Director of Finance

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

We are working in partnership with a charity which offers free and confidential information, advice, counselling, support and advocacy for children and young people under 26 in Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth whose mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential.

The charity is now seeking to appoint a Director of Finance who will hold overall accountability for the financial leadership of the charity, with responsibility for both the strategic and operational management of the charity’s finances, including oversight of income growth through Fundraising and Development. The role leads on financial strategy, planning, and performance, ensuring robust financial management, high-quality insight, and long-term financial sustainability. With oversight of the finance team, the Director of Finance plays a central role in ensuring the charity is financially resilient, efficient, and able to grow and sustain its income in support of its mission.

The successful applicant will be a qualified Accountant (CIMA / CIPFA / ACCA / ACA or equivalent), consideration may be given to a part-qualified candidate with substantial relevant experience and possessing a desire to consider continuing towards full-qualification.  

You will demonstrate:

• Experience and understanding of financial processes including budget management, forecasting, day-to-day income and expenditure processes, monthly reporting, and year end audit processes.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Charity regulations and relevant legislation and legal requirements
• Successful track record in working with a Trustee Board or other executive boards
• Ability to prioritise and organise own work and that of others to meet deadlines
• Experience of costing services/projects and producing comprehensive budgets

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll make an active contribution to the organisation’s strategic direction, decision-making, and leadership, working collaboratively with colleagues to balance risk, opportunity, and impact.  You will have up-to-date knowledge of charity SORP regulations and requirements, a high level of IT competency, including the use of Microsoft Office, and excellent communication skills with a commitment to personal growth and development.  You will be a role model for the values of the Charity and ensure the needs of children and young people are at the heart of everything they do.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. 

If you feel you have relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV and supporting statement to Sandra Smith, via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.

• Location: Southampton, hybrid working available 
• Closing date for applications: 15 February 2026

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, we therefore encourage early applications as we may progress candidates to interview before the application deadline. 

• Client Interviews: w/c 2 March 2026