Head of finance jobs

Goodman Masson are working with a prestigious London based University as they a recruit for a new Head of Faculty Finance.

The finance function is currently undergoing an ambitious, institution-wide transformation. As part of a major strategic priority to strengthen financial control, compliance, and process efficiency, they have consolidated their distributed finance teams into a brand-new, centralised business-focused unit. They are now seeking a visionary, high-calibre financial leader to head this newly established division.

The Role

You will report directly to the Director of Finance Business Partnering. You will lead, shape, and embed a newly created team tasked with delivering high-quality, consistent front-line financial support across all internal departments and divisions.

This is a high-profile, transformative leadership role. You will be fully accountable for embedding new ways of working, driving data quality, streamlining processes, and ensuring robust financial management, planning, and forecasting. Furthermore, you will act as a critical advisory partner to senior stakeholders, translating complex financial performance into actionable strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Culture: Lead and inspire a large, newly consolidated team. Create an inclusive, high-performing environment focused on professional development, compliance, and excellent service delivery.
• Operational Excellence: Hold total accountability for the operational finance model. Ensure month-end, year-end, budgeting, and forecasting cycles are delivered with absolute integrity and timeliness.
• Service Transformation: Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, workflows, and processes. Work closely with change management colleagues to integrate streamlined practices and contribute to upcoming ERP system planning and implementation.
• Stakeholder Management: Build trusted, collaborative relationships with senior leadership across diverse organisational boundaries to support robust decision-making.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be a resilient, collaborative leader who thrives in complex, large-scale environments. You should possess:

• Professional Qualification: You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA) with significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
• Proven Leadership: A strong track record of managing and developing large teams, with the ability to delegate effectively and foster a collaborative identity.
• Change Management: Clear experience driving continuous process, technology, or people improvements within a complex service delivery model.
• Exceptional Communication: The ability to handle difficult conversations, manage conflicting stakeholder priorities, and articulate expectations with absolute clarity.

Salary range is £85,000 - £98,000 (Depending on Experience) plus excellent benefits including:

• 33 days annual leave (including closure days)
• 14.5% Employer Pension Contributions

The deadline for applications is Friday 3rd of July. Please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered. 

Head of Finance

Location: Fully remote with flexible working arrangements. You must be able to travel 1-2 times per month for a team day in Bristol, Reading, or London, for which expenses will be covered.

Salary: £46,350 - £49,440 depending on experience

Contract: Part-time (0.8 FTE, 4 days per week), Permanent. We are flexible with how these hours are worked - working pattern to be discussed with the successful candidate.

Closing date: Monday 13 July

Interview date: Week commencing 27 July 

Start Date: ASAP - this is a new role

Reporting to: Operations Director
Direct Reports: Finance Officer
 

Role Purpose

The Head of Finance plays a key role in supporting Good Faith's financial health, sustainability and growth. Working closely with the Operations Director and colleagues across the organisation, they provide the financial insight, systems and support that help teams make informed decisions, deliver impactful work and plan confidently for the future.

The role combines hands-on financial management with the ongoing development of financial systems, tools and processes to support Good Faith's growth and evolving needs.

Working in partnership with the Operations Director, Senior Leadership Team, thematic project delivery ("track") leadership teams and project leads, the Head of Finance helps promote sound financial stewardship, clear reporting and responsible use of resources.

The role also provides financial management support to Good Faith Foundation, working alongside its trustees and Charity Development Lead.

The Head of Finance line manages the Finance Officer, supporting their development and helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Support the effective management of Good Faith's finances, helping to ensure accurate reporting, strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cashflow reporting.

• Provide clear, timely financial reporting and insight to support decision-making by the Operations Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board.

• Help colleagues understand organisational financial performance, identifying trends, opportunities and areas requiring attention.

• Work closely with the Operations Director to develop and improve financial systems, controls, policies and processes that support effective decision-making and organisational growth.

• Coordinate month-end and year-end reporting processes.

• Build positive working relationships with external accountants, banks and other professional advisers.

• Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations and statutory requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Planning

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process, working collaboratively with SLT and Directors across the organisation.

• Maintain GF’s financial forecast and support scenario planning to inform decision-making and future priorities.

• Monitor organisational, track and project budgets against performance and support teams to understand and respond to variances.

• Provide financial insight and recommendations that help colleagues balance ambition with sustainability.

• Support business planning and provide analysis to inform significant organisational investment and spending decisions.

Project Finance

• Work alongside track leadership teams and project leads to develop, manage and monitor project and track budgets.

• Produce project and track-level financial reporting and analysis, including profitability reporting.

• Help project teams understand financial information and use it confidently in decision-making.

• Provide practical financial support and guidance to help achieve GF’s organisational objectives while making the best use of available resources.

Warm Welcome Campaign

• Work closely with the Warm Welcome Head of Operations and Leadership Team, providing financial support on budgeting, reporting and forecasting.

• Ensure expenditure is accurately recorded, appropriately authorised and aligned with financial policies.

• Produce regular financial dashboards and reporting, highlighting budget variances, emerging risks and opportunities for improved efficiency.

• Provide insight and recommendations that support effective decision-making and responsible resource management.

Cashflow, Reserves and Financial Sustainability

• Monitor and report on cashflow, reserves and wider financial performance, helping SLT plan for the future.

• Manage and process supplier and payroll payments, ensuring appropriate controls and approvals are in place and payments are made accurately and on time.

• Work with the Finance Officer to monitor debtor and creditor performance, supporting the timely collection of income and effective management of liabilities.

• Provide financial insight and scenario planning that supports sustainable growth, informed decision-making and long-term resilience.

Support to Good Faith Foundation

• Provide financial management support to the Good Faith Foundation.

• Oversee the preparation of quarterly management accounts by external accountants, alongside budgets and financial reports as required.

• Support trustees and the Charity Development Lead with financial information, insight and analysis.

• Help maintain appropriate financial controls, governance and compliance arrangements.

Team Management

• Line manage, support and develop the Finance Officer, creating opportunities for learning and professional growth.

• Review and oversee bookkeeping, reconciliations and transactional finance processes.

• Help foster a collaborative, supportive and efficient finance function that supports colleagues across GF.

• Contribute to a positive team culture that reflects Good Faith's values.

Governance and Compliance

• Help ensure GF maintains high standards of governance, accountability and financial compliance.

• Support statutory record-keeping and coordinate company secretarial filings and documentation.

• Coordinate the preparation and submission of VAT returns, annual accounts, corporation tax returns and other regulatory filings, working with external accountants as required.

• Act as a trusted point of contact for external accountants, auditors, legal advisers and other professional advisers.

• Coordinate annual insurance renewals and maintain records of key organisational licences, registrations and financial policies.

• As needed, support audits, compliance reviews and risk management activities, helping to ensure appropriate documentation, controls and procedures are maintained.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with at least 2-3 years' working experience

• Experience managing finance functions within an SME, consultancy, social enterprise, charity or purpose-led organisation.

• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.

• Good understanding of UK financial reporting, tax and compliance requirements.

• Experience managing cashflow and financial planning.

• Proficiency in accounting software (Xero) and Microsoft Excel/Google Workspace.

Essential Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and confidently to non-finance colleagues.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people.

• The ability to balance financial sustainability with organisational ambition and social impact.

Desirable

• Experience in consultancy, professional services, social enterprise or charitable sectors.

• Experience managing the finances of grant-funded projects

• Experience supporting boards, trustees or senior leadership teams.

• Knowledge of charity finance and governance requirements.

• Experience supporting and developing colleagues through line management.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative and relationship-focused, with a genuine desire to support others.

• Inclusive in approach and committed to building positive working relationships

• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the confidence to improve systems and ways of working.

• Trustworthy, accountable and able to exercise sound judgement.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving organisation.

• Able to balance ambition with pragmatism, helping the organisation make the most of its resources.

• Committed to Good Faith's mission, values and the positive impact of our work.

Key Relationships

• Operations Director

• Senior Leadership Team

• Project Leads

• Thematic project delivery leadership teams

• Finance Officer

• Good Faith Foundation Charity Development Lead and Trustees

• External accountants and professional advisers

• Clients, funders and other partners as required

Please review the attached JD for full information on how to apply. 

Hours:  Full time, 35 hours per week. Standard working hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Somerset House, London, although flexible and hybrid working are encouraged

Application Deadline: 12 July 2026 

Please note: 

• We may close the advert sooner if we receive a high volume of applications)
• All finance roles within the charity require a DBS check (basic)

Blue Marine's Mission

The Blue Marine Foundation seeks to protect and restore life in the ocean. Our mission is to see at least 30 per cent of the ocean protected by 2030 and the whole ocean sustainably managed. We support low-impact fishing and equitable use of the ocean and address overfishing – one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. 
 
We are a dynamic NGO at the heart of cutting-edge marine conservation with headquarters in London but operating globally. This is an incredible chance to join our highly impactful charity; we look forward to hearing from you.

The Role

This role heads the Project Finance team and ensures it continues to support Blue Marine effectively as the organisation grows in scale and complexity. It also oversees the full financial journey of Blue Marine’s project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to strong financial oversight and accurate reporting. A key part of the role is building the financial and operational capacity of partners, helping partners scale their conservation impact through improved financial management and operational effectiveness.  

Reporting to the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance, the successful candidate will: 

• Oversee and develop the Project Finance team, setting clear priorities, high standards and effective ways of working.
• Drive the strategic direction of the Project Finance function as Blue Marine’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.
• Maintain high-level oversight of project budgets, delivery partners, donor requirements, financial risks and reporting obligations across the portfolio.
• Oversee the end-to-end financial journey of project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to ensuring timely and accurate reporting is received.
• Ensure high-quality, timely project reporting, budget monitoring, audit evidence and donor compliance, with fit-for-purpose processes followed consistently.
• Provide insight, challenge and analysis to support strategic decisions and funding proposals.
• Lead Blue Marine’s work to build the operational capacity of international project partners, including through some international travel.
• Champion practical improvements to systems and ways of working, building on an existing culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on support during peak reporting periods while maintaining senior oversight.
• Represent Finance with credibility and integrity across Blue Marine and with external partners and funders.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance where appropriate.
• Contribute to wider organisational priorities as a member of the senior management team.
• Uphold Blue Marine’s values and always embody this behaviour internally and externally.

This list is not exhaustive, and the selected candidate will be required to undertake other relevant tasks from time to time.

Skills and experience required

Essential 

• Significant senior experience in project finance, programme finance or commercial finance, with responsibility for complex budgets, reporting and risk.
• Strong track record of overseeing large and complex portfolios, including financial reporting, audit evidence, and contractual or donor compliance requirements and risk management.
• Experience of improving finance systems, reporting tools or organisational processes during a period of growth or change.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, policies and processes, with the ability to apply sound judgement in a practical and proportionate way.
• Experience of working with external partners to improve financial processes, reporting and operational effectiveness.
• Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to set clear priorities and improve ways of working.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build credibility and constructive relationships with colleagues, funders and external partners.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-moving environment.

Desired 

• Qualified accountant, or equivalent senior-level financial experience.
• Experience of working with Microsoft-based systems, including Power Platform tools such as Power BI.
• Experience of bringing structure, clarity and strong financial discipline to complex or evolving organisations.
• Experience of working with international partners across different legal, operational or cultural contexts.
• An understanding of, or interest in, the environmental, conservation or charitable sector.

You may also...

Have the following personal qualities: 

• Calm, practical and solutions-focused
• Collaborative, supportive and confident working across teams
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with a willingness to get into the detail when needed
• Good judgement, integrity and discretion
• Passion for, and commitment to, the ocean or another environmental cause

Why us?

This is a great opportunity for you to join our inspirational team and be part of making a difference! 

We offer a great salary in addition to a generous benefits package.  

We embrace agile working and trust our employees to work in a hybrid manner that gives them the flexibility to work from home or at the office according to their work commitments. We also recognise our head office is in London and currently offer an optional annual subsidy, which is available to employees committed to attending the office regularly on a weekly basis. 
 
Working alongside some of the most leading and pioneering minds in marine conservation, our training opportunities and collegiate nature means you will always be learning and supported with your development.  
 
Your wellbeing is important to us, and we hold social events throughout the year. We have a great culture and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.  
 
If you think you have what it takes and the experience to make it happen, then please apply, we would love you to be part of Blue Marine! 

Please note 
We reserve the right to close job adverts early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you would like to know more or have any questions, we are happy to help. 
 
We are a responsible and inclusive employer. We value diversity and are committed to equality and creating an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and will support you to reach your full potential. 
 
We want you to perform at your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us.