Principal Consultant - Board and Leadership Practice
Location: Hybrid - London Bridge office & home
Salary: Circa £57,500 plus quarterly and annual bonus, plus Employee Ownership Trust bonus
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
For over three decades, Charity People has been placing executive and non-executive talent into purpose-driven organisations. Alongside this, we've built a vibrant and inclusive culture within our own team, one that reflects the values we champion.
We are seeking a Principal Consultant to join our growing Board and Leadership Practice. This is an opportunity to influence and shape leadership appointments that drive impact at the heart of society. You will lead on CEO and Board appointments, working in a consultative, fast-paced environment where equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is not optional - it is a strategic imperative.
Our aim is to establish ourselves as the leading talent and leadership partner for organisations, providing invaluable support and playing a pivotal role in their success and impact. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the leadership landscape of the non-profit sector, and your contributions will be integral to our mission of making a positive difference.
What you'll do
- Deliver end-to-end executive search assignments for senior leadership and board roles.
- Build and nurture authentic relationships with clients and candidates, championing inclusive recruitment practices.
- Develop new business through networking and strategic engagement, expanding our reach across the sector.
- Act as an ambassador for Charity People's values - integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and expertise - in every interaction.
What you'll bring
- Proven experience in an executive search.
- Strong business development capability, including generating new business opportunities and winning assignments, and a love of networking.
- Excellent project management skills, balancing multiple assignments effectively.
- A consultative, inquisitive approach with a genuine commitment to EDI.
- Commercial awareness and resilience, with a track record in achieving financial targets.
- Outstanding communication skills and the ability to inspire trust and credibility.
Why join us?
- Competitive salary and bonus structure.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, additional discretionary leave at Christmas, and a paid day off for your birthday.
- Hybrid/ Flexible, family-friendly working arrangements with minimum one day a week in the office (London Bridge)
- Health insurance, cycle-to-work scheme and wellbeing initiatives.
- Opportunities for volunteering, sabbaticals and continuous learning.
- A supportive, inclusive team culture where fun and impact go hand-in-hand.
How to apply
To find out more and to see a copy of our Job Description, please send your latest CV through to us by clicking "Apply".
Application deadline: 9am on 26th January 2026
Interviews:
- 1st Interview: w/c 2nd February (online)
- 2nd Interview: 12th February (in person)
- Final round: Our preferred candidate will meet some of our partners for an informal chat w/c 19th February
We are committed to building a more representative workforce and encourage applications from disabled people, individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ communities. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) who meet the minimum requirements for the role.
The Organisation
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a globally respected charity and the UK’s largest music education body, with a turnover of approximately £55 million—an increase of more than £10 million over the past decade. Around half of ABRSM’s exam income is generated internationally, underscoring the global scale of its operations and the need for strong financial governance across multiple jurisdictions. Supporting millions of learners and teachers in over 100 countries, ABRSM delivers world-renowned music exams, publications, and digital learning tools. As the organisation continues to grow internationally, it is strengthening its finance leadership team to ensure robust governance and enable its ambitious future plans.
The Job
ABRSM is seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Financial Accounting & Tax to lead statutory reporting, financial controls, and tax compliance. Reporting directly to the CFO, this pivotal role oversees one of three core finance functions, working alongside the Head of FP&A and the Head of Transactional Finance. You will manage a team of three directly and six in total.
You will be responsible for the monthly close, preparation of statutory accounts (including SORP‑compliant charity accounts), and management of external audit, while ensuring UK and international tax compliance in partnership with external advisors. In addition, you will strengthen financial controls, oversee treasury and cashflow, drive process improvements, and provide expert advice to senior leaders. As ABRSM expands internationally, this role is critical in safeguarding financial integrity and ensuring compliance across diverse jurisdictions, while upholding the charity’s high standards of governance.
The Person
We’re looking for a qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with a strong background in financial accounting and tax. The ideal candidate will bring:
- Proven leadership in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and audit management
- Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS
- Experience working within an international organisation, with exposure to cross‑border tax and reporting issues
- Strong track record of delivering continuous improvement and strengthening financial controls
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high‑performing team
What’s in it for You?
- A high‑impact leadership role in a purpose‑driven organisation
- The opportunity to shape and strengthen financial governance during a period of transformation and growth
- A chance to contribute to a global mission in music education
- A competitive salary and benefits package including matched pension contribution plus 2% (employer contribution capped at 10%), 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure days, flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
- A collaborative and supportive work environment
How to Apply
ABRSM are working in partnership with Hays Senior Finance to identify the right person for this role. Please contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays if you have any queries, but the first step towards being considered is to make your application. If suitable, Peter will follow up with a call to discuss next steps.