Head of Finance

Head of Finance - London

Charity People have partnered with U3A, one of the UK's largest membership organisations, with over 400,000 members and 1,000+ local groups, each u3a offers opportunities for people in later life to learn, share skills, and connect for fun. The Third Age Trust is the national body that supports the whole u3a movement.

This amazing not for profit charity supporting local communities, raising awareness, and championing positive ageing and lifelong learning is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to join their Senior Leadership Team.

Reporting directly to a very forwarding thinking CEO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and long-term sustainability of the charity and its trading subsidiary.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional with strong charity-sector expertise to lead all aspects of finance, reporting and financial planning, while providing trusted advice to the CEO, Treasurer, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees. You will lead a small, dedicated finance team and drive continuous improvement across financial systems, processes and controls to support the organisation's ambitious goals.

Location: Hybrid working (2 days in the office, 3 days working from home)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Salary: £67,000 - £70,000 per annum

Benefits:
Pensions 8% pension rising to 10% after 2 years
25 days holiday, plus Christmas shut down between Christmas and New Year + 8 Bank Holidays

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day financial operations of the charity and trading subsidiary, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, pensions, VAT, Gift Aid, investments and cashflow management.
• Develop, manage and monitor annual budgets, forecasts and financial plans, providing insightful analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports, management accounts, cashflow forecasts and performance updates to the CEO, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees.
• Oversee the production of statutory accounts, annual audits and all regulatory and compliance reporting, ensuring adherence to Charity Commission, Companies House, SORP and other relevant requirements.
• Provide strategic financial leadership, supporting the CEO and senior leadership team on organisational planning, financial sustainability, reserves management and investment strategy.
• Lead, motivate and develop the finance team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture and providing financial guidance and support across the wider organisation.

Person Specification

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant finance leadership experience, within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Proven experience of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, statutory accounts preparation and managing external audits.
• Strong understanding of charity accounting, SORP, FRS 102, VAT, Gift Aid, payroll and financial governance requirements.
• Experience of working effectively with senior stakeholders, trustees and boards, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and confidently.
• Strong leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of improving financial processes, controls and reporting frameworks.
• A proactive, collaborative and solution-focused approach, with excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to respond to three written questions to highlight their experience, approach, and leadership style.

Role will be closing on 21st July, 2026
First stage interview via MSTeams 31st July, 2026
Second stage interview w/c 3rd August, 2026

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.