Chief accountant jobs

Opportunity: Head of Finance

Are you a hands-on finance professional who excels at balancing high-level strategy with meticulous operational control? We are seeking a fully qualified accountant to drive the end-to-end financial management, reporting, and stability of a small but impactful international development organisation.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will serve as a key advisor on strategic financial decisions while ensuring the accuracy of accounts and compliance standards.

The Role

You will be responsible for all aspects of finance and delivering timely, accurate financial reports to internal stakeholders, funders, and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Producing monthly consolidated management accounts with variance analysis and reporting to the Board and Finance Sub-Committee.
• Leading annual budgeting, forecasting, and multi-year financial planning.
• Overseeing cashflow, treasury management, and the drafting of statutory accounts.
• Managing external audits and specialised donor financial reporting.
• Identifying financial risks for escalation to the COO/Board and providing direct line management for the Finance & Systems Officer.

Your Profile

You will be a grounded leader who brings a focus on delivery and stability.

• You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA).
• 8–10 years of experience working within complex, multi-entity environments.
• Experience within the Charity or International NGO (INGO) sector.
• A proven ability to manage end-to-end financial controls and provide high-level strategic advice.

Salary range is £55,000 - £60,000 Depending on Experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, therefore please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered.

Finance Manager

Are you a fully qualified accountant looking for a part time Finance Manager role where you can provide strategic financial leadership within a purpose driven charity?

Position: Finance Manager

Location: Central London/hybrid

Hours: Part-time - 2–3 days per week (flexible)

Salary: £40k pa (pro rata) + excellent benefits. 

Contract: Permanent

Qualification required: ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent)

Closing Date: 02/03/2026 17:00

This organisation is entering an exciting period of modernisation and growth. As they strengthen digital systems, redesign programmes and rebuild financial resilience, they are recruiting a professionally qualified Finance Manager to lead the finance function on a part-time basis.

This is a pivotal role for a technically strong, proactive and detail-focused finance professional who thrives in a small, mission-driven organisation. You will ensure excellent financial management, robust controls and high-quality reporting during a transformational period for the organisation.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Working closely with the CEO, SMT and Board, you will:

• Lead the production of accurate monthly management accounts
• Maintain strong financial controls, processes and compliance
• Manage day-to-day finance operations in Xero
• Prepare cashflow forecasts, scenario models and financial insight for decision-making
• Support the annual budgeting and reforecasting process
• Oversee restricted and unrestricted income tracking
• Lead the year-end audit process and statutory reporting
• Strengthen financial workflows as new digital systems are integrated

You will be the organisation’s finance lead, providing clarity, confidence and financial stewardship.

About You

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

• Strong experience in financial and management accounting
• Excellent technical and analytical skills
• Advanced knowledge of Xero
• Experience in charities, social enterprises or small organisations
• Confidence in advising non-finance colleagues and senior leaders
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach

You will enjoy working independently in a part-time leadership role and supporting an organisation that is ambitious, collaborative and impact-driven.

In return…

• A meaningful role at the heart of a national charity transformation
• Opportunity to shape a modern, resilient finance function
• Flexible, part-time working arrangements
• Supportive, values-led culture
• Chance to directly influence organisational sustainability and impact

About the Organisation

This successful social enterprise amplifies the impact charities, business and individuals can bring to make a better world.

This is done by bringing charities together with business and business experts who can tackle the pressing issues charities are facing. It manages the relationship between business and charities to maximise the impact they bring and increases the impact of individuals by bringing them new experiences, perspectives and learning.  It increases the impact of organisations by exposing their talent to new situations and challenges. It increases the impact of charities by giving them the expertise and resources they need.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are particularly interested in candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

You may also have experience in areas such as: Head of Finance, Finance Business Partner, Senior Management Accountant, Financial Controller, Charity Finance Lead, Finance and Operations Manager, Finance and Governance Manager, Senior Accountant, Part Time Finance Manager, Finance Consultant. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

The Finance Manager will support the delivery of Theatres Trust’s strategy, working with the CEO and Head of People, Operations and Finance to create accurate and accessible financial reporting, and provide clear figures to inform budgetary updates. They will work across the staff and shape best practice of financial governance across the organisation.

Reporting to the Head of People, Operations and Finance, and working closely with the CEO, the Finance Manager has overall responsibility for the consistent delivery of the financial accounting and administration systems of The Theatres Trust and The Theatres Trust Charitable Fund (two separate entities). This includes maintaining robust, transparent and efficient financial administration and monitoring systems that ensure compliance with the relevant regulations and operational parameters for the work of both entities.

This post offers the successful candidate the opportunity to develop their career, and to join the organisation during an exciting time of internal transformation where they will play an integral role in supporting the team with a new finance system while shaping relationships with financial management across the organisation.

The role is being offered on a part-time basis of 21 hours per week, spread across at least 3 days per week.

Deadline for applications: 10am on Monday 9 March 2026

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Business Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across finance, HR, property management, compliance, and administration.

This is a pivotal role within ORL, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure the organisation is financially sustainable, compliant, and well-run, and that our properties and systems support the delivery of safe, high-quality services for residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors. 

Your responsibilities will include overseeing financial operations such as payroll, pensions, Gift Aid claims, and bank reconciliations, as well as supporting the preparation of financial reports and budgets. You will manage HR administration, including recruitment, onboarding, policy development, and employee wellbeing. In addition, you will ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, carry out risk assessments, and oversee property management, lease agreements, and insurance.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in finance and HR management, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to lead and motivate staff. You’ll be confident in handling budgets, compliance requirements, and operational systems, with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector would be an advantage.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact by ensuring our organisation runs efficiently and sustainably, supporting the delivery of our mission and services.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Finance Manager, who will be responsible for all aspects of financial management and HR administration. You will be well organised, able to work on you own initiative and be experieced in writing clear and engaging reports tailored to a non-financial audience. 

The main responsibilities of the role are:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long range planning, budgeting and forecasts.
• Support Board and Committees (Investment, Finance and Grants), preparing and presenting papers and managing grant-giving process. 
• Lead the annual audit.
• Undertake day-to-day book-keeping.
• Oversee HR operations including payroll and pension administration.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and maintain HR policies.
• Review and manage insurance policies. 

You will be a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CPFA) with at least three years’ experience, ideally with charity experience.  You will also have experience of HR policies and management.

We are a small organisation, so a supportive 'hands-on' approval is essential, as are diplomacy and confidentiality.

CLC is a membership organisation for Lutheran Churches in the UK, and our office is close to Waterloo station. We undertake a range of activities including student chaplaincy, grant giving and outreach and we have recently acquired a church building for services and events. CLC is a Christian organisation, so whilst we would prefer you to be a Christian, it is not essential as long as you are willing to work in accordance with our ethos and values.

The Senior Finance and Payroll Officer provides day-to-day financial management, reporting and business partnering support across the Royal Court Theatre (English Stage Company Ltd or ESC), a charity with two commercial companies. The role works closely with the Finance Manager, Finance Director and Bar and Kitchen General Manager as well as other departmental managers to ensure financial information is accurate, timely and fit for purpose. 

A key focus will be the Catering Company. You will support robust financial controls, deliver key payroll and banking processes, and help maintain an effective operational link between the Catering subsidiary and charity, enabling informed decision-making and strong financial stewardship. 

Keeping up to date with finance and payroll software advances and integrations, the Senior Finance and Payroll Officer will also review and report on efficiencies and improvements across our finance functions. 

The successful candidate will:

• Strong working knowledge of payroll processes, including pensions, PAYE, NI and statutory compliance.
• Proactive and solutions-focused, with the confidence to identify and suggest process improvements
• Experience of using accounting systems such as Xero and related finance tools
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to build positive working relationships across teams

Further details of the role can be found in the Job Description below. If you are interested in this role, please complete an application form. Please address how you meet the criteria set out above within your application.

To note, your personal statement can also be sent through in the form of a voice note, or PowerPoint presentation (no more than five slides). Should there be a more accessible form for your application to be received, please contact the recruitment inbox.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact us via the email on our website.

Finance Business Partner
Salary: £55,000 – £65,000
Permanent, Full-time
Hybrid working 
Location: Harlow, Essex

A leading UK-based charitable organisation is seeking a qualified Finance Business Partner to play a key role in strengthening financial planning, reporting and performance insight across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation focused on delivering measurable social impact and value for money.
Working closely with the Head of Finance and CFO, you will act as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, helping to embed best-in-class financial planning and reporting processes that support the delivery of the organisation’s strategic plan.

This role offers the opportunity to combine robust financial control with forward-looking analysis, enabling informed decision-making at the highest level.

About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Finance Business Partner will lead on budgeting, forecasting and management reporting, while driving continuous improvement in financial systems, analytics and performance measurement.
You will work collaboratively with budget holders and senior leaders to provide clear, insightful financial analysis that supports both operational performance and long-term strategic priorities. The organisation is investing in strengthening its analytics capability, and you will play a central role in developing dashboards, performance metrics and scenario modelling to enhance insight and impact measurement.
This role blends technical accounting expertise with strong stakeholder engagement and commercial awareness.

Key Responsibilities

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Deliver a collaborative annual planning and budgeting process aligned to organisational strategy
• Lead reforecasting cycles and support scenario modelling to manage financial uncertainty
• Provide clear variance analysis and forward-looking financial insight

Management Reporting and Performance

• Produce timely and accurate monthly and quarterly management accounts
• Develop meaningful commentary, trend analysis and improvement recommendations
• Build and enhance financial performance metrics, including cost allocation methodologies and balanced scorecard reporting
• Contribute to the Annual Report and Accounts and support audit processes

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Support preparation of business cases for capital and revenue initiatives
• Provide analytical insight into income, charitable expenditure and support costs
• Support evidence-based investment decisions across programmes and initiatives
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools (including Power BI) to improve visibility and decision-making

About You
We are seeking an ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant (CCAB recognised).
You will bring:

• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting and management reporting
• Demonstrable business partnering experience with senior stakeholders
• Confidence delivering variance analysis and financial commentary that drives action
• Experience developing financial metrics and performance reporting frameworks
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills
• Some experience or working knowledge of Power BI and modern reporting environments
• A collaborative working style with the ability to influence and build strong relationships
• A commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality financial governance

Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector, including fund accounting or grant accounting, would be advantageous but is not essential.
This role would suit a proactive finance professional who enjoys combining analytical rigour with stakeholder engagement, and who is motivated by contributing to an organisation that delivers meaningful impact.

Altum Consulting is pleased to be partnering with Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF) in its search for a new Finance Business Partner to join its expanding team in London.

QCF was established in 2019 by the founders of Quadrature Capital to scale bold, long-term solutions to the climate crisis. Via partner organisations, it supports transformative action across climate, poverty, inequality and human security, working towards a just and resilient world where those most affected by intersecting crises have the power to shape their futures.

The Finance Business Partner role is vital to supporting effective decision-making, strengthening the grant-giving process and enabling high-impact philanthropy at QCF. The successful candidate will work closely with programme teams to provide insight, challenge and strategic support, ensuring resources are deployed responsibly and for the greatest impact.

Reporting to the Finance Director, this London-based role offers hybrid working and the opportunity to contribute directly to global climate resilience efforts.

Duties Include:

• Acting as a trusted advisor to programme teams on financial planning and performance
• Providing modelling, scenario analysis and risk assessment to support strategic decisions
• Reviewing grant budgets, undertaking financial due diligence and supporting grants from day one of the cycle
• Maintaining oversight of payments budgets and contributing to donation cashflow forecasting
• Developing rolling forecasts and translating programme plans into updated financial projections
• Supporting organisation-wide learning and embedding a strong Value for Money culture

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Have senior-level experience in Finance Business Partnering with significant stakeholder engagement
• Be confident simplifying complex financial information for non-finance colleagues
• Have strong Excel and modelling skills (Power BI experience beneficial)
• Bring knowledge of grant finance and financial due diligence
• Have experience in an impact-focused or philanthropic environment (desirable, not essential)

QCF offers an excellent benefits package including 30 days annual leave, private medical insurance, gym membership and a 10% pension contribution.

Altum Consulting is managing the first stages of recruitment and will be meeting with suitable candidates ahead of presenting a shortlist to QCF. To register your interest, please apply today.

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is a professional body which champions global water and environmental management excellence. With a community of thousands of members and organisations in over 89 countries, CIWEM’s mission is to build a global community of water and environmental professionals dedicated to working for the public benefit.

Ivy Rock Partners is partnering with CIWEM to recruit a new permanent Director of Finance & Commercial Services. Reporting into the Chief Executive, and overseeing key directorates of finance, governance, facilities and IT, this is a critical role for the organisation and a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Key duties will be as follows:

• Lead the finance department, ensuring the smooth running of in-year operational finance milestones and leading on financial strategy for the organisation
• Manage the annual budgeting process and in-year review of budgets and forecasts
  Manage the year-end audit process including managing the relationship with external auditors
• Manage non-finance directorates including governance, facilities and outsourced IT providers
• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO, Board of Directors and wider SLT members
• Lead in the professionalisation of services and processes, including automation of processes and systems
• Review governance policies and ensure that effective internal financial controls are in place
• Staff management of three direct reports and a wider team of finance and non-finance professionals

About You

• You will be CCAB qualified or equivalent
• Have operated at Director level in previous organisations leading financial operations and strategy
• Exposure to or understanding of working in an SME organisation with the ability to be ‘hands on’ where needed
• Previous experience in the charities, not-for-profit or similar sector is highly desirable.

What’s in it for you

• Salary of £95,000 per annum
• Hybrid working of 2 days per week in the London-based office and remainder from home
• Up to 9% employer contribution pension scheme
• Candidates with requirements for flexible working are encouraged to apply and enquire
• Opportunity to work for an organisation on the forefront of addressing global environmental challenges.

Interviews to be held in March 2026. Ivy Rock Partners are working exclusively with CIWEM in the appointment of this position, please apply for further details or contact Holly Arrowsmith.

Your new company
A medium-sized, London-based charity.
Your new role
Reporting to the Finance Director, you will lead the organisation's FP&A function. This is a crucial role within the organisation as it is responsible for providing strategic advice and insight to the SMT, and leading on the continuous improvement programme. The anticipated duration of the role is 6 months+. To start ASAP. Hybrid working: 1-2 days per week.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified Accountant with strong experience as a Head of financial planning and analysis. A mixture of commercial and charity background would be preferred.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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Finance Manager

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Salary: £15,291 actual (£38,229 Full time equivalent)

Post: Part-time 14hrs/week

Location: Ilford (hybrid working available)

Closing date: Monday 9th March 2026, by 12pm

Interview date: Friday 13th March 2026

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering is looking for a Finance Manager to take lead responsibility for the effective financial management of the organisation and ensure financial and accounting functions, supported through Quickbooks (or such other future software package), are discharged effectively.

Main responsibilities include entering all transactions in the appropriate ledgers and undertaking bank account reconciliations, preparing monthly and quarterly cost centre management accounts and reports in the required format as well as preparing yearend accounts for the charity and any associated trading companies for the annual audit.

The post holder will be maintain existing Quickbooks reports and write new ones as required, including reports for budgetary control that can be accessed by senior managers. To role also involves the processing of the monthly payroll by liaising with our payroll contractor to ensure timely payment of staff salaries, inland revenue payments and pension contributions and liaison with auditors during the annual audit and any other work required of them by the charity.

We are looking for individuals trained in Quickbooks accounting package who possess an accounting/bookkeeping qualification or equivalent experience. The post also requires demonstrable experience of financial management preferably gained within a charity or social enterprise setting, an understanding of Charity financial management and knowledge of Microsoft office and Quickbooks accounts experience.

In addition we are looking for good financial skills including financial modelling, management accounts and proper application of financial controls, expertise at pricing/unit costing/marginal costing as well as excellent organisational, business planning and budgeting skills. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information to service managers are also required.

To apply: Please check our website for further details and a full application pack Look under work for Us

Completed application forms and Equal Opportunities Forms should be returned to admin using the email: admin or alternatively post to Gabby O’Neill Recruitment, Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering, 4th Floor, 103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4PU.

Job Title - Head of Legal Aid and Billing

Contract - Permanent

Hours - Part Time, 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE) with some flexibility around working hours

Salary Range - £28,800 to £34,800 per annum (£48,000 to £58,000 FTE)

Location - London office - Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

About Coram

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

One of the nine members of the Coram group, Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC) is the UK’s specialist centre for children’s rights in education, immigration, community care and family law, and provides significant international legal systems consultancy. The centre is located on the Coram Campus in central London with a base in Colchester. We champion access to justice through information and advice, legal practice and representation, policy and strategic litigation. Our Legal Practice Unit provides advice and representation primarily under legal aid contract. Our Policy and Practice Change team promotes practice change through training and capacity building to professionals and secures systems change through research, policy and advocacy.

About the role

This role will provide leadership and management for CCLC particularly focused on the Legal Practice Unit’s legal aid billing operations. Through systematic and efficient management, the post-holder will play a pivotal role in CCLC’s financial and operational sustainability. The role will be accountable for maximising the unit’s legal aid billing in controlled work, certificated work and inter partes costs and will hold responsibility for the unit’s billing systems. It will also be responsible for private fees billing. The post-holder will oversee the smooth running of legal aid billing including through line management of the billing team. The post-holder will work very closely with legal, operations and administrative staff. The role will act as a key point of contact for a range of internal and external stakeholders including Coram’s central finance team who will support the role with grant fund management and overall accounting functions for CCLC. The post-holder will support the Managing Director of Legal Practice and Children’s Rights and department heads in the successful maintenance of our relationship with the Legal Aid Agency. Where appropriate they will be deputising for the Managing Director on legal aid and financial matters.

The role would suit a highly organised and efficient legal aid lawyer, or a finance or billing professional with solid experience of legal practice and a deep understanding of the challenges of legal aid. Whilst candidates with direct experience of legal billing (and more specifically civil legal aid billing) are welcomed, we recognise that this is a highly specialised and niche field. As such, this role could suit a highly experienced solicitor who appreciates the important role developing sustainable businesses plays in ensuring access to justice and who therefore wishes to move into practice and financial management. They will need an aptitude for processing large amounts of data, developing and managing spreadsheets and improving organisational systems. However, they will be well supported through training, an enthusiastic and competent junior billing team, the central finance team and an outsourced legal cashiering company, as well as a friendly and collaborative management team including the Managing Director and the Heads of Education Law, Community Care Law and Immigration and Asylum Law.

This is a largely office-based role in order to fully provide support to the billing team. However, some remote / hybrid working may be possible depending the experience of the candidate after the initial settling in period and there will be flexibility over how the three days will be spread across the week (within working hours). The team are mostly based in the London office and with one billing team member in Colchester so the post holder may require some occasional travel. 

For further information on CCLC please visit our website.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: Sunday 1st March 2026 at 23:55

Test and Interview date: Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please complete your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Coram (entity) is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE - OPERA NORTH

STRATEGIC FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP IN THE ARTS

Opera North, one of the UK's leading opera companies, is seeking an accomplished Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership and ensure robust financial management across the organisation.

Reporting to the General Director, you will lead the financial operations and governance framework of Opera North and its affiliated organisations, working closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to devise sustainable financial strategies that deliver the company's artistic ambitions and strategic priorities. You’ll be taking over from a well-respected senior finance leader who is moving on after years of brilliant service, leaving a legacy to build upon and facilitating a substantial handover period.

This is a senior role requiring significant experience in complex financial and regulatory environments, with strong charity accounting knowledge highly desirable. You will lead a dedicated finance team while building productive partnerships with stakeholders across the organisation, external auditors, and professional advisers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead financial operations and governance across Opera North, Opera North Trading Ltd, Opera North Future Fund and Friends of Opera North
• Contribute to company strategy across all business areas, providing financial analysis and guidance on activities, plans, targets and business drivers
• Work with the General Director and Board to develop sustainable and viable financial strategies

Financial Management & Reporting

• Provide budgets and financial modelling, offering robust challenges to planning processes where necessary
• Produce regular management accounts, annual income and expenditure budgets, improving their effectiveness as managerial tools
• Prepare information on capital expenditure, property management and reserves management to enable effective Board assessment
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with requirements of Arts Council England, Charity Commission, Companies House and other external stakeholders

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage and support the continuous professional development of the finance team
• Support the development of financial skills and awareness across budget-holders to achieve continuous improvement in financial planning, forecasting and budget management
• Develop procedures and policies to support the company's financial performance

Compliance & Governance

• Liaise with providers of professional services including auditors, tax advisers, insurers, lawyers and pension providers
• Work closely with the People Team to ensure efficient payroll and pension arrangements in line with legislative and HMRC requirements
• Maintain awareness of changes to leadership and governance legislation, communicating implications to non-finance colleagues
• Ensure an effective governance framework is in place

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 35 hours per week
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of 8 statutory holidays
• Pension scheme: Opera North contributes 5.5% of basic pay after 3 months' service (employee contribution 2.5%)
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to Opera North performances and cultural activities
• Based at the Howard Opera Centre, Leeds

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Professional Standing

• Full professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Professional membership of recognised accountancy body

Experience

• Senior manager or director level experience
• Substantial professional experience in a complex financial and regulatory environment
• Preparing and presenting management accounts, reports and data at board level
• Liaising with auditors and other professional advisers
• Management of a payroll function
• Managing teams

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of relevant legislation affecting financial reporting and taxes
• Good knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid
• Strong Excel skills
• Comfort with different accounting software

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex financial information to stakeholders with varying levels of financial knowledge
• Ability and willingness to review and improve internal systems
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Knowledge and experience in charity accounting
• Understanding of charity law and guidance
• Knowledge and experience in preparing creative tax reliefs
• Professional experience of the arts sector

ABOUT OPERA NORTH

Opera North is one of the UK's most vibrant opera companies, creating extraordinary experiences for audiences across the North of England. The organisation values creativity, collaboration and cultural impact, operating with a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Opera North promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and makes recruitment decisions by matching our needs with the skills and experience of candidates. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants from the global majority or those with other protected characteristics.

The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK or be ready to obtain it.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

All Opera North employees are expected to:

• Represent company values and purpose to create extraordinary experiences every day
• Work collaboratively with all team members
• Act as an ambassador for Opera North, following all policies and procedures
• Ensure everyone visiting Opera North is welcomed and treated with respect

APPLICATION PROCESS

Broster Buchanan are acting as recruitment partner for this appointment.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Lucy Rider at Broster Buchanan

Application deadline: 13th March 2026 Interviews: 25th & 26th March

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lucy Rider at Broster Buchanan.

If you require any adjustments to the application process, please let us know.

Prospectus are delighted to be supporting a corporate foundation focused on social mobility. They are a complex organisation, with ambitious goals and are looking for a Head of Finance to lead their finance function through this next period of growth.

This is not a typical charity finance role. You’ll operate in a uniquely complex environment with higher expectations, richer stakeholder relationships, and the chance to influence work that directly impacts thousands of people each year. You’ll have the opportunity to shape how they work and strengthen their financial capability across the organisation.

Please note this is a hybrid role, with the option to be based in either the London, Birmingham, or Manchester office.

The Role:
As Head of Finance, you will:

• Lead and develop a small, capable finance team, fostering a business partnering culture and support strategic decision making across the organisation.
• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance and strong internal controls.
• Produce high‑quality management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis.
• Lead on the annual audit and statutory accounts.
• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT (including partial exemption), Gift Aid and SORP.
• Deputise for the CFO, including at Board and Committee meetings.
• Champion financial literacy across the organisation, helping non‑finance colleagues understand risk, budgets and financial decision‑making.

Essential:

• Fully qualified accountant (CA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong experience leading finance operations, producing management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.
• Confident managing and developing people.
• Excellent stakeholder management, comfortable navigating a complex environment.
• Strong VAT and tax compliance knowledge (partial exemption experience highly valuable).
• Experience improving systems, processes, and reporting.
• Excellent communication, able to translate financial information clearly for non‑finance colleagues.
• A curious, proactive mindset—someone who asks “why?” and “what if?” and seeks better ways of working.

Desirable:

• Experience with Xero, Microsoft Dynamics, or Power BI.
• Procurement or contract management experience, especially in complex or multi‑party environments.

If you are a strategic, hands‑on finance leader who thrives in complexity and wants to use your expertise to create lasting social impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV by 8 March 2026 at midnight. This role will be subject to an advanced DBS check.