Head of finance jobs in Central london, greater london

Head of Finance

Reports to: Director of Finance, Data and Innovation

Line reports: 2

Location: London, hybrid working, with minimum 40% of working time in the office

Salary: London £54,000 (salary band £54,000 - £58000; Outside London £51,500 (salary band £51,500 to £55,500)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

The Head of Finance will lead the day-to-day finance function, ensuring our financial information is accurate, timely and useful. The role will oversee financial reporting, controls, compliance, payroll, budgeting and forecasting, while managing and developing the finance team. The postholder will work closely with budget holders and senior leaders to support good financial decision-making across the organisation. The role will also provide oversight of key operational areas, including premises, health and safety, equipment and outsourced technology support.

In the first 6–12 months, the postholder will be expected to strengthen monthly reporting, improve budget holder support, maintain clear financial controls, support the annual audit and help embed effective finance processes across the organisation.

Financial responsibilities

· Ensure that all financial data is accurately recorded, maintained and reported in accordance with relevant accounting standards and guidelines

· Ensure compliance with relevant financial, tax and statutory obligations, including VAT, PAYE and other reporting requirements

· Lead financial business partnering across the organisation, ensuring budget holders have the knowledge, skills and tools to manage their budgets effectively. This will include:

• • Running effective budgeting and forecasting processes to ensure the organisation has a robust plan
  • Producing monthly management accounts with useful variance analysis to ensure proper financial management

· Alongside the Director of Finance, develop and maintain financial controls to safeguard the charity’s assets, ensuring clear processes are in place and control checks are documented

· Take full management responsibility for the finance team, lead, motivate and develop them to ensure that they are focused, competent and working effectively and efficiently

· Maintain clear review and approval processes so that financial work is properly checked, authorised and documented

· Oversee finance processes for the trading subsidiary, including reviewing postings, accounts and consolidation entries

· Produce or review monthly payroll amounts and postings

· Lead preparation for the annual audit and statutory accounts, ensuring working papers, reconciliations and supporting evidence are complete and accurate

· Ensure restricted funds, grants and project income are recorded, monitored and reported accurately

Operations

· Ensure premises and properties are managed appropriately on a day-to-day basis

· Ensure we comply with H&S standards in our multiple offices

· Ensure the organisation has the resources it needs to do their job through the procurement/ provision of laptops and other equipment

· Work with colleagues to ensure we comply with GDPR

Person specification: Skill / experience 

Essential

A demonstrable interest and commitment to working with, and supporting people from, a refugee background

Financial and Operational Responsibilities

Strong management accounting experience, including business partnering with budget holders to support good decision-making

Good understanding of UK charity accounting, including charity SORP, audit and year-end reporting

Professional accounting qualification or substantial relevant accounting experience

Management experience and ability to support and develop line reports in a welcoming and inclusive environment 

Understanding of key compliance areas relevant to charity finance and operations, including VAT, Gift Aid, PAYE, P11D and GDPR

Good understanding of charity controls and risk management

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, strong experience using finance systems (we currently use Xledger) and an interest in AI

Experience of charity fund accounting, including restricted funds and grant reporting

Experience of managing/supporting in the management of outsourced technology providers 

Personal Traits

Able to improve processes and deliver practical changes that make finance easier to use across the organisation

Able to manage competing priorities and maintain high standards during busy periods

Self-motivated, organised and able to deliver agreed outcomes on time

Analytical thinker with good problem-solving skills

Practical, flexible and willing to support both strategic and day-to-day finance work

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex information to different audiences

Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to form effective working relationships with other teams

Desirable

Committed to continuous improvement and the use of agile tools to support business change

Considerations 

· As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out pre-employment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks for some roles, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.

· We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action. 

At WSUP, we believe everyone deserves access to safe water and sanitation. As a leading international development organisation operating across Africa and Asia, we work with governments, utilities and communities to create sustainable solutions that improve millions of lives.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Finance to lead our finance function and help ensure the financial sustainability and effectiveness of our organisation. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will provide expert financial leadership, oversee governance and compliance, support strategic decision-making, and lead a talented international finance team. You will lead a team of 5-10 core finance staff and indirectly support Country Finance Managers in 4 - 6 programme countries. 

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical finance expertise with excellent people leadership skills and the ability to build effective relationships across a diverse and international organisation. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is motivated by using their skills to create meaningful social impact.

What We Offer

• Hybrid Working
• Up to 5% matched pension contribution
• Flexible working arrangements
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 24-hour GP service
• Enhanced maternity leave: 12 weeks at 90% pay, followed by 12 weeks at 50% pay
• Enhanced paternity leave: up to 4 weeks' paid leave
• A supportive, collaborative and mission-driven working environment

Our Commitment to Inclusion

WSUP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and encourage applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The National Biodiversity Network Trust is the UK charity dedicated to making biodiversity data accessble and useful. We co-ordinate the National Biodiversity Network, develop the NBN Atlas, support iNaturalistUK and are developing the NBN Record Manager. Our work connects biological recording, digital infrastructure and better decisions for nature across the UK. 

Our vision is Nature thriving everywhere, in all its diversity,.Our mission is Making data work for nature. 

This is a senior and pivotal role. The Head of Finance & Operations is the Chief Executive Officer's trusted strategic and operational partner on finance, governance, people systems, risk and organisational operations. They provide calm judgement, clear information, early warning and reliable follow-through. The role will turn strategy into affordable and deliverable plans, protect the Trust's financial resilience, and ensure that its core systems and controls enable colleagues to do their best work. They will combine strategic leadership with a willingness to enage in the practical detail when needed. 

More details, including on how to apply and a Recruitment FAQ, are available on our website. 

Team: Finance & Resources

Locations: Hybrid – at our office (Argon House, Argon Mews, London SW6 1BJ) and remotely at home. A minimum of two days a week at the office (including our all-staff Wednesday) 

Duration: Permanent (with six months’ probation)

Reporting to: CEO

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Salary: Starting salary £60,000 

The post holder will be responsible for the following: 

Finance 

• Maintain appropriate and comprehensive finance and accounting policies and procedures including payment authorisations, cash management etc. 

• Provide clear and accurate financial information, budgets and forecasts to the trustees, CEO fundraising team and other departments as required. 

• Manage strategic relationship with key partner organisations such as bookkeepers/auditors/payroll providers/banks etc. 

• Overall responsibility, with support from the external bookkeeper and internal staff, for: 

• Ensuring accurate recording and maintenance of finance data, including accurate classification of income. 

• Ensuring balance sheet and bank is reconciled and reviewed monthly. 

• Preparing and developing monthly Management Accounts. 

• Oversee preparation of the annual financial statements and manage the external audit. 

• Oversee payroll and pension process, engaging with external payroll support, including administering monthly payroll and fortnightly payroll during the Winter Night Shelter season. 

Legal and compliance 

• Overall responsibility for compliance with all legislation / codes. 

• Ensure Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC and Pensions Regulator requirements 

 are met in a timely fashion. 

Risk management 

• Overall responsibility for risk management, including timely and accurate completion of relevant risk assessments, maintaining and developing the organisation's risk register, and procuring and maintaining appropriate insurance cover. 

• Overall functional responsibility for health and safety. 

Office Management  

• Overall responsibility for information technology across the organisation, which is implemented day-to-day by the IT support providers. 

• Ensure Glass Door has appropriate office space which meets all legal requirements and government regulations, environmental, health and security standards. 

• Organise and review general administrative processes and induct new staff on relevant office processes, including data protection, security and fire safety.

• Support and line manage the receptionist and office volunteers to ensure that we deliver high levels of service to staff, guests and other visitors, creating a warm and welcoming environment 

People Management 

• Manage the HR function: 

• Ensure Glass Door is an attractive and rewarding place to work and staff deliver their potential. 

• Review, identify and implement improvements in the HR function to optimise effectiveness and efficiency. 

• Lead on managing employee relations. 

• Support and line manage the Finance & Resources team (HR Manager, receptionists). 

• Conduct regular supervision meetings and performance appraisals. 

Senior Leadership Team 

• Operate as part of the Glass Door senior leadership team, with a particular remit to ensure that we are fulfilling our financial and compliance objectives. 

• Support the CEO and colleagues in setting the strategic direction for Glass Door. 

• Represent the CEO on internal or external matters, if appropriate. 

Governance 

• Manage the Resources Committee and Finance Committee on behalf of the trustees. 

• Assist in managing the Board of Trustees e.g. co-ordinate diaries, set dates, drafting and circulating agendas and papers. 

• Organise the Annual General Meeting, including drafting papers and corresponding with members. 

• Co-ordinate the annual policy review process for Finance & Resources (finance, legal, HR, data, governance) and Fundraising & Communications (fundraising, communications). 

• Manage the Glass Door complaints process.

Person Specification 

Essential 

Personal Qualities 

• Empathetic attitude towards homeless and vulnerably-housed people. 

• A confident self-starter who will hit the ground running. 

• Ability to operate at a range of levels; with both gravitas and relate-ability 

• A team worker with an open, collaborative style and a practical, “can-do” approach. 

• Commitment to our values of being welcoming; being open to all, without prejudice; 

compassionate; believing individuals can turn their lives around; and knowing we can have a 

bigger impact when we work together. 

• Commitment to and understanding of the issues relating to equality of opportunity and the 

ability to implement change in this area. 

• Ability to adhere to and implement Health & Safety, HR and operational policies. 

Qualifications and Experience 

• Minimum CIMA or CIPFA qualification. 

• Minimum five years’ in-house employment experience post-qualification. 

• Experience of leading and inspiring a team. 

• Experience of budgeting and financial planning, including modelling / scenario planning. 

• Experience with month end reporting. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

• Excellent working knowledge of accounting software systems e.g. Xero. 

• Fully conversant with best practice in accounting procedures. 

• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail, especially record-keeping and 

electronic filing. 

• Strong written English and numeracy skills. 

• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and 

databases). 

• Good interpersonal and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to forward plan and schedule workflows. 

• Ability to relate to and work with people from a range of backgrounds. 

Desirable 

• ACA or ACCA qualification. 

• Experience of working with homeless people or similar disadvantaged client groups and an 

understanding of their needs. 

• Experience of working in the not-for-profit sector. 

• Experience of charity accounting/ the SORP. 

• Experience of risk management. 

• An understanding of GDPR and health and safety legislation. 

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

About you and the role

This is a pivotal role, at a pivotal moment for us. We are entering a critical growth phase, which includes rapidly expanding our own operations and managing significant external partnership. As Head of Finance & Systems, you will be accountable for ensuring we have the right systems and structures in place to grow at pace without detriment to good governance.

The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained. 

You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 24 employees and anticipate growing significantly in the next twelve months. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance. 

You will oversee all financial administration, ensuring this is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation.

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.  

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.  

Key responsibilities:

• Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities.

• Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the book-keeper.

• Produce the monthly management accounts and bespoke financial reports—including accurate forecasting, restricted fund tracking, and variance analysis—ensuring decision-makers have clear, actionable data.

• Forecasting cash flow and managing the treasury position.

• Manage the contract and performance of the bookkeeper  and outsourced payroll providers; setting strict monthly closing deadlines, enforcing data accuracy, and ensuring they deliver a clean trial balance for management accounting.

• Oversee sound financial administration, management and governance across the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls in place and operating effectively.

• Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team, and coaching on financial awareness. 

• Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks 

• Support the Partnerships & Impact team and Programme Managers with financial inputs to funding proposals and ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with grant conditions.

• Developing our systems strategy, including reviewing suitability of our current systems (Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc. ) and ensuring optimal use of systems, maximising automation, and using AI where appropriate.

• Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches

• Supporting the organisation’s data governance by ensuring financial systems (e.g., Quickbooks, payroll, expenses) are secure, compliant, and integrated in line with data protection principles.

• Leading an effective risk management process.

• Ensuring the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and all financial reporting requirements.

Essential Skills & experience:

• Charity Finance Experience: Practical, senior-level experience working within a UK non-profit finance function, including a strong working knowledge of the Charities SORP and accounting for restricted vs. unrestricted funds.

• Hands-on Management Accounting: Proven experience independently producing monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis from scratch.

• End-to-End Audit Management: Experience preparing year-end audit files, reconciling balance sheet control accounts, and acts as the primary point of contact for external auditors.

• Accountancy Qualification: Full or partial qualification through an accredited body (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA). 

• Tech Literacy & Data Reconciliation: Comfortable troubleshooting and navigating modern finance tech stacks (e.g., Xero, Pleo) and pulling financial data/reports from a CRM system (e.g., Beacon).

• Vendor & Staff Management: Experience supervising junior staff (or office managers) and actively managing the performance, timelines, and accuracy of outsourced providers (e.g., bookkeeping and payroll).

Desirable skills & experience

• Systems Implementation: Past experience project-managing a software migration or building native integrations/automations between a CRM system and accounting software.

• Broader Operations/HR Exposure: Basic familiarity with HR administration, GDPR workflows, or managing organizational risk registers in a small team environment.

• Sector Passion: A demonstrable interest in food education, children’s health, or food systems.

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays.  We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.

Application process

In line with our commitment to ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we invite candidates to answer a series of questions related to their day-to-day job. 

We recommend that you develop your answers offline and copy them in when you’re ready to ensure you don’t lose your work if interrupted.

Your answers will go through our sifting process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. A long list of candidates will then additionally have their CVs reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 mins online interview. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview at our office in Brixton, London.

Expected duration of this application process: 7 weeks

First interviews will be held 1st -4th September

Head of Finance (12-Month FTC)

A well-established Housing Charity is seeking a Head of Finance on an initial 12-month fixed-term contract. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this role offers a unique opportunity to operate as the number two in finance, playing a key role in both strategic leadership and operational delivery while supporting a period of transformation across the finance function and wider organisation.

The organisation is recognised for its commitment to delivering high-quality services and creating positive outcomes for the communities it supports.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced finance professional looking to step into a high-impact leadership position, driving improvements across people, processes and financial insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, providing stability and strong leadership during a period of organisational change.
• Drive the Finance Business Partnering function, improving budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial planning.
• Take ownership of the year-end audit, statutory accounts, month-end reporting, and strengthen financial controls and reconciliations.
• Lead finance transformation by improving processes, reducing manual ways of working and preparing the function for a future finance systems implementation.
• Produce high-quality management reporting and dashboards to support decision-making across the organisation.

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant with experience in social housing, charity, or care and support.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage, motivate and develop finance teams.
• Experience operating at both a strategic and operational level, with a strong focus on business partnering.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, systems and communication skills.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact within the finance function while supporting a wider organisational transformation. There is a genuine opportunity for the role to become permanent, making it an ideal position for someone seeking both an immediate challenge and long-term stability.

The organisation is looking to appoint quickly, so candidates available at short notice / immediately available are encouraged to apply.