351 Early years jobs

Salary: £80,000–£90,000 WTE (4 days a week preferable)
Location: Hybrid (Central London office with flexible working)
Closing date: 7th September
Contact: Rosemary Pini, Allen Lane  

An opportunity to shape a better future for children across the UK.

Thrive at Five is seeking a strategic and hands-on Finance Director to join the organisation at an exciting time of growth. With programmes now live in Stoke-on-Trent, Redcar and Cleveland, and Middlesbrough—and a new site expected to launch in Scotland later this year—this is a pivotal role supporting national expansion and long-term impact.

As a national charity, Thrive at Five helps children in their early years build strong foundations for life and learning. Working in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities, the charity empowers parents and carers while enabling collaborative, place-based action across local systems of support. This work is already making a difference, with early progress recognised in Parliament and featured in recent government initiatives.

The Role

The Finance Director will provide strategic financial leadership across the charity, supporting its mission through robust financial management, long-term planning, and operational oversight. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will work closely with the CEO, trustees, and place-based programme teams to ensure the organisation remains sustainable, agile, and mission-driven.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading financial strategy, planning, and forecasting
• Overseeing financial operations, systems, and compliance
• Managing restricted and unrestricted funds, budgets, audits, and risk
• Providing high-quality financial reporting to the Board and Finance & Risk Committee
• Supporting fundraising through effective bid modelling and financial insight
• Line-managing and developing finance team members

This is a hybrid role based in Central London (currently Victoria), with flexibility and occasional travel to programme locations.

The Person

Thrive at Five is looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with significant experience at Finance Director or senior finance leadership level—ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A strong understanding of charity finance, including SORP and fund accounting
• Experience of strategic financial planning and risk management
• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset with excellent interpersonal skills
• The ability to influence at senior levels and build effective cross-functional relationships
• A commitment to Thrive at Five’s mission and values, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves in a growing, fast-paced organisation

Why Join Thrive at Five?

• Purpose-led work: Help give every child the best start in life
• Growth opportunity: Join a high-profile, ambitious charity on a national trajectory
• Flexible working: Hybrid model with supportive culture and work-life balance
• Influence and impact: Be part of a close-knit leadership team shaping strategy and systems
• Professional development: Thrive at Five supports continuous learning and personal growth

How to Apply

To apply, please send a CV and supporting statement.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact:
Rosemary Pini, Business Managerfrom Allen Lane