Group financial controller jobs

About Us
The Microbiology Society is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects, and their practical uses. It has a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes, schools, and other organisations.

Our members have a unique depth and breadth of knowledge about the discipline. The Society’s role is to help unlock and harness the potential of that knowledge.

Our commitment to anyone who studies microbes is “whoever you are, wherever you are, we will amplify your voice”.

About You
The Events Administration Assistant is responsible for supporting the Events Operations Manager with ensuring the accurate management of registrations, financial processes, documentation and stakeholder communications providing successful operational delivery of the Society’s full programme of events and will play a key role in maintaining high service standards for delegates, speakers and partners while supporting the smooth delivery of conferences and meetings.

The postholder will maintain and update event databases, including processing registrations, amendments and cancellations, process events payments, and provide administrative coordination for these events, including registration management, speaker communications, documentation and logistics tracking.

The successful candidate will have experience in a customer facing role with excellent communication and organisational skills and have excellent attention to detail.

Please note that the organisation operates a hybrid working policy.

For more information about the Society, please visit our website.

Our generous benefits package includes;
• Flexible working hours
• Highly competitive salaries with an annual cost of living increase
• 23 days holiday + eight bank holidays and three additional days over the Christmas break
• 10% employer salary sacrifice pension contribution
• Life insurance including free (health and wellbeing) employee support services
• Enhanced maternity pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and 13 weeks of statutory maternity pay
• Enhanced Adoption pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid adoption leave and 13 weeks of statutory adoption pay
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• £50 contribution towards eye care

To Apply

Please attach your CV and Cover Letter.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. "We are interested in every candidate who is eligible to work in the United Kingdom, however, we are not able to sponsor visas.” You will be asked to confirm your eligibility before being shortlisted.

Closing date: 8th May 2026

It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter. This is because the Microbiology Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We value, promote, and seek diversity.

The Society also takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted therefore, if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

When life gets tough, good relationships help us through.

TLC: Talk, Listen, Change is a relationships charity that has supported people in the North of England for over 40 years.

Our aim to ensure everyone within our community benefits from good emotional wellbeing, and the key to this is maintaining safe, healthy, and happy relationships.

We’re entering an exciting phase of growth across the country and are looking for a Group Finance Director to join our Executive Leadership Team to contribute to the collective leadership of the TLC Group.

The Role

This role will lead the financial strategy and financial management of the TLC Group.

You will:

· Lead financial strategy to ensure sustainability and growth.

· Advise the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board on financial matters.

· Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, and financial planning.

· Ensure strong governance, controls, and regulatory compliance.

· Provide clear, high-quality financial reporting and Board assurance.

· Lead audit, statutory reporting, and external auditor relationships.

· Oversee financial systems and processes to support growth.

· Lead financial due diligence for partnerships, mergers, and opportunities.

· Lead and develop the finance team, promoting accountability, and transparency.

About You

We’re looking for a values-led, people-focused leader with sound judgement and strong operational experience.

You’ll bring:

· Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

· Significant senior finance leadership experience.

· Strong expertise in financial strategy, planning, and governance.

· Experience of Board reporting and working with senior stakeholders.

· Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow management.

· Experience in financial modelling and supporting growth.

· Proven ability to lead and develop high performing teams.

· Strong analytical skills, including advanced excel capability.

· Able to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.

· Collaborative, values-led, and motivated by social impact.

The Offer

· Salary: £61,429 - £71,069

· 37 hours per week

· Hybrid working, with time spent at TLC Group offices (various locations across England).

· The opportunity to help lead a growing national service with strong group-level support.

If you’re motivated by using your financial expertise to drive meaningful social impact, and want to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing, values-led organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline:

The deadline for applications is Thursday 14th May 2026

Interviews expected in Manchester on Tuesday 2nd June 2026

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Financial Controller for this Community-Based, Charity based in Central London (Hybrid)

• Position: Full Time, Flexible Working
• Hybrid: A minimum of 2 days a week is required at their offices in Central London, plus Board Meetings.
• Salary: £55.000pa
• Report to: Director of Finance
• Management: 2 Staff
• Qualifications: A Qualified Accountant, or a finalist.
• Essential: Qualified Accountant and Charity SORP experience

THIS IS AN URGENT POSITION, SO PLEASE APPLY ASAP

The Role

• Lead the budgeting process, ensuring that all budget holders set realistic budgets, and work with the Director of Finance to ensure that organisational priorities are reflected in proposed budgets.
• Oversee the processing of income and expenditure, and the production of monthly and quarterly management accounts.
• Production of monthly/quarterly management account summaries as required by the Group CEO and any other budget holders.
• Hold budget holders to account for monthly variances, identify and manage financial risk and work with the Director of Finance to minimise the impact on the organisation.
• Work with the Group CEO to ensure that funds are only used in line with the objects/charitable purposes of the organisation, and that checks are in place to ensure income is spent in line with any restrictions.
• Manage cash flow, ensuring organisations remain solvent and reporting on whether organisations are living within their means.
• Ensure financial returns are completed to HMRC, charity commission and companies house and other such bodies in a timely manner.
• Manage the year end finance processes, leading to the production of accurate statutory accounts.
• Oversee the management of any investments.
• Set, communicate and monitor the adherence to appropriate financial policies and procedures, contributing to financial accountability at all levels of the organisation.
• Lead and manage the development of finance systems that are fit for purpose across the group.
• Lead the consolidation of accounts across the group, the production of statutory accounts and work with our external auditors to ensure accounts are signed off in a timely fashion.
• Ensure operates in line with current GAAP and SORP and follows and guidance from the Charity Commission on matters relating to finance.
• Provide reports and commentary to boards and senior management, including the Group finance committee, as appropriate.
• Communicate with our bankers, building a strong working relationship and undertaking investigative work as required.
• Liaise directly with auditors to prove that information within the accounts is correct.

Credit Controller 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reports to: Credit Control & Contracts Manager

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £34,233.60 (including London Weighting)

Place of work: Hybrid with 3 days in our London (Waterloo) office

Contract Type: Permanent, full-time

Closing date: Sunday, 10th May, 23:59

This position does not offer sponsorship and is best suited for candidates already located in the London area.

Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your credit control career with a national charity that truly values your expertise.

Main purpose of the role:

You will be responsible for managing the collection of debts across multiple communities, ensuring all outstanding amounts are recovered efficiently and in line with organisational policies. 

You will work closely with local authorities, community staff, financial appointees and the finance department to maintain accurate financial records, improve collection rates, and support cash flow management. 

This role requires strong credit control and bookkeeping expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple complex accounts.

Key essential criteria:

• Experience working within Credit Control in the Charity or Private sector.
• Relevant qualifications – Part qualified, CIMA, ACCA, AAT or qualified by experience.
• High level of competence in MS Office, particularly Excel, including VLOOKUP, SUMIF, and Pivot Tables.
• Minimum 5 years’ proven experience in credit control, bookkeeping, or finance roles.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS criminal record check.

Additional details about L'Arche can be found on our website.

Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work—explore our employee benefits on our website or in the job pack.

A full job description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

To apply, please answer the questions on our online application form.

The closing date for applications is: Sunday, 10th May, at 23:59. 

We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.
We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.

Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.

Finance Director

London Community Foundation
Salary: c. £80,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time or 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: London (hybrid, typically 1 day per week in the office)

London Community Foundation exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups.

We are now seeking a Finance Director to play a pivotal role in shaping our future, strengthening our financial sustainability, supporting our governance, and enabling us to deliver greater impact for London’s communities.

The role

As Finance Director, you will sit at the heart of decision-making within a purpose-driven organisation, influencing strategy, supporting the Board, guiding investment decisions and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO, Board, and committees to ensure strong financial leadership, governance, and long-term sustainability.

You will:

· Lead financial strategy, planning, and performance across the organisation

· Provide clear, accessible financial insight to support decision-making at Board and executive level

· Oversee financial control, reporting, audit, and compliance (including SORP)

· Support stewardship of investments and endowment funds

· Lead risk, assurance, and governance processes, including engagement with the Finance, Risk & Resources Committee

· Act as Company Secretary, ensuring robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Oversee contracts, supply chain, and value-for-money across the organisation

· Provide strategic oversight of systems, data, and technology, including line management of the Technology Manager

· Lead and develop a high-performing finance team

This is a broad and influential role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, well-suited to someone who enjoys working across organisational boundaries and shaping how an organisation operates.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with experience operating at a senior level and advising Boards and executive teams.

You will bring:

· A track record of leading financial strategy, planning, and organisational performance

· Strong experience in governance, risk, and compliance within complex environments

· Confidence working with Boards, committees, and senior stakeholders

· The ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insight

· Experience leading teams and developing people

· An understanding of systems, data, and organisational infrastructure

· A commitment to inclusive leadership and equity

Experience in grant-making, philanthropy, or endowment management is welcome, but not essential.

Our commitment to inclusion

At London Community Foundation, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with lived experience of the issues our work seeks to address.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the opportunity or if you require any additional support with your application, please contact Alex Williams at Giving Back Recruitment

Recruitment timetable 

• Closing date: Wednesday, 20th May 2026
• Interviews with London Community Foundation W/C 15th June

Group Head of Finance
Eltham College Family of Schools | South East London
Salary circa £75,000 + excellent benefits

A rare opportunity to join one of London’s leading independent school groups at a genuinely exciting point of transformation and growth.

The Eltham College Family of Schools — comprising Eltham College Senior School, Eltham College Junior School and Blackheath Prep — is a high-performing, values-led organisation with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and a rich co-curricular offering. Named London Independent School of the Year 2024 by The Sunday Times, the group continues to thrive despite wider sector challenges.

This is a pivotal appointment.

The newly created Group Head of Finance role offers the chance to step into a business that is not only successful, but evolving — with significant change underway across systems, structure and ways of working. For a commercially minded and hands-on finance leader, this is an opportunity to truly get your teeth stuck into something meaningful.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Bursar and working closely with the Executive Team, you will act as the senior finance professional across the group, providing both strategic leadership and operational oversight.

Crucially, you will join at a time of real momentum:

• A new finance system is being implemented across the group, requiring leadership to embed, optimise and enhance reporting capability
• The finance function is undergoing restructure, offering the opportunity to shape team design, capability and future direction
• There is a clear mandate to modernise processes, strengthen controls and drive efficiencies
• Senior stakeholders are engaged and open to fresh thinking and improvement

This is not a role where you simply maintain — this is a role where you build.

You will lead financial planning, reporting and governance across all three schools, supporting key strategic decisions including investment, estates development and long-term financial sustainability. Alongside this, you will remain close to the detail, ensuring operational excellence across the finance function.

The environment

Set across a stunning 70-acre campus in south-east London, Eltham College combines heritage with ambition. The group benefits from strong financial foundations, high demand, and a clear vision for continued success.

It is a collaborative and values-driven environment, underpinned by a commitment to education, development and community. Staff benefit from excellent facilities, strong leadership, and a culture that genuinely invests in people.

The person

We are looking for a qualified accountant with strong technical grounding and proven experience operating in a senior finance role.

You will bring:

• Experience of leading finance within a complex, multi-entity or multi-site environment
• A track record of improving systems, processes and controls
• The ability to lead through change and bring teams with you
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the credibility to influence at senior level
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to balance strategy and delivery

Experience within education or the independent school sector would be beneficial, but is not essential.

Why join?

This is an opportunity to join a thriving organisation that is not standing still — but actively investing in its future.

You will play a key role in shaping a modern, high-performing finance function, with the autonomy and support to make a real impact. For someone motivated by change, improvement and leadership, this role offers both challenge and reward in equal measure.

If interested do get in touch with Rosemary Pini from Allen Lane who is partnering with Eltham College with this vacancy.

The Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the group's finances (National Federation of Music Societies, trading as Making Music and its trading subsidiary), to ensure accurate and complete recording of all financial transactions, adherence to internal controls and procedures, and timely and effective analysis and reporting to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and other budget holders, the Finance & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

The Finance Director post is an integral part of the charity's senior management team, working closely with the Chief Executive, the Deputy CEO Advocacy and Lobbying and the Marketing Director, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring it has the financial systems and resources to implement its strategy.

The role line-manages and oversees the work of the Finance Manager who runs the day-to-day financial accounting processes, with the help of two Finance Administrators.

The role also leads on supporting members with finances, e.g. leading Treasurers' events, relevant website resources and responding to finance-related consultations.

The 2.5 days (18.75 hours) per week can be worked flexibly, and at least some of them from home, by agreement with your line manager. We would expect you to spend at least 1 days each week in our London office in Moorgate.

This is a friendly team, and our bright and lively office is located in one of the buzziest areas of London, with excellent transport links and nice places to spend your lunchtimes or meet friends after work.

Financial Accountant | 10 - month FTC | £50,000 + Benefits | London | Hybrid

For an international NGO focusing on protecting the marine environment and sustainability, we're recruiting an interim Financial Accountant for a fixed term contract. Reporting to the Finance Director, this role will lead on financial controls, reporting and compliance including payroll, Audit and Year-end reconciliations as well as overseeing a Finance Assistant responsible for AP and AR. The Financial Accountant will also provide key support during the transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 including data preparation, chart-of-accounts design, testing, and updating processes and procedures.

Main Duties:

• Bank, control account and other reconciliations
• Act as signatory on UK bank accounts, ensuring financial controls are adhered to
• Month-end, and year-end close processes, including preparation of schedules and Audit support
• Year-end reconciliations, supporting schedules, including salary reconciliations
• Ensure accurate financial records are in place for restructured and Donor-funded projects
• Lead UK monthly Payroll processing liaising with HR and external Payroll provider regarding Pensions, loans, advances and other payroll deductions and benefits
• Support the Finance team during the system transformation and migration to Dynamics 365 including data preparation, chart-of-accounts design, testing, and creation and updating of finance processes and procedures
• Oversee the Finance Assistant and ensure accurate and timely Accounts Payable and Sales Ledger transaction processing.

Person Specification:

• ATT qualified, or part-qualified ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent
• Experience of audit, year-end and monthly close processes
• Strong experience with financial accounting and transactional accounting
• Experience in restricted and unrestricted funds within the charity sector is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of purchase ledger, credit control and expense processing
• UK tax compliance including PAYE and VAT
• Experience of managing a small team

________

As an employer, we are committed to ensuring the representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if there are steps, we can take to ensure that your recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

Coastline Housing is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in the search for a Head of Finance Planning & Control.

 Coastline is a values-driven housing association committed to delivering high-quality homes and services across Cornwall. With a strong focus on financial sustainability, customer-first service, and continuous improvement, the organisation is building a data-driven and forward-thinking finance function to support its long-term corporate plan.

The Role

The Head of Finance Planning & Control is a senior leadership role within the Finance & Performance team, reporting directly to the Director of Finance. You will lead on financial planning, treasury management, and tax strategy, while ensuring robust financial controls and high-quality insight to support strategic decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the Group’s financial planning function, ensuring accurate and timely business and rent plans to inform strategic decisions.
• Oversee treasury management, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and proactive management of debt, cashflow, and security.
• Support the Director of Finance in securing appropriate funding to meet organisational needs.
• Lead tax planning activities, ensuring compliance while optimising financial efficiency.
• Ensure all regulatory returns are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide financial support to development activities in partnership with the
• Development Finance function.
• Oversee purchase ledger operations and ensure robust financial systems and controls are in place.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, policies, and systems.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver meaningful financial insight and support effective decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of a data-driven, high-performing finance team.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance and support the wider Senior Management Group as required.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a strategic, technically strong, and collaborative finance professional with:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CPFA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in long-term financial planning and treasury management.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• A track record of improving financial processes, systems, and controls.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
• The ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation.

Desirable:

• Experience within the housing association or public sector environment.
• Exposure to development finance activities.

Benefits

Coastline offers a competitive and attractive benefits package, including:

• Electric car scheme.
• Relocation package available for candidates moving to the area.
• Generous pension contribution of 8%.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• The opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation making a real impact.

Location

Based at Coastline House in Cornwall, with hybrid working 3 in the office.

About the role

Our exciting three year strategy sets out our ambitious goals to drive impact at scale for victim-survivors. We are now looking for an exceptional candidate to lead some of our financial services relationships and consultancy work and support SEA in its mission to raise awareness of economic abuse and transform responses to it within the financial services sector.

Working closely with colleagues across SEA, you will foster and maintain relationships across the financial services sector, seeking opportunities to generate income for the charity and supporting our Head of Financial Services to deliver lasting change and impact.

Together we can transform frontline financial services, in practice, product and process, and save lives.

About you

At SEA we put the lived experience of victim-survivors at the heart of all that we do, including our work with financial services firms. You will be a subject matter expert on customer vulnerability and financial services firms’ regulatory requirements, as well as having a thorough understanding of industry rules and good practice. You will combine this with experience of working with vulnerable customers, including victim-survivors and bring expertise on economic abuse to ensure this is embedded within financial services’ firms’ responses.

About SEA

We are the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse and  transforming responses to it. We work to save lives and stop economic abuse forever.

Our vision is a world in which all women and girls achieve economic equality and can live their lives free of abuse and exploitation. Not only surviving but thriving.

Our mission is to raise awareness of economic abuse and transform responses to it.

To achieve this, we must ensure that the policies and practices of financial services firms, domestic abuse support services, public services and government reflect the needs of all victim-survivors of economic abuse.

We are  committed to centring victim-survivors in all that we do and broadening our understanding of the needs of survivors, particularly those who are marginalised within society. We work alongside the Experts by Experience - a group of victim-survivors whose voices and experiences shape our work.

Our primary focus is on influencing the women’s, public and financial services sectors, to create a model for improved support for victim-survivors of economic abuse, calling on government to facilitate these changes and work with them to improve their systems and practice.

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave plus Statutory Bank Holidays
• Home working (UK based)
• Flexible working 
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution 
• 5 Wellbeing Days
• Reflective practice
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Enhanced sick pay, family leave and carer’s leave 
• The chance to be part of our highly professional, supportive team

To apply

Please apply via our website

Applications open from 9 April and close at 11.59pm on 7 May 2026. Interviews will take place virtually, week beginning 1 June.

Direct applications only – no agencies please.

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is committed to developing an inclusive team which reflects the diversity of the communities we support. Our culture celebrates diverse voices, and we particularly encourage applications from Black and minoritised applicants and disabled applicants who are under-represented at SEA.

SEA is a Disability Confident Committed, and Kinship Friendly Employer.

Finance Administrator – Job Description

Reports to: Treasurer
Direct reports: N/A
Location: Hybrid with at least one day a week at the Power Up North London office
Contract: Part time (15 hours a week)
Salary: £12,000 per annum (pro-rata, based on 15 hours a week)

Role Purpose

Power Up North London is a leading community energy organisation delivering renewable energy, energy efficiency and retrofit projects that directly benefit community groups and public buildings. We are driven by a belief that communities can and must play a central role in the transition to a zero-carbon future.

The Finance Administrator is responsible for financial management and integrity of Power Up North London’s financial operations. This role will deliver accurate financial and management reporting, budget tracking and oversight of finance processes including cashflow management, invoicing, payments, and associated controls.

Working closely with the Board and external finance partners, the postholder will provide the financial insight and control needed to support decision-making, maintain funder confidence, and enable sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities

Financial Management and Governance

· Maintain oversight of Power Up North London ’s financial accounts, ensuring accuracy and integrity across all financial processes

· Prepare monthly management accounts for internal review and Board reporting

· Support preparation and management of the annual budget

· Track income and expenditure against the approved budget, identifying and explaining variances

· Tracking of grant and project income and expenditures against budget

Billing and Revenue Assurance

· Ensure timely billing and effective debtor management

· Identify and flag billing discrepancies for sites

· Support investigation and resolution of issues to ensure accurate income collection

Cashflow and Treasury Management

· Manage cashflow and maintain accurate cashflow forecasts

· Reconcile bank accounts fortnightly and track cash movements

· Monitor invoicing timeliness and payments disbursements to support effective cashflow management 

Performance Monitoring and Financial Modelling

· Liaise with the Asset Management Team to track financial performance of solar sites and projects against forecasts

· Support analysis of income and expenditure, highlighting risks and opportunities

· Assist in pricing of electricity for new sites and checking financial assumptions and modelling

External Finance Coordination

· Work effectively with Share energy (Power Up North London’s outsourced finance provider)

· Liaise on accounting, reporting, and financial queries, ensuring timely resolution

· Monitor fulfilment of service level agreements  

Financial Controls

· Ensure adherence with Power Up North London’s financial processes and controls

· Implement controls relevant to payments in / out, grants management and bank reconciliations

Shareholder Register Maintenance  

· Maintain internal record of shareholder capital outstanding and member capital and interest payments due

· Update shareholder register for shareholder actions, redemptions, and new issuances

For more information on the Person Specification, please see the job description attached

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

As Head of Finance, you will be a member of the Executive Team, supporting the Chief Executive with the overall direction and long-term financial viability of the Charity. You will be accountable for developing and implementing the organisation’s financial strategy, delivering effective financial planning, monitoring and reporting, and maintaining sound financial and risk management systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide sound financial advice to the Chief Executive, Board of Trustees and senior managers to support effective leadership and management of the Charity
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management and resource allocation, ensuring strong processes for performance monitoring at all levels
• Establish and oversee financial reporting systems, monitoring key performance indicators and delivering management information to the Board
• Take responsibility for compliance with accounting, tax and regulatory requirements, ensuring internal financial systems and controls are robust and scalable
• Undertake the role of Company Secretary, ensuring all statutory and regulatory governance obligations are met
• Lead procurement of systems, products and services, driving cost savings and value for money in line with the Charity Governance Code
• Oversee relationships with banks, auditors, payroll providers, insurers and charity finance specialists, ensuring the Charity manages its assets effectively
• Ensure appropriate risk management techniques and financial controls are embedded at strategic and operational levels

About you:

This role will suit a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with senior-level finance leadership experience in a charity or not-for-profit organisation of comparable scale. You will bring strong technical knowledge of Charity SORP, charity law and financial governance, a collaborative leadership style, and the confidence to operate with minimum direction in a small Executive Team. Experience of company secretarial duties and charity governance is essential.

Benefits:

• Private medical insurance provided through Bupa after 1 years’ service
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• Staff wellbeing events throughout the year
• Team building days
• Employee Assistance Programme - this is a scheme run by Dudley Lodge for its employees. It enables staff to gain access to qualified advisors for a wide range of services day or night.
• Cash plan - After 1 year’s continuous employment, you can opt for free cover under this Cash Plan policy.
• A pension scheme with Standard Life, Dudley Lodge contributes 5% towards your pension, also matching additional employee contributions up to 7.5%. The company will increase its contribution to 10% after an employee has reached their 10 years’ service, on condition employees contribute the same.
• Life Assurance - Group Life Assurance Policy with Unun Life.  Life. The scheme provides a tax-free benefit to all permanent employees, paying a lump sum amount of 2 x salary in the event of death in service.
• Free tea, coffee, water and fruit for all staff
• Enhanced holidays:
• 27 days plus 8 bank holidays - up to 5 years continuous employment
• 34 days plus 8 bank holidays - over 5 years continuous employment
• Flu Vaccine: For Staff that do not qualify for the flu vaccine through the NHS
• Bike (Cycle) Scheme: Staff can purchase a bike (max, £1000 or 50% of monthly contractual salary). The employee cycle loan request form should be completed for validation.
• Long Service Awards: We value our staff and to show recognition we offer long service awards.

Our Commitment Statement

Our expectation of all staff is to demonstrate kindness, empathy, and fairness to all.

Dudley Lodge strive to provide an inclusive working environment and experience, where employees can bring their best, and authentic self to work. Where difference is recognised, respected, valued, and celebrated.

Our approach to inclusion and diversity is rooted in listening, learning and acting. This includes conducting ongoing listening forums across the company, the implementation of Inclusion & Diversity talking/support groups, workshops and training, good quality supervision, surveys and collaborative working parties. All with the core aim to receive honest feedback, reflect and continuously strive to be the best that we can be. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Dudley Lodge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Accounts Payable Specialist

We are looking for a committed individual who has experience processing accounts. Reporting to the Financial Controller, the Accounts Payable Specialist will ensure that all purchase invoices are authorised correctly and paid efficiently to the society and suppliers.

Each of our homes and schemes express God’s love through compassion and care that helps people live life to the full - fulfilled living. Our focus is providing a loving and caring environment for our “family members” (our residents) and maintaining the Christian ethos that is important to many of them. Everything we do in our Homes, Schemes, in the Head Office Team (Operations, Property, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing and IT services) and through our community activity, supports that.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure purchase ledger incoming mail and emails are dealt with on a daily basis;
• Responsible for authorising all purchase ledger invoices;
• Process on the accounting system for all transactions within agreed SLA’s;
• Support the month-end close process including and not limited to the accrual and prepayment process.
• Support and collaborate with the internal users of the purchase to pay (P2P) process to ensure queries are dealt with on a timely basis.
• Payment to suppliers on time;
• Reviewing transactions in the nominal ledger to ensure completeness and to answer queries.
• Processing of travel and expenses, including corporate credit cards.
• Responsible for the month-end close and nominal account reconciliations.
• In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, you are required to perform other duties assigned by your manager from time to time that are within your capabilities.

About you:

• AAT Level 3 Qualified;
• You have excellent Microsoft Office Skills including Excel (VLookups & Pivot Tables);
• You are able to communicate effectively;
• You are committed to meeting deadlines and able to plan and prioritise work;
• You have strong time management skills;
• You are well organised;
• A positive attitude towards Pilgrims’ Friend Society and its wider aims and objectives and are able to fully agree with our Doctrinal Basis.

*Applicants must be evangelical Christians (This role has an Occupational Requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010).) 

Hours:

Full-time contract, working 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working (2 days in the office)
• Flexible working hours
• 5 Weeks' paid holiday per year, as well as bank and public holidays
• Training & development
• Ongoing support from management
• Perkbox – including an Employee assistance programme
• Care Friends referral 
• Medicash
• Long-standing service rewards
• Birthday rewards
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme

— What our staff say about us: …“It is a friendly and welcoming place to work” … —

We are committed to having a diverse senior management team and we encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented on our senior management team at present.

Please note: this vacancy may close sooner if sufficient applications have been received so please apply as soon as possible if interested.