Finance Director Jobs in England

We are seeking a part-time Head of Finance to join our Operational Leadership Team (OLT) for three days a week.

You will have a compassionate heart and be deeply motivated by your evangelical Christian faith, with a passion to serve your persecuted family in Christ.

You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to identify the level of internal and external resource that is required to develop a hybrid delivery model to operate financial management in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Your proven track record and experience of operational financial management will ensure the accurate delivery of this, as well as oversight of the day-to-day financial operations. Your clear communication skills and accounting qualifications, knowledge and experience will enable you to convey financial information in a practical and insightful way to a number of different audiences that have varying levels of financial understanding.

If you believe God may be calling you to fulfil this important new role and you understand the importance of excellence in the stewardship of our precious resources, then please apply for this part-time position which is based at our office in Orpington, Kent, with some agreed flexibility to work from home.

Applicants must be committed to Release International’s evangelical Christian beliefs (occupational requirement).

StreetGames is an innovative UK charity committed to transforming the lives of children and young people from low-income, underserved communities through the power of sport and physical activity.

We are seeking a Director of Finance and Resources to drive Streetgame's strategic financial management, HR, IT, and governance functions. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring probity and due care and attention in the day-to-day and strategic management of StreetGames' finances. They will line manage a team of staff providing Finance, Business and IT Support to the organisation and will influence the work of other teams and budget holders in relation to financial planning, management and monitoring.

• £70,000 - £80,000 yearly
• National role with flexibility
• Directly influence the strategic direction of a StreetGames

The Role:

As the Director of Finance and Resources, you will:

• Provide strategic direction for the finance function, ensuring compliance with legislation and industry best practices.
• Oversee the management, monitoring, and reporting of diverse income streams.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team to develop and direct financial strategies and set income and fundraising targets.
• Lead the development and execution of the annual financial planning process and cash management strategies.
• Act as the primary officer for the Finance and Resources Committee, ensuring effective oversight.
• Provide strategic financial input for bids and contract negotiations.
• Ensure appropriate and proportionate internal governance standards.
• Administer Board, Finance, Audit, and Fundraising meetings, ensuring timely and accurate information and record-keeping.
• Oversee Board recruitment and induction processes to enable Trustees to provide strategic leadership.
• Ensure compliance with governance expectations of external funders (e.g., Sport England, Sport Wales, Welsh Government, Ofsted, ESFA).
• Manage StreetGames resources to support efficient and effective service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with legal obligations related to HR, Health & Safety, IT security, data management, and insurance.
• Oversee the human resources function, including maintaining an up-to-date Employee Handbook, developing and implementing HR policies, recruitment, and employment contract management.
• Effectively manage team members, ensuring completion of appraisals, regular performance management, and professional development support.

The Candidate:

We are looking for a Director of Finance and Resources who:

• Has a senior-level financial management background with CCAB, ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualification - desirable but not essential
• Has strong leadership skills with ability to lead high-performing teams and operate at different levels, including with Board members
• Has extensive background working in financial accounting and management within a charity.
• Is knowledgeable about SORPS and relevant charity legislation.
• Possesses excellent analytical and interpretive abilities.
• Has a background working in developing and monitoring financial strategies.
• Is skilled in supporting the development of funding bids and proposals to ensure cost recovery
• Has a background leading diverse functions.
• Has exceptional project management, organisational, and IT skills.
• Has a background managing a high performance team.

The Package:

• Hybrid working
• Great work-life balance
• Access to free counselling and support services
• Enhanced family friendly benefits
• Company socials
• Eye care allowance
• Cycle scheme
• Pension scheme of up to 8% employer contributions
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 2 Volunteering days per year

The Director of Finance and Resources will receive an annual salary of £70,000 - £80,000. This role includes comprehensive benefits such as pension contributions, holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional development. You will play a crucial role in shaping the financial and operational success of StreetGames.

Our mission is to provide sporting opportunities to disadvantaged communities, ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. We are a passionate team committed to making a difference.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for finance and a commitment to making a positive impact, we would love to hear from you.

To apply for this role, you will need to first register your interest by submitting your CV. Your CV will only be used for information purposes and will not be relevant in the application process. You will then be emailed a response containing a link needed to answer some work-related questions. Our goal is to assess your approach to a problem and better understand what knowledge and skills you have. Your answers will be anonymised, randomised and reviewed by a diverse panel.

We also think giving feedback is incredibly valuable for candidates, so at the end of the process, you'll see how well you performed during the application process.

The closing date for applications is Friday 8th November 2024 at midday, and the deadline for submission of the work-related questions is Monday 11th November at midday.

If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to understand our process further, please contact

Similar roles include Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Finance, Financial Controller, or Finance Manager.

Director of Finance

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

£65,400 - £82,000 plus excellent benefits - 35 days holiday plus Christmas

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College has an excellent reputation for delivering further education and work-based programmes in a range of subjects - from business to sport, engineering to media, GCSE's and A Levels to degree level courses.

Our experienced and passionate staff work hard to help our students achieve their personal challenges and career goals. We are proud of SGS and committed to making the College the best it can be. We are currently working hard to achieve "Outstanding" status after being classified as "Good" in our first inspection last year.

SGS College had an exciting opportunity for a hands-on full-time Director of Finance to join their team. The role, reporting to the Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for ensuring financial reporting is systems driven to provide accurate and timely data and financial information that will enable key skateholders to understand performance data to improve financial effectiveness.

We are looking for a positive and dynamic strategic leader with strong financial acumen and comprehensive experience of the FE sector's financial landscape would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will need to be a CCAB qualified Accountant and will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Strong data interrogating, analysis and reporting skills;
• Experience of implementing and interrogating financial software;
• In depth knowledge of FE sector, accounting principles, law and best practices;
• Solid knowledge of financial analysis and forecasting;
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills;
• Preparation of timely and detailed reports on financial performance;
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.

You will have the ability to successfully manage priorities, and be able to work calmly and proactively under pressure, whilst maintaining a strong customer focus. Strong mathematical and data analysis skills, the ability to adapt quickly, and a keen eye for accuracy are also essential for this role.

Director of Finance

Up to £71,500 p/a + excellent benefits including attractive annual leave and hybrid / flexible working

Permanent

Norwich

Hays Senior Finance is proud to be working in partnership with the Diocese of Norwich who are looking to appoint a Director of Finance. This is a pivotal appointment where you will lead and deliver on financial aspects of their ambitious plans.

The Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd (NDBF) is a charity whose core purpose is to serve the local mission and ministry of Church of England churches, schools and chaplaincies across Norfolk and Waveney, collectively referred to as the Diocese of Norwich.

The Diocese has a new Vision and is developing exciting £multi-million plans in areas including mission & ministry, church buildings and net zero carbon work that will grow the impact of the Church of England locally. The Director of Finance will play a central role in developing financial plans to enable this programme to be achieved.

The Director of Finance is responsible for the strategic direction and long-term viability of the finances of the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance, with operational responsibility for both the finance function and IT services.

The Role:

• Strategic Leadership: Drive the financial direction and long-term viability of NDBF and contribute to the financial health of local churches.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee finance and IT services, ensuring sustainable planning, budgeting, and financial management.
• Team Collaboration: Be a visible member of the Senior Leadership Team, enhancing our positive, values-based culture.

What They’re Looking For:

• Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, or equivalent.
• Experience: Proven leadership in finance within a charity or similar organisation.
• Skills: Strong financial acumen, stakeholder communication, and team management.

You will also provide strategic leadership for the IT function and manage the Risk Register, whilst operating as a senior leader within the Charity.

The Diocese of Norwich has a collaborative and supportive team culture, so it is essential that you have the ability to “roll up your sleeves” and be involved in the day-to-day operations. In addition, a key element of the role will be leading and influencing others to continue to innovate and improve their financial processes.

Why Join the Diocese of Norwich?

• Impactful Work: Play a central role in developing and delivering financial plans for a multi-million programme to grow the Diocese’s impact through its Vision to be Transformed by Christ: Prayerful, Pastoral and Prophetic.
• Supportive Culture: Join a collaborative team that values innovation and continuous improvement in its service of local churches.
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive annual leave, life cover, and flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you have the drive, passion, and enthusiasm to help them to achieve their mission and vision, we want to hear from you!

For more information about the role and organisation please contact Senan Pierce, Senior Business Director at Hays Senior Finance who is the retained consultant working in partnership with the Diocese of Norwich.

Closing date for all applications: Sunday 3rd November 2024.

Interviews will take place: 15th November 2024.

All third party & direct applicants will be forwarded directly to Senan Pierce at Hays Senior Finance to be screened as part of the recruitment process.

• Permanent Director of Finance Opportunity
• Strategic Finance role

About Our Client

Cheadle Hulme School is a warm, welcoming and vibrant place where young people can enjoy a vast range of experiences.

It is an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and everyone is equal, where pupils are nurtured and feel safe and happy.

The School was built by free-thinking philanthropists in 1855 to provide a liberal, inclusive co-education to orphans and necessitous children. Their goal was to ensure that these children were given the very best preparation for their lives beyond School, enabling them to thrive and prosper. That remains their clear goal today.

Cheadle Hulme School has built a reputation as one of Manchester's most modern, relevant and dynamic schools. But CHS is more than just a school; it is a thriving, co-educational community, with a strong sense of their history and values.

Their values underpin and guide all aspects of life at CHS, whilst providing a strong sense of identity and purpose for the whole community. The School encourages everyone to uphold these principles in their interactions with one another and throughout each day. These values are: Resilience, Integrity, Endeavour, Contribution and Compassion.

Job Description

As the Director of Finance your role will play a key strategic role to the direction of the Finance team and the school in general. You will be involved in optimising processes, identifying new opportunities, developing the long-term strategic plan and ensuring the continuing success of the school. The role holder will be a member of the School's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) , working closely with the Head and the Governors.

The successful candidate will also oversee either the IT or HR team as part of their remit.

The Director of Finance is responsible for ensuring that the School has the financial resources needed to deliver an excellent education to its pupils. The role involves close daily support to the Head, providing timely financial insights for strategic and operational decisions.

Additionally, as Clerk to the Governors, the Director will work closely with the board, delivering financial forecasts to guide strategic planning and reporting on the School's financial performance.

Duties of the role include:

• Leading sustainable Finance strategies, and either Human Resources or IT strategies, aligning them with the School's Strategic Plan
• Building strong relationships and partnerships to support strategic priorities
• Implementing robust policies, procedures and systems for the Finance team and either the Human Resources or IT team
• Establishing a management information framework for strategic decision-making
• Benchmarking performance against other organisations to drive improvement
• Overseeing procurement and contract management systems
• Managing the School's Risk Management framework
• Leading organisational change programmes
• Reviewing the performance and structure of the Finance department
• Leading, managing, and developing the Finance team and either the IT or Human Resources team
• Working closely with the Director of Operations to promote a high performing support function

The Successful Applicant

As the Director of Finance you will have:

• A full Accountancy Qualification (ACCA/ CIMA/ CIPFA/ ACA)
• Extensive experience of developing, leading and delivering successful finance strategies
• A track record of developing high quality financial and performance management information
• Expertise in building effectively partnerships and/or relationships with key stakeholders
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to identify new opportunities/challenges to inform key decision making

What's on Offer

• Salary c. £85,000
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas closure days
• TPT Pension Scheme- 10% employer contribution
• Private Health Insurance
• Death in Service Benefit
• Partial Remission of Senior School fees
• Use of sports facilities, including pool and fitness suite
• Free on-site parking
• Free Staff lunches
• Flexible Working
• Hybrid working arrangements are negotiable

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.

There are over 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This will increase to over one million by 2025 and 1.6 million by 2040.

Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nurse charity. Our nurses, called Admiral Nurses – who we continually develop – provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Over the last four years we have increased what we can deliver for families living with the effects of dementia by significantly expanding our clinical services, increasing our income and our national awareness.

Deputy Director of Finance and Governance

Dementia UK

Circa £86,000 per annum

Hybrid: London/Remote working – with an expectation to be in the London office two days per week

Following a period of successful growth of the organisation, we are looking at transforming the way we do things including investment in our people, technology and infrastructure to best meet the changing needs of the people we help.

Accordingly, we need to grow our team in the Finance and Corporate Services Directorate and now seek a talented individual to join us as Deputy Director, Finance and Governance to drive excellence within these areas.

Leading a team of finance and governance professionals, you will support the Director of Finance and Corporate Services in delivering and maintaining reliable and accurate financial reporting across and for the Charity and leading on key finance projects.  You will also be responsible for creating and maintaining a proportionate and appropriate risk and governance framework for the Charity.

We are seeking:

• A values driven, financially qualified leader
• A strategic thinker, with experience of developing and implementing financial strategy and financial planning in a senior role
• A collaborative and supportive leader, who enjoys developing others and working closely with colleagues

Dementia UK is committed to achieve greater diversity in its Executive Team and Board and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.

For further information and to apply to this role, please click 'Apply via Website' to be redirected to the dedicated microsite.

Closing date: 18th November 2024

Interviews with Prospectus: 19th & 20th November 2024

Interviews with Dementia UK: 28th November 2024

Pilgrims Hospices are looking to recruit an experienced Finance Manager to lead an existing finance function and support the Director of Finance.

The postholder will be required to lead a small team in meeting reporting deadlines for monthly management accounts and statutory requirements.

There will be a significant focus on developing and improving financial systems to maximise the effectiveness of financial processes throughout the organisation, and the successful applicant will be required to forge and maintain strong relationships with colleagues within the Finance department, local management teams and in the wider organisation.

The ideal candidate will be ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualified/part qualified.

We are delighted to be working with Katharine House Hospice Trust who, in partnership with the Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, provide specialist palliative care for adults with an incurable illness across Oxfordshire and South Northamptonshire.  At Katharine House, the care is delivered by a multi-professional team who have specialised in this field and take a holistic approach, considering physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

The charity is seeking a Director of Finance and Resources who will be a key member of the Hospice’s Senior Leadership Team and instrumental in helping to shape the organisation’s strategic direction. 

The postholder will be responsible for the effective financial management of the Charity, including robust assessment of risk, providing sound financial advice to the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team. 

The successful individual will demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• A fully qualified accountant, (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent higher degree in finance 
• Demonstrable understanding of Charity SORP accounting
• Ability to lead a multi-disciplinary admin function
• Strategy and change management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Whilst the postholder’s key qualification and skill will be as a qualified accountant, the role is designed to be a broad leadership role. As such, it includes operational admin oversight of estates/facilities, health and safety and IT provision, where the post holder will be active across the organisation, driving efficiencies and organisational effectiveness.

A motivational and compassionate leader, the post holder will inspire colleagues to constantly strive for continuous improvement, aiming to deliver an outstanding service. 

If you feel you have the skills and experience to succeed in this role, please submit your CV and supporting statement, to Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment via the Charisma website.

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. 

Location: Adderbury, Oxfordshire, Hybrid working to be agreed   

Closing date for applications: 10 November 2024

First Interview dates: 26 and 27 November 2024

Second Interview dates: 4 December (PM) and 6 December (AM)

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by 15 November, prior to shortlisting on the 18 November.

Join QCCA, an organisation that has been at the heart of Camden's community since 1999, striving to make a lasting impact in one of London's most deprived neighbourhoods. As the largest voluntary sector provider of community services, QCCA has evolved from a local residents' drinking club in Gospel Oak to become a trusted and steadfast presence, situated in the same building for two decades.

BCPC is a registered charity and not-for profit organisation which has been training counsellors and psychotherapists since 1984. BCPC has over 500 graduates. It is based in central Bath and serves the Southwest of England.

BCPC has three core purposes:

• To provide excellent training for adult learners in Listening and Foundational Skills, Counselling and Psychotherapy and opportunities for personal and professional growth and development through a range of training experiences
• To provide counselling and psychotherapy services for the public through the BCPC Referral Service and through our low-cost counselling services available to those with low income, through our student placement service.
• To provide a professional community for its graduate membership.

Recruitment of a Finance Manager

Our current Finance Manager is leaving us after 10 years, and we are seeking to appoint an engaged, ambitious and strategic Finance Manager with strong interpersonal, management and communications skills to play a key role, ensuring BCPC’s continued growth and success. 

As the Finance Manager, you will be responsible for all aspects of finance within BCPC. The role will work closely with the Director to ensure the long-term financial health and stability of the organisation.  This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference and play a key role within the organisation.

Closing date: 25th November 2024 at 10am

First interview date: December 2nd 2024 - in person at BCPC

Second interview date: To be confirmed

Position starting date: February 2025

Head of Finance

Location: Agile working
Contract: Permanent, subject to funding
Hours: 32 per week (Safer London is a 32 hour/4 day working week organisation)
Starting salary: £55,650 (on a band rising to £67,360)

Who we are

Safer London is a charity working with young Londoners and families who are affected by violence and exploitation. We believe that when a child or young person comes to us, they are just that – a child or a young person: we don’t define them by the issue that has brought them to us. By working alongside young Londoners, their families and peers in the places where they spend their time, we can create a safe London not just for them but for everyone.

Who you are

You are someone with the expertise and knowledge to work at the strategic level. You will also be ready to be ‘hands on’ at the operational level. You will either have a relevant qualification or bring equivalent experience. You will bring analytical skills that can support our performance. You will bring communication skills that mean you can clearly explain and interpret the financial position for non-finance staff. You will have a collaborative approach and be interested in developing people.

If you are committed and resilient, and believe you have what it takes to help us to improve the lives of young Londoners and their families please apply.

What the role involves

- Work with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board to set the financial strategy for Safer London.
- Lead the development and delivery of the Finance function, including financial systems planning, risk management and payroll and pension activities.
- Lead on the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget and oversee all financial reporting - including forecasts, management accounts, cashflow statements and annual audit.
- As a member of the SLT, take collaborative corporate responsibility for the leadership of the organisation.

Additional Information

Safer London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect anyone who works and volunteers with us to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we will request a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check, as well as references covering the last five years, for the successful candidates.

We value diversity and encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We know that in order to make London a safer place for the young people that live here we need a diverse range of perspectives, experience, and knowledge.

What we offer

Safer London continually reviews its pay and we currently offer the following benefits package to all our employees:

- Safer London is a 4 day/32 hour (FTE) working week organisation. This means that you have a regular day off in the week with no impact on your pay.
- Agile working. This means you have will have the flexibility to work in different locations including from home, our office in Southwark and/or community locations (libraries/co-working spaces) when you are not delivering face to face work in the community.
- Flexible Working: our Flexible Working Policy allows requests to work flexibly from the start of your employment.
- A contributory Pension Scheme.
- Interest-free Season Ticket Loans.
- A Cycle to Work Scheme.
- A Mental Health Helpline.
- Death in Service Benefit.
- Opportunities to develop and progress your career, including an extensive programme of courses and acting up/additional responsibilities roles.
- An initial Annual Leave allowance of 179 hours, rising to 192 hours after 3 years and 211 hours after 5 years, plus bank holidays and other statutory holidays.

Sound good? Here’s how to apply

To apply, please complete the online application form and submit it as soon as possible: Safer London runs a rolling recruitment process which means that applications are shortlisted and invited for interview within one week of receipt. As soon as a suitable candidate is found, no further applications will be considered.

As part of the online application, you will be required to confirm you have read our Privacy and Cookie Policy and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Please make sure you find the Job Description on the left-hand side of the Webrecruit page after you click ‘Apply Now’ or find it on Safer London’s Website.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process or if you experience any technical issues when trying to access and/or complete the application through the online portal, please contact us via the “Contact us” section of our website.

Please note that we don’t accept CVs.

Safer London is not a sponsoring organisation for foreign nationals and you must be able to show proof that you have permission to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role.

We are looking for a Finance Officer to join our Finance team at Samaritans. As Finance Officer, you’ll support the Branch Finance function and branch treasurers, in particular leading the annual Central Charity contribution (‘New Branch Contribution’/NBC) process with affiliate branches and handling administrative tasks on branch banking.

You’ll have previous experience working within a Finance/Accounts department, with good Microsoft Excel skills. You’ll be highly organised and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Permanent

• Part time (0.5 FTE/ 17.5 hours per week), we are flexible in how these hours are worked across a week 

• £17,000-£18,000 actual/ £34,000-£36,000 FTE per annum 

• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

• Hybrid working: Linked to Ewell, Surrey office.  A blend of working from home, the Ewell office and other locations for team meetings.

• In-person working: Meeting in person is something we value. Once per week in the office is preferred (the team often work together once per week). Mandated in-person meetings will be in place from Jan 2025. This is around 2 days per month and further information can be found on our careers website.

The Team

The team is supportive, friendly and has a positive energy. The workload is varied and by working with volunteers and treasurers, you’ll support those at the forefront of our service. If you want to make a real difference to people’s lives – this is the role for you!

​The Role 

We have 201 branches across the UK and Ireland. The core of this role involves coordinating the annual Central Charity contribution process, reviewing NBC calculations, co-ordinating invoicing and receipts, and escalating NBC queries, with total NBCs amounting to £0.7m-£1.3m a year. You will also be supporting our branch treasurers with banking processes and other administrative matters that are key to managing the finances of our branches.

What’s in it for you – our benefits

So, you want to work for us? Good choice. We like it here too. We offer competitive salaries, flexible and hybrid working to suit your needs, family-friendly policies, 28 days annual leave inclusive of wellbeing days and a matched pension contribution up to 5%. You’ll have a structured induction and ongoing projects, secondments & learning opportunities. We also have colleague-led affinity groups made up of people with shared identities. 

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a staff community of Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Cash Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme. You’ll have free subscriptions to Headspace (your personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, focus, movement, and more) & Perkbox (an employee benefits platform with online exercise classes). That’s not all. We listen to your ideas and have staff forum and social committee networks.

Being Inclusive: We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

​

Application: If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and a one page (maximum) cover letter, outlining your transferable skills and experience and what attracted you to apply for the role

Applications close at midnight on 3 November with video interviews likely to be held in the week commencing 11 November.

If you're ready to lead impactful change and contribute to our mission that fewer people die by suicide, apply today.

Role: Finance Business Partner
Location: London (Hybrid working)
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Department: Finance
Contract: Full time

As a Finance Business Partner, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving the financial success of our social research projects. You’ll be the strategic advisor to our research leaders, ensuring every decision is backed by solid financial analysis and aligned with our commercial objectives. This is not just a finance role—it's a chance to shape the future of social research with your commercial acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Partner with Research Directors to drive financial performance, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Commercial Insight: Provide insightful analysis on profitability, project margins, and return on investment, turning complex data into actionable business strategies.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the financial planning process, from budgeting to forecasting, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
• Performance Monitoring: Develop and implement KPIs to track project performance, driving continuous improvement and identifying growth opportunities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the financial liaison between senior management and project teams, translating financial data into compelling narratives that inform strategic decisions.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of our research projects.
• Bids & Costing: Experience working in bids and costing.

To perform any other reasonable duties that NatCen may require that are consistent with the broad nature of the job. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Commercial Savvy: You’re more than a number cruncher—you understand the commercial landscape and can navigate it with ease.
• Analytical Excellence: You have a knack for turning data into insights and insights into action.
• Stakeholder Management: You're a strong communicator, capable of influencing decision-makers at all levels.
• Experience: Proven experience in a finance business partnering role, ideally within research, consulting, or a similar industry.
• Qualification: ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified, finalist or part qualified, with a strong background in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Follow the requirements of our Operating Standards, and also to meet the requirements of all our ISO standards
• Other duties which may be required from time to time

This job description may be changed from time to time at the discretion of management 

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, an excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working environment), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include:

• 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) and flexible working
• Generous company pension scheme
• Life insurance and health cash plan
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
• Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring support from industry-leading experts.

About the National Centre for Social Research

At The National Centre for Social Research we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people’s lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. And as an independent, not-for-profit organisation we’re able to focus our time and energy on meeting our clients’ needs and delivering social research that works for society.

The role offers the chance to work across the financial functions and offers an experience through a breadth of finance work across the organisation making it a varied and a well-rounded role.

The Finance Officer is part of the Organisational Support and Development (OSD) team at the Tax Justice Network, which is led by the Director of OSD, and the role reports to the Head of Finance and Reporting. The OSD team leads and delivers on a range of operational services from finance management, risk management, project management, event management, human resources, IT systems and other enabling functions. The team is also responsible for fundraising for the organisation. This includes respond to calls for proposals, track funding opportunities and engage with donors regularly.

Key responsibilities

• Undertake the day-to-day bookkeeping including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking payroll and general ledger maintenance
• Ensuring accuracy and integrity of all financial records and keeping a clear audit trail of all financial records
• Manage the staff payroll process including pension, HMRC and other related processes
• Manage the periodic payment runs and ensure that all payments are paid on time
• Supporting financial planning and reporting for project proposals, project reporting and management reports
• Support with project and year end audits schedules
• Assist in the preparation of accruals, prepayments and other journals
• Maintaining fixed asset register
• Provide guidance to team on internal financial processes and policies and assist with queries and escalating them as necessary
• Ensure organisational adherence to our internal and funder specific procurement policies
• Undertake other financial administration work and supporting the wider OSD team on team responsibilities and duties as required

Person specification

Skills and experience

Essential
• Holding or working towards a CCAB, CIMA or overseas equivalent qualification
• Hands on experience of working in a finance department of charities or not for profit organisations
• Experience of carrying out detailed reconciliations, and can demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a thorough and methodical approach in all work
• Strong IT skills with intermediate knowledge of Excel and cloud-based accounting software (preferably Xero)
• Ability to communicate effectively, accurately and succinctly in English, in writing and verbally
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable
• Experience of producing financial reports for a range of purposes
• Experience of working with multi-currency transactions and cash holdings
• Experience of working with EU funded grants
• Experience of working with a variety of cloud-based platforms such as Airtable, Xero, SharePoint, Slack and Zoom

Attributes

Essential
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with a high degree of initiative
• Flexible and able to manage a varied workload and deadlines
• Ability to deliver work of a high standard with excellent attention to detail
• Knowledge of UK and / or EU financial regulations
• Resourceful and flexible approach with a “can do, will do attitude” and willingness to learn and adapt

Desirable
• Passion for tax justice and international development issues
• Previous experience of grant management
• Use of electronic banking software