Director of finance and business improvement jobs

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident, forward‑thinking finance professional who wants to make a meaningful impact - both in strengthening financial performance and in supporting a mission that transforms lives.

As we journey towards our vision to bring fulness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face, we’re looking for a motivated and mission-driven individual to join our team as Finance Manager.

The Finance Manager will play a central role in shaping the financial strength and future growth of the charity. As the operational lead for day-to-day finance, you’ll ensure robust financial controls, deliver accurate and timely reporting, and provide clear, strategic insight that empowers leaders across the organisation. Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will be a key voice in safeguarding financial health and driving forward our mission.

As a fully qualified accountant, you will lead a high-performing finance function, bringing expertise across budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis. You will oversee and continually improve financial systems and processes, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and fit for a growing organisation with ambitious goals. Your leadership will help ensure long-term sustainability and support informed decision-making at every level.

Beyond core financial management, this role offers the opportunity to shape broader organisational development. The Finance Manager will work closely with TLG’s commercial subsidiaries - Hope Park Business Centres and Hope Park Workspaces (Salford Quays) - providing financial oversight, analysis, and strategic advice to help these ventures thrive. The success of these income‑generating enterprises plays a key role in funding and expanding the charity’s work with children, young people, and families.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: Part-time or full-time (0.8 – 1.0 FTE, 30 - 37.5 hours)

Closing Date: Thursday 7th May

Initial Interviews: Tuesday 12th May – Online

Final Interviews: Friday 22nd May – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

This is a varied, people-focused role that sits at the heart of the organisation, providing essential administrative support across fundraising, finance administration, governance, and general office coordination.

Rahab uses Expense Plus charity accounting software and works with external accountants for statutory accounts and compliance. This role therefore focuses on accurate administration, coordination and reporting rather than technical accounting.

The Charity Administrator will work closely with the Charity Director and the management team. The trustees and external partners will ensure Rahab operates efficiently and is well supported to deliver its mission.

Friends of the Dales is seeking an outstanding Executive Director to lead our next chapter. We are an independent, dynamic and resilient charity working to protect and enhance the special landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Yorkshire Dales, while supporting the wellbeing of local communities and encouraging people from all backgrounds to value, enjoy and protect this remarkable place.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven leader to build on our strong reputation, recent strategic review and ambitious campaigning work. We are looking for someone who can combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, bringing energy, credibility and expertise to a charity with a proud history and a growing future.

About Friends of the Dales

Friends of the Dales is an independent membership and campaigning charity dedicated to the Yorkshire Dales. We campaign on issues including nature recovery, wildlife, farming, access, housing, transport, climate resilience, landscape management and sustainable rural communities.

Founded in 1981, we are known for our critical and supportive local voice and our collaborative approach to campaigning and influencing policy. We work with partner organisations, local communities, trustees, volunteers and supporters to protect and improve the Dales for future generations.

We also work with the network of National Park Societies and Campaign for National Parks, and we have a strong commitment to widening diversity and inclusion across our charity and the communities we serve.

The Role

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, operational management and external representation for the charity. Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, you will be responsible for delivering the Board’s strategic direction and business plan, growing the supporter base, strengthening financial resilience and ensuring our campaigning remains impactful and aligned with our mission and values.

This is a varied and influential role requiring a confident, collaborative and hands-on leader who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day delivery. You will work closely with trustees, staff, volunteers, members, supporters and external partners to help shape the future of the charity.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with:

● Senior leadership experience or aligned and transferable experience and skills in a charity, membership organisation or similar environment.

● Direct experience or transferable experience of campaigning, influencing, advocacy or policy work.

● Strong organisational leadership and operational management skills.

● Knowledge and experience of fundraising, membership growth, partnership working and charity operations.

● The ability to inspire staff, trustees, volunteers, members and supporters.

● A values-driven approach and a strong understanding of, or connection to, the Yorkshire Dales and the issues affecting it.

Experience in a similar setting may be transferable, and we welcome candidates who can demonstrate the skills, insight and leadership needed to succeed in the role.

Working Arrangements

This is a permanent role, offered as either:

● Part-time: 4 days per week, or.

● Full-time: 37 hours per week.

The salary is £50,000 per annum FTE, with part-time hours paid pro rata.

The role is based at Canal Wharf, Eshton Road, Gargrave, BD23 3PN, with some flexibility around working hours and location by agreement. Regular travel across the Yorkshire Dales and occasional evening and weekend working will be required. Ideally, the successful candidate will live in, or within approximately 30 miles of, the perimeter of the Yorkshire Dales.

We offer:

● 22 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after five years’ service, plus English bank holidays, pro rata for part-time hours.

● Additional paid leave over the Christmas and New Year office closure.

● An enhanced employer pension contribution of 5% via NEST.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

How to Apply

To apply please read the full candidate briefing - available on the Friends of the Dales website - and submit:

● A current CV, including any gaps in employment.

● A supporting statement of no more than 2,000 words, explaining why you wish to apply and how you meet the criteria in the person specification.

● Details of two referees, including one from your current or most recent senior leadership role, with confirmation that you are happy for us to contact them if shortlisted.

● Any dates when you may be unavailable or difficult to contact.

● Any adjustments or accommodations you may require at the interview or presentation stage.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one-day selection event in the Yorkshire Dales, including a short presentation and panel interview. Full details of the presentation topic and interview questions will be shared in advance.

Recruitment Timetable

● Monday 18 May 2026, 5pm: Closing date.

● Week commencing 25 May 2026: Review of applications and shortlisting.

● Week commencing 15 June 2026: Shortlisted candidates invited to the Yorkshire Dales selection day.

● Week commencing 29 June 2026: Candidates informed of outcome.

Equal Opportunities

Friends of the Dales is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community, and we will respect the privacy of any initial approach or expression of interest, whether formal or informal.

Informal Discussion

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact Jonathan Riley, Chair of Trustees after reviewing the appointment brief.

Business Manager

Location: Kendal, Cumbria (with regular travel across Cumbria and to our site in Carlilse)

Salary: £42,830 per annum, plus 9% pension contribution.

Duration: Full-time (35 hrs per week) fixed term for 3 years (with possibility of extension).

The role offers a unique opportunity to lead the business development and management of the Trust’s consultancy (Cumbria Wildlife Consulting (CWC)) and commercial plant nursery, ensuring they together provide a high-quality integrated service, meet financial targets, and align with the Trust's mission to protect and restore Cumbria’s natural environment, and inspire action. 

Since 2023, the Trust has run a semi-commercial nursery at its Gosling Sike site near Carlisle, providing local provenance, peat-free plug plants for use in our projects, but also selling to partner organisations. The Trust has recently secured funding to expand its operation, increasing capacity and enabling more efficient production.  

In addition to the above, the role will also build new, high-value strategic partnerships and business relationships with a focus on identifying and developing new business opportunities within the nature economy.

What we are looking for:

An individual who is enthusiastic and passionate about delivering nature’s recovery in Cumbria, but who is also business-minded with a proven track record of working in a commercial environment. They should possess the relevant skills, experience and confidence to grow new business ventures, taking them to the next stage. Applicants should be self-motivated, organised and have experience of leading teams both remotely and in person. A full driving licence and access to a car with business use insurance are desirable.

CV’s will not be considered.

To apply, please click on the link below.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

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We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

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As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.

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About you:

The Data Integration and Automation Officer is an exciting role at MDUK, that will sit within the Finance and Resources Team.

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You'll design, build, and maintain automated data synchronisations across organisational systems, taking ownership of end-to-end workflows from requirements through to implementation and handover.

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You'll work closely with multiple departments to understand data requirements, modernise data processing practices, and deliver reliable automated data flows using tools such as APIs, Power Automate, and Python. 

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You'll be a technically skilled and collaborative professional with experience in API integration (REST/SOAP), automation tools such as Power Automate, and Python-based data processing.

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You'll require strong knowledge of data management principles, including validation, transformation, and system integration across platforms such as CRMs, finance systems, and cloud applications.

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You'll be responsible for designing and delivering end-to-end data workflows, from requirements gathering through to deployment and documentation.

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You'll be confident in engaging with non-technical stakeholders, lead workshops, analyse existing processes, and implement practical improvements.

 

About us:

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Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. ​

This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

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Values and behaviours:

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• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
   
• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
   
• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
   
• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.

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Benefits:

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We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.

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Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offer range of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

 

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). 

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Closing date: Tuesday, 5th of May
 

NB: Please note that we are interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the advert earlier than the stated deadline if we successfully fill the role.
 

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

CAFOD is looking for a strategic and collaborative leader to shape how digital, data and technology enable our mission, strengthen supporter engagement, and build a resilient, future-ready organisation.

The Role

You’ll lead our DDaT Solutions function, working across the organisation to design and deliver high-impact, cost-effective technology and data solutions. You’ll oversee multidisciplinary teams spanning business analysis, digital and business solutions, and data & insight—while managing key suppliers, budgets, and delivery priorities.

As a senior adviser to the Executive Team, you’ll play a critical role in setting direction, balancing innovation with stability, and ensuring technology investments deliver real value.

What You’ll Do

• Shape and deliver CAFOD’s digital, data and technology strategy
• Lead enterprise platforms, data, and solution design to support organisational goals
• Drive transformation programmes and ensure value from technology investments
• Advise senior leaders on priorities, risks, and opportunities (including AI and automation)
• Strengthen governance, data quality, and risk management
• Build high-performing teams and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement

What You’ll Bring

• Experience leading large-scale digital, data or technology functions
• Strong track record delivering technology-enabled change
• Ability to balance innovation with security, resilience, and value for money
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including at the executive level
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams

The full job description is available on CAFOD's careers page 

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

Coastline Housing is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in the search for a Head of Finance Planning & Control.

 Coastline is a values-driven housing association committed to delivering high-quality homes and services across Cornwall. With a strong focus on financial sustainability, customer-first service, and continuous improvement, the organisation is building a data-driven and forward-thinking finance function to support its long-term corporate plan.

The Role

The Head of Finance Planning & Control is a senior leadership role within the Finance & Performance team, reporting directly to the Director of Finance. You will lead on financial planning, treasury management, and tax strategy, while ensuring robust financial controls and high-quality insight to support strategic decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the Group’s financial planning function, ensuring accurate and timely business and rent plans to inform strategic decisions.
• Oversee treasury management, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and proactive management of debt, cashflow, and security.
• Support the Director of Finance in securing appropriate funding to meet organisational needs.
• Lead tax planning activities, ensuring compliance while optimising financial efficiency.
• Ensure all regulatory returns are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide financial support to development activities in partnership with the
• Development Finance function.
• Oversee purchase ledger operations and ensure robust financial systems and controls are in place.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, policies, and systems.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver meaningful financial insight and support effective decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of a data-driven, high-performing finance team.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance and support the wider Senior Management Group as required.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a strategic, technically strong, and collaborative finance professional with:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CPFA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in long-term financial planning and treasury management.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• A track record of improving financial processes, systems, and controls.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
• The ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation.

Desirable:

• Experience within the housing association or public sector environment.
• Exposure to development finance activities.

Benefits

Coastline offers a competitive and attractive benefits package, including:

• Electric car scheme.
• Relocation package available for candidates moving to the area.
• Generous pension contribution of 8%.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• The opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation making a real impact.

Location

Based at Coastline House in Cornwall, with hybrid working 3 in the office.

Tender is a nationwide charity harnessing the power of drama and the arts to educate children, young people and adults about healthy relationships. Our innovative, interactive approach empowers children, young people and adults with the skills and knowledge to recognise unhealthy relationships, nurture healthy ones, and seek support if they need help.

The Finance & Operations Officer plays a central role in ensuring the smooth financial and operational running of Tender, supporting the organisation’s ability to deliver its mission effectively. The role spans core finance functions—including payroll, payments, reconciliations, budgeting support and financial reporting—ensuring that Tender maintains robust financial controls and compliance across all statutory and regulatory requirements. It also involves close collaboration with suppliers, funders, auditors and internal teams to support the Finance Director in producing financial plans, forecasts, annual accounts and audit preparation.

Alongside finance, the post holder is responsible for managing key operational areas including HR administration, ICT coordination, office management, and internal communication processes. This includes overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes, maintaining HR policies and procedures, ensuring effective cross-team collaboration, managing external service providers, and maintaining an efficient administrative and operational environment. The role requires someone who can work autonomously, use sound judgement, implement effective processes, and ensure alignment of systems across the organisation.

A successful Finance & Operations Officer will also contribute to organisational development by ensuring that policies, procedures and workflows are up to date, compliant and reflect best practice. With responsibilities that touch every part of the charity, the post holder acts as a vital hub for coordination, problem‑solving and continuous improvement, helping Tender maintain a high‑functioning, values‑driven working environment.

To be successful in this role, in the first 6 months you will have:

• Established reliable financial processes by ensuring accurate and timely payroll, payment cycles, reconciliations and financial reporting, maintaining full compliance with Tender’s financial controls and statutory requirements.
• Strengthened core operational systems by updating and consolidating HR, ICT, office management and policy frameworks, ensuring staff understand and follow consistent organisational processes.
• Improved cross‑team coordination by streamlining internal communications and embedding efficient administrative workflows, enabling smoother collaboration across finance, HR and operational functions.

Please refer to the full job description and person specification in the full recruitment pack for further details.

Milton Keynes Christian Foundation isn't your average workplace. We are a local charity dedicated to growing people and communities through diverse social enterprises—from healthy food at our urban farm and cycling workshop refurbishing bikes to childcare and person-centred learning. We work specifically with young people looking for new ways to learn and develop, providing them with a community where they can truly belong.

We are looking for an experienced professional to manage our core administrative operations. This isn't just about spreadsheets; it’s about ensuring our social enterprises have the solid foundation they need to make a difference. Reporting directly to the Director, you will be a key member of our Executive team.

Your work will focus on three critical areas:

• Finance & Reporting: You’ll lead transactional processing in Xero, manage cash flow, and provide vital financial reports to our enterprise leads.

• Human Resources: You will oversee our recruitment life cycle, manage staff training (specifically Child Protection), and ensure our personnel files and DBS records are bulletproof.

• Facilities & Compliance: From negotiating utility contracts to taking ownership of Health and Safety and risk assessments, you’ll keep our physical and digital environment safe and efficient

Take a look at the attached job description for more information about the role, visit our website to see what we do, get in touch if you like to talk more.

Fixed term 12-month contract

About the role:

We are recruiting an Associate Director, Strategic Planning, People & Culture to join the Estates & Facilities (E&F) Strategic Management Office (SMO) on a 12‑month maternity cover.

This is a great opportunity to make a visible impact at a pivotal time, supporting the recalibration of E&F’s flagship Fit for King’s programme and embedding the Estates & Facilities Philosophy. Working with senior leaders, you will help shape the strategic direction of the directorate so that we can deliver a Fit for King’s Estate for the King’s community.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategy & Performance, you will lead the Strategic Planning, People & Culture team and be accountable for effective strategic planning, robust programme oversight, and directorate-level budget planning and risk management. You will take ownership of key strategic initiatives, ensuring appropriate governance, reporting, benefits realisation and change management arrangements are in place. You will work closely with the Senior Director of Strategy & Performance to establish and embed the structures, governance and reporting needed to provide assurance against delivery of the directorate’s strategic plan (the Estates & Facilities Philosophy), with a particular focus on finance, people and internal processes.

As a key member of the SMO leadership team, you will build and maintain trusted relationships across Estates & Facilities and the wider university, bringing clarity to priorities, enabling effective collaboration, and supporting confident, evidence-based decision making.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term 12-month contract or until the return of the substantive post holder (maternity cover).

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Strong experience in strategic business planning, with the ability to develop and deliver strategy.
2. Expertise in programme and project management, including establishing governance, managing risks and dependencies, and leading change activity across complex, multi-year programmes.
3. Demonstrable leadership abilities, with experience managing teams and developing high-performing teams.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups all levels of the organisation.
5. Proven experience of building and maintaining effective senior-level relationships with sophisticated influencing/negotiating skills
6. Experience of budget planning and financial oversight of large and complex, including building business cases and balancing risks.
7. Strong analytical skills, with experience in risk management and the use of data to inform strategic decision-making.
8. A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset, with a commitment to high standards of service, innovation and continuous improvement.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience and/or knowledge of the challenges of UK higher education.
2. Change management qualifications and/or experience of implementing cultural change
3. Experience of working in EDI or knowledge of EDI including EDI legislation and issues that may impact workplaces and/or education

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Closing date: 10 May 2026.

Caroline Chisholm School is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to appoint a Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal leadership role within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, lead transformation, and support the school’s evolution

Caroline Chisholm School is a high-achieving, values-led all-through school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, staff engagement, and community impact. Already operating at a scale and complexity comparable to a multi-academy trust, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth, with plans to expand into primary provision and formally develop as a MAT.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking leadership team and play a central role in driving financial sustainability, operational transformation, and long-term strategic growth.

The role

• Partner with the Principal, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a long-term financial strategy, supporting the school’s growth ambitions.  
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across a complex and evolving organisation, ensuring strong financial control and sustainability.
• Take ownership of a significant transformation agenda, including digital system implementation (Bromcom), contract optimisation, and operational redesign.
• Support with the operational re-design of financial systems providing strategic oversight of major projects such as introduction of Bromcom for financial processes, ensuring robust due diligence, and stakeholder  management.
• Act as a key advisor to Trustees, auditors and external stakeholders including the DfE and Local Authority.
• Drive value for money through effective procurement, contract negotiation and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Lead and develop the finance function, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and forward-thinking team culture.
• Support wider organisational leadership, overseeing linked operational areas including IT and educational visits.
• Identify opportunities for income generation, funding and financial innovation to support future growth.

The organisation

Caroline Chisholm School is a school with a strong ethos centred on kindness, curiosity and integrity. With a highly engaged workforce and a 96% positive staff survey rating, the school offers a collaborative and ambitious working environment.

The organisation has successfully navigated recent financial pressures, delivering significant savings while maintaining educational excellence. With a clear financial sustainability plan in place and strong governance support, the school is now well positioned for its next phase of growth.

Alongside this, a major digital and operational transformation programme is underway, modernising systems and infrastructure to support long-term efficiency and scalability.

Essential criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role within a complex organisation
• Strong track record of leading financial strategy, planning and reporting
• Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and driving financial sustainability
• Demonstrable experience leading transformation projects (systems, operations or organisational change)
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and executive level
• Commercial mindset, with the ability to identify efficiencies and funding opportunities
• A collaborative and adaptable leadership style, aligned to a values-driven environment

Apply now

If you are a strategic and forward-thinking finance leader looking to make a tangible impact within a high-performing and ambitious organisation, we would love to hear from you. This role requires primarily on-site working during term time, with some flexibility available.

Applications close on the 24^th May but will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Group Head of Finance
Eltham College Family of Schools | South East London
Salary circa £75,000 + excellent benefits

A rare opportunity to join one of London’s leading independent school groups at a genuinely exciting point of transformation and growth.

The Eltham College Family of Schools — comprising Eltham College Senior School, Eltham College Junior School and Blackheath Prep — is a high-performing, values-led organisation with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and a rich co-curricular offering. Named London Independent School of the Year 2024 by The Sunday Times, the group continues to thrive despite wider sector challenges.

This is a pivotal appointment.

The newly created Group Head of Finance role offers the chance to step into a business that is not only successful, but evolving — with significant change underway across systems, structure and ways of working. For a commercially minded and hands-on finance leader, this is an opportunity to truly get your teeth stuck into something meaningful.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Bursar and working closely with the Executive Team, you will act as the senior finance professional across the group, providing both strategic leadership and operational oversight.

Crucially, you will join at a time of real momentum:

• A new finance system is being implemented across the group, requiring leadership to embed, optimise and enhance reporting capability
• The finance function is undergoing restructure, offering the opportunity to shape team design, capability and future direction
• There is a clear mandate to modernise processes, strengthen controls and drive efficiencies
• Senior stakeholders are engaged and open to fresh thinking and improvement

This is not a role where you simply maintain — this is a role where you build.

You will lead financial planning, reporting and governance across all three schools, supporting key strategic decisions including investment, estates development and long-term financial sustainability. Alongside this, you will remain close to the detail, ensuring operational excellence across the finance function.

The environment

Set across a stunning 70-acre campus in south-east London, Eltham College combines heritage with ambition. The group benefits from strong financial foundations, high demand, and a clear vision for continued success.

It is a collaborative and values-driven environment, underpinned by a commitment to education, development and community. Staff benefit from excellent facilities, strong leadership, and a culture that genuinely invests in people.

The person

We are looking for a qualified accountant with strong technical grounding and proven experience operating in a senior finance role.

You will bring:

• Experience of leading finance within a complex, multi-entity or multi-site environment
• A track record of improving systems, processes and controls
• The ability to lead through change and bring teams with you
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the credibility to influence at senior level
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to balance strategy and delivery

Experience within education or the independent school sector would be beneficial, but is not essential.

Why join?

This is an opportunity to join a thriving organisation that is not standing still — but actively investing in its future.

You will play a key role in shaping a modern, high-performing finance function, with the autonomy and support to make a real impact. For someone motivated by change, improvement and leadership, this role offers both challenge and reward in equal measure.

If interested do get in touch with Rosemary Pini from Allen Lane who is partnering with Eltham College with this vacancy.

Strategy, Performance and Planning Manager

Contract type: Permanent, Full-time, 35 hours per week

Location: London, UK

UK hybrid working: a minimum of 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (in the London office, at external meetings, or on travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: £61,645 per year with excellent benefits

We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Strategy, Planning and Performance Manager reports to the Director of Strategy, Performance and Planning, working across both UK and the global federation’s performance and planning functions and our Global Strategy. They will therefore belong both to the UK Finance, Technology and Strategic Planning Directorate team and to the Global Secretariat. The team consists of roles that work across WAUK and WA international.

About the role

As our Strategy, Performance and Planning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in our global planning and performance cycle, translating strategy into actionable insights that maximise impact, and work closely with senior leaders, country programmes, global member teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Play a leading role in the planning and reporting cycle in WAUK and WAi, ensuring aligned business plans that maximise the potential contribution of each member to WaterAid’s Global Strategy and impact
• Use strong analysis and presentation skills, to feed into a coherent narrative that drives data informed decisions and actions
• Lead multi-annual and thematic reviews of progress against the Global Strategy to assess contribution to global change, identify achievements and challenges, lessons learned and recommendations.
• Support development and evolution of WaterAid’s Global Strategy, project managing key enablers of the strategy and drawing on expertise, experience and perspectives from across the organisation to drive progress.
• Lead on strategy development at Global, Member and Country Programme level, working within the wider strategy remit and supporting the wider federation’s objectives at all times.
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

To be successful, you will need:

• Strategic and critical thinking across complex and fast-moving environments: with the ability to consider how trends and shifts in the wider world and internally may affect strategic delivery
• Strong analytical skills with a good understanding of performance measurement in data-poor environments and qualitative evaluation methodologies that enable deep reflection on performance
• Knowledge of corporate planning, with an understanding of different approaches in different contexts
• Effective stakeholder management; able to understand and present to diverse audiences, anticipating differing needs
• A degree with substantial experience in strategy, planning, and performance management within a reputable organisation. A Master’s degree would be advantageous but not essential.

Closing date: Applications close at 12:00 PM (UK time) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing 25 May 2026.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening: To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK-based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10 %
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK WaterAiders to take a well-deserved break.

These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances.

Our Commitments

Our People Promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

Salary: £36,220 rising to £36,720 after successful completion of probationary period
Location: Gwent
Contract Type:

• Permanent in line with funding
• Agile – working where and when required, to do the job most effectively 

Hours & working Pattern: 

• 35 hours per week (full time)
• Generally, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work 
• Participation in the organisation’s Tier 3 emergency on-call rota (paid)

All team members must work flexibly on occasions to meet the needs of the Charity and the people we support  

Accountable to: Director of Support Services

Accountable For:
• Oversight of the portfolio of services within this role, which will be reviewed periodically in line with funding requirements and organisational priorities.
• Current portfolio: Housing Support Grant–funded services across Torfaen and Newport, including refuge and community services.
• Line management of Assistant Managers

Purpose of the post:Operational management of specialist, trauma-informed support services for people who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse, harm or violence.

Specific responsibilities:

PLEASE READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS IN THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SECTION.

General responsibilities:

PLEASE READ THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS IN THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SECTION.

Interested candidates are welcome to contact Joanna Parry, Director of Support Services, for an informal chat. 

It may be necessary, following consultation, to amend the job description in light of experience and changing circumstances.  

This role requires frequent travel for business purposes. A current valid driving licence, access to a car and insurance covering business use

Closing Date:4th May 2026

We operate a rolling recruitment process and may interview suitable candidates as applications are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once the position has been filled.

Due to the nature of these roles, they are only open to female applicants (Exempt under the Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).  A disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service is requireed for all posts. 

Cyfannol is an organisation with equality, diversity and inclusion at its heart. We welcome applications from all areas of the community. However, we particularly encourage applications from members of our BAME community as well as individuals with disabilities who are currently under-represented within our workforce.