place to deliver the agreed services, including fundraising from Trusts & Foundations, community fundraising and developing contracted services as necessary.

The Co-Directors will be jointly accountable to the Trustee Board for all aspects of the job description. You may take lead responsibility on particular areas which will be discussed and agreed with the existing Co-Director and Trustee Board.

About You

You are a confident and compassionate leader with a commitment to the mental health and wellbeing sector.  You bring a thoughtful, strategic and inclusive approach to leadership.

Your communication skills are excellent, and you’re able to build strong, trusting relationships with colleagues at all levels, as well as with external partners, funders, and stakeholders.  You are deeply committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, with a clear track record of putting these values into practice.

You have a proven experience in securing income for charitable work and are confident in financial management and planning. 

You also understand the value of co-production and have experience working collaboratively with volunteers and co-workers (service users), ensuring their voices are central to service design and delivery.

We’re looking for someone who is dedicated to the mission of Sydenham Garden and has relevant experience at management level in a mental health charity of similar organisation. 

How to apply

Candidates will be shortlisted based on:

· Experience of working at a management level in a mental health charity or comparable organisation. 

· An excellent strategic thinker with experience of input into strategic development and implementation.

· Good communication skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues at all levels in an organisation and with external contacts and partners. 

· A proven commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

· Experience of line managing and developing staff, including through appraisal systems. 

· Proven ability to secure income, manage fundraising processes and to manage and produce fundraising applications. 

· Experience of financial management and planning, including managing budgets. 

· Experience of working with volunteers and co-workers (service users). 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sydenham Garden is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). We want to build a diverse and inclusive staff, volunteer and trustee team where everyone feels that they belong and that reflects the profile of the communities we serve. Therefore, we will welcome and consider applications from candidates of all backgrounds and protected characteristics, and we particularly encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage to ensure our staff team represents the communities we serve.

To apply, please send us a CV together with a supporting statement (maximum 2 pages, minimum font size of 11) that addresses how you meet the Person Specification listed above.

Your New Organisation
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established group of primary schools based in central London. The organisation operates under a collaborative leadership model and serves a diverse urban community. With a combined income of approximately £10 million, the schools are committed to delivering high-quality education and continuous improvement. This role is being advertised by a recruitment agency on behalf of the organisation, which remains confidential at this stage.

The Role: Director of Finance
As Director of Finance, you will report directly to the Executive Headteacher and work closely with senior leaders, governors, and local authorities. You'll play a key role in shaping the financial strategy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the schools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic and operational financial management across the group
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with educational priorities
• Attend senior leadership and governor meetings, ensuring robust governance and transparency
• Manage annual budgets, forecasting, payroll, statutory returns, and procurement
• Ensure financial compliance, value for money, and effective risk management
• Support income generation through fundraising, lettings, and other initiatives
• Contribute to staffing structure reviews and workforce planning in collaboration with HR
• Maintain secure and compliant financial and personnel records

The Person
We're looking for a values-driven finance professional who is passionate about making a difference in education.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in financial leadership, ideally within education or the public sector
• Strong knowledge of financial compliance, statutory regulations, and HR processes
• Strategic thinking with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills
• A commitment to integrity, transparency, and improving outcomes for children

What's In It for You?
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
Pension: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Job Security: Permanent role following a one-term trial period
Professional Growth: Work across multiple schools with a supportive leadership team
Impact: Play a key role in shaping the future of education in central London
Location: This is an office-based role located in WC1, central London.

Opportunity to work term time only if preferred but this is optional.

What to Do Now
If you're ready to take the next step in your finance leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.
Click "Apply Now" to submit your CV.

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